Do You Need More Training?

If you feel as if you've looked at every job posting on earth and you still can't find one your skills match up with, then it's time to develop some new skills. This may be the perfect opportunity to go back to school, or at least add some challenging night classes. 

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough we must do. - Goethe

Building career skills:

Look internally first. Are you currently employed, but are just not challenged in your current position? Do you really like the company you work for, but just feel stagnant in your current role? Is there another position in the company that you’d love to have, but just don’t have the required skills, experience, or abilities? If this is you, you owe it to yourself to look for answers internally before going outside your current employer for a new career opportunity.  A great way to do this is request a meeting with your supervisor or company mentor with the topic of goal planning.  You can also simply go to your boss and ask for on-the-job training or opportunities to do projects that develop new skills. See if your employer will pay part of your tuition costs for going out an acquiring the necessary skills that would qualify you for that next career advancement. 

Identify resources in your community. Find out about programs in your community. Junior colleges, community colleges, or libraries often offer low cost opportunities to strengthen skills such as computers, basic accounting, or how to start a business. Local Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Administrations, or state job development programs also are excellent resources.

If you are a college student today and haven’t finished your degree, consider volunteering or working as an intern. Some awesome career skills can be acquired by volunteering or doing an internship. This has the added benefit of putting you in contact with people in your chosen field.

Take night classes. Some career fields require specific education or skills, such as a specialized degree or specific training.  You shouldn’t automatically rule out more education as impossible. Many career fields have accelerated programs if you already have some education, or you may be able to take night classes so that you can continue to work. Some companies even offer tuition reimbursement for current employees to continue their education or for future employees looking to join the organization.

Something to consider:

When deciding whether to go back to school, one of the major factors in your decision should be future job security. Today, many jobs are being outsourced to other countries for cheaper labor, or are being eliminated through technological advancements. People without a college degree are more likely to work factory jobs, manual labor, and other jobs that are becoming increasingly more obsolete. Therefore, it is important to realize that while a certain unskilled job might be in high demand today; this is not likely to always be the case. Individuals with college degrees or even more advanced degrees such as a Master’s or an MBA may experience more job security because they take positions that fewer people are qualified to fill.

Conclusion:

Often people assume that simply getting a degree or continuing their education will solve all their financial problems; the reality is that in order to profit the most from education and training, a strategic plan is required. To benefit from the cost of more education and the hard work of acquiring new skills, make sure you have specific goals in mind. What do you hope to achieve in the long-term? If you think of continued learning and training as an investment in your quest for financial independence, its true value becomes quite clear.  The bottom line is, we all must continuously learn.  If you’re not learning new skills, you may someday lose out on that new job to someone else that did.

I hated every minute of training, but I said, "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."

Muhammad Ali

Check out the article published in Crop Life-written by 3 Ag 1 Source consultants

Why Employees Leave

http://www.croplife.com/clmag/?storyid=3217

Know What You Want Out of a New Job

What do you really want out of a job?  Have you ever asked yourself that?  It’s one of the first steps each prospective job searcher needs to understand.  In this current economy, most employees are just happy to have a job, but at the very basic level of any new or potential job search is understanding what makes us happy in our work.  We all know people who say they wake up each morning excited about the work day ahead because they love what they do.  It’s as if their work has become more of a hobby versus a job.  So how do you get that?  The key may be in writing down some specific goals.

What would your dream job look like?

What are you passionate about in life?  Is there a specific product or service you are passionate about? Look around yourself and identify roles that appeal to you in your own work place.  You may not even know what the job title or descriptions look like, but the key in this scenario is to dream a little.  I worked with one individual while I was in banking who knew he wanted to develop business in the non-profit sector.  He was passionate about helping non-profits succeed financially and is now one of the area leaders in banking related to non-profits.  Another friend who is passionate about saving the earth’s environment recently landed a job with a firm that consults with businesses about going green.  Make sure that whatever the work produces, you enjoy it. 

List out your skill set and personality style

It’s time to look into the mirror and be completely honest with yourself.  Take off the blinders, even ask some of your closest friends and family members.  Think in terms of your skill set, style and how you like to communicate in the work environment.  List out items that best describe what you bring to the table in terms of skills, talent, and personality traits.  Are you a driver, extremely goal oriented, with the need to push for success?  Maybe you like to analyze situations further before making the next step?   Do you play better within a team focused environment, with a strong need to have relationships, and seeking consensus before coming to a conclusion?  Do you like recognition, someone who thrives in a spontaneous environment with high energy?  Knowing something about your style up front will help you figure out which environment best suits your personality traits.   

