If you loose your job, remember this

The best memory I have of my dad from when I was growing up happened when I was about 7 years old. At the time he was looking for work in Washington state, and he, my mom, my little brother, and I were all living in a tent.

My dad knew I liked Airwolf, a 1980’s TV show about a hi-tech helicopter used to fight criminals. For my birthday he made me a replica Airwolf carved of wood from a tree near our tent.

This is also one of the only memories I have of my dad when I was a kid.

The High Point

When I was 10 my dad got a job working for a conveyor belt manufacturer as a welder and maintenance man. He worked hard and made the most of his opportunity, and rose through the company pretty rapidly. By the time I was a teenager he was traveling throughout the world, and had his picture taken on a camel in front of the Great Pyramids. He spent extended periods of time working in Chile and Germany, and had friends on almost every continent.

Those years were the high point of my Dad’s life, to him. I don’t blame him—feeling important is a powerful drug. During these years the name "Dave McKissen" meant something to people who were not in our family. However, these were not good years for our relationship, and I barely saw him.

But they were the best years for our family, financially.

Then he lost his job during my senior year of high school, right before I turned 18.

The Low Point

My dad hasn’t had regular, consistent employment for the past 15 years. It’s not because of any larger economic issues, and it’s not because of a lack of talent. My dad’s hands and brain are connected in a way that mine aren’t. Though he lacks a degree, he is the most talented engineer I’ve ever seen. A treehouse that is born in his mind ends up in my yard in the time it would take me to find a hammer.

I see the same talent in my son, and I am literally in awe of the two of them.

My dad is also good at more than just building things—he is a good guy, with a good heart, and people love him. I love him. He is a great Grandpa.

But when he lost his job, he lost part of himself.

When you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself the search to find that missing piece can take you to some very dark places. It did for my dad, and much of the last 15 years have been hard on him, and the people that care about him.

Remember That You're Still Here

After a recent article I received a few emails from people who had lost their job, and a couple of emails from people who are facing an impending job loss.

I don’t have good advice on what to do about a stint of unemployment on a resume.

What I can say is that if you lose your job, don’t lose yourself.

You’re still here, even if your job isn't.

The best parts of you, the parts that will be remembered, usually have nothing to do with your job. You should give your job your best, but don’t make the best part of you your job.

You also may have to realize that you may never reach your prior peak. It’s hard to imagine the circumstances that placed my dad on a camel in front of the Great Pyramids occurring again.

But just because that time has come and gone doesn't mean ­you have come and gone.

As for my dad, things are finally getting better. We work at filling in the missing memories by going to a bar near my house and having a beer, or by playing horseshoes in our neighbor's yard. Last year we took a road trip together to Philadelphia, Mississippi in my Smart Car.

He has a standing gig to serve as the local Catholic school’s jack-of-all-trades and handyman when they have the funds in their budget. It’s a job that’s just a few blocks from our house, and last year he painted the auditorium.

The walls in that auditorium won’t last as long as the Great Pyramids, but they will be there for a few years, and his grandkids know that "Dave McKissen" painted them.

Dustin McKissen is the Vice President of First Resource, an association management, economic development, and consulting firm with roots in the manufacturing sector. He is also a proud member of LinkedIn's Publishers and Bloggers Group. You can find him on Twitter @DMcKissen.

COURTESY - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20140828112822-197220852-if-you-lose-your-job-remember-this

10 questions that YOU MUST ASK before accepting a job offer

A job interview should be viewed as a two sided street. As a candidate, you should be interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. I've had friends, family and colleagues all end up in the wrong job because they didn't ask the right questions before they started. Be the candidate posing original questions of the hiring manager instead of merely answering all the questions you're asked. It may seem a bit intimidating, but this out-of-the-box strategy not only benefits the candidate, who can show that he or she has done their research and knows what they're doing. It could very well impress a potential employer who will see initiative and promise. Avoid surprises and check out these interview tips so you'll not only get a job offer, you'll also know whether or not to accept.

Interview Tip #1:

Ask: Where do you see the company going in the next one/five/ten years?

