How To Shine In Your Interview-On Air with KCFM (2)

Ok so here we are with part 2 of our sessions on Rob's 'After 11' show talking about how to help ourselves get a job.

In today's (13th Jan) show we talked about Interviews-how to prepare for them, and how to conduct yourself . Now, I know-very few people enjoy interviews-even the employers conducting them!- especially when they are seeing lots of people-and everyone starts to look the same!. You see not many people stand out from the rest-so that's the very thing we are going to change! Here's the key areas we covered in the session:

1. Make it a 'Mission Possible'-it's not going to be easy-but make it your goal to persevere and overcome the obstacles! Lots of people 'fall' at the first hurdle, or give up, or lose faith. But if you arm yourself with rock solid determination-you will win in the end. Coping under pressure is a real test in life-but actually the more you can handle this-the more you will begin to impress others.You know, the most successful people in the world are the ones who have overcome the most difficulties-make yourself one of them!


2. What do employers look for?- I spent some time over the past few weeks asking key employers in and around our region what kind of people they would look for when recruiting. Ok-it's probably a 'given' that if it's a technical job, you would need to have the necessary skills-however, other than that, there is common theme amongst them all-it's who you are as a person! . They look for people with a real postive, 'can do' attitude-people who show they are enthusiastic-and can also prove it by talking about the things they've done. They look for people who have gone the extra mile, gained a certificate in their skill, or who can prove how flexible they can be. And they want people who are open to change-whilst still getting on with the job.You can do, and be all of these things-it just needs to come out in the interview.


3. Raise your self confidence-you want to feel totally confident that you can and you will, get that job. The way you think determines how you feel-and that will come across in your body language...including your facial expressions and tone of voice!(ps if you are terrified-it can show!). Remind yourself every day-but especially on the day of the interview-that you have a lot to offer, you are a pleasure to work with, and you will do a great job.


4. Prepare in advance! Get detective and find out about the company you are going to see-look on their website, ring them up, or pop in and see them. Make notes to take into the interview with you-your strengths, reasons why you should get the job, questions to ask...and some points about what you've found out. This alone will make you stand out. Prepare your clothes-what will you wear that looks smart and professional? Practise answering some questions-ask a friend or family member to put you on the spot-it's good practise and takes away a bit of the fear!


5. The Interview....Including making sure you look(and smell!) great, starts when you walk through the door of the building. You have an opportunity to impress every employee there who you come into contact with! Say hello to them, smile at them, chat if you're waiting. They may be asked for their view on you-and, if you look like you'd fit in well, you've grabbed yourself a head start. Think positive-you have every chance of getting the job-there could be hundreds who haven't even got an interview-so you must be good. When you meet the interviewer-look them in the eye, and smile at them-they are desperate to find the right candidate-so convince them it's you. Whatever attributes you say you have-show them-words without action are meaningless. Take out your notes, it's proof you've made an effort, and answer questions as honestly as you can-if you don't know something-say so! Use the questions you've prepared-it's another opportunity to prove you've done something extra. When the interview is over-thank them for their time, and don't be frightened to say you'd like to work there (being a bit cheeky doesn't harm!)....say goodbye to everyone on the way out... don't be shy, make the most of the opportunity you have.

....Hopefully that's given you the basics to what we talked about...but if I've missed anything, drop me an e mail and let me know! Practise will make you better-so keep at it. I know there are thousands looking for jobs-but someone has to get them, why the heck shouldn't it be you?

Our 3rd and final KCFM session on jobs, is on the 3rd Feb-so until then, good luck, don't give up and definitely, don't despair!

Amana x

Straightforward,Straighttalking Coach.

www.walkahead.co.uk

http://www.kcfm.co.uk/

How To Get That Job!-On Air with KCFM (1)

So today (5th Jan) was the first in a series of 3 sessions when I talked to Rob Langley on KCFM's 'after 11' show about how to, in different ways, get that job!.

Here's the key points from this session, which was all about how you can start to help yourself:

1. Being redundant/Unemployed is a difficult time for anyone, and there are thousands out there in the same position as you-so don't take it personally, it's all because the country(and world) has hit an economic slump. You are as good as anyone out there-and there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are jobs and opportunities-tell yourself you'll find one.


2. Fire up your self belief-you will need to stay hopeful and in a good frame of mind. Is it easy? Of course not, but the more you believe in you-and your abilities-the more reason you will give others to believe in you.


3. What are you good at?-Write down your strenghths and experience. Remember those times when you were doing really well. Play to your strengths-try not to focus so much on what you are not good at-this will make you feel low.