Know what you want in terms of compensation and work environment

This can sometimes be a dream killer if you find out on the back end the job you are passionate about doesn’t pay the bills.  Don’t have regret.  Do the research up front and make a calculated decision about what it’s going to take to move your talents.  Sometimes a job’s benefits can make up for compensation, so keep an open mind.  In addition, knowing your own personality style is going to play a huge role in the type of environment you thrive in.  Do you want to work from home?  Do you need flex time?  Is there a desire for travel?  Do your research ahead of time and then ask key questions in the interview.  Getting answers to those questions will help you understand the work environment and what you really want.  The key is a little research and writing down your goals.

Written by Steve Grant, Recruiting Consultant with Career 1 Source (affiliated with Ag 1 Source)

Your Ag 1 Source or Career 1 Source recruiting consultant can help you reach your goals and reach your potential.  Call them today.

Narrow Your Focus For Job Search Success

Picture this:  It’s late in the evening, you’re researching job opportunities, and out of nowhere you hit “THE MOTHERLOAD.”  You’ve just discovered a great organization that has 10, 20, or maybe even 100 job openings.  Some are in your area, some are far away.  Some positions require skills you’ve never even heard of, yet other openings are for jobs you would never want to do. 

You might be tempted to apply to them all to show your interest and desire to be part of the company.  Others might apply to just one position as a display of confidence and focus.  Yet another option would be to apply to one job in each state to show them you are willing to relocate.

What should you do? 

The best choice is apply to the position that best fits you.  Not 10 positions, or five, or even three.  Focus on the ONE opportunity that is the best match.

While your intentions in applying to multiple positions may be sincere, you need to consider how this looks to the employer.  Put yourself in the hiring manager’s situation and consider what is going through their mind as they review the applicants

1)    I have openings I need to fill with the most qualified person

2)    (Unless this is identified as a training position) Training can be expensive and time intensive.  The less training I will have to provide the employee, the better. 

3)    I want an employee that is passionate about this role, and will do it for as long as possible until we feel they are ready for the next step

4)    Relocation is expensive.   It’s stressful for families, and often results in people wanting to move home after a while.  If there is a tie between candidates, I will likely choose the candidate that doesn’t have to move

If you apply to multiple positions, you are likely applying to positions with varying locations, skill sets, and required experiences.  It’s very clear that you will NOT match up with the thoughts going through that manager’s mind as they review your resume. 

If you really aren’t sure what position is the best, take some time to review each one, and then carefully rank each position for the following things:

-       How does your past experience match with the experience required for the job?

-       Does your length of experience match the requirements?

-       Do you meet the minimum skill qualifications for the position

-       Do you have to relocate for the position

o   If relocation, Do you have any reason (other than this position) to relocate to that area that would be a positive to employer?  A good example is if the position would get you closer to family

-       Have you had past experience with this particular organizations products, services, or processes?

-       Does this position match your career goals?

-       Do you see yourself doing this position for at least 5 years?

-       Are you willing to wait longer for a promotion in this company?   

Once you’ve ranked the positions, the best position should be fairly clear.  Choose that one position, and make that the focus of your cover letter and resume.

After all, it’s hard to tell them in the manager in an interview “This one job I want, and I feel it’s the best job for me” when they know you applied to 10 other totally different position in the company!

Narrow Your Focus For Job Search Success

Picture this:  It’s late in the evening, you’re researching job opportunities, and out of nowhere you hit “THE MOTHERLOAD.”  You’ve just discovered a great organization that has 10, 20, or maybe even 100 job openings.  Some are in your area, some are far away.  Some positions require skills you’ve never even heard of, yet other openings are for jobs you would never want to do. 

You might be tempted to apply to them all to show your interest and desire to be part of the company.  Others might apply to just one position as a display of confidence and focus.  Yet another option would be to apply to one job in each state to show them you are willing to relocate.

What should you do? 

The best choice is apply to the position that best fits you.  Not 10 positions, or five, or even three.  Focus on the ONE opportunity that is the best match.

While your intentions in applying to multiple positions may be sincere, you need to consider how this looks to the employer.  Put yourself in the hiring manager’s situation and consider what is going through their mind as they review the applicants

1)    I have openings I need to fill with the most qualified person

2)    (Unless this is identified as a training position) Training can be expensive and time intensive.  The less training I will have to provide the employee, the better. 

