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How to fail an interview before even entering the interview room

November 21, 2012 3:20 pm / Leave a Comment / Molly Meester

After working as an administrative assistant for over 2 years, I feel as though I have seen it all. It often crossed my mind as to whether or not the interviewee knew that I was sitting there and could see and hear everything…and I mean EVERYTHING. There were candidates who would bring in their 2 children with them to an interview (take a wild guess as to who got the privilege of watching the children while the interview went on?) to people talking on their cell phone while waiting, and sometimes their conversation would sound like this, “Yeah, I’m in an interview, not very excited about it, but I guess I need money and stuff”.

Obviously not all interviews went that poor, some candidates were very polite and kind, and even left their kids at home! Most people know the do’s and don’ts for proper interviewing, but what some forget is that it’s not JUST the person interviewing that they have to impress–the interview starts as soon as you walk in the door. You can follow all the rules of interviewing etiquette, but by failing your first impression with the front desk, could be setting yourself up for disaster. Now it may sound silly to tell grown men and women to be polite, but you’d be so surprised. Do the interviewees not consider that people talk within the office? In fact the difference between some that were hired and some that weren’t, was based upon how they had treated me. To some I was “just the secretary”, not a good position to be in for the candidate when the HR Manager asked what my impressions were and if I had been treated with respect. When I was with my prior company, I was under the impression that me as, “Just the Secretary” having this conversation with HR was a bit unusual. Now that I am with an executive recruiting agency, I have found that this tends to be more of the norm, especially with companies that put a strong emphasis on an employee driven workforce.

As you prepare for your next interview, you may want to approach this with the full awareness that everyone within the company, may be interviewing you. Be kind, be courteous, and engage in friendly conversations that will put you in the best light of everyone, including “The Secretary”.

I wish you success with your interview!

Posted in: Uncategorized / Tagged: adminisrative assistant, how to interview, interview, interview tips, interviewing, secretary

Executive Leadership Interviews- John Schuetz

November 20, 2012 12:08 pm / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick

Executive Leadership Interviews- Today we had the pleasure of interviewing John Schuetz. John has a 20 year career that has included positions with General Mills, System Sensor, and most recently with Fresh Express, Inc. which is a division of Chiquita Brands International. His most recent role includes management of four manufacturing and distribution facilities and a workforce of over 1,400 employees. John is well known for his progressive style of management that engages his workforce through “Continuous Improvement”, empowerment, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies. In our interview John shares the importance of incorporating a strategic personal development plan, engagement of mentors, taking personal accountability and continued learning approach to achieving your own career success.

Listen to the Interview

Part 2 of the Interview

Posted in: Executive Leadership Interviews / Tagged: Chiquita, continuous improvement, Executive Leadership, Fresh Express, General Mills, John Schuetz, lean manufacturing, mentors

Nomophobia: Are you making this interview mistake?

November 14, 2012 4:54 pm / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick
interview mistakes

Cell phones have made it virtually possible to do almost anything at the palm of our hands. People are constantly on their cell phones and are either communicating or flinging tiny, furious birds in an attempt to take down pyramids of pigs. I will be fair and say that I do understand the compulsion to reach for your cell phone, and admit that I find myself on my cell phone quite often during the day in order to connect with clients and candidates.

As helpful as cell phones can be, we need to realize there is a time and place for them. There has been a lot written about the cell phone being “the new cigarette.” In 2008, British researchers coined a new term “nomophobia”—short for “no-mobile-phone phobia”—to describe the fear of being without a cell phone. At this point, I must remind you that the interviewer is the most important person on the face of the planet. Who is more important: your buddy on the line or the person who impacts your livelihood?

While writing my second book, I hesitated about whether to tell my readers never to answer their cell phones during a job interview. Should I tell you never to whip out a skewered corn on the cob during an interview and start eating it? Of course not! It’s glaringly obvious and ridiculous to fathom that anyone could do that. But because I have heard of many instances of job applicants sabotaging themselves by picking up their cell phones during interviews, I decided I had to address this problem.

If you suffer from nomophobia, the solution is simple: Turn off your cell phone before an interview…or better yet, leave it in the car! Don’t set it on vibrate and think you’ll be safe because let’s face it, vibrate is as loud as a fat cat purring. Even if you do not give in to your instinct to answer the call or read the text message, you will get distracted and lose focus. I can assure you that your text messages and Facebook notifications will still be available EVEN when you get out of the interview!

