Have you ever left an interview thinking that you got the job, only later to discover that they chose another candidate? Why do some people do well in interviews, while others who are equally or more qualified don’t get the job? I would like to suggest that the person who got the position might have had the benefit of interview coaching.

This week’s podcast is with Frances Cole Jones, a leading media training consultant, and best selling author of “How to Wow – Proven Strategies for Selling Your [Brilliant] Self in Any Situation”. Frances works with numerous executives and experts, helping them to communicate more effectively in crisis situations. He has been featured on shows such as Oprah.

Frances shared, “The most important word in the interview is ‘you’”. The person interviewing is thinking primarily of themselves. Referring to them by first name, or bringing the conversation back to them, are key strategies in creating a positive impression of yourself. The paradox of the job interview is that it isn’t about you, it is about the managers’ career and the company’s needs. We live in the world of twitter, facebook and Youtube. Those who. know their stuff AND, know to communicate are the ones standing out from the crowd and getting the opportunities.

This week, check out our interview coaching video on YouTube:

One of the key questions that I hear today is “where are the new opportunities?” With the amount of negative news it would seem like there are very few areas with needs. Ironically, there has never been more needs. In the world around you, professionals and organizations are always looking for the next iPod, Google, medical miracle or oil project. This week’s podcast is with Gad Shaanan. He is one of Canada’s most successful industrial designers. His firm recently won the equivalent of an Oscar within his field – a best of 2007 I.D. award for packaging with his work on the new WD-40 can. The big questions we all have are “how do we identify our next opportunity?” and “how to do this before everyone else is on the bandwagon?”

Often, the biggest opportunities for your next gig or big idea may be found in your garage. Gad’s story itself is quite interesting. He grew up traveling all over the world as the son of a diplomat. One of the things that he started doing quite young was taking things apart to see how they work. This curiosity and talent led him clearly on the path towards Industrial design. His one-bedroom apartment became part model room and world headquarters for his new firm. He now has offices in Montreal and San Diego and a team of 30. As Gad says, “I love the energy and cosmopolitan feel of Montreal and I get my inspiration from the ocean.” He is no fool – July in Montreal and February in San Diego – where do I sign up?

Running an Industrial Design firm, Gad has no guaranteed pay-cheque. Every year he needs to be paying attention to where there are new opportunities and problems to solve. Often, the biggest opportunities for your next gig or big idea may be found in your garage. Gad’s firm was brought in by the WD-40 Corporation to re-evaluate their core product. WD-40 was created in 1953 by high school graduate, Norman Larson. He was an inventor at heart, and was looking for a product that would displace water and prevent corrosion on rockets. The WD stands for water displacement, the 40 stands for the fact it took him 40 different tries to get it right. Fast forward to today. It is sold in 163 countries, has 94 per cent market recognition and the average house has 3-4 cans. Unfortunately for Norman, he sold the rights to the product for $10,000 a few years after designing the product. It is a great product and I personally have used it for a number of different needs in my life. However, it had a fundamental problem. Eighty per cent of users end up losing the red straw that you use to get a fine spray from. WD- 40 itself had a “squeaky wheel” that needed fixing. This is where Gad’s company came in – a small problem and great opportunity for Gad and his team to make a difference.

5 ways to find new opportunities in a tough economy
1: There is always opportunity to make anything, and I do mean anything better. “I love reinventing old products,” Gad said. ”Every single day, thousands of new products and companies are created in the world by professionals who are not waiting for permission from the market.” From reinventing what we have, to coming up with a brand widget, the world is not a static place, which is what makes this time in our career so exciting. What are you waiting for?

2: You need to keep your eyes and your ears open. How many of you have been frustrated with not being able to find that straw? Did you see the big opportunity in the tiny red straw? Some people see and listen, others don’t. You choose.

3: Most companies don’t see themselves or their products clearly. Gad was able to bring in a fresh perspective from the outside. He had no bias, but was able to offer the tools and expertise to help the WD-40 can be a much better product. What can you bring to a new employer or product that they don’t “see”?

4: Let the rubber meet the road. With Gad’s design, WD-40 had to decide if it was prepared to implement the idea. There was risk involved, but ultimately they pulled the trigger and implemented his ideas into the product. Are you prepared to take courageous action with your ideas?

5: Show me the money. Remember, at the end of the day the questions all organizations are asking are: How does this help us make money? How does this save money? In WD-40 with the new design, they sold 4 million (yes million) cans in Russia in a very short order. Where can you help your company save or make money?

Here’s the thing. There is lots of opportunity left in all businesses. If you bring your passion and talent to the needs in the market, magical things can happen. Gad has done this consistently, has ultimate job security and he does great work for this clients. And yes, you might just help millions of people have a better life

Struggling with finding your next opportunity? Ironically, as I talked with Gad, I realized we both are in the business of helping our clients design a better future. Are you struggling in your job search? Join the FREE TeleWORKshop – Looking for other ideas for what you might do next with your talents and passions? Do you need some practical help with your job search? Do you know if you are in the right career? This complimentary, 1-hour workshop is based on my book, Get the Right Job Right Now! It’s easy to learn simple ways to take control of your career, all from the comfort and convenience of your own desk. Limited to 20 participants. Click to register.

