Business Coach Training - Training to Become a Business Coach

By Rafael Tassini

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As employers are finding it necessary to lay off employees or even go out of business, the company leaders are seeking help to save their businesses. Coaches in business can help assess problem areas and make recommendations on how to make the company more efficient and profitable. If you think you would excel at business coaching, you might want to consider a business coach training course. These classes prepare students for many situations and result in a certification credential that can set the graduates apart from other, less qualified, business coaches. Challenging courses are becoming known for their excellent preparation for the actual real world business coaching experience.
Curriculum in a coach training course is typically focused on several areas. The first area includes the business practices that that have been proven to work in the real world. These models, processes, and formulas have been tested and tried in different business situations and projects. Business coaches must have the ability to look at the company and see it in parts that make up the whole. They have to assess the parts of the company that are slowing production and profits. Coaches must also be problem solvers that can see the solution to the problem and make recommendations.
Learning how to deal with business leaders is also a part of coach training. This interpersonal training is included in excellent training courses. Structuring a relationship with a client that allows for effective communications of the mistakes and overlooked areas of the business can be tricky without a framework. Learning about how to build a foundation for this effective kind of relationship is covered in the class on becoming a business coach. Communication skills from company leadership to the rest of the company structure are highly important when the leader starts making changes in the company. Coaches in business also have to know how to help the leader of the company learn how to communicate and motivate effectively.
When you are building a business as a coach for other businesses, you need to keep in mind your own advice. Structuring a coaching business correctly can lay the foundation for success in the future. Coach training courses can help you get that foundation right. A business coach is nothing without clients. Training courses also help you learn how to find and connect with potential clients. Traditional marketing strategies don't often work in this field so the class can also teach you how to market effectively. A coaching business can soar with the right training.

 

Responding the Right Way to Job Vacancies

By Mark Andrew Woodcock

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In this dastardly economy it can take a lot to get noticed when you are in line for a job. Simply put, work is scarce and competition is fierce. There are certain things that you can do when responding to job vacancies however, to get yourself noticed.

Your obvious in is your resume. Even though dollars may be a little tight, reworking your budget to afford professional resume services may be well worth the hassle. With the right eye you can whittle down the presentation of your skill and experience to a tight, all-encompassing description of you that will not only impress, but will continually find its way to the top of the pile.

Your resume is where you give your first impression, so it is always best to strive for perfection before sending it out. One of the key areas of construction is your objectives. Given the rough job market it is especially important to leave yourself open for new opportunities that your prior experience may qualify your for.

With a strong resume and cover letter you have a far better chance of standing out from the crowd and getting an interview. What many people do not realize however is that large companies often have a very simple weeding out process. Any required pre-application process is a simple way of telling whether or not potential employees follow directions well. Make certain that if there is any online application instructions or pre-interview instructions that they are followed to the letter. When applicants deviate from specific instructions they can be immediately limited. For these larger companies hiring is really a numbers game, which means whittling the number of applicants down to a workable group can mean strict attention given to tiny details.

The important thing to remember when apply to new job openings is that a delay in response is not necessarily a bad thing. Stay patient and try to invest your time in activities that can enhance your skills. See about getting your next degree online, or simply taking courses at the local community college to enhance your skills in your field. This can be added to your resume and shows that you have aggressively worked to both fill your time and improve upon yourself.

With a little diligence you will find the right job for you. In spite of the sink or swim nature of the job market however, responding to job vacancies is best done with as little haste as possible. From your resume to the interview it is important to make certain that your accuracy and attention to detail bring you to the forefront of hiring discussions.

Four Cover Letter Flubs to Avoid

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Resumes get a lot of attention during a job hunt. However, don't forget to give your cover letter its due. After all, employers usually review a cover letter prior to looking at your resume. If your cover letter doesn't pass muster, your resume won't ever get any attention at all.

Each time you craft a new cover letter, be sure to avoid these four flubs that can contribute to missed opportunities.

1. Gender Bender

Don't start things off on the wrong foot with a gender-specific salutation, such as "Gentlemen." In fact, it's best to completely avoid references to gender as they can seem dated and even offend someone who is transitioning to another gender. Rather, try to find out the name of the person who will be reviewing your resume and address the cover letter to that individual. If this isn't possible, opt for "To Whom It May Concern," the most neutral of all salutations.

2. One Letter Doesn't Fit All

It's fine to create a standard cover letter during your job search, but be sure that you use extreme caution when revising the letter for different employers. Common errors include listing the wrong job title, company name, date, or source of a job listing. Take the time to be sure that you've got your facts straight in each letter -- and while you're at it, spend a few more moments tailoring a unique response to each employer.

3. Size Matters

A cover letter should be just that -- a letter. Put thought into its content. While you don't want to submit a two-page tome, so to speak, you do want your cover letter to consist of more than a sentence or two. Three well-written paragraphs outlining your interest in the position and qualifications are ideal. Anything shorter could communicate a lack of effort while anything longer probably won't be read.

4. Take Direction Well

Employers want to know if you take direction well -- and that appraisal begins with your cover letter. If you're asked to send your resume to a particular person, make sure you do so. Follow any format requests (PDF, Microsoft Word, text documents, etc.). Also, if an ad states that you must include your salary requirements to be considered, do so if you really want to be considered for the position. Ignoring obvious instructions at the stage of the game is an easy way to guarantee you won't be hired.

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Just Say No: Five Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Employer caution has extended the hiring process by weeks, even months. You may interview for a position several times, in person and by phone. No matter how long the process is and how well you've gotten to know your potential colleagues, it's still perfectly acceptable to turn down a job offer. In fact, there may be many valid reasons that you should politely decline an opportunity, assuming, of course, that you're not in dire financial straits.