Posted in: Job Tips / Tagged: cell phones, interview mistakes, interviews, motivation, nomophobia

Veterans Crisis Line Behind The Scenes

November 9, 2012 3:05 pm / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick

“Behind the Scenes” provides a look into the Veterans Crisis Line call center, housed at a VA Center of Excellence in Canandaigua, N.Y., where qualified, caring responders answer the calls of Veterans, Service members, and their friends and families in times of crisis. In the video, VA responders, many who are Veterans themselves, share their stories and experiences in providing vital support and referrals for Veterans and their loved ones.

The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text to 838255) is a free, confidential resource that serves Veterans and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Posted in: Military Resources, Vets Corner / Tagged: Crisis Line, Veteran Resources, Veterans

Military Interviews- Nolan Ruby

November 6, 2012 12:32 pm / 1 Comment / Russ Hovendick

Military Interviews-Today we interviewed Nolan Ruby who served over 4 years of active duty for the US Marine Corps. While serving overseas he received the combat valor award and the purple heart. In this interview Nolan shares his personal experience of transitioning from military to the civilian sector. After serving with the Marine Corps he worked as a Correctional Officer for the South Dakota State Penitentiary. He has also worked for the Veterans Affairs as a service officer and most recently as the Military Service Coordinator.

Click below to listen to the interview

Part One
Part Two

Posted in: Military Interviews, Vets Corner / Tagged: combat valor, Marine, military interviews, Nolan Ruby, purple heart

Vets Corner: Leadership and Communication

November 5, 2012 11:25 am / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick

Here is a great story on leadership and the importance of communication. It speaks volumes to the dedication of our military personnel.

Posted in: Vets Corner

Executive Leadership Interviews- Mari Peck

October 31, 2012 3:04 pm / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick

Executive Leadership Interviews- Today we interviewed Mari Peck who is the Sr. Manager, Instructional Design at Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. In her present position Mari is responsible for development and training of nearly 14,000 employees within her organization.
Mari addresses how to properly prepare for interviews, how to differentiate yourself from competing candidates, and how to bring professionalism that will carry you through the interview process.

Listen to the Interview

Click below to listen to the Maximum Motivation extended interview.  Mari shares key insights as to how she structured a strategic career plan to reach her level of success and discusses key steps individuals can enlist to further their own career success. She also addresses the significance of having a great career mentor and how find and partner with them, to develop your own career development plan.

Part 2 of the Interview

Posted in: Executive Leadership Interviews / Tagged: BNSF, Burlington Norhtern Santa Fe, how to interview, Mari Peck, prepare for interviews

Vets Corner

October 16, 2012 12:33 pm / 1 Comment / Russ Hovendick

Our goal with Vets Corner is to provide military vets with additional resources, inspiration, and news that may have an impact on their job search or even their daily lives.

Posted in: Vets Corner

The wait is over. Our first book is here! –How to Get a Raise The correct way to ask for an increase in salary and wages

October 12, 2012 11:49 am / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick
HTAFAR book Cover

Book #1 of the Directional Motivation Book Series

As a recruiter for over two decades, I hear stories about employees asking for raises all the time. My job puts me in the unique position to hear the behind-the-scenes drama from both sides. On one hand, I’ll listen to a boss explain everything the employee did wrong, and on the other hand, I’ll listen to a nervous, frustrated worker wondering how his request for a salary bump could have possibly been rejected. In this book, you will find many different situations you may come across when asking for a raise. You will also go through personal evaluations that will allow you to take a look at yourself from an employers point-of-view. If you are interested in getting a copy of “How to get a raise” Buy Now

This book, along with this series, has been an idea of mine for quite some time, and it feels great to finally have the book in front of me. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. There are other worksheets, tools, calculators, and resources available on our website to help you in your journey.

Always remember, “The little steps you take today will determine your future success.”

Posted in: Books / Tagged: books, how to get a raise, increase in salary and wages

Coupons

October 10, 2012 9:00 am / Leave a Comment / Russ Hovendick

For Directional Motivation users we offer access to printable coupons. These coupons offer awesome discounts for items people use everyday including: groceries, toiletries, pet products, and vitamins/health products.
We also offer coupon codes for online purchases at retailers like: Sears, Old Navy, 1800 flowers, shoes.com, drugstore.com, Kohls, GAP, Target, Kmart, Wal Mart, Dress Barn, and Lowes.
These discounts are constantly changing so be sure to check out the latest coupons and print them off before you go shopping!

To view the printable coupons and online coupon codes visit the coupon page by clicking the link below.

Click Here for Coupons

Posted in: Coupons / Tagged: 1800 flowers, coupons, discounts, Dress Barn, drugstore.com, GAP, General Mills, Hormel Foods, Kmart, kohls, Lowes, old navy, Proctor and Gamble, sears, shoes.com, Target, Wal Mart

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