3)    I want an employee that is passionate about this role, and will do it for as long as possible until we feel they are ready for the next step

4)    Relocation is expensive.   It’s stressful for families, and often results in people wanting to move home after a while.  If there is a tie between candidates, I will likely choose the candidate that doesn’t have to move

If you apply to multiple positions, you are likely applying to positions with varying locations, skill sets, and required experiences.  It’s very clear that you will NOT match up with the thoughts going through that manager’s mind as they review your resume. 

If you really aren’t sure what position is the best, take some time to review each one, and then carefully rank each position for the following things:

-       How does your past experience match with the experience required for the job?

-       Does your length of experience match the requirements?

-       Do you meet the minimum skill qualifications for the position

-       Do you have to relocate for the position

o   If relocation, Do you have any reason (other than this position) to relocate to that area that would be a positive to employer?  A good example is if the position would get you closer to family

-       Have you had past experience with this particular organizations products, services, or processes?

-       Does this position match your career goals?

-       Do you see yourself doing this position for at least 5 years?

-       Are you willing to wait longer for a promotion in this company?   

Once you’ve ranked the positions, the best position should be fairly clear.  Choose that one position, and make that the focus of your cover letter and resume.

After all, it’s hard to tell them in the manager in an interview “This one job I want, and I feel it’s the best job for me” when they know you applied to 10 other totally different position in the company!

10 Key Items to Turn the Table in Your Favor

It's a new year, time to turn over a new leaf.  It’s also a different environment this year than last, but does that mean it’s any easier to land a job?  Companies are still being very careful to hire just the right person.  The good news is that many companies are showing signs of a new sense of urgency to find the best.  The real truth, they are not hiring just to fill slots.  They are hiring to make productivity gains.  They are hiring where their skills needs are.  This year, your focus should be on finding the right job for you and doing everything you can to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for that job. The competition will still be tough, but here are some tips that can turn the tables in your favor. The following is a summary list of 10 key items you should work on and will be the subject of 10 monthly articles this year.  Watch for them in future months.

1. Narrow your search. Stop applying to jobs that you're not qualified for or don't really want. It's a waste of time and what’s the point?  Search recruiters are not impressed when you apply for 10 or more jobs at the same time.  Be honest with yourself when evaluating job postings.  Put yourself in that company’s shoes.  Do you really have those skills to start that job tomorrow?  Really read the job description.  If you won’t or can’t move to that area, then why are you applying?  If you don’t have the experience called for, how do you expect your resume to show that?   While it's always great to be willing to learn, companies today want to hire someone who can jump right in and get started without being trained from scratch. More in February…

2. Know exactly what you want. Narrowing down your job search may force you to ask yourself some tough questions such as: What kind of job am I really after? And what skills can I really demonstrate to a new employer? If you're unsure of the answer, you are not prepared.  Ask your peers what they see in you as your strengths and skills.  Then focus your search on what you do best.  More in March…

3. Do you need more training? If you feel as if you've looked at every job posting on earth and you still can't find one your skills match up with, then it's time to get some new skills. This may be the perfect opportunity to go back to school, or at least add some challenging night classes.  More in April…

 4. Set goals. Yes, your overall goal may be to get a job, but setting short-term, specific job search goals for the year will help you grow and force you to continuously evaluate your progress.  Set your longer term goals on such things as how much do I need to put away to retire, and when is it really that I expect to retire?  More in May…

5. Improve your References:  Friends and family are not suitable references.  Your references are former supervisors, satisfied customers, and other relevant peers, such as those that mentored you in the past.  Make sure your interviewer has reference information and that they can follow up with key people that know your work and are familiar enough with your specific effort that led to the objective results.  More in June…

6. Get ahold of your online reputation: When human-resources managers search for your name online, and they will do it, you can either take control of what they see, or you can leave it to the powers of the search gods. Search results that are professional and consistent and that establish you as an expert in your field will be far more impressive than Facebook pictures from that last party.  Things like a Facebook or LinkedIn profile and a Twitter feed will all show up on the first page, so signing up for these sites and populating the accounts with up-to-date, professional content will make a great impression. Also, if you have what you think is a humorous or suggestive email address, get rid of it.  Something like love-goddess is not going to give the impression necessary to get a professional position.  More in July…

7.  Network:   Improve your networking skills.  Make it a goal to be active in a professional organization.  Get to know others in your industry better and just what they do in their job.  Becoming more socially active in your industry field will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to continue searching by providing you with new leads and information.  More in August…