1. The word on "The Street."

Is the company's stock price tanking? Or is there talk of a merger? Both of these things could indicate that layoffs loom large, and the position you accept today may not exist in a few months. To calculate your risks, speak with industry experts, do your due diligence on Yahoo! Finance, and consult with family and trusted friends. If you still want to accept the position, try to obtain an iron-clad employment contract.

2. A revolving "Employees Only" door.

A certain percentage of employee turnover is normal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average voluntary employee turnover in the U.S. for 2006 was 23.4 percent. However, high employee turnover should raise a red flag for any potential worker. Research a company thoroughly before accepting an offer. Also, be sure to listen carefully during the hiring process. Do interviewers keep referring to folks who've left the company or mentioning a total lack of redundancy? These could be signs that people are leaving faster than replacements can be recruited.

3. Money isn't everything; it's the only thing.

If money is a major factor in your decision to accept a new job, think twice before you do. In fact, think three times. Even four.

Depending on your personal financial situation and how much more you'd be earning in a new job, money may not buy you on-the-job happiness or professional fulfillment. It may not even guarantee career advancement. Assess your finances. Revisit your career goals. Look at the situation with a big-picture view of your future. Making a move for a modest increase may not be worth it if there's more long-term potential with your current employer. Also, be sure to calculate your entire compensation package to make sure that you're not forfeiting a valuable retirement or insurance plan for a bigger paycheck.

4. All work, no life.

There's a time in almost everyone's career where they have to put their nose to the grindstone and work almost to the point of burnout. If you're just beginning your career or starting a second one, this may be what lies ahead for the next few years. However, if you're a mid-careerist with a family and personal obligations, it may not be wise to accept an 80-hour-a-week job. Consider the impact your new schedule will have on you and your family. Will generous vacation make up for the longer hours? Is there flex time available so you can still attend family functions? Can you work from home? Forfeiting invaluable work-life balance benefits without assessing the consequences can have a devastating impact on your personal life.

5. A bad reputation.

Going to work for a company with a reputation that's been sullied by a corporate scandal or that isn't well respected can, in turn, sully your resume. Investigate any potential employer's standing within their industry. Solicit opinions from within your network as well as that of an executive recruiter. You may learn that it's better to be a top salesperson at an admired organization rather than a VP of sales at a suspect one.

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Put Your Career Change in Motion

by Jane Allen, Vault.com


Changing careers can be like taking a train trip. You plan it, start at one location and go to your ultimate destination, with stops in between. (Sorry, there are no non-stop career trains.) The basics for getting started are scheduling your departure time and showing up at the station. Here's how to get moving.

Decide when you are leaving.
There are many reasons to procrastinate about changing careers. Procrastination is not laziness; it is a decision to do nothing. Fear is the main reason for procrastination -- fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of making a mistake. What is your fear? Identify it, acknowledge it and accept that you are afraid. Then decide what first step (even a small one) you will take within the next week to get around that roadblock.

Pack your bag.
A key to success is what you will take along with you. Make sure your luggage includes optimism, enthusiasm and determination. Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" was interviewed recently on CBS's "60 Minutes." When asked what his big break had been, he said, "Deciding that -- come hell or high water, no turning back -- I am going to do [comedy] and get as good as I can get."

Who's seeing you off at the station?
There may be both cheerleaders and detractors. Listen to each of them, but choose carefully which advice you are going to take with you. Jerome Lemelson invented the camcorder. His first patent application (in 1977) was rejected because the patent examiner decided that video recorders could not possibly be reduced to a portable size. Mr. Lemelson was not discouraged.

Are you going to enjoy the ride?
A career change involves many steps. Enjoy each accomplishment and the feelings of exhilaration, satisfaction and self-approval that come with it. Without that enjoyment, can there be true feelings of progress? Successful people enjoy both the journey and the arrival.

Who's on the train with you?
Don't stay in your compartment. There will be interesting and valuable people to talk to on your journey. Think of it like a scavenger hunt. They have information for you; your mission is to meet them and ask questions.

What if you find yourself on the wrong train?
It happens. Winners make the most mistakes because they take the most risks. If you have to change trains, think of it as a course correction and keep moving.

What if there's no one to meet you at your destination?
OK, you've chosen your new career path and started sending out resumes, but no one is showing up to welcome you. What's next? Be persistent and believe in yourself. Rod Serling (creator of "The Twilight Zone" and "Night Gallery" TV shows) received 40 rejection slips in a row while he was waiting for his big break. He kept his day job and, despite the rejections, never stopped writing or submitting his stories.

Make this your success strategy for the month: Get going and keep moving. Starting with just one tiny step each week is still a beginning. As Will Rogers said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Vault.com is the Internet's leading destination for career advice and insider company information. Vault offers continually updated "insider" information with its exclusive employee surveys on over 5,000 companies.

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Using Tact With a Rude Interviewer

by Carla-Krystin Andrade, for Yahoo! HotJobs


"Be courteous" is a fundamental rule of interviewing. But what do you do when the interviewer's behavior is offensive? You want to ace the interview and leave with your self-respect intact. Here are some strategies for responding tactfully to a discourteous interviewer.

Do a Reality Check

Sometimes we read more into a remark than the interviewer intended because of the pressure and heightened emotions of an interview. Before you take action, ask yourself: "Was that really disrespectful?" Some issues are clear-cut, such as age, religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Others, unfortunately, are not. If the interviewer's behavior is clearly disrespectful, then respond with the strategies outlined below. If you're unsure, then put it aside and continue with your interview.