First consider: Rather than simply answering the age-old question of where you see yourself in x amount of time, try asking the hiring manager the same question. Where does he/she believe the company will be years down the line? Will the firm have expanded, in terms of capital or geography? Will it have branched out into other industries? What about financial growth?

Interview Tip #2:

Ask: What impact would I have on the team/in the company if hired?

First consider: Foremost, this question shows that you are confident; you are essentially asking the hiring manager how/if he thinks you and your skills will come into play once you land the job. The answer to this question should also give you a more personalized response than a general job description and help you to better gauge the ramifications of the position.

Interview Tip #3:

Ask: What qualities does the ideal candidate for this role possess?

First consider: Another question that could get you a more personalized response and a better feel for the job requirements, this inquiry shows that you are not just looking for any job, but a job where you actually have the skills/qualities needed to perform well. You could even reply to whatever answer you are given in an email following the interview, mentioning which desired qualities you possess, which you are working towards (such as mastering new software, learning a new language, etc.), and which you are willing to improve or master.

Interview Tip #4:

Ask: How long have you been with the company? For what reasons have you stayed?

First consider: This question might surprise your interviewer because you are asking something that she must answer personally, something that cannot be answered with a “we” or “the company”. The question shows confidence, and, if answered truthfully, can give you a better idea of how the company treats its employees, as well as the values of the company.

Interview Tip #5:

Ask: What kinds of opportunities may open up down the road for someone who lands this type of position?

First consider: Showing initiative and motivation is critical to a successful interview, especially if you’re just starting out. This question would be ideal to ask if you are a candidate new to the working world and concerned/curious about how a job could benefit you in the future, whether at the same company or elsewhere.

Interview Tip #6:

Ask: How would performance be measured for this job?

First consider: Alternatively, What goals would someone in this position be expected to meet? or What checkpoints should I be expected to pass within the first 90 days or so of employment? This can further help you determine whether the role is really suited to you based on whether you can keep up with the demands of the work environment.

Interview Tip #7:

Ask: Is this position a new position or a replacement job?

First consider: If the answer to this question is affirmative to the latter, ask why the previous employee is no longer working the role. Knowing whether someone you are stepping in for was fired or quit, and for what reason(s), is useful information.

Interview Tip #8:

Ask: May I speak with a member(s) of the team I will be working on?

First consider: This question goes along with interview tip seven. If you find yourself to be under consideration for a replacement job, there is really no way of knowing whether you are truly getting the facts from the person interviewing you because he/she has the company’s best interest in mind. Potential co-workers would probably be more likely to give you the truth about the working environment (i.e. how workers are treated, work relationships, and reasonableness of tasks and deadlines).

Interview Tip #9:

Ask: What do you see as the biggest obstacle to company growth?

First consider: If a hiring manager seems to have trouble giving an answer, or responds by replying that there are no obstacles, take it as a bad omen. No company is perfect, and you do not want to end up working somewhere where things are not the same as the way they are portrayed.

Interview Tip #10:

Ask: What is your company’s image in the industry?

First consider: How other brands in the industry view a company is a major reflection on the company’s reputation. Do your research beforehand and see if your interviewer’s answers match up with what you find.

Along with this list, remember to research the company before going in to ask company specific questions. You can see how excited (or not) someone is about the company and their products by asking the right questions. You'll set yourself apart by knowing about the company as well.

When To Say “No Thanks” To An Interview

“I have the perfect position for you” the recruiter said. I was a little taken aback as I had not spoken to this person before. “My Client would like to meet with you tomorrow” he continued. My contract was nearing its end and I needed to find a job soon. So, with very little information, I prepared as best I could for the next day.

I arrived for my interview in good time and was shown into a boardroom by a seemingly nervous, tall man who told me that the Director would be with us shortly.

The Director was clearly not in a hurry and left us sitting for some time. Eventually he burst into the room, looked at me and said “Why are you here?” I was a bit lost for words (unusual for me)! No introduction, no apology for keeping me waiting? As this short, chubby man seated himself next to the nervous tall man, the thought occurred to me – I am being interviewed by Laurel & Hardy! That picture got me through what by all accounts was an epic interview fail. “I am not looking for someone who has worked for Mickey Mouse Companies” Mr Chubby Director said. I fought to suppress an obvious puzzled look as I had worked for 3 listed companies. “You don’t have enough sales experience” was his next retort. My next question to him …. “Why am I here?”

