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How to win friends and influence people? Why don't they just give you a copy of the book. Jesus, that's WAY too long to try figure that shit out.
Resume, Job Help, & Job/Career Advice
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I've never read the book. I know of the book from other management related things, podcasts, etc.
Dale Carnegie Training: Toronto and the GTA » Dale Carnegie Course
I see presentations, some of the usual professional training items - what is special about this?
If it's the same as the Youtube video for 2011, I live 5 minutes away from that hotel and I know half the bars there so the time commitment isn't too bad except it's 8 straight weeks and Wednesdays is when footy games and opera and things happen.
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I went to the first of 9 courses.
It was a very mixed crowd - some MBA students who are unemployed in there. Lot of financial district folks - not surprising given the location. It was the first time I was on that hotel floor without a visit to the bar.
We learnt how to introduce ourselves. Then we learnt how to have small talk with people when networking. I don't know why people are there - most said they wanted to practice public speaking, leadership (so ambiguous), half the people want to be a boss. One lady with a timid voice had confidence issues - we're only a class of 30 for Christ's sake.
During the break, I was talking to the person next to me about urban living, etc. I mean I made a connection with someone - apparently only four people of thirty did. So then we had to partner and do it the Dale Carnegie way which I thought was roughly the same result. I met some guy who lived in the Atlanta area where I worked. Years of living in hotels on assignments meant I needed to be able to spontaneously talk to random people (or I'd go mental).
When the instructor said you'll be up here ten times, people cringed, and I thought how I just closed millions of spending in front of a CEO, his C suite directs and his SVPs doing a 90 minute presentation with 8 slides. And it was in the worst possible conference room with everyone sniping at me from a classroom table/chair arrangement. I've done presentations up to 100 people and I've never had issues. Baffling really.
For some of the folks, they said, "if you don't lead people, you might have to lead a meeting." I do so many of those every day.
It was a very mixed crowd - some MBA students who are unemployed in there. Lot of financial district folks - not surprising given the location. It was the first time I was on that hotel floor without a visit to the bar.
We learnt how to introduce ourselves. Then we learnt how to have small talk with people when networking. I don't know why people are there - most said they wanted to practice public speaking, leadership (so ambiguous), half the people want to be a boss. One lady with a timid voice had confidence issues - we're only a class of 30 for Christ's sake.
During the break, I was talking to the person next to me about urban living, etc. I mean I made a connection with someone - apparently only four people of thirty did. So then we had to partner and do it the Dale Carnegie way which I thought was roughly the same result. I met some guy who lived in the Atlanta area where I worked. Years of living in hotels on assignments meant I needed to be able to spontaneously talk to random people (or I'd go mental).
When the instructor said you'll be up here ten times, people cringed, and I thought how I just closed millions of spending in front of a CEO, his C suite directs and his SVPs doing a 90 minute presentation with 8 slides. And it was in the worst possible conference room with everyone sniping at me from a classroom table/chair arrangement. I've done presentations up to 100 people and I've never had issues. Baffling really.
For some of the folks, they said, "if you don't lead people, you might have to lead a meeting." I do so many of those every day.
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My company has been talking about innovation for a good two years because we are in a staid and almost static industry. The fear is at any point in time, Uber or Airbnb will come to take over your turf.
Part of it is promoting trial and failure culture and doing proof of concept and pilots of new ideas. Today I read something on the intranet where senior executives will host an evening of snacks and drinks to talk about messing up, failing and learning from mistakes. This the first in a series of "F*#&up nights". Yes - that was actually written on the company intranet.
Part of it is promoting trial and failure culture and doing proof of concept and pilots of new ideas. Today I read something on the intranet where senior executives will host an evening of snacks and drinks to talk about messing up, failing and learning from mistakes. This the first in a series of "F*#&up nights". Yes - that was actually written on the company intranet.
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My boss comes to us during our staff meeting and says morale is poor. We give an around the table update from each of our departments and when it came to me, I said there are no issues. No issues doesn't mean happy morale. So I corrected myself, they're happy. And truth be told the boss was in some impromptu conversations with all of his skips anyway during the past few weeks and my area is frankly too busy trying to do their job to have the luxury to daydream and moan. Other peers had issues with staff members leaving or threatening to leave (who the bloody hell telegraphs their leaving to their boss? I don't respond to blackmail). Then the conversation degenerated into culture.
At the end the boss says the morale is poor so you as people managers need to fix it. I surmise if I get my staff every day to sing like the von Trapp family whenever the boss passes by that is indicative of success? I'd like to hear what a positive result is.
At the end the boss says the morale is poor so you as people managers need to fix it. I surmise if I get my staff every day to sing like the von Trapp family whenever the boss passes by that is indicative of success? I'd like to hear what a positive result is.
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After seven months of 70+ hr work weeks and tonnes of stress, I'm applying for a similar job with local government- better pay, less stress and normal hours.
If I get an interview I need a better answer to why I am applying then shorter hours better pay and easier work!
Career path? More opportunities for advancement?
If I get an interview I need a better answer to why I am applying then shorter hours better pay and easier work!
