The Resume Store's GET-A-JOB Blog

Do not try to be more than you are; do not try to wear another’s shoes; be proud of those that fit you best, your own!

Editorial by Arnie Sherr, The Resume Store February 19, 2012 - 7:00 a.m.

It seems at least from my interviews with potential customers, they feel they must perform better and more perfectly than all other candidates must in order to get the offer of employment. No wonder they are overtly nervous at interviews. The perception that only a perfect interview wins is a misnomer. Factually, interviewing under that perception most assuredly sets a path for failure.  

The facts are clear; "Nobody is everything to everyone or everything."

The most anyone can ask of themselves is to be the best they can be, not better than other candidates, especially because they do not know the others who seek to win the same offer. Although in many ways interviewing is a lot like a political election campaign, the main difference is that campaign candidates know their competition. Because they know with whom they compete, they have the opportunity to set strategies to be a better and more effective campaigner.

Interviews, because the competition is unknown to the candidate requires candidates to “be the best they can be.” Trying to be more than that which comes naturally is obvious to learned interviewers and is detrimental.

You need only be a strong candidate because "Nobody is everything to everyone or everything." Please, never loose that thought!

Assess and be confident of your value to a potential employer. Be humble, confident and most of all, self-assured. If you are all of those qualities, your chances of getting the offer of employment are as good as or better than most.

What many candidates do not realize is that there are other factors at play, the likes of which they have absolutely no control. One such factor is a chemistry established between the candidate and the interviewer.  Most times, a chemistry of this nature has little to do with resume content or even the interview; it is generally a feeling cemented through magnetic personality connections. Not much different than when meeting someone in social situations; you know there is a definite connection, but cannot put your finger on why.

In the entertainment industry trying to be more than you are, is “over-acting.” In sales, it is over-selling and since interviewing is a selling process, trying to hard is “over-selling.”  You can bet your future, interviewer’s spot over-acting and over-selling in a heartbeat.

To have a great interview, do not think about winning the game; play each point within yourself.

“Do not try to be more than you are; do not try to wear another’s shoes; be proud of those that fit you best, your own!” - Arnie Sherr

 

 

 

Employment is flat; experts say growth is the solution.

Editorial by Arnie Sherr, July 9, 2011

Is it such a big secret? Unemployment is flat and you do not understand why! Well, it is relatively simple.

Most will suggest companies are not hiring; others, gas is too expensive, and yet still others will say, “You know what, I don’t give a $#%&T!” Well, if you ask me it is none of those things. Nope, not even the debt ceiling; well, not directly, anyway.  

Let me ask you a question, what happens on Wall Street when investors feel enthused? Does the market fall or does it grow? Investors react positively to good news and negatively to bad news. Make sense? And, what kinds of news causes their frequent ups and downs? 

Here is one for sure; the closer it gets to August 2^nd without a debt limit agreement, the probability that global markets will experience severe downturns is all but guaranteed. Conversely, the sooner they come to an agreement, irrespective if the content of said agreement, the markets will rally.  In other words, good begets good and bad; oh’ well, you know what I mean.

On a comparative basis, when good things happen, the American people react positively and conversely when bad things happen, they react negatively. It is not so much about the substance of the happening as it about the nature of the happening. Golly gee, it sounds exactly like Wall Street. 

Well my friends, it is; it is exactly like Wall Street. Only to define this in a single word, I suggest the only word that fundamentally fits is ““confidence”.”

When the American people and the investors on Wall Street feel good they spend, invest or whatever synonyms you wish to apply. And, what happens when confident people spend? They buy stuff. And, what happens when the sales of stuff increases? Ah, the companies that manufacture and/or distribute all of the stuff that confident consumers are buying must increase the size of their workforces to meet the growing demand. Is not that what the stimulus package did? Yes, but it was not “confidence” that drove consumer spending, it was a government handout.  Therefore, what happened when the government gifts were spent, saved or pigeonholed for a rainy day or whatever, the temporary demand for goods and services went south. Americans will, of course, take hand-outs; however, what we really want is a permanent solution. Might that be solution be as simple as growth. Growth is not a product of spending cuts, not a product of tax breaks or increases; growth is that which results as revenue from employment. Working people pay federal income tax, state and local taxes, real estate and school taxes and more. Working people fund social security for today's recipients and Medicare; they donate to charities, use public transportation and drive the economy by spending that which they earn. This is Growth. This is the only way in which America can pay its debts. This is the only way America can balance its budget. It is all about revenue or cash flow.    

