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Think Like a Fish
April 27, 2007 by Shawn AugustsonI’ve been watching old episodes of Northern Exposure, and recently one of the characters explained his approach to fishing this way: “If you want to catch a fish, you must think like a fish.”
If you’re looking for a job, you should frame this quote or stick it on your computer monitor. Then, before you take any action in your search, ask yourself whether you’re thinking like the person who makes the hiring decisions.
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Cover Letter Tips #10 – The ‘Big Bang’ Theory!
by Shawn Augustson
If I failed to grab your attention with the title of this chapter you might not be reading this first sentence right now.
You can call it a ‘title’ or a ‘headline’ but the secret is to ‘pack a punch’ at the top of any written communications. Done properly, this practically forces the reader to explore a little further, to READ more of your letter, article, document, etc.
How can you use this secret with your resume cover letter?
This little-known gem works like magic and fits perfectly at the top of any job- search cover letter. With a powerful headline, you have the opportunity to grab the reader’s undivided attention. Without it you run the risk of falling victim to the dreaded, ‘scan and trash’ syndrome. -
Day 7 – From Classroom to Dream Job: 12 Days to Creating Your Future
by Shawn AugustsonThe following article takes place on DAY 7 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.
“Seven Social Networks”
The key to expanding your network and finding job leads is, of course, to add more people to your network. Fortunately, the Internet has made it easer than ever to meet more people – and you never have to leave your keyboard!
I’d like to tell you about seven of the best online networking sites. Each is based on the “six degrees of separation” principle – you’re never more than six contacts away from any person you want to meet, anywhere on earth, including Kevin Bacon.
Check out these sites if you want to “e-network” your way to a new job … -
Liberal Arts Majors – Creating a Bright Future for Yourself
by Shawn AugustsonYou’ve invested thousands of dollars for the coveted diploma and now an important question stares you in the face: Will it be worth it? Will you get a good job? And — an even bigger question — What will you DO? Many new grads feel lost when they consider the endless list of career choices and fields they could go into.
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The rise of the global knowledge worker
by Shawn AugustsonPeople are the genesis of every company’s success. That statement is truer today than ever, but what is an employee really worth? Not Compensation! But VALUE?
As an extreme example, entertainer David Bowie floated a personal bond issue a couple of years ago. He offered investors a portion of his future royalties from previously recorded material and receipts from future concerts. The “Bowie Bonds” were gone within an hour of the offer, for more than $50-million. -
When Two Week’s Notice is Not Enough
April 26, 2007 by Steven RothbergJoe Grimm, recruiting and development editor of the Detroit Free Press, recently wrote that it is never enough to give two week’s notice to an employer that you’re quitting. To be fair, Joe’s blog article made it clear that he feels that two week’s notice is standard and is a fair compromise between the needs and wants of the employer and those of the employee. But his “never enough” point is worth pondering: if it takes far longer than two weeks to find a replacement, is two week’s notice sufficient?
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Answering Interview Questions Like a STAR
by Shawn AugustsonSituation
Task
Action
Results
At your next interview consider the following:
When asked to give an example of a situation you have faced in the past you might want to consider using real life examples from your experiences. The STAR method, as described above, can be a good way to explain your experiences. -
Aligning your corporate values with your personal values
by Shawn AugustsonIn our Biz Growth Academy and Biz Growth Gym programmes one of the early stages of work that we take our clients through is defining their values.
Many organisations will define their values as a key element of their strategy and a point of differentiation when defining their corporate brand.
The objective is then defining and translating those values into action. In other words, what will your people, your clients, your business partners experience as those values are expressed? -
Your Fork is Not a Shovel: Business Etiquette and Know-How for Today’s New Professional
by Shawn AugustsonAfter attending many a business lunch, corporate event, dinner outing, and more under the guise of “work fun,” (raise your hand if you think that’s an oxymoron ) I feel compelled to write the following, rather obvious statement: Your Fork is not a Shovel. And while we’re on the subject, I might also mention that your knife is not a saw and that your napkin should not be waved around like you’re heading off to a bullfight later on today.
At the risk of sounding slightly obnoxious (won’t be the first time I’ve heard that one, anyway) and a tad Miss Manners-ish, consider the fact that I’ve spoken with lots of college and MBA students, along with many interns, international hires and new professionals who all want to know how to dine graciously and comfortably without making fools out of themselves along the way. Having learned business etiquette the hard way, (ask me about the night I spit spaghetti on my boss’ tie) I realized I had to get business etiquette right. -
The Million Dollars Rolodex…Everyone Has One
by Shawn AugustsonRight now, you have every resource you will ever need at your disposal. That’s right. Whether you’re seeking advice, venture capital, or a business lead, you have the means to get what you want. And the best part is, it’s all sitting right on your desk. How is this possible, you may ask. Through the amazing power of your rolodex! In fact, you could even say that you have a million dollars in your rolodex just waiting for you to discover it.
By working your rolodex correctly and networking effectively, you can essentially get anything you want or need. Unfortunately, many people are shy when it comes to networking for what they want. Sometimes they’re embarrassed of their “lofty” goals; other times they mistakenly believe that no one would bother to truly help.