Decide Whether to Salvage It

You worked hard to land your interview. Your priority is to keep the interview focused on what you have to offer the company. Take a deep breath and briefly consider some reasons to make the best of this challenging situation.

* You can decide about the company after you complete the interview.
* The interviewer doesn't represent the entire company.
* The job may not involve working with the interviewer.
* This behavior could be part of a "stress interview" in which they test your response to high-pressure situations.

Get Back on Track

Sure, it's a challenge to stay polite when you're dealing with less-than-polite behavior. Yet, there's a lot you can do to get your interview back on track.

* Be open-minded. The interviewer may recognize the problem with her behavior and try to fix it.
* Ignore the disrespectful comment and talk about your skills.
* Ask the interviewer a question that will shift the focus to an area of interest to him.
* Keep your sense of humor and make a light remark.
* Ask for feedback or clarification if the interviewer repeatedly contradicts or interrupts you.
* Use "I" statements and be polite when you give the interviewer your opinion.

Know When to Exit

Sometimes a graceful exit is a necessary last resort when you've done everything you can to save the interview. Thank the interviewer for her time. Then, politely excuse yourself from the interview without commenting on her behavior. If you must say something, be courteous.

Learn from Your Experience

Before you put this encounter behind you, identify what you've learned about this potential coworker. Then use this experience to improve how you respond to difficult people.

The final step is to practice dealing with negative interview situations with someone who'll give you honest feedback. In this way, you'll be ready to act with composure if you ever encounter another disrespectful interviewer.

Since 1989, Dr. Carla-Krystin Andrade has helped job hunters worldwide win jobs and achieve their career goals through her website, stressfreezone.com, books, and seminars. Her latest books are "Kick Start Your Job Search, Now!" and "How to Win the Job Search Game."

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Returning Vets: Employers Want You!

Veterans Have Advantage in the Battle for Talent
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


There's a competitive war for talent being waged in companies across the United States, and people with military backgrounds stand to win.

The Skills Have It

Discipline. Loyalty. Leadership. "Sticktoitiveness." These soft skills can be hard to come by in job applicants -- but not those with military experience.

Bob Putnam, senior manager of retail HR development for RadioShack, agrees. "At RadioShack, the core values that we hold near and dear are integrity, pride, trust, and teamwork. That's really what people in the military are all about, and that's what makes candidates with a military background perfect for RadioShack."

Employee retention is an important factor in winning the war for talent, which is why recruiters look to this pool of professionals.

"One of the wonderful things about military people is that they are trained to be extraordinarily loyal," says Peter Weddle, publisher of employment resource guides at weddles.com.

Leadership Abilities Stand Out

Technology giant Perot Systems actively recruits talent with military experience. Mark Williamson, senior military recruiter, notes, "Many of our top leaders and managers in the company have a military background. These individuals have been instrumental in our company's phenomenal growth."

Companies like 7-Eleven and Cintas are also fans of the military's brand of leadership. Sally Hart, national military recruiting director for Cintas, says, "Military people lead from the front. They get in and get their hands dirty and they don't mind doing the job themselves."

Weddle, a graduate of West Point, adds, "The military is the most diverse workforce, and the people in it have learned to embrace that diversity and work well in teams within it."

Military Jobs Translate Well

Perot Systems recruits "individuals of high moral character, who are calm under pressure, and who are comfortable with technology," according to Williamson. Many veterans fit the description.

"In today's modern military, folks coming out have sophisticated technical skills," Weddle says.

Many other hard skills acquired by military service members may be made for private-sector employers.

"There are certain occupations in the military that are a great fit for us," says Cintas' Hart. "Support occupations, such as intelligence, military police, supply -- these folks all understand customer service. Artillery, infantry, armory, and other front line folks understand an industrial environment. They haven't been sitting in an office or a cubicle all day and we're not going to have them doing that either."

Hiring Hints from the Insiders

"Highlight your leadership abilities and provide examples of how you've motivated and developed others as well as examples of where you've been a team player," reveals Richard Kenny, SPHR, field staffing manager for 7-Eleven. (View current openings at 7-Eleven.)

"Smile (during the job interview). That's tough for folks getting out of the military. They're told to be all business, but they need to get their personality across to hiring managers and recruiters," advises Sally Hart from Cintas. (View Cintas job listings.)

"It is definitely important to de-militarize your resume [of jargon]. Also, I would encourage candidates to read Web articles and books on interviewing, specifically behavioral interviewing," says Mark Williamson, senior military recruiter for Perot Systems. (View openings at Perot Systems.)

"We have lots of stores near military bases. A lot of military folks were my customers when I first started out," says Radio Shack's Putnam. "Go in to a store and talk to our people to see what working with us is really like." (See Radio Shack listings.)

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Success Strategies for New or Recent Grads

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Many students head to college thinking that they signed up for a four-year delay of the real world. Students who major in socializing often miss an abundance of opportunities to develop the skills needed for success after they graduate. If you're a senior or recent grad, it's still not too late to develop these skills.

Here are some tips to jump-start your career:

Get out of the Classroom

If your primary goal in college was to get a high GPA or to learn just for the sake of "becoming a well-rounded person," you're probably not focusing enough on skills.

"College provides access to student organizations, jobs, internships, and access to adults who have something to offer," says Bill Coplin, author of "10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College."

He cautions students against getting too wrapped up in scholastics that they lose sight of other opportunities. "Students are treated as if they were to become professional scholars in their fields," he says. "Hence they spend their time learning theories of this and that which have very little backup and are so abstract as to be meaningless in a real-world context."

Gain Solid Experience

The key is to get out of the classroom and get some practical experience on your resume. Coplin encourages students to take courses that require project- and community-based activities.