Stimulus funds, like “confidence” are only effective if they continue. However, with America’s record debt and a difficult to balance budget, continuing stimulus handouts is totally off the table. But “confidence”; well, in reality “confidence” is free. You cannot buy or sell “confidence.” You may, however, give it to everyone. Just as easily as it is given, it may be withdrawn. But, why would anyone want to take away the fuel that is certain to drive us out of our economic dilemma by fueling growth? Beats me, so why don’t we ask the people that have the power to give the gift of “confidence”? There are 535 of them and they live on the Hill. They and only they have the power to give unlimited “confidence” to the American people. And while they are at it, why stop there, they can just as well give it people all around the world. After all, what happens here doesn’t stay here, it resonates all around the world, hurting or healing just like on Wall Street.

I am going to stop here because I know my readers understand what the “535” must do to restore and maintain ““confidence”.” However, if you would like to express your ideas, you may do so by commenting below. I would love to hear your thoughts. So would you local Congress-persons and Senators. While you are at it, tell them too. Here is how to contact yours. CLICK HERE 

Three magical things to end America’s economic woes

Editorial by Arnie Sherr – Contributing Writer at “Editorials: Not Just Politics”

It is basic – It is academic – it is so very simple that the supposed political experts that think they have the answers are by their stubborn indifference interfering with America’s economic “recovery.”

Here are three magical things that guarantee to solve America’s economic woes…

• Confidence
• Confidence
• and more Confidence

Have I repeated myself? Yes, if only to make the following points.

It is not by investing in whatever and increasing taxes that will grow the economy and conversely, it is not cutting spending and reducing taxes that will grow the economy. It is, however, by increasing the levels of confidence that the American people have in our supposed political experts that will spur jobs growth and economic boom.

Noted publically on every newsworthy channel and by government economists, “confidence” is what drives Wall Street and markets globally to gains. On the other hand, the lack of it nullifies gains and results in losses. Analyzing confidence trends as one analyzes Wall Street’s “ups and downs” illustrates stark similarities. Furthermore, placing one aside the other just may find their curves track similar courses.

Might it just be that easy, that the answer is simply “confidence?” 

It is obvious that both the country’s divisiveness and that which the Republicans and Democrats demonstrate is without question what has and continues to denigrate what little confidence the American people have that things will improve; jobs grow, unemployment reduces, federal and state budgets balance and once again America reestablishes its global leadership and economic dominance.    

So then, how and by what means will cause confidence to grow among all who love this great land, the poor, the middle class and the wealthy?

Is it really so challenging to arrive at the answer, the simple truth?

It is basic – it is academic – it is so very simple! The quicker the right, left and the administration get on the same page, the quicker confidence will grow nationally. Please understand, it is not in whether one side or the other is right, it is that realizing there are merits in and of both ideologies that opens door to compromise.  Few disagree, compromise through teamwork is what grows the kind of confidence that the American people can believe in, the kinds of confidence that emanates from intellectual coalescence and the ability to set aside personal ambitions.         

There can be no “confidence” when friends are no longer because of expanding division. The split agenda our politician’s hard line spills over into the general population. Close friends for years must establish new rules to avoid political discourse because fired-up emotions interfere. Never before, have I witnessed so many visceral exchanges among people that at one time respected each other’s views.

Why has it come to this? Simply because our “leaders” cannot and/or will not come together, join forces to grow the levels of confidence that stimulate positive results.

Washington, if your want economic gains, the solutions are , confidence, confidence and more confidence.    

Building and Advantaging a Supportive Inner Circle

By Arnie Sherr, President and CEO “The Resume Store" and Host of the GET-A-JOB Hour 1340 AM Tampabay, Florida

Who are your “devils advocates”? You know; those folks who in spite of their friendship and affection unintentionally hold you back by telling you “it cannot be done, odds are against or, now during a troubled economy is not the time.”

As I reminisce, it was my dad whose interminable advice was, “stop dreaming.” Ya’ know, like most I loved my dad very much, but as Joel Osteen so artfully defines, to successfully conquer your passions, dad and other “don’t-do-it-ers” are to be loved from afar. Your “Inner Circle” is comprised of those that feel you fervor and dedication to achieve the greatness for which you affirm with fantasies of having already arrived.  

In prior writings, I suggested discarding co-workers whose habitual complaints and criticism promote rumors and denigrate morale. In fact, joining in with or succumbing to such habits lumps you in with what management labels as “high maintenance.” When push comes to shove it is, “high maintenance” employees that top the lay-off list. Developing social and at-work Inner Circles is the ammunition that catapults career-minded adventurers upward. Most times, you will find yourself growing along side the other members of your inner circles. Just as negativity is infectious, so are enthusiasm, drive and vision-driven ambition. Do not allow evil doers and altruistic soothsayers knock you off course.

