The Landscape is Changing

In my interview process - (which is open, by the way) meaning that when I interview you it's not for a specific job.  This gives me a broader view of what is really important to you and I have a clearer picture of what you want in a career move.   Then we can discuss the opportunities I have and whether it's a match for you.

Part of my process is to get a wish list.  If you could have anything you want, what would it be?  These are the top 3 answers I get over and over:

•  More flexible work schedule which includes being able to telecommute some at times.  Come in earlier or later to avoid rush hour commute with 3 weeks off a year as  opposed to 2.
• Upward mobility and growth opportunities - companies that promote from within.
• To be able to contribute in a meaningful way.

The workforce landscape is changing.  In general, people are not satisfied to stay in the same position doing the same thing day after day, year after year just to collect a paycheck anymore.  As each new generation enters the workforce they arrive with a new set of priorities. 

I am happy to see that many of my clients and companies in general are addressing these issues offering the flex time and growth opportunities.  I enjoy representing companies that have an open and flexible culture where there are opportunities for career advancement.   

Companies that are willing to accept and address the generational changes that are taking place in today's workforce are the ones that will thrive and grow in the future. 

Attitude is Everything!

Do you ever run across people who just seem to light up the room? They are warm and friendly (even in the most business-like situations), their energy is high and as a result you feel better just being in their presence. That's an "attitude" thing. Their glass is half full.
I talk to hundreds of people a month and I can tell within the first 15 minutes of a conversation who I have on the other line as far as their attitude. This energy will come through in all of your interactions whether you want it to or not: at work, home, at play and in your interviews.

There is a way to get this attitude if you don't naturally have it. Let's be honest, some people are just born with a happier outlook, some have had some hard knocks early and life and formed a less than positive attitude and some just look for the negative. It takes a bit of work for those who want to step it up, but it's so rewarding in many ways. Here are some guidelines:

• Monitor your thoughts - You will be amazed at what you find yourself thinking. Catch yourself in the middle of a negative thought or attitude and go the other direction - quickly!
• Find the silver lining - Take something you have experienced recently - let's say you were laid off. Take out a sheet of paper and list out what was great about your job, what wasn't so great, what's been positive about being laid off and the negative. Now take the negatives you wrote and counter it with something positive. This is especially helpful before you go on any interviews - get rid of the baggage!
• Like attracts like - Take a look at the people around you. Have you surrounded yourself with those who have a positive influence or a negative? There is a magnetism and synergy among common frequencies, both high level and low level. You will find this synergy working for you rather than against you when you consciously start the practice of positive thinking. If you are like most, you probably have a mix of both. Practicing positive thoughts will bring about a change in your surroundings and your relationships.
• Goal setting - Setting goals is an excellent way to get positive results and they are trackable. Write down what you want - Create a plan - Evaluate yourself - Expect success! You will be amazed at what you can accomplish. You do it every day anyway in very small ways; it's called your "To Do" list. Make that list spread over 5 years and you have goals.

Try to let everyone see the best of you every day. This also applies to the way you interact with everyone everywhere, on the road, at the store, at work and electronically. Especially electronically!