Jeffrey Allen Miller, an online news editor at Think & Ask in New York, says that a journalism course he took in college required students to get articles published in three legitimate publications in order to get a passing grade. "Students walked away from the class with three good clips to use in their job hunt," he says.

Rethink Grad School

Still not sure what you want to be when you grow up, even after college? Don't be lulled into thinking that grad school will provide the answers.

"Don't go to graduate school unless it is a professional school and you are sure you want it," warns Coplin. "Otherwise get a job or do a one- or two-year service commitment, such as Teach for America, the Peace Corps, or thousands of other similar options."

Coplin says that getting a job is like graduate school, except that "you learn more, you build your resume, you can better explore your career interests and, best of all, you get paid around $40,000 instead of paying that amount to a graduate program."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," agrees that skills are better developed by working. "You'll naturally acquire the skills needed to succeed (diplomacy, initiative-taking, and networking) by spending a few years in the workforce," she says.

Volunteer

"Many people do not give back to their communities, which is a big mistake both careerwise and from a personal point of view," says Coplin. "Doing good (such as doing service work mentioned above) can be great for both skill development and job exploration."

Experience -- whether it's volunteer or professional -- is an essential complement to your degree for getting ahead in the world of work.

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Recruiter Roundtable: Cover Letters

by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

In this age of uploading or emailing resumes, how important are cover letters in your decision to interview a candidate?

Use It Strategically
My belief is that as long as a candidate meets the obvious basic criteria for a specific position, a well-articulated cover letter will only enhance their chances. A cover letter can also be useful to tackle an obvious weakness relative to an advertised role, usually a credential that is "required" (e.g., CPA or MBA) by pointing to equivalent training or experience. Overall I am a supporter.
-- Anu Datta, executive recruiter, Korn/Ferry, San Francisco

Channel the Effort Elsewhere
Unless the job seeker is making a significant career change (i.e. different field) or is a fresh college graduate, I rarely look at a cover letter. It may be necessary to explain your position and bridge your experience to the position of which you are applying. Resumes are typically scanned and cover letters skipped over completely in evaluating potential candidates for first-round interviews, so it is advisable to either say what you must in the body of the email with a resume attached, or customize your resume toward each and every position you seek.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Say Something New
If I like someone's resume for a specific position, then I read the cover letter. Mistakes or typos in a cover letter have an impact on my impression of the candidate; I recommend getting a second set of eyes to review any cover letter. Cover letters tend to be fairly similar, so take up the challenge of making yours stand out. Tell me something about your professional history that I would never know from your resume -- HOW you lead a team to success on a project, for example.
-- Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures

It's All About the Resume
About 75 percent of the job seekers that have applied online for positions I manage do not attach a cover letter. What does that mean for me? I make most of my decisions to schedule an interview based strictly on resumes. When a job seeker includes a cover letter, I reward their effort by contacting them to thank them for their interest whether or not it leads to an interview. Who knows where that interaction might lead?
-- Cheryl Blackman, recruiter for Wells Fargo -- Texas Human Resources

Yes, They Make a Difference
A good cover letter -- one that captures my attention because it is targeted to the position and highlights specific areas of expertise that the hiring manager is looking for -- can make the difference between whether or not I call someone for an interview or leave them in the "maybe" file. A great cover letter will persuade me to call you for an interview even if you may be lacking in some of the qualifications needed for the position. A poorly written cover letter tells me everything I need to know about you; you won't be called for an interview.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio

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Five Soft Skills You Need to Succeed

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


"Hard skills" vary from industry to industry, and your mastery of them is what will help you get started in your career. "Soft skills" are what will ensure your success in any line of work and help you rise through the ranks.

Here's a quick profile of five skills that will help you get ahead.

1. The Write Stuff

Instant messages and texting via mobile devices have become a standard part of business, but the shorthand and lingo used therein will never render formal business writing obsolete. A terrific way to stand out and impress clients and colleagues alike is to craft clear, well-written, and grammatically correct messages. If written communication isn't your strong suit, take a continuing education course at your local college or business school.

2. Lead Meetings That Matter

Like it or not, meetings remain a necessary reality in corporate America. As you advance in your career, you'll have to call and lead more meetings. Win the admiration and respect of your coworkers by organizing focused and concise meetings. Create a strict agenda. Have clear start and end times, and enforce them. Make each meeting interactive and try to involve every attendee in some way.

3. Excellent Etiquette

Talent cannot be taught, but etiquette can. Open an Emily Post book and find out how to master the art of the business handshake. Learn how to conduct yourself during a business luncheon. Make sure you know how to behave on business trips. And remember to never make an "-ist" of yourself (i.e., a racist, sexist, narcissist, etc.) with an off-handed remark or inappropriate behavior.

4. Negotiation Know-How

In the words of Kenny Rogers, you've got to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Learn to love the art of negotiation. Becoming a pro at negotiating means you can always go to bat for yourself and your employer, which usually translates to higher returns for each. Practice negotiating in your everyday life -- with your mechanic, at the store, with friends and family -- to become a natural in no time.

5. Make Powerful Presentations

Presentations may not be part of your current job, but they are sure to be on some level as you move into management.

The best presentations aren't about how impressive your PowerPoint files are; rather, they are about how passionate and persuasive you are. Practice will help you hone your presentation skills so that you're comfortable and able to convey your enthusiasm. If you need extra help, join your local chapter of Toastmasters or take a class in public speaking.

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The Perils of Being a Go-Getter

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


If you are sick of going through the motions at work and want to get ahead, it's always a good idea to be proactive in seeking growth opportunities or getting the job done in new ways. Your supervisor will probably be pleased -- but that may not be true of everyone else in your office.