“Swim in murky waters, and you will emerge coated with the murk that slowed your arrival; swim in clean waters and not only will you emerge clean, unfettered and ahead of schedule, your vision of success shall not have been blurred by the murk of others.”  - Arnie Sherr  

The Resume Store's new GET-A-JOB Talk Radio Show on WTAN TanTalk 1340 AM - Tampa Bay, Florida

The Chicken

“Glimmer of Hope”

By Arnie Sherr, CEO “The Resume Store”

What is your driving force? What keeps you going? Is it meeting the bills and living pay check to pay check or is it more than that? When the day is done and you lie down to rest your physical being for the night, do life-fantasies infiltrate your thoughts, many times giving way to wonderfully exciting dreams that seem vague after you’ve awaken? You can not remember their detail, but you know they are worth re-dreaming.

Without unconscious and conscious imaginings why is our will to go on so strong? Even among the greatest of the worse we continue to exist and strive. Who among us would continue were it not for a “Glimmer of Hope?”

Fortunately, there are few by comparison that becomes so down-trodden hope no longer glimmers.

For me, "Glimmer of Hope" translates to achieving personal goals. At 67, I have not given-up. For you,  ”Glimmer of Hope"  may have different perceptions.

For those unemployed I make this analogy. The perception of glimmer may be “the chicken crossing a two lane rural road with minimal traffic has much more than a glimmer of hope of getting to the other side, whereas the same chicken crossing a busy expressway during rush hour has only a glimmer of hope of getting to the other side.”

The moral is: “Is the shortest and more treacherous route always the best?”  I can hear the chicken now, “I’ll get to the other side or I’ll die trying.”

“It is not always how quickly we get there if hazards impede the result.” – Arnie Sherr

There are no time limits on achievement; only those which is self-imposed. True, circumstances may add pressures, but remember the dangers inherent of taking shortcuts. It is like leaving the cheese out the cheese sandwich. It’s still a sandwich but, it certainly doesn’t taste like a cheese sandwich. Shortcuts may get you A job; but, is it THE job?

The longer and safer route to THE  job is making sure your cover letter and resume complies with present employer requirements and that you are prepared and ready to interview in the most effective and impressive manners. Florida’s unemployment rate is remarkably higher than that of any other State. More Floridians have passed 27 weeks of unemployment than of any other State. Under such treacherous conditions special attention must be given to documents, procedure, uniqueness, thoroughness, and professional approaches. Leaving stones unturned is short cutting your potential and reduces your ability to compete.

Certainly, getting A job may pay some bills; but please, do not give up on getting THE job. There is always that “Glimmer of Hope.” Unemployed Floridians are indeed challenged to get to the other side of the busy expressway during rush hours. Investing in and taking the longer route improves your odds of a successful cross-over.

As ill-advised as it is, would the chicken attempt the shorter, but dangerous crossing of the busy rush hour expressway were it not for a Glimmer?  Were I the chicken, I would not favor my odds!

Why everyone has a chance to win at interviews by Arnie Sherr

           It seems everyone is concerned about being the best; especially when interviewing. Even I, as a life coach specializing in career issues and interviewing, try to impress my clients of the importance of being the best by studying all of the rules of interviewing and role-playing before just to be sure.

Yesterday I heard something that has changed forever, that perception. This profound message from a famous tennis legend should succeed in quelling a great deal of the pressure job seekers own anticipating and participating at interviews.

            Yesterday, September 2, 2010 Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today Show interviewed legendary tennis great Andre Agassi as he was promoting his new autobiography, “Open – An Autobiography,” released earlier this year.  Even those who don’t follow tennis are no strangers to the name Andre Agassi and his unmatched, by many, contributions to tennis and to the education of children in his home state of Nevada. It is certain his educational initiatives will expand exponentially benefiting kids everywhere.

            During this compelling interview, Andre responded to a Matt Lauer question with this most profound statement, “You do not have to be the best, just better than the opponent you are facing.”

            If you take this statement, we’ll call it a quote, and apply it universally its application is endless. You see, it not only applies to sports, but to everything in life where the competitive spirit is alive; even when competing against one’s self. 

            Golfers generally strive to beat their own best scores. Applying Andre’s logic, the golfer has only to play better than the day he scored that which he is trying to beat, and by all definition that may not necessarily require he play up to the best in the world.  Another example is when top football teams are playing poorly, but they win anyway because on that day they still played better than their opponent.