Innovating, along the road with you!

Alan

www.careerjoy.com

Who do you turn to when looking for career advice? Do you rely on books, friends or the internet? All of those are good places, however the best advice comes directly from our mentors. This week’s podcast is with Debi Rosati C.A. ICD.D. who is a Corporate Director on a number of boards including, Sears Canada and The Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation. A former Venture Capitalist and CFO, she shares the benefit of getting an external, objective and professional mentoring when it comes to managing a company. I love the saying “don’t believe everything you think” We are too close to many of the big decisions to see them objectively, that is why most companies have people like Debi on their board.

When it comes to managing your career, who’s on your personal Board of Directors? I have heard from many professionals who made poor decisions with no imput, or have gotten advice from those whom were biased nor qualified to help. According to a recent study conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, a full 96 per cent of HR professionals agree that hiring a career coach delivers tangible benefits to individuals and organizations alike. So whether you need help drafting a professional resume, securing a promotion, switching jobs, or any other career-related move, I am here to help.

This week, reach outside your circle to ask the right questions to the right people.

Designing, along the road with you!

Alan

P.S. Looking to redesign your job search? We can help you with The 90 Day Job Search Program.

www.careerjoy.com

Feeling stuck in your job search? Wondering if you are in the right career? Struggling with aligning your career with who you really are? Join my FREE TeleWORKshop – “Get the Right Career Right Now”

P.S. Looking to redesign your job search? We can help you with The 90 Day Job Search Program.

www.careerjoy.com 

Do you feel like you don’t belong in your work situation? Do you struggle with identifying your strengths? Does your job title define your? How’s that for some light questions with your Monday morning coffee? This week’s podcast is with Steve Maich and Lianne George, authors of The Ego Boom – Why the world really does revolve around you. I found their book provided interesting research and insight about why we struggle with finding the right fit in our personal and professional lives. The paradox is the world has never seemed more about us, yet many are lonely, unsatisfied, and not sure of their identity and place in this world. There are all kind companies providing products and services that are addressing the issue of identity.

(Face)book
(You)Tube
Oprah
America’s Got Talent
Starbucks
Amazon
Personal Blogs
and the newest kid on the block Twitter.

The answer lies with knowing, accepting and being true to our own identity. Not allowing a brand, company, or even job titles to define.

You.

The benefit.

Authenticity.

Take that Mastercard!

Feeling stuck in your job search? Wondering if you are in the right career? Struggling with aligning your career with who you really are? Join my FREE TeleWORKshop – “Get the Right Career Right Now”

Learn what Tim Horton’s can teach you about marketing yourself.
Understand the New Digital Job Search skills.
Discover if you’re in the right career?
Join me for a complimentary 1 hour workshop where you’ll connect with some new people and and get a fresh perspective on your career.
Our next teleconference is on Friday April 24th, 12-1 PM ET.

This workshop is based on my book, Get the Right Job Right Now!. Join myself, you will find that it’s easy to learn simple ways to take control of your career, all from the comfort & convenience of your own desk. Limited to 20 participants.
Click to register.

AlanP.S. Are you struggling with putting the you, in your career? Discover the right fit with The Career Identity Program.

The Monday Morning Motivator

What if you wake up one morning without a job, where would you find your next role? This week’s podcast is with Michael Gill, New York Times best selling author of “How Starbucks Saved My Life”. At age 53 he was taken out for breakfast, or what he would call his Last supper, and was let go from his position. Michael’s identity and purpose came very much from his work. It gave him a place, title, income and status. As with others who are defined by what they do and are fired, there was an extreme loss of identity. He spent the next 7 years in a consulting trying to find a work role and organization, that aligned with his professional and personal identity and which rewarded him in the way that he was accustomed. Then one day while standing in line at Starbucks, he was approached by a store manager and asked if he would consider applying for a job. Shortly after he joined Starbucks, finding a place that was well suited for him and giving him a whole new start in his career and life. Michael shared “Some of the best things in life happen by accident”. Finding your new role is much more likely when you are open to circumstances, opportunity and people who can help you.

Feeling stuck?

Need a professional resume?  Help with your job search?  Advice about changing careers?  Workopolis career expert & author of Get the Right Job Right Now!  will help you to take control of your career in this highly competitive job market.  With the support of our trained team, unique tools and proven process you can take control over your career and your life!

Your career is the greatest investment you can make in yourself.  Enjoying the work you do brings wealth to all areas of life – financial, health, relationships, you name it.  And yet, amazingly, research from Harvard Business School shows that a full 58 per cent of people are unhappy in their jobs.

Why stay stuck in a career that doesn’t excite you?  There are many reasons.  While some people feel selfish for wanting more, others fear the uncertainty of change.  Still others are just plain confused about why they feel unfulfilled.

The fact is, every one of us is faced with important career decisions we must make to get ahead in this highly competitive job market.

To get help to achieve your career dreams go check out Alan Kearns site careerjoy.com

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