Career path? More opportunities for advancement?
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Are there better career path/opportunities? Pick the differences that this organization has vs your current one. Plus there is nothing wrong with you saying this job is better to the one you have from all aspects
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What about the fact I'd be leaving a job after less than a year? Is that not an issue these days?
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Depends. Milennials do it all of the time.
It is something that employers have to get used to.
Whether it will hinder or help you that all depends. They are looking for someone and if you fit the bill then they will hire you.
Be honest about wanting a better job.
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I'd be mumbling stuff about "attracted to the work culture and ethos here and service to public rather than profits - personal rewards. "
Maybe if pushed - " The current place is good but I feel there's an emphasis on hours put in at the desk rather than outcomes or quality work"** <<-- probably true
- my experience is if you can't get your job done in around 35 - 40 hours most weeks then there's something wrong with you or the workplace. That not to say there isn't times when you might work a few 12 hour days and or over weekend - but it should be rare.
**My (limited) experience of USA work culture isthat there is a lot of presenteeism and long hours valued higher than output and quality.
Maybe if pushed - " The current place is good but I feel there's an emphasis on hours put in at the desk rather than outcomes or quality work"** <<-- probably true
- my experience is if you can't get your job done in around 35 - 40 hours most weeks then there's something wrong with you or the workplace. That not to say there isn't times when you might work a few 12 hour days and or over weekend - but it should be rare.
**My (limited) experience of USA work culture isthat there is a lot of presenteeism and long hours valued higher than output and quality.
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You're spot on
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What's wrong with saying you want to be able to spend more time with the family? Or do something for the public good?
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I'm moving from a not-for-profit to government, so the altruism angle is out. But I still like some of these suggestions.
Is wanting better work/life balance too close to sounding like a slacker?
Is wanting better work/life balance too close to sounding like a slacker?
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No. Everybody wants a balance. It doesn't mean you don't want to work hard
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Oh god no.
John Lee Pettimore III
can tell you how the government is chock full of slackers and do-nothing's.
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No problem mate
I'd put in a plug for yourself and Oz work ethic
"I'm the sort of person who takes works seriously and gets it done well and on time - I don't spend unnecessary hours just to make an impression"
and
"My kids/family is the reason I work and there's no point if I don't see them or contribute to running the household"
and if they don't like it - another Oz response
"Well you can all go and get fucked"
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I wouldn't use any of those. Don't even mention the hours, work life/balance or kids. Always try to turn things into why you're the best person for the job. It should make so much sense to hire you they'd feel stupid not to! Saying something positive about the company also makes them feel better about themselves, which causes the interviewer to associate you with all those good vibes. Don't bad mouth your current job, don't seem too eager to leave.
Granted I haven't interviewed for terribly many jobs, but the ones I have interviewed for took between 20-40 interviews, and if one person didn't like you you're out, so I do have some experience.
I'd go for an angle like this:
While working for a non-profit I saw that if you truly want to get things done you'll have cooperate closely with the local authorities, and through this experience I found the public sector to be a better fit for me, as I'd like to effect change (I dunno what kind of non-profit you're working at) from the public sphere due to x,y,z (maybe mention something about the government having more influence or whatnot, something to make the interviewer feel good about themselves) using skills a,b,c which I've gained by working on (mention one or two examples) projects at my current job.
Granted I haven't interviewed for terribly many jobs, but the ones I have interviewed for took between 20-40 interviews, and if one person didn't like you you're out, so I do have some experience.
I'd go for an angle like this:
While working for a non-profit I saw that if you truly want to get things done you'll have cooperate closely with the local authorities, and through this experience I found the public sector to be a better fit for me, as I'd like to effect change (I dunno what kind of non-profit you're working at) from the public sphere due to x,y,z (maybe mention something about the government having more influence or whatnot, something to make the interviewer feel good about themselves) using skills a,b,c which I've gained by working on (mention one or two examples) projects at my current job.
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Am I misreading - or did you really go for 20+ interviews for one job?
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Dropbear - I also point out - as you know I'm from a different culture and that they do things differently in USA in the workplace.
You probably are very in tune with this but the Americans think self promoting, making small normal everyday achievements into life/world changing events, and talking about how good you are is a good thing to do whereas here its likely to get people snickering behind your back, not liking you and marking you down.
So I'm guessing the Oz approach of underselling yourself and downplaying achievements doesn't work well.
You probably are very in tune with this but the Americans think self promoting, making small normal everyday achievements into life/world changing events, and talking about how good you are is a good thing to do whereas here its likely to get people snickering behind your back, not liking you and marking you down.
So I'm guessing the Oz approach of underselling yourself and downplaying achievements doesn't work well.
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Yep! Multiple times. It's pretty much standard practice.
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That is really fucked up
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Why? You're not forced to do it. It's not for every job, only the high paying ones with thousands of applicants.
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Still sounds crazy. Imagine the vast amount of time wasted in interviewing and re-interviewing candidates so many times, even thought the field is being winnowed down during the process.
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It's seen as investment, as they only want to hire "the best of the best". There are no re-interviews, you talk to 20+ different people, and they all have a say in whether you should get hired.