            Well, interviews are no different. You do not have to give Academy Award performances; you need only be better than those with whom you compete for a particular job; knowing or not who they are makes no difference. The perception that only the cream of the crop is picked is incorrect. Next time at the grocery store, examine all of the peaches; once the so-called “cream of the crop” have been selected the remaining now have equally good chances for selection. I venture to say, most attending the same interviews as you are not “the cream of the crop” if any at all.  Therefore, relax and simply be you; do the best you can without seeking to reach a summit too high. Very few have stood atop Mount Kilimanjaro, so the chances you will compete with those who have is unlikely; so relax, focus on the moment and take things one point; or should I say, one interview at a time.

However, if you are “the cream of the crop” – need I say more?   

 

 

 

Getting the job by selling “WISDOM” by Arnie Sherr

I am always flattered when described as wise. But, when I really give these compliments thought, I wonder if those making them understand the broadness of its meaning. It is many things, but in a capsule “it is good sense; the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments utilizing personal knowledge and drawing on one’s accumulated learning’s, accumulated knowledge of life and the spheres of activity that has been gained through experience.”

 

In greater detail, it is a deep understanding and realizing of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to choose or act to consistently produce the optimum results with a minimum of time and energy.

• Wisdom is the ability to optimally (effectively and efficiently) apply perceptions and knowledge and so produce desired results.
• Wisdom is comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action.
• It is sagacity, discernment, or insight.
• Wisdom often requires control of one's emotional reactions ("passions") so that one's principles, reason and knowledge prevail to determine one's actions and to wisely lead the actions of others.” Wikipedia

 

“It has as well been defined in 1913 by Webster to be "the use of the best means for attaining the best ends." "We conceive," says Whewell, “prudence as the virtue by which we select right means for given ends, while wisdom implies the selection of right ends as well as of right means." Hence, wisdom implies the union of high mental and moral excellence. Dictionary.net

 

Certainly, and it is a shame that instead of including a challenging-to-absorb bulleted list of KSA’s that it isn't enough to simply type in the center of one who qualifies as "wise" resume in large type the word   *WISDOM. It would not merely say it all; it will be the most unique and impressive of attention getters. Who among us has the Chutzpah¹ to attempt this one-of-a-kind approach? I think if I was in search of a highly responsible leadership position there will be no better way to tell-all than with this single word. However, for me it is out of passion; for those who have families and others depending on them, such a courageous strategy may be described as eccentric and risky. Who of them, whilst gambling with the families’ savings has bet the entirety of their possessions on a single poker hand to make a point uniquely?

 

Have you the guts to break job seeker tradition; to depart from the usual, the expected and take a stab at employing a human resource shock treatment?

 

There is but one risk associated with doing this most unique kind of messaging; “ignorance.” You see, it takes wisdom to see and recognize wisdom. In other words, “it takes one to know one!” The risk and the only risk possible is that he or she who is first to view your message of wisdom may not understand the depth of its meaning. Unless your resume first meets the eyes of one so wise and intellectually adept your uniqueness may find a quick exit into the “recycle bin .”

So, caution to those who wish to follow this single most effective of basic advertising principles. It is the single principle that awakens bored-by-routine human resource personnel eyes and makes for lasting impressions, “UNIQUENESS.”

 

Have you the guts? If you do, be sure you are wise enough to back it up. It might just work!

 

*The psychology of the color PURPLE.

Job search Insanity By Arnie Sherr, CEO “The Resume Store”

Albert Einstein defined insanity as "Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result."  

Michael F. Sherman of ExecuNet, Inc. tells this true story, one that proves Albert Einstein’s insanity quote.  

As I arrived at the Westport Train Station on Monday morning, I saw an obviously upset, well-dressed middle-aged man on the opposite platform. He was putting change into a USA Today newspaper box, pulling the handle, pressing the coin return, and then putting the change back in. As he repeated this process, he became more and more angry. Eventually he started shaking and kicking the box. Before breaking either his foot or the box, the train came and he abandoned the effort as well as his change. Being curious (and figuring that I could make a quick buck) I pressed the coin return and realized his problem: one of his "quarters" was a French Polynesian coin about the same size as a quarter, but much lighter.

This anecdote may seem trivial; after all, it was just a dollar and just a newspaper. However, it got thinking about how many continue to pound the job boards without success, never questioning why it does not work. 