4. Sell yourself well in your CV-get help with it if you need to. This isn't about showing off-it's about showing you, be proud of who you are and what you've accomplished (as long as your honest!). A good CV can help you get through the door. It doesn't have to be fancy with big words-but it does need to give companies some good reasons to see you.


5. Network! This is all about getting out and about (even in the pub!) and talking to people who you know-and chatting to people to get to know them. The more people who know you are job searching-and who you genuinely impress-the more chances you are giving yourself. Networking isn't all about men in suits...it's about talking to people, making friends and spreading your influence. If you can talk to your mates in the pub without a problem-you can network without a problem. Try it!

Having been made redundant myself -I know how low you can get emotionally, but the more you help yourself to get out of the 'rut' of feeling this way-the more positive signals you are giving out. And that's gotta be good!

In the next session..13th Jan...we will be talking about Interviews-and how to make the best of them.

Until then, have a go at putting these tips into practise!

Amana x

Straightforward, Straighttalking Coach.

www.walkahead.co.uk

http://www.kcfm.co.uk/

How low is your interest rate?

Great news! The Bank of England has cut the interest rate again-it's now the lowest since records began....





Not so great news!....What if interest in you is low? what if it's the lowest since you began?





This got me thinking.


Here's an opportunity to have twice the amount of great news.





What if interest rate in you is the highest it's ever been? Wouldn't that help you create some security in your life? Wouldn't that make you feel that whatever is happening in the world, you are more popular, more needed, more valuable, than ever?





This is the very time that we all need this. But what are we (most of us) doing about it?


I'll give you a clue. Nothing. Zero. Naff all.





We're doing the opposite in fact. Worrying. Stressing about 'what might happen next'. Assuming it's gonna get worse.


In fact it might if we continue on this dodgy path of thinking.





Instead, why not introduce a fantastic, 'special offer' (that's what banks do don't they?) starting today.





It's the Bank of You. Only better.





A 'You package' that offers:

1. A positive attitude every day.


2. Solutions/suggestions -not problems.


3. An action taker (there's too many people out there waiting for things to happen)


4. Energy and enthusiasm that is so good it scares the pants of people.


5. Consistency. This isn't a short term package, it's a package for life.

How many companies/colleagues/friends get this every day? How many, right now, need this?

That's right-everyone.

Being an 'interesting,of value and good to have around' person is not only in short supply, it's damn well scarce.

So get your brain in gear, get yourself known and heard- and watch your interest rate soar.

Now that really is great news.

Amana x

Straightforward, Straighttalking Coach.

www.walkahead.co.uk

Easy Ways To Be Successful in 2009

Ever thought it’s unfair that so many people seem to have a successful or glamorous life-and you don’t?

Well here’s some good news for you.

Firstly-many people, who look ‘visually successful’, are not.
Oh I know, they wear the latest fashions, and are seen in all the right places.
But that's not the whole truth.

Secondly, the more successful you feel on the inside, the more you will become it on the outside.

Of course, how to measure success is a real personal thing. It can come in the shape of a happy home life, being healthy, owning your own business, being financially rich or doing a good job wherever you work. You decide.

Ok, for many , riches and glamour are the ultimate ‘symbols’, but without that inner confidence that you have ‘made it’-it starts to feel shallow and meaningless after a while. Just look at how many celebrities are unhappy in their personal life.

So, do you want to know how to be and feel successful then?

Check out these top 3 tips:

1. Focus on (and think about) what you do want-not on what you don’t want!
Sound daft? Not when you consider that many people spend their life ‘grumbling’ about what they don’t have instead of pulling out all the stops to get what they want. Write it down,set goals and hold yourself responsible for achieving them.



2. Choose to stay positive.
You’ll get far more help from others that way, it will spur you on when life doesn’t go according to plan (yep, that will happen)-and being positive is an essential ingredient in the make up of truly successful people. So start acting the part!




3. Think about what you have in your life today that’s good!
Don’t take it for granted. Savour it. Be grateful.
Remember there are millions out there who don’t have what you have
Right now.



Before you say to yourself ‘is that it?’….I will warn you that if you do the above things once and expect to see your success rocket-you might be a tad disappointed. Sorry. You see to be a success, you have to do these things as a matter of habit, you know, every day-and the trick is, if you really do want to achieve something-you don’t give up.

Get it?

So, come on, hold yourself up. Tell yourself you’re gorgeous, and put on your best accessories –which are -that huge smile, and that ‘I can do anything attitude’!!!

Here’s to your success in 2009!





Amana x





http://www.walkahead.co.uk/

http://www.walkahead.co.uk/downloads/IOD_feb08.pdf