Why You Didnt Get the Job Offer 5 Mistakes, 5 Solutions -

Why You Didnt Get the Job Offer 5 Mistakes, 5 Solutions -Why didnt I get the job offer?You interviewed, you thought you did well, and then no offer. The cycle repeats a promising interview and then no offer. Whats going wrong?Sometimes another candidate is simply more qualified or a better fit with the companys team. Other times, however, it comes down to this simple truth you failed to articulate yur value beyond your fixed cost (salary and bonus).Im in my fourteenth year recruiting and Ive placed over 150 investment professionals, CFOs and CEOs at private equity companies, private debt companies and investment banks. The candidates who get the offer are the ones who sell their prospective employer on their value. unterstellung are the candidates who have concrete examples of how theyve made money, saved money, or improved a process proving their value.These are five common mistakes that can derail an interview and five easy solutions to get back on track, sell your value and land the offer.Mistake 1 Failing to organize your answers in advance.Solution Use the SAR method Situation, Action and Revenue.Dont let a case of the nerves derail your answer. SAR is a classic interview answer technique, adapted for investment professionals. Describe the situation, the action you took, and how that action made money, saved money or improved a process. When prepping for interview questions, use this technique to organize and outline your answers.For example, lets say you worked for a company losing $15mm a year due to poor supply chain and high debt service, and the CFO was doing a poor job negotiating the debt facility.You might answer, We were losing $15mm a year. I brought in a head of supply chain to fix our product delivery problems to our vendors while finding a new lender that gave us cheap debt at L+200. This resulted in a $16.5mm gain per year and helped us deliver on our promises to our vendors with significant supply chain improvements.Youve just delivered a w ell-organized answer proving your value.Mistake 2 Failing to defend your views behind the valuation.Solution Go beyond numbers be a compelling storyteller.Im sure many of you are analytically gifted and numbers come easy to you. But are you prepared to explain your reasoning to the HR leader, operations leader or CEO who is not a numbers person? For middle-market private equity and debt companies, there is no linear answer to a valuation. Go beyond the numbers by using storytelling to defend your views behind the valuation.Mistake 3 Failing to prove you are trustworthy.Solution Provide concrete examples of the firefights or internal battles that you overcame.Why should your Managing Director or Partner trust you? Interviewers are judging you on your ability to deal with adversity. They want to know you can be a firefighter when needed and can turn a negative situation into a positive one. Give them every reason to be confident in your skills.Mistake 4 bedrngnis inspecting what you e xpect.Solution Dont just list achievements explain the goal audit process.Its easy to talk about how you meet or exceed expectations, but what does that look like? How does the interviewer know you can replicate that success at their company? Share your goal audit process how you set expectations, measure performance, assess success and take steps to improve.Mistake 5 Failing to demonstrate culture fit.Solution Let your personality shine through (within reason).Sure, youre technically qualified for the job, but are you also likable? Hiring managers want to build teams of people who mesh well together people who are positive, outgoing and have a good sense of humor. You dont have to be the most popular person during an interview, but you should share bits of your personality and interests. Passionate about CrossFit? Training for a marathon? Just got back from two weeks in South America? Mention these details, as appropriate, once they hear your SAR talents.Finally, dont forget to st ate to the hiring manager why you want this job. Make this positive and forward-looking how are you going to drive success for their company and you? Nail this question and youre well on your way to getting an offer.