8. Be accurate on your resume:  HR managers are more diligent than ever on accuracy of resumes submitted.  Make sure your job titles are accurately reflected as well as the exact status of your education.  Your resume should contain quantifiable accomplishments, not just what you were responsible for.  If you have a 4 year degree, then state that, such as B.S. in Education.  If you don’t have the degree, then don’t imply that.   Once screened out, you will not get another shot at that company no matter how many times you apply.  Remember, your resume will stay in databases for a very long time, so if you applied years ago with inaccurate information and you try to apply again years later, with different information, you are likely going to be flagged forever with that company for being dishonest.  More in September…

9. Stay current: You should always be in the loop, even if you're out of work. Read trade publications, comment on industry blogs and stay on top of any emerging technologies or policies that may affect your career path.  Sign up for RSS feeds on news articles related to your industry, and job postings that are relevant to your field.  Your current knowledge will not only help you have a great conversation with an interviewer and keep your professional edge, but it may also give you new ideas about where and how to look for a job.  More in October…

10. Sell yourself: An interview is no time for modesty, especially in times like these. When you land an interview, go prepared with at least five examples that demonstrate your best qualities. That way, when an interviewer asks, "Why should I hire you," you can talk about what your experiences are relevant to the company’s needs. You should have researched the job well enough that you can answer that in the interview.  If you haven’t, then you didn’t prepare well.  More in November…

Your Guide to Interview Greatness

Sometimes our most important messages bear repeating.  This is an article we wrote 3 years ago.  The message is so important, and one that stands the test of time that there is no reason to change anything.  The message:  Be Prepared. 

It all comes down; it seems, to this moment. You’ve been granted an interview with the hiring manager for your dream job. You have a week to prepare and you don’t want to blow this chance. What do you do? How do you prepare? What do you focus on? Keep these tips in mind and you will likely get a lot farther down the road.

1. Be prepared…to ask great questions! If you come into an interview and just expect to answer questions fired your way, you will likely look very average. So what are you to do? Prepare a list of 5-6 great questions. Not just any questions, but what are called interrogative questions. Interrogatives are designed to solicit detailed answers that require thought from the person in order to be answered. They start with our old friends who, what, why, how, and when. For example, be prepared to ask a question like this: “what are your performance expectations for this position in quarterly increments over the next 12 months”? Another great question might be, “what would this territory (sales) look like with maximum market share”? This question will force your interviewer to paint a vision in his / her mind as to what this territory will look like at full capacity while you are sitting in front of them!  And another great question for a sales territory that will yield some good answers and opportunity for follow-on questions is, “how is this territory performing now compared to where you want it”? Sit back, listen and take notes! The answers will give you the opportunity to dig deeper and show your ability to get to the bottom of a situation and provide a solution…which is why you are there in the first place! Take your time and think through 5-6 good questions that you would like to know the answers to going forward. Your ability to ask good interrogative questions will set the tone in your favor. Always remember that the one not talking is actually in control of the process!
2. When the conversation does dictate your need to give an answer, be prepared to speak professionally and be prepared to back up achievements and past accomplishments with facts and figures. Growing a business unit by 20% per year over the past 2 years is much better information than “we grew the business”. Further, and most important, be prepared to elaborate on how you were able to pull off this amazing feat! The deer in the headlights look won’t cut it here! If it is on your resume, be prepared to talk about it in detail. The more relevant details the better.
3. Give some thought in advance as to how you would handle certain situations related to you’re job. If you’re in sales the question, “how would you handle losing your largest account to your competitor” is fair game. My advice is to give these potential questions some thought in advance.” If a product launch is late (which most are) how will you hold your customers off while it is being readied for market”? If you work remotely (away from the office) how do you organize your day, weak, month, year, etc.? This is not hard, but you will be better prepared to talk intelligently about these questions if you have ran them through the old gray matter first.
4. The old standbys are still solid today: show up early, dress a notch above the position, call a day in advance and reconfirm the time, place, etc. Have all the materials you feel you will need with you including paper to take notes and a pen that works!

5. Finally, don’t leave the interview without asking what the next step is. Remember to use our old friend the interrogative question. An example might be “Mark, I appreciate your time and I like what I have heard thus far, what do you envision the next steps being? Shut up and listen from this point forward as the answer should let you know how you’ve done.

Good luck, and don’t hesitate to contact us here at Ag 1 Source for more great tips and excellent career opportunities.