Word On Work - WEEK 10
Quote of the Week
Communication/ Problem Solving and Decision making with DISC
- As we prepare for our work experience, we take a breath in and think about what is the best way to communicate with others in a way they will understand and get them on side. Again we turn to DISC (the tool we learnt last week) and we lead with our D.....
D = Direct behavioural style.. This style knows what they want and are clear on the vision and purpose. So that is the number 1 thing... Get clear on your vision, what you want to achieve and what your outcome is... it is by doing this that you know what to say yes and know to. The D knows there is power is choice and they open up choices.. This is the way to start any communication or start solving any issue you may have.
Then we need to draw on the I = Influencer behavioural style. This style is all about building rapport (relationships) with people. This is an important step in the world of looking for work.... you want to build your network. To build relationships you need to respect someone (and them you) like and trust and feel that you understand them (or get them) and vice versa. You must go over and above to build these relationships.
The third step is the S = Supportive behavioural style. They are loyal and good listeners. They are organised and team players and they care about others and want to make sure that everyone is looked after. This is important.
The Fourth step is the C - Concise behavioural style. They are good at getting the details accurate and looking into the finer points of things. They are great with systems and processes and research which is really important at this stage before we start the journey again.
Tick the boxes that most sound like you and then add them up. Put a Star next to the area that you got the highest score and a heart by your lowest score. If two categories got the same score, look at them again and see which one rings higher to you.
Action Taking
Networking, Networking, NetworkingNetworking is not about trying to meet as many people whom you don't know. This is almost as ineffective as applying directly to a job posting. Networking is about meeting people you do know who can both vouch for your past performance and future potential, and willingly recommend you to others. Here’s how this should be done: |
Meet 3-4 people who can vouch for your past performance and future potential. These should be your best first degree connections. You can use your teachers, case mangers, mentors or important church or social connections as your first degree connections.
During the meeting with the above mentioned people, use this opportunity to review your resume and social media profiles (make sure you include LinkedIn profile) and ask for feedback. Then ask these people if they would be comfortable recommending you to people they know who are connected to others in companies or industries of interest.
If the answer to Step 2 is no, find out why, and/or find some better connected people.
If the answer to Step 2 is yes, obtain the names of 3-4 people and their contact information. Then ask the person who is vouching for you if they would call the person on your behalf, or send an email introducing you.
Research your connection's connections and ask about specific people. In addition to asking people you know who they know, you can turn this around and ask them about specific people they’re already connected to who you'd like to meet. This is possible using LinkedIn, since you’re able to see your first degree connections' connections (at least if they haven't hidden them).
Network backwards. Start with a job of interest, and using LinkedIn, find out who you're connected to who knows someone in the company who can refer you.
Be direct and be proactive. When you meet these second degree connections be prepared to ask about specific people they know, and about specific jobs at their companies. All of this information is on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Asking to be referred to a specific person or a specific job will result in more connections and more interviews.
Don’t be a pest, but keep your network warm by maintaining an active PR campaign. Spend a few hours each week sending emails to those who have helped you in any way. Make them personal.
Establish some parameters to stay focused. Treat the job-hunting process as a job, not a hobby. As a minimum, you’ll need to track meetings per week and the number of recommendations per meeting. The overriding goal should by 50-60 people in your job-hunting network within 2-3 weeks.
Networking is how you turn 4-5 great contacts into 50-60 connections in 2-3 weeks. As described above, networking should represent 60% of your job-hunting efforts. It will take about 20-30 hours per week. This is roughly 10-15 new contacts per week via the phone, which should convert into 5-6 one-on-one meetings every week. The rest of the time should be on LinkedIn researching their connections and finding open jobs in their companies. Within 2-3 weeks you’ll start hearing about some real jobs of interest. The person doing the recommending will think it’s a coincidence, but you’ll know it’s a result of your hard work.
Getting referred increases your chances of being interviewed and getting a better job by 5-10 times over applying directly. This is a pretty good trade-off since it only takes three times the effort. Even better, some of the connections you make along the way will surprise you, and put you on a path you never even considered.
Bringing the 'Conversation'
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Interview Tip Sheet
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Have a look over this tip sheet and see what you can be doing to prepare for your next interview.
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Interview Preparation Cheat Sheet
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Having a sheet with prepared thoughts on it with you in your interview can be very useful. Sometimes when put on the spot we can't think of the best way to respond to questions. Spending time to prepare by completing your 'cheat sheet' will be time well spent.
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Interview Tips for Your Behavioural Type
Remember the career match activity you did earlier? Well below are tip sheets for your specific behavioural style. So look up your style and write down some tips to start putting in to practise.
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Interview Feedback Form
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One of the things that can really help you to prepare for an interview is practice. Get a friend or family member or fellow student to interview you. Here is a form they can fill in to give you some feedback.
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Work ExperienceWhy do work experience?
Work experience has many benefits. It can give you:
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The Low Down On Work Experience:Scripts To Use When Emailing or Phoning a Possible Work Experience Organisation |
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Warm Canvassing Tip Sheet |
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TO THINK ABOUT (AND FOCUS ON) THIS WEEK
Remember: "The More Reflective We Are, The More Effective We Are!"
How ready are you for your work experience?