Fairygodboss Of The Week Joeli Brearley

Fairygodboss Of The Week Joeli Brearley Two days after Joeli Brearley revealed to zu sich former employer that she welches pregnant, she got fired. Ratherbei than let this destroy her career, Joeli channeled her energy into helping women who find themselves in similar situations. On International Womens Day in 2016, she launched Pregnant Then Screwed -- a website that seeks to eliminate pregnancydiscrimination. Her career advice? Remember you are valuable and brilliant.Fairygodboss of the Week Joeli BrearleyFounder, Pregnant Then ScrewedManchester, United KingdomFGB Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?JB I have spent most of my career working in the arts in various roles. In addition to the work I do at Pregnant Then Screwed, I am currently a project manager at FutureEverything, a digital culture lab based in Manchester, UK. I am leading on a talent development programme for 7 incredible digital artists.Working in the arts has taught me to think creatively and question the status quo. As a project manager Ive had to work quickly and be adept at communicating with many different types of people. Ultimately it is those skills that have kept Pregnant Then Screwed going for the last 2 years. FGB What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?JB I am most proud of Pregnant Then Screwed. I launched the project on International Womens Day in 2016. I built a basic website and started hustling people to add their stories and help me promote it. With no money, a job and two very young children, I have created a project and campaign that has supported over 1,000 victims of discrimination, has over 500 stories, exists in the UK, the US and Spain, and advises Members of Parliament. FGB What is a challenge that youve faced and overcome?JB When I was 4 months pregnant with my first child, I was fired by my employer. I informed them I was pregnant and 2 days later they left a voicemail to tell me my contract had been rescinded and I needed to hand everything over immediately. I found myself 4 months pregnant and unemployed with bills to pay.I was then told I was having a high risk pregnancy and there was a chance I could go into labour prematurely at 21 weeks pregnant, my baby would have died or been born with mental and physical disabilities. It was a terrifying, agonising time. My career and my confidence were on the floor and the health of my baby was in jeopardy. I managed to pull myself together and secured a part-time position with FutureEverything which helped me get my confidence back on track. Through sheer determination, I also secured various freelance projects until eventually I had mora work than I could cope with and I had to hire someone to help me. The world was a very different place after this experience structural inequality was suddenly so obvious. In many ways, losing my job whilst pregnant made me who I am today. FGB Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? and Why?JB The MP Angela Raynor. She has been a big supporter of Pregnant Then Screwed since its inception. Her own story is incredible, she was born on a council estate, raised by a mother who could not read or write, she left school at 16 with no qualifications and while pregnant with her first child. She is now the Shadow secretary for Education and the most brilliant and genuine politician in British politics. Lightning RoundFGB What do you do when youre not working?JB I spend every spare second of my time with my two children - Theodore, who is 3, and Jack, who is 11 months. I asked Theodore what mummy does when she isnt at work and he said, you eat lots of chocolate. Thanks, Theodore. FGB If you could have dinner with one famous person - dead or alive - who would it be?JB Mary Wallstonecraft - an English Philosopher, writer and advocate of womens rights. She was the first woman to talk publicly about structural inequality in her book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). I also admire the incredible travelling she did with her 10- month-old daughter in tow. FGB What is your karaoke popsong?JB No Limits by 2unlimited.FGB What is your favorite movie?JB I would have to say Erin Brockovich. A single mum and paralegal that ends up single-handedly taking down a powerful corporation -- whats not to love? FGB What book would you bring with you on a desert island?JB I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. FGB What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?JB Tough question. I genuinely spend all my spare cash on the children. I have an addiction to buying them tank tops FGB What is the 1 career tip youd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you? JB Remember you are valuable and brilliant. Our current labour market infrastructure does not work for women -- it is outdated and is dominated by patriarchal values. But without women, companies would simply fall apart. Companies who look after their female workforce see their productivity, creativity and moral e increase. If they dont look after you, then they arent worth your time.Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women. So each week, we celebrate a woman who makes a difference in other womens careers. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? Celebrate and thank her by nominating her here.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly How Does Your Company Culture Stack Up - Spark Hire