It was as clear that I would never have fitted in with this Company’s culture, as it was that I was not what they were looking for. A total waste of time for all concerned and it could have been avoided. Hopefully you can take away a few tips from my experience and be cautious if you encounter any of the following:

• Your CV was submitted to the Company without your prior consent.

Let’s for a moment imagine that I have your CV on my database and a Client contacts me with a job order. As recruiters do, I drop whatever I am doing and enthusiastically attack my database to see if I can find a match. Your CV pops up first, and as I read through your skills set and experience, my Serotonin levels sky rocket and I cease to think! I beat the world land speed record getting back to my Client and without considering a dip into the pool of “how things should be done”, rush your CV off and impatiently await feedback. The Client calls back and says something along the lines of ….. “This candidate works for my brothers Company, I wonder if he knows that (….fill in candidates name…) is looking for a new job?” The damage done would send me for a week long soak in the pool of “how things should be done”! But what would the effect be on you? If a recruiter cannot see the dangers of this type of practice, I would think twice before putting my career progression or even more so, my salary negotiations in their hands.

• You did not have an in-depth interview with the recruiter beforehand.

“This job is perfect for you!” How would I know that if I didn’t take the time to find out exactly what you want, what you can bring to the table, where your strengths lie and what outstanding achievements you have wowed past and/or present employers with? If I have not bothered to get to know you as a person, how will I know if you will fit in with the Company culture? Yes I know that it’s exciting and a good stroke to the ego to get a call from a recruiter telling you that you are the perfect candidate for a top position. But, if they do not have an intimate relationship with the pool of “how things should be done”, chances are they are wasting your time!

• The recruiter failed to give you a detailed description of the job requirements.

This is a bit like buying a lotto ticket. You have no idea what the winning combination is going to be but hey, you’ve “gotta be in it to win it”. But, this is your career and spinning a wheel and hoping for the best is not an option. The recruiter has opened the door but now you have tosell yourself. If a recruiter cannot supply you with details of qualifications / skills needed, what the job entails, what challenges you would be facing if you were awarded the position and background info on the Company and persons interviewing you - point them in the direction of the pool of “how things should be done” and move on.

What is your biggest weakness?

This classic tricky interview question appears to be asking you to reveal your shortcomings, but if you use the right tactics it can be a golden opportunity to show that you're right for the job.

When you're being interviewed you want to show yourself in the best possible light, so what do you do if you are asked to talk about something you find difficult? There are certain interview questions that recruiters love and candidates sometimes stumble over, and this is one of them. Think about it in advance and you’ll be in a much better position to come up with a response that tackles the question but still helps you to come across in a positive light.

How not to reply to the interview question ‘What is your biggest weakness?’

‘Uh, I don’t know. Um, I guess I have a big weakness for chocolate. No, wait! I get stressed under pressure when up against a tight deadline and tend to procrastinate.’

Why is this answer unlikely to get you the job you want?

Most jobs nowadays involve some pressure, so avoid giving the impression that you’re not going to be able to cope. Also, you need to stick to work-related skills – this shows that you take the interview seriously and have a professional outlook.

What is the recruiter really asking?

The problem with this question is that you’re being asked about your shortcomings, when your instinct, in an interview situation, is to keep your flaws as well hidden as possible. What you need to do is to frame your answer so as to give it a positive spin.

This question is designed to test analytical abilities and self-awareness, so having a confident answer to this will impress. Avoid taking a self-deprecating approach in an attempt to win the interviewer over.

So how should you tackle the question ‘What is your biggest weakness?’

You could show that, although you may have had a problem in the past, you’ve taken steps to combat it. For example: ‘I used to find that pressure got to me but I’ve found ways to minimise this. I went on a time management course at university, which has helped me to organise myself and reduce my stress.’

The best response, however, is to describe a weakness that could also be viewed as a strength, such as, ‘Because I tend to get very passionate about the work I do, I get frustrated if others don’t share my enthusiasm.’

