Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Communications skills lesson

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Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 10.24.40 PMAs a career and business consultant and coach, I focus a lot on teaching clients how to identify and market their key skills and accomplishments. Usually, we think first about the “hard skills” — the skills that have a tangible result at work. For example, the things they probably learned how to do in a class or someone taught them in a previous job. It’s important to focus on those abilities when job hunting, as employers need to know that you are capable of getting the work on their (likely long) list of “must haves” documented on job descriptions.

More and more, however, employers are including “soft skills,” also known as “emotional intelligence” in their requirements. Soft skills include: leadership, written and verbal communication, problem solving, motivation, interpersonal skills and creativity.

It’s not surprising that soft skills continue to play a big role in hiring decisions. Employers realize that they can teach hard skills, such as how to use a software program, but it’s virtually impossible to retrofit employees with soft skills. A study from Millennial Branding showed soft skills topped the list of “must have” skills that employers want, with 98 percent of employers saying communication skills are essential.

Early in my career, I learned a lot about the value of written communication as an editor for publications at a Wall Street firm. A new college graduate, I worked with many brilliant financial minds to help them explain the markets to their clients. Just one word out of place could give someone the wrong impression. I saw how difficult it could be for people who could explain a strategy to a client in person to put those same concepts together in writing.

Making sense
Our department’s job was to take their words and ensure they made sense when read. Over and over again, I noticed how adding (or subtracting) a comma or changing a phrase could alter the entire document. (For better or for worse!) Careful reading is so important to success in written communication.

In my second career as a career advisor in a university setting, I learned a lot of lessons about communicating well face-to-face. I remember the very first student I met for a resume review. I pointed out a few things she had included on her resume and asked her, “So what?,” intending to help her focus and clarify her accomplishments. Having come from Wall Street, where verbal communication tends to be very direct, it didn’t occur to me that she’d react poorly to the inquiry and think she needed to rewrite her entire resume!

It was a great reminder for me to always think about the person who needed my help and adjust my communication accordingly. I certainly didn’t want to offend students via blunt questions about their marketing materials. I find today, working with more business owners and experienced professionals, I do sometimes communicate bluntly to make a point.

The lesson is that communication is a two-way street. It doesn’t really matter what you intend to say, or the takeaway you expect. What matters most is how the person or group will receive your communication. Like marketing; it’s important to think first of your target audience when you put your thoughts together to share with someone else.

Originally published on AOLJobs.com.

The Smart New Way to Get Hired, a review

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Everyone is looking for a “new way to get hired.” There is no doubt that the old ways are of limited use. Maybe it’s possible that the “new way” is actually ages old? Using emotional intelligence to your advantage in a job search makes a lot of sense in an environment where “fit” can be even more important than actual skills.

Lisa Caldas Kappasser’s new book, The Smart New Way to Get Hired – Use Emotional Intelligence and Land the Right Job, explains how, unlike your IQ, your emotional intelligence can be improved and developed – specifically to impact a chance to get a job that is a good fit.

Importantly, Kappasser makes the point that emotional intelligence (EQ – emotional quotient) helps you “make the most of your other qualities.” Some skills (page 7):

  • Adapting to change
  • Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
  • Communicating well
  • Cooperating and collaborating with others

It is not difficult to understand how important these skills are in the workplace.

With chapters  highlighting how to apply emotional intelligence for job search, self-management, social awareness, social skills and developing emotional intelligence to achieve your career goals, Kappasser offers some practical solutions and ideas for anyone interested in improving his or her standings in the EQ realm.

Win a copy of Lisa’s book! Comment below for a chance in a random drawing!

If your job hunt is stalled, I can help! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

Job market predictions for 2010

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On Sunday, I was watching Meet the Press – as a political junkie, I like to catch it. One of the guests was Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts. David Gregory asked for predictions for 2010 regarding the job market. I loved Governor Patrick’s answer, and I think I will make it one of my mantras…

To paraphrase: Expanding cooperation and teamwork is how to compete in a global economy. (You can watch the clip HERE – scroll to the last video.)

I couldn’t have said it better myself. What are employers looking for? Someone who can come in and FIT in. Someone willing to roll up their proverbial sleeves and get the work done.

This isn’t necessarily a new thing. In fact, looking back, in two jobs that I landed, my colleagues later shared that my strong collaborative abilities (demonstrated to them via my attitude and references) were key factors in hiring me. I’ll never forget my colleague Mindy telling me that she had felt I would really pitch in and help out in different areas in the department and that was a main reason that she preferred me over the others.

I imagine the other candidates for the jobs I took were probably pretty qualified. Somehow, I was able get across something more important than basic qualifications to get the job. In a nutshell – it’s those oh-so-important “soft skills,” AKA “emotional intelligence” that will make the difference between getting the job and being capable of the job.

I have written about this before. In his book, Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi says, “…Community and alliances will rule in the twenty-first century…[success is] dependent on whom you know and how you work with them (291).” He asserts that living a truly connected life is a prerequisite to success.