Get Ready for Resistance

You may have decided that you're ready to reignite your career, but your newfound enthusiasm may not be contagious. In fact, a lot of folks may be resistant to your renewed fervor for the job.

Don't fault coworkers for not being on the same page as you. Don't insist that your team members go above and beyond the call of duty if they aren't willing. Just focus on changes you can personally effect at your company. Your passion may turn out to be infectious eventually, but real change -- in attitude, enthusiasm, and energy -- takes time.

Be Prepared for Resentment

It's no secret that some people are only interested in a paycheck. Most of these folks coast through each workday, doing just enough to satisfy the requirements of their positions. When someone starts to shake up the status quo by exhibiting an intense interest in work, the "clock watchers" may start to feel like you're making them look bad.

To avoid bitter feelings, make sure you go through proper channels as you try to make changes. Don't suddenly begin acting as though you're a supervisor when you're not. You won't win any friends and the projects you were pursuing won't get the support they need for completion. Rather, enlist people to help you by asking for assistance -- if they have the interest and the time.

Suspicious Minds Aren't Far Behind

Your fresh attitude toward work may leave coworkers feeling wary of your motives. If you suddenly begin championing a project or change that sounds like it's coming from upper management, your colleagues may start treating you like you're a spy. They may (mistakenly) believe you're trying to ferret out folks who aren't team players or go-getters. As a result, you could get a certain amount of ribbing ("When did you go over to the dark side?") and find that you're excluded from water cooler conversations.

If you are bothered by the teasing or feel disconnected from good work buddies, set the record straight with a direct conversation. Tell people, "I like working here and I want more responsibility. I'm really hoping to advance." Don't talk about anyone else's apparent lack of interest or motivation, and don't apologize for your desire to do a good job and build a better career.

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Job-Search Hints for People Over 50

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Charmian Foster, 52, remembers feeling "quite animated" as she lunched at a luxury Dallas resort with a potential employer in December 2004, but her energy flagged near the end of the interview. Getting up at the crack of dawn to fly from Philadelphia, then spending all day interviewing before rushing to grab a return flight later that same day had left her bedraggled and sweltering in an inappropriate wool suit.

Foster later learned that the interviewer "thought I wasn't 'dynamic' enough," she says. "This surprised the recruiter, who had known me for over 10 years.

"She eventually admitted that she believed it was my age that was the issue."

Plan for a Longer Search

Workers in Foster's age group can often feel left in the dust when it comes to the perceived energies of their younger peers. But are employers and recruiters really age-ist? And how can older job seekers learn to position their advanced years as a positive?

Those are questions that we're going to start asking with increased frequency as our population ages. By 2012, 20 percent of the U.S. workforce will be older than 55, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, despite the greater experience and job smarts of these workers,their job searches can take almost two months longer than those of younger workers, according to the AARP.

Maximize Your Skills

"If you're out of work for a year or two at this age, that's big," says John Challenger, of the Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "It's crucial that someone in this group attack the search really aggressively, because he faces special challenges."

"Generational differences are huge," says Jan Cannon, of Boston's Cannon Career Development. "Younger managers see you, and they think of their parents. So you absolutely have to keep your technical skills up to speed. One way to show your potential employer that you're savvy," she continues, "is to use the Internet in your job search."

Get Your Network Involved

Challenger cautions against spending too much time with your laptop, though. "Older workers have real-world know-how, which includes getting out there and meeting all the people they've had any kind of relationship with during their work life," he says. "Get as busy as you can, don't sit at home."

Most of all, says Cannon, know yourself and your strengths. "Take advantage of the fact that you've entered a new demographic by seeking out companies that sell to your generation," she suggests. "Or look for younger or smaller companies that may be seeking mature workers to guide them to their next stage of growth."

Develop Your Script

Foster, who spent 25 years as an executive in hospital administration and is now biding her time by consulting, says she understands that as an older manager, she is "better able to authentically appreciate and motivate people while quickly sorting out what works and what does not."

The older you are, the greater the number and variety of situations you've dealt with, says Challenger. "Develop a script that emphasizes your accomplishments. Companies buy track records."

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'American Idol' and Your Job Interview

What Job Seekers Can Learn from the Hit TV Show
by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you are interviewing for a better job, try watching "American Idol," the huge money-making singing contest from Fox these days. Love it or hate it, "American Idol" (and its country equivalents) is a good metaphor for life on a number of different levels, which is one reason why it's so popular. Job seekers could definitely learn a lot by watching this show.

Branding Gets the Edge

"American Idol" sometimes feels like some weird group interview where each candidate makes his or her case to three fickle interviewers and is either advanced or "let go." Aside from the constant reminder that this is a "singing competition," we all know it's more than that. It's about that elusive quality called a "total package." Ditto the job interview.

Here's the reason why all job interviewees should take heed of the show: It's about a process called "differentiation." Some candidates understand this early, while a few just get lucky. Too often, we'll see a very weak singer retained while a much stronger performer gets cut. Some may call this an injustice, but it's not so. What's happened is that the "total package effect" came into play. A singer may win more votes, not for singing ability, but for that fact that the candidate's "brand" differentiated him or her from the pack. No one else is similar by a long shot, and that brand triggers visibility, memorability, and votes.

The moral of the story: you don't have to be the best singer, just the most remembered decent singer. Same for the job interview. You don't always have to be the best candidate with the top skills. You do have to find a way to be the most remembered, hirable candidate.

Know Who You Are

On "Idol," almost everyone who begins the show is a decent singer. Those who know who they are early in the show always enjoy a huge advantage over those who haven't a clue, even though they may be better singers. Those who understand this principle include Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, and Taylor Hicks, to mention three.