Most strengths – attention to detail, teamworking and so on – have the potential to shade over into weakness. If you’re a natural teamworker, do you find it difficult to cope with conflict, or to assume leadership responsibilities? If you’re great at the details, do you sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture? Another way to approach this question is to think about how you overcome the potential downside of your biggest strength.

Use your research into the employer and the job

This is a good opportunity for you to draw on your research into the organisation and the role you are applying for. If there are certain kinds of task you feel you do not excel at and these are not going to be key requirements, you could make these the focus of your answer. However, it's still worth trying to show how you manage when you are called upon to draw on skills that are not your natural strength.

For example, if you are applying for a sales role where you are going to have tough regular targets to meet and will be working in a competitive environment, you could explain how you find deadlines and targets motivating and enjoy the buzz of striving to achieve, but sometimes find it difficult to sustain your enthusiasm and commitment in a slower-paced set-up where you don't have clearly defined responsibilities and feel you aren't sufficiently challenged. Then you could explain how you coped in such a situation, even though it went against the grain of your natural inclinations. For example, perhaps you used your initiative and sought out additional responsibilities.

Alternatively, if you are applying for a job where teamworking is going to be essential and you will need to support your colleagues and draw on their expertise, you could discuss a time when you have found it hard to keep going because you were working in isolation, and explain how you overcame this.

How to learn from FAILURES...

1- Failure is Inevitable & Guaranteed

First things first, you need to know that failure not only happens, but it is inevitable & guaranteed… and that is a good thing. No person on this planet does not go a single day without failing at something. Once you understand that failing is inevitable and guaranteed, your perception of failure should change. At least mine did. I don’t take failure as a negative word. I take it as a positive word. To look deeper into this, I did a post in Forbes with Shark Tank’s Daymond John.

2- Failure is A Necessity

In order to succeed at anything in life, you need to know that failure is not only inevitable and guaranteed but it is also necessary. Failure is the only way we learn and grow. It is one of the very few seemingly negative things that we must consistently do, accept and actually look forward to. It is simply the way we learn. It is important to look at the lessons and what we learn from failure in order to understand the opportunities that are created when things don’t go exactly according to plan.

3- Failure Negates Complacency

If we are perfect and we are always batting 1000 at the plate, we will get complacent and bored with our own success. I love the fact that there is nothing on this planet that we have learned that we can’t learn more about, and nothing we can become great at that we can’t learn to be even better. If Lebron James couldn’t get any better I guarantee you he would quit.  Trying to be perfect is one of the biggest liabilities an entrepreneur can have.

4- Failure Means You Are Swinging The Bat

In order to succeed at anything in life you have to show up and try your best. As Daymond spoke about in his interview on Forbes, “if you’re not making mistakes, you are not making moves.” As you haven’t guessed there is no way to make a mistake if you don’t take action.

5- Failure Increases The Odds Of Success

The more you fail, the greater your chances are that you will eventually succeed. David Williams, columnist for Forbes, and CEO of Fishbowl Inventory goes very deep into this discussion in his book,The 7 Non- Negotiables Of Winning. It is an incredible book and a must-read for employers and leaders on how to treat your team correctly and create a winning environment.  David discusses the concept of ‘Failing Up’ which is something very similar to the way I think about ways to turn lemons into Lemon-Aide.

6- Failure Gives You Thick Skin

The more you fail, the thicker skin you will have to face your fears and better your chances to succeed. It is called building your rejection muscle. In business, it is a necessity to learn how to grow thick skin and build this rejection muscle as quickly as humanly possible.

I believe there is a huge misconception about failure and people assign the wrong definition to the word. To me the true definition of failure to me is giving up. In my entrepreneurial journey I have lost many battles, battles many would think of as failures. To me, however, what is important is winning the war. Being an entrepreneur is all about winning the war and accepting these battles (which others call failures) as part of the process of growing a business and winning the war.

Have a great day!

MJ

Courtesy - http://www.n2itivsolutions.com/2013/12/27/the-6-most-important-things-you-absolutely-must-know-about-failure/