Could it be that all we really need to know are the lessons we learn in the sandbox? Is the poem “All I Ever Really Need To Know, I Learned in Kindergarten” turning out to be really true? If so, how can you respond? What is the best way to stand out to compete in this “global economy” (forgive me for the cliche – I am sure this phrase is on some “I never want to hear this again” lists!)

My reply? Another old standby for me – “Show, don’t tell.” It is tough to convince someone that you are a team player unless you really are one! BE the person who is willing to go the extra mile. Maybe that means you hold the door for somebody behind you on the way to the interview. Or, that you let someone take the parking space you both were eyeing. Who knows – you might have been angling your potential new boss out of her space!

Obviously, there’s much more to this than simply being courteous, but it is a start. Look at your network. Do you have one? Are you a connector? Do you try to put people in touch with each other, just for the sake of doing it? If so, you are SHOWING that you care about people – that you are a team player.

What would your boss or colleagues say about you? Do they think only about your competence, or will they comment on your great attitude, how you lead by example and show everyone the same respect? Are you the one who pitches in and stays until the end, or are you running out to handle personal matters? Everything adds up, and how you behave will shape how people see you.

Think about it – do you have the necessary skills to fit in and get the job done? Do you agree that cooperation and teamwork are crucial for success in the next decade? Share in the comments!

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by valilouve

Humanize your pitch – use your ears!

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bigears85771531_44de825632_mThe current issue of Entrepreneur Magazine (September 2009, page 30) makes a great point about “pitching.” The piece, by Michael Port reminds us to “focus less on making your pitch and more on listening to what your customers need.” While this article is geared toward sales people and entrepreneurs, I think this message is equally important for job seekers!

Port points to Daniel Goleman’s work that indicates “your ability to sell depends, in large part, on your self-awareness and social savvy.” So, too, with job seekers. Even a degree from a prestigious university won’t matter if you don’t make a point to connect with your target audience (in this case, potential employers) on an emotional/social level.

Port’s advice? Throw out the “pitch” and focus on being a good listener. He suggests, “…study your self-presentation so you can foster credibility, trust and customer confidence.” Translate “customer confidence” to “hiring manager confidence,” and this advice is timely and crucial for job seekers.

Yes – it is a competitive market. Yesterday, I wrote about how to stand out in a sea of sameness. Today’s tip offers yet another way to stand out. Instead of focusing on YOU – what you want, what you offer – start listening. Ask questions. Be the candidate who connects on an emotional level with your audience. There’s nothing that people like better than someone who seems interested in THEM – it’s human nature. Be the one who listens first and answers based on what you learn. You may be surprised by how well this technique works!

Learn how I can help you propel your search forward.

photo by cindy47452

Senator Edward Kennedy's lesson to job seekers

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TED3858469800_a6a98ffce1_mIt is inevitable that, after the death of an influential political figure, there will be a lot of commentary and talk. TV viewers can watch hours and hours of analysis about everything from his life and work to how many family members might have been around his bedside upon his death. Even Sarah Palin came out with a friendly, sympathetic statement.

A few lessons for careerists come to mind…

Soft Skills/Emotional Intelligence

What strikes me is the emphasis on Senator Kennedy’s ability to reach across the political aisle. Several commentators indicated that they believed the debate over healthcare reform might be much different had Senator Kennedy been able to be more intimately involved.

There is no doubt that the ability to communicate with all types of people from different ideologies and beliefs is a key “soft” skill that job seekers need to consider. Work environments are about relationships as much (if not more) than they are about “getting the job done.”

Quint Careers notes that the first and most important skill employers seek is the ability to communicate well. They say, “By far, the one skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively.” No doubt, this skill helped lead to Ted Kennedy’s long career and will impact his legacy.

Whether or not you are looking for a job, think about your role in your organization. Are you the person who can bring people together? Can you interpret and communicate despite differences? These are key skills to emphasize on your resume when you do look to move on. Don’t underestimate their importance.

Overcoming Setbacks

Most students of modern American history can not help but associate Ted Kennedy’s name with the scandal of Chappaquiddick. The tragic incident in 1969 may have prevented Kennedy from being elected president, but his long career in the Senate since demonstrates that it is possible to overcome even the most horrible of circumstances. While most people will not have a scandal of these proportions nor the privilege Kennedy commanded that helped him overcome it, I think it is worth noting that even the most difficult circumstances may not necessarily fully define a career.

Some commentators mentioned that, while he was haunted by the tragedy, he re-focused his efforts on working in the Senate and determined that he would have an impact there. Some said he became one of the most influential and productive legislators of his time.

So, maybe it is a stretch to suggest that job seekers take heart that no negative circumstances need to totally define their future paths, but it is something to reflect on. What steps can you take to redefine your career road? How can you “drive your career bus” in a different direction? Where can you take control of your situation to alter where you will land? A lot is in your hands – probably more than you know.

Do you need help defining your job hunt? I can help!


photo by: huffstutterrobertl