They knew their strengths, and they stayed with them, often maddenly so. And look where they are now.

In many ways, this is not about finding and molding raw talent, it's about finding and marketing talent that's already well-branded. The interview process is much the same. The branding should occur long before you walk into the interview room. Too many job hunters try to get through the interview by merely giving the "right" answers. The real issue is they haven't a clue about who they really are or what they bring to a company.

As a job seeker, you must define your strengths and hone a message (your "unique selling proposition"). This is called branding. Branding is a process that clearly defines who you are and what clear benefit you bring to an employer.

If you can't do that, then please watch "American Idol." You'll see what awaits the next fallen "idol" who failed to learn this message in the singing world.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 16 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Discover more of his job interviewing insights by visiting his site.

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Don't Quit Your Day Job ... Yet

First Steps Toward Your Dream Job
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Everybody loves a great success story, particularly those that begin with someone walking away from their regular job to chase a professional dream. If have a dream but aren't ready to make such a dramatic switch, take heart. There are still ways to successfully (and prudently) pursue your dream job without quitting your day job.

Pursue It Part of the Time

What's your dream? Owning a store? Running a restaurant? Having your own yoga studio?

Take a step closer to your ideal profession by pursuing a part-time position that is as related to your dream job as possible. If you're not yet a certified yoga instructor, take on some shifts as a receptionist at a studio. If you want to run your own restaurant, try to land a job as a host or hostess or a server. Get a gig in whatever type of store you want to own one day.

If you're a reliable, well-spoken employee, most companies will welcome your part-time contributions and, in exchange, you'll gain invaluable first-hand experience.

Investigate an Internship

If you're unable to take on a part-time position, try doing an unpaid internship in your ideal field. Internships can be of varying duration, from one week to many months. Unlike a job, internships often offer more flexibility in terms of when and how you fulfill your commitment. Also, you may be able to rotate through a variety of departments or positions, which will allow you to gain a more complete perspective on the realities of your dream career.

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In the New Office, the Minority Can Rule

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


As the overall makeup of America's population changes -- the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that nearly 1 in 3 Americans currently claims minority heritage -- so does the face of corporate America. That's due in part to the increased presence of ethnic groups in the workplace, and it's got a new breed of labor force observers predicting changes that will benefit workers who are part of a minority group.

"Organizations that are relevant and vibrant are leveraging the knowledge, skills, experiences and insights that diverse employees contribute to the business environment," says Barbara L. Thomas, president and CEO of the 6,000-member National Black MBA Association, based in Chicago.

But not every company is as "sure [about] why they want to employ more diverse execs," cautions Julie Jansen, an executive coach based in Stamford, Connecticut. "So if an ethnic employee can identify why their specific diverse characteristics are a plus, they should do so."

Find Your Competitive Edge

Kenneth Roldan, CEO of Wesley, Brown & Bartle, a New York-based executive recruiting firm that specializes in placing minorities, agrees. "Many minorities overlook the fact that they bring an array of strengths that can help the company grow, boost profits, and expand its market share," he writes in "Minority Rules: Turn Your Ethnicity Into A Competitive Edge" (HarperCollins 2006).

Among the tips he and co-author Gary Stern offer:

* Discover your identity. Instead of worrying about "fitting in," revel in the richness you can bring to the conference table. Nowadays having a global perspective or boasting mastery of a foreign language is of immense value.
* Become a minority specialist. Stay tuned to the specific concerns, issues, and trends of interest to your social circle "Ask your minority friends what motivates them to choose a financial services or insurance company, buy an automobile, choose a vacation," suggests Roldan. "Don't cut off your own access."
* Don't overlook the big picture. Success is still all about skills, points out Roldan. "Use your know-how to reach [all] audiences," he says.

Leverage Your Connections

When job-hunting, experts recommend that people of color consider not only a company's diversity policies and staffing demographics; they should look at whether or not the company is missing opportunities. "Regardless of the business or industry, ethnic markets are growing by leaps and bounds," says Jansen. "Minorities should show potential employers how they can put their cultural knowledge to use attracting and retaining clients, customers, employees, and vendors."

Once inside, don't stop working to encourage diversity, recommends Jansen. "Ethnic employees should get actively involved in initiating and promoting other diverse groups and individuals within their company." she says. "One client of mine, for example, went to work for an insurance company in asset management -- and she is starting a Hispanic affinity networking group there."

Minorities who reach the top have an "enormous responsibility," journalist Gwen Ifill wrote recently in The New York Times. "It's more than simply being a role model. I know that I have to be a voice for them as well."

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Make Your Best Impression in 90 Days

Tips to a Successful Start in a New Job
by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


You've landed a great new job and are about to head in for your first day. Clearly, you wowed your new employers during the interview process. Now, how do you make sure they're still impressed with you a few months into the job?

"The impression you make in the first 90 days is what people remember about you," said Susan W. Miller, owner of California Career Services in Los Angeles.

Experts offer these tips for getting off to the best start:

* Don't neglect the basics. If you're not sure how long the commute will take you, allow plenty of time those first few days so you're not late. Show enthusiasm for your new company and job. Find a good way to organize all the new information you're receiving.

"Show early that you were a good employment decision," said Richard Calo, vice president of global workforce relations for IBM.

* Establish a network. Your most important connections may be informal rather than formal. Go out to lunch with your new colleagues. Take part in conversations around the office. This comes naturally for some people but can take a conscious effort for others.

"Your colleagues are your best safety net," said Susan Terry, director of the Center for Career Services at the University of Washington in Seattle.