It is half-time at Super Bowl, the score 10-6 Colts. It was apparent; the Saint’s strategy in the first half was ineffective against the Colts proven offense. To repeat the same strategy in the second half definitely meets Einstein’s definition of “insanity.” So much at stake, the Saints emerged from the locker room after halftime with a new plan, one that won them the title.  

Latest unemployment reports indicate six million have been out of work for more than six months. Although I cannot say all six million-practice insanity, I feel safe in suggesting that most continue the same first half job search strategy in spite of its failure to produce positive results. Credit Coach Sean Payton, of the New Orleans’ Saints for his wisdom to effect change.  

A ramification of repeating what does not work is giving up. Those who live at the top never give up and never repeat what does not work. So then, I ask why job seekers give-up? Why have you given-up?  

“If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again” A proverb, it has been traced back to 'Teacher's Manual' (1840) by the American educator Thomas H. Palmer and 'The Children of the New Forest' (1847) by the English novelist Frederick Maryat (1792-1848). It is a worthy proverb; “however, if at first you don’t succeed, a changed approach may find a better result.” 

Do not believe what you know is all there is. Subscribing to sites as ExecuNet.com and others similar opens flows of new and un-thought of strategies you may wish to implement. You may locate live links to more sites like ExecuNet by scrolling to the bottom of The Resume Store’s home page. 

Remember, water that sits without stirring becomes stagnant. Perhaps it is time to stir-up the job search. “Upstream swims - if freestyles fail, try the backstroke, but never concede!”

 

“When the hard times come, the teacher’s in the room” by Arnie Sherr

    I heard the above this evening while surfing the channels my digital converter brings into and onto my 32” analog TV screen. As I clicked through the stations I spent maybe 12 seconds, just long enough the look at the buttons on my remote, when I heard a preacher say, “When the hard times come, the teacher’s in the room” I didn’t hear it in the context of his oration; however, his meaning is accurately determined as religious simply by understanding his mission as a preacher.

    I write quotes and I seek-out quotes of famous and also infamous thinkers. I believe the secret of a great quote is capturing the profound of a massive agenda; they are as a well written and thought-out exposé. Experienced literates define exposé as a formal statement of facts. Some may differ of my interpretation and also my attempt to establish between them a relationship. 

   Refocusing on this paper’s title, I am convinced it meets both definitions. In religious forums, it appears to refer to G-d (for those who believe or practice to whatever degree, religion). Okay, but what of the context is other than spiritual? Perhaps it is a time when levels of confidence are suffering; could it be a teacher or parent; a shrink (to use the slang); a football coach, etc? The naked truth, whatever is perceived as hard or troubled times, most are able to recall or look to someone or something from or through which inspiration, coaching, instruction, and/or positive reinforcement had been, is, or may be forthcoming.      

    But now hard times are not private, exclusive, or even unique. Greater than 11.7 percent of Tampa Bay area residents are in the deepest trenches of “Hard Times.” Maybe to some, consolation is in knowing they are not alone, locally or nationally – or for that matter globally. Funny word, consolation! The allusion is that those in hard times feel better because they share their “deep trenches” with many others. What is not consoling is writing a mortgage check hoping the direct deposit is credited before the check clears your account; opening duplicate eviction notices month after month; sending-out hundreds of resumes and not getting even a hint of a response.  Yea, you’re right; millions of others are going through the same things, but somehow knowing that doesn’t stop the collection calls, phones from being turned off, the fridge from become almost totally void of content, car repairs unable to be done in case an interview does come along.

    The so called “teacher” is different things to different souls. For some it may be sources of financial help; for others it may be the consoling advice of a clergy-person. Others may pray to G-d for such misguided help in wining their state’s lottery. In and of them all, their prayers are prayers of desperation and definite signs that they belief their situations are permanent, irreparable, and dire. All of these, permanent, irreparable, and dire perceptions are definitely far from the truth and reality. However, “if one's tales hold of the worse, the worse they shall certainly produce.”

    What am I getting at? Perhaps, it is in the selection of a “teacher.” I agree unquestionably, when hard-times appear seeking out the support and advice of an appropriate teacher is wise.” The key ingredient is “appropriate.” Another key ingredient; it’s okay to have more than one appropriate “teacher.” (I.e. an employment counselor and G-d or a parent and a psychologist, and others) The very worse thing a person might do is isolate themselves and disguise their real feelings and mental challenges. The results of doing so are of the worst kind. Certainly, attaining reemployment shall be horribly detoured.

    In today’s environment there are many free resources; so many that discernment is able to be exercised. I caution friends and family members to be aware. No man is an island and going it alone is most-times the wrong route. A careful eye and a keen awareness may prevent unimagined and destructive actions.