By the time you're at interview nr 20 there might be only a few candidates left, and at that stage it's more meeting all the decision makers to determine cultural fit and ambitions and whatnot, seeing as you've been vetted already. You always have to be on guard though, as they will throw a few difficult questions your way when you least expect it.
It is quite tough when you're switching jobs, because it means you'll be interviewing every night for 2 weeks straight.
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If you cant weed down applicants to the top 6 - 10 prior to interview - I'd say you dont know what your doing
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Years ago - when everyone was trying radical stuff I went to a group interview. All 7 short listed candidates were interviewed in a group together with 3 interviewers. There were breaks every hour where candidates could self select out - early on - or be selected out by panel later on. Process was very interactive discussing job with panel and asking them questions etc. There were drinks and food in room. (note to fwiffo- non alcoholic)
Started interview at 1 pm - -down to 2 of us at 5pm. I walked out with job confirmed at 5.30pm!
Started interview at 1 pm - -down to 2 of us at 5pm. I walked out with job confirmed at 5.30pm!
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Oh yeah, they only interview about 20 people per position. It's difficult though. Imagine having a stack of 1000 resumes: all top schools, top grades, top extracurriculars, top internships, top job experience. Toptoptop! How do you differentiate?
There aren't that many jobs that pay 6 figures + a sign on bonus straight out of undergrad, so you can imagine how many people want those jobs.
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If you get 100 or more applicants you haven't specified the job clearly enough
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With a chance of becoming a silverback gorilla years down the line!
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I've never been involved in hiring staff in the US, but in Oz we would typically advertise, sort through written applications to narrow down to about ten. Then phone interview to get to three to five for the face-to-face interview. If it was a tight race then employment referees might make the difference or, worst case, a second interview.
Having been hired for a few jobs here, it didn't feel too different.
Would the Govt process be similar? Maybe a bit slower and beurocraric.
Having been hired for a few jobs here, it didn't feel too different.
Would the Govt process be similar? Maybe a bit slower and beurocraric.
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Not entirely true, but I could add that current job requires too much travel out of town - not an issue in new job.
But I also like the idea of focusing on the positive: synergy of my skill set and passion, etc.
But I also like the idea of focusing on the positive: synergy of my skill set and passion, etc.
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I interview and hire probably 20 people per year. Structured interviews in group and individual meetings. Everyone from senior leadership to professionals to researchers to administrative staff.
Your skill set should be clear from your cover letter & CV. Your cover letter conveys your ability to clearly distill that skill set into making me interested in hiring you. Then on to the interview.
I've always found ability to communicate the key. Everyone can tell me how great they are. But it is how they do it that makes the difference
Quiet confidence. Critical thinking. Imagination. The ability to ask me tough questions just as I ask them.
People who say "I am a people person" makes me want to poke my eyes out. Don't ever say that. Please.
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The primary concern for government jobs is that you'll get along with the other workers and not cause trouble. The job descriptions are typically such that you can do the job in 6 hours a day, at most (my first job at the agency I currently run I finished at around 10:30 am each day). Emphasize your teamwork abilities.
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This is a huge plus, not just for the confidence it shows, but also if you can ask it diplomatically. In a government job I'd be a little afraid of appearing to be a boat rocker, but I may be overly cynical.
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Get out. You? No! I would never believe that...
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This is gold. Thank you!!
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Its hard to say - I can only say what I look for in most, not all, candidates /interviews. When I've been in small organisations - I want someone who is flexible, will do their job but accepts that it can change and some weeks might have to do something unconnected. I would also look for someone who can fit in with existing team but also bring something new and contribute and challenge in a CONSTRUCTIVE way the organisational norms. No cowboys ever.
In large organisations it may be that the requirement is for someone quite different - who can be different again in a CONSTRUCTIVE way and offer some change.
Some jobs are pretty unexciting - it cant be helped - its no good hiring some ambitious blowhard who thinks they should be CEO for a mundane spreadsheet or cleaning job.
I always want conscientious people. And I always want people who understand its the job they are being paid for - not to come and do their hobby or their version of what they'd prefer to be doing. I don't care how you dress or act outside of work but at work you are being paid to work.
Never hire anyone who asks about salary etc at interview - it should be clear in Briefing papers handed to candidates or negotiated after the offer.
In large organisations it may be that the requirement is for someone quite different - who can be different again in a CONSTRUCTIVE way and offer some change.
Some jobs are pretty unexciting - it cant be helped - its no good hiring some ambitious blowhard who thinks they should be CEO for a mundane spreadsheet or cleaning job.
I always want conscientious people. And I always want people who understand its the job they are being paid for - not to come and do their hobby or their version of what they'd prefer to be doing. I don't care how you dress or act outside of work but at work you are being paid to work.
Never hire anyone who asks about salary etc at interview - it should be clear in Briefing papers handed to candidates or negotiated after the offer.
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My experience doesn't jibe with JLP - it must be different in the states - I've worked in Gov organisations large and small - most are hard work and very lean - under resourced for tasks if anything - compared to the private sector I've worked in.