* Learn the company's business. Make sure you understand your new employer's key products and services. Calo recommends talking to someone who works in sales, who is likely to understand what the company's customers need. Doing so will give you "a sense of what's important in terms of immediate actions that the company needs to take to meet its business goals," he said.

Even if you've been hired to work in an area -- human resources, for example -- where you're not responsible for selling the company's products, a solid knowledge of the company's goals will create a good first impression and may help you do a better job.

"I think it kind of differentiates you a little bit, and it colors your approach to your work," Calo said.

* Engage your boss. At one of your first meetings, ask your boss what milestones you should reach 30, 60 and 90 days into your new job. Richard Phillips, career coach and owner of Advantage Career Solutions in Palo Alto, California, recommends asking this even during the interview process -- but if you didn't ask then, it's not too late. Sometimes the boss won't know, or won't have thought about your job in terms of specific deliverables. Even if you don't come away from the conversation with a concrete list of goals, though, you should have a good sense of what your priorities are.

* Listen more than you talk. You may be tempted to prove your worth to the company by plunging right in with changes and suggestions for new ways of doing things. And it's good to start out working hard and enthusiastically. But you will likely make a better impression if you listen for a while before taking action.

"Half your first impressions are wrong -- but you won't know which half yet," Phillips said. He said that especially for managers in new positions, not listening is a common mistake. "They don't know what is working and what is broken, so they just come in and start changing things."

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Toot Your Own Horn on the Job

How to Manage Up So Your Work Is Noticed
by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Many people who are good at their jobs think their excellent work should speak for itself: All they have to do is perform well, and they'll be at the top of the promotion list. The reality, of course, is a bit different.

"It's not enough to just do a good job at work. You have to let people know that you're doing a good job at work," said Susan W. Miller, owner of California Career Services in Los Angeles.

Give Regular Updates

Frequent updates are a good way to make sure your boss realizes how much you contribute.

Michael Dobson, co-author of "Managing Up: 59 Ways to Build a Career-Advancing Relationship with Your Boss," recommends sending your boss a half-page weekly summary of your accomplishments. Think in terms of how you made or saved the company money or prevented a crisis -- though you shouldn't use those labels in the report, Dobson said. This is also a good place to note areas where you could use help from your boss.

What if you're not sure you could list any achievements in these areas? "If that's the case, then it's probably a good idea to take a hard look at what you're actually doing during the week," Dobson said.

People also hesitate to toot their own horns for fear of looking conceited. But "you're not only entitled to some self-promotion, you're obligated to do it because your boss needs the information," he said.

Get on the Radar

This strategy may not work in every case; if you tell your boss you're planning to send these updates and get a negative reaction, ask what is the best way to keep the boss in the loop.

Things get trickier when you're trying to give updates to people other than your boss. Your boss' boss likely gets too much email to appreciate a weekly status report from you, and you don't want to look like you're going over your boss's head. The trick is to take advantage of every opportunity you have for contact with upper management -- and maybe create some opportunities of your own.

"Don't ever believe that memos and emails are informal and therefore it's safe to cut corners," Dobson said. Beware of grammatical errors or a whiny tone. "Emails are frequently the only thing that those above your boss know about you."

Welcome Chances for Visibility

When you're at a meeting with your boss' peers and superiors, make time during a break to introduce yourself. If you've presented information at the meeting, you could ask if they have any more questions, for example. "You're not just another name on the agenda then," said Richard Phillips, career coach and owner of Advantage Career Solutions in Palo Alto, California.

If you don't find yourself at meetings with upper management, there may be other ways to get on their radar screen. Miller suggests volunteering to work on a United Way campaign or other corporate project. These committees "give you some visibility and give you an opportunity to talk to people you wouldn't necessarily talk to," she said.

The key is to interact with these top managers so that they feel comfortable around you. "That's what gets you noticed," said Debra Benton, an executive coach and author.

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Convention Etiquette and Your Career

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


For virtually every industry, there's an annual convention or two that really count. How you behave at these events will impact whether or not you're asked to represent your company in the future. Your actions can also establish whether or not you have a future with your current employer at all.

Follow these do's and don'ts to make sure you don't kill your career at the next convention.

* Do take care of yourself and trust your colleagues to take care of themselves. If you need to go back to your room and relax each night after meeting your professional obligations, do so. You are not under orders to fraternize with your fellow employees, nor are they.

* Don't drink to excess -- if at all -- with clients, vendors, or colleagues. You are representing your company at all times. Even if you're at a big corporate-sponsored blow-out, it's best to limit your alcohol consumption and have fun without getting out of hand.

* Do take notes during meetings with potential and current clients as well as your take on what your competitors are doing at the event and seminars that you've attended. Type them up when you return so that you have a document at the ready that will help you discuss your experiences at the event and what you got out of them professionally.

* Don't bring a spouse or friend along to the convention without clearing it with your supervisor first. Find out what your obligations are each morning and at night after the convention ends; you may not have much (if any) time to spend with a traveling companion anyway.

* Do make the most of your time at an event. Fill your daily schedule with meetings as best as you can. If there are gaps, walk the convention floor (which is probably formidable) and take in everything you see. Ask colleagues if you can help out with any of their appointments. Attend a lecture or volunteer to lend an extra hand manning your company's booth if there is one.

* Don't dress inappropriately. Anywhere. When you're at a convention, you're acting as an emissary for your employer around the clock. It doesn't matter if a client sees you having an early breakfast or a night cap in the hotel's lounge. You should always wear clothing that won't embarrass you, your client, or your employer. Leave the sweatpants and the slinky attire at home.

* Do return with a clear list of actions you'll need to take to follow up with clients and leads for new business and share this with your supervisor.

* Don't fake expenses or take advantage of your expense account. Companies are auditing employee expense reports more closely than ever and being deceitful on them can lead to your dismissal. Also, if you're entertaining clients, don't go overboard with lavish meals and cocktails unless you're instructed to by your superiors.

* Do keep in touch with your colleagues during the day. Keep your mobile phone or BlackBerry on at all times, and keep your appointments. Check in with people often. You're traveling on your employer's dime, so you're accountable for your time.

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Increase Your Efficiency at Work

by Pat Mayfield, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The vague but important notion of "getting things done" is a key success factor for most employees. Those "things" may be complex processes or simple tasks. Nevertheless, they involve a continuous circle of thinking, planning, finding time to make it happen, and taking action, as outlined in the simple steps below.

Step 1: Think about getting things done.

This step starts with a positive mental attitude and approach. How often do you get stuck in a non-productive dwelling mode, or have a pity party happening in your head? Dwelling accomplishes nothing, and negative thinking slows or stops your actions.

Since positive thinking yields productivity, here's one way to get out of the negative or dwelling mode. Make an appointment (15 minutes or more) with yourself to think only about that particular negative or dwelling issue -- and nothing else. This system will free you to be more productive during the remainder of the day. Also, the concentrated focus during the "appointment" will help dilute the issue's negative power over you.

Step 2: Plan it on paper.

Keep the plan simple to increase the probability of accomplishment. Write it down, because writing increases personal commitment and establishes a record.

Categorize issues and items into:

• Opportunities, which create growth.
• Problems, which solving can either create new opportunities or simply take a load off your mind.
• Dust, which are those necessary maintenance issues such as filing, paying bills, or expense reports. Dust issues just keep coming back no matter what you do.

Make a plan that:

• Focuses on the opportunities.
• Solves the problems.
• Creates efficient systems for the dust.
• Is ranked and prioritized by importance to you (or your boss).
• Includes a timeline with a sense of urgency to help prevent procrastination.
• Has a measuring tool for your results.

Step 3: Find time to get it done.

Everyone has the same amount of time each week -- 168 hours -- yet some are able to accomplish a great deal more than others.

To add hours to your day:

• Get up earlier, stay up later, or both.
• Focus on the priorities.
• Learn to say "yes" to those actions which help you reach your goals and "no" to those that don't -- unless the boss says otherwise.
• Use self-imposed deadlines to increase your speed.
• Be organized so you can find things within three minutes. That's the rule.
• Do the hardest stuff when you're at your best. Maximize your body rhythm: The morning person works best in the morning while the night person works best in the afternoon or night.

Step 4: Take action!

Every action and activity should make a positive contribution to your plan. Having trouble getting started? Set a time to start, and make sure you start the action -- even if you are not in the mood or don't want to. More often than not, your motivation will catch up with your actions.

Having trouble keeping motivated? One of the strongest motivators is checking off things that are "done" and seeing results. Record the completion date to help measure your speed of progress. You are now getting things done.

Pat Mayfield is the president of Pat Mayfield Consulting, LLC, based in San Francisco and Pleasanton, California. She specializes in sales and marketing solutions, working with companies of all sizes in the United States.

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The First 10 Minutes Are Top Priority

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


First impressions are critical during the hiring process.

In fact, many executives said they form an opinion about hiring a candidate within 10 minutes, despite spending nearly an hour in the actual interview, according to a recent poll by Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

"The job seeker needs to remember that he or she is being assessed from the minute after walking in the door of the company," says Julie Jansen, career coach and author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" "The receptionist could make an impromptu comment later to the interviewer about something the candidate did or said."

Experts recommend the following tips to make the best impression during the opening minutes of a job interview.

Before the Interview

* Ask someone close to you to assess you for body language, appearance and overall demeanor, says Jansen. "Maybe you don't realize that you twirl your hair on your finger when you're nervous or that you lick your lips or forget to smile."

* Dress the way the boss or interviewer would dress. "Any dressier makes you look like you're trying too hard or are out of sync with that workplace's culture," says career expert Marty Nemko, author of "Cool Careers for Dummies." "To find out what the boss wears, simply ask the person who contacted you to schedule your interview."

* Get to the interview location early. "Sit in your car and mentally visualize or 'rehearse' how you'll greet the interviewer," says Richard Phillips, career coach and owner of Advantage Career Solutions in Palo Alto, California. "This is the same thing that slalom skiers do before the race. Envision yourself making a good impression, and chances are you will."

* Do your homework. Research the company, and learn about its products and services. Read the job description very carefully and know specifically what you have to offer, says Phillips. "Interviewers will quickly write off a candidate as lazy when they don't have basic and easily available information."

During the Interview

* Convey enthusiasm. "If the interviewer asks how you are, reply, 'I'm well and really looking forward to learning about the job and the company,'" says Phillips. "Never tell the interviewer you feel nervous."

* Ask a wise question early in the interview. "For example, 'In the end, what is most important in doing this job well?'" says Nemko. "That shows your intelligence and self-confidence in being willing to ask questions early. It also essentially gives you the answer to the test -- it tells you what to stress in the rest of the interview."

* Tell a "PAR story." Nemko advises candidates to look for an opportunity in the first few minutes to tell a three-part story. "In a PAR story, you tell of a Problem you faced, how you Approached it, and the positive Resolution."

* Stick to basic etiquette rules. "Sit up straight, don't fidget, smile politely, and speak when spoken to," Phillips concludes. "And don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because the interviewer is informal, you can follow suit. Remember that they're in their own environment, and you are a guest."

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