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly How Does Your Company Culture Stack Up - Spark HireSuccessful companies know that theres more to the office than just the bottom line. While profit and strong client relationships matter (a lot), a brand that wants to stick around for the long-term should also focus on company culture. Whether its providing a space for naps or incorporating a flexible work from home policy, these benefits up a companys level of appeal for current and profil employees. For entrepreneurs and management personnel who are focused on ROI, it may be hard to see the value in committing time and energy to worrying about company culture. But having an environment where everyone knows the goals of that organization and feels appreciated helps to attract more desirable candidates, and can often encourage these people to stay for the long haul.So what exactly is company culture?I know, it sounds like one of those touchy feely concepts that doesnt work in a real life setting. Actua lly, company culture is a major point of focus for a number of successful organizations. Take Zappos for example. Platforms are constantly writing about the brands positive work environment, which is a major point of focus for the brand. In fact, the company takes its culture so seriously that CEO Tony Hsieh wrote an entire post dedicated to the concept on the company blog. In addition to Zappos, Forbes has also created a post that focuses on other companies that are known for providing a good work-life balance. Brands that topped the list include Colgate-Palmolive, Wegmans, and Coldwell Banker.How to go about creating your own positive company cultureSo you want to make koranvers that your geschftlicher umgang is a good place to work. Smart move. Here are some things you can focus onDocument your values Particularly for larger companies, its important that employees on all levels know exactly what their short and long-term goals are. When all employees are on the same page, it make s it much easier to carry out the companys mission properly. Employees should also know how to deal with clients, the media, and other groups, as each person in that group ultimately represents the company as a whole.Hire well Ultimately, your employees can make or break your company. Pick people who are well educated and enthusiastic and youre likely to thrive, whereas those who are uninspired and unfocused can cause a serious issue for the organization. Stella Dot have instituted 10 hiring filters for each new employee, including sense of urgency, curiosity, and willingness to fail. This ensures that any new hires blend in well with the rest of the organization.Change as you grow Just like business practices, company culture may need to evolve as the organization grows. Strategies that worked when the business had three employees will be far different from what is required when there are 100 members on the team.Be transparent Regardless of their position within the company, emplo yees want to know where the business is headed and how they fit into that future. While upper management doesnt need to go over every detail about company financials, its important that all employees are made aware of long-term goals and upcoming plans. This builds trust and helps to keep employees invested in the business. Treating everyone with respect and valuing the opinions of all staff members makes for a peaceful, productive place.Encourage employees ideas The idea that only one person can come up with ideas for that company is a dated one, and it does the business a disservice. Companies should thrive on collaboration, and should encourage staff members to take an active role in the businesss products and services. Employees should feel free to express their ideas and suggestions, and should have a forum for doing so.While company culture varies from place to place and between industries, ultimately a number of the elements of positive company culture are universal. This inc ludes being transparent and open with employees, adapting as the business grows, and allowing employees to use their ideas to make a difference at work.Do you work in a place with a great company culture? What makes it so appealing? Let us know in the commentsIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr byabbybatchelder

Interesting people 7 things they all have in common

Interesting people 7 things they all have in commonInteresting people 7 things they all have in commonIve written about a lot of research from experts ongetting people to like you, beinginfluential andhaving great conversations.Whats the best way to use all this information to be more interesting?1) Dont be boringSometimes the best offense is a good defense. Look at it like the Hippocratic Oath of conversationsDo no harm.Were all terrible at realizing when we bore others because, well, we all think were just fascinating.The 1 tip for never boring anyone comes fromScott AdamsBe brief, be positive.If youre always to the point and stay upbeat, its extremely hard for anyone to accuse you of being poor company.But sometimes you do need to speak a little longer to make sure things dont get stilted.The species of Civilized Conversationoffers another good tipIs anyone asking you questions about what youre saying?If not, maybe its time to end the story or ask the other person a question.(More rapport building techniques arehere.)2) The most captivating people are often good listenersImpressing people can be great but it can also devolve into status jockeying, one-upmanship and envy.People love to talk about themselves and there are a dearth of good listeners.Let the other person talk.Itgives their brain as much pleasure as food or moneyTalking about ourselves- whether in a personal conversation or through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter- triggers the same sensation of pleasure in the brain as food or moneyYou can make an excellent impression by saying amazingly little.Ironically, the people we like the most often say the least.(Learn how to listen like a hostage negotiatorhere.)3) Talk about the other persons interestsThis is straight fromDale Carnegieand if youre not that socially adept, this is as straightforward as it gets.Why struggle to guess what most peoplemightfind generically interesting?Ask people what theyve been up to or what their hobbies are. Then talk about that.Youre now 80% of the way there.If you know about the subjectthe similarity will anleihe you.If you dont, ask them to explain and bea great listeneras they talk about something they love.(More on the science behind Dale Carnegies classichere.)4) Have three good storiesComedians dont just talk aboutanything when theyre onstage. They have their act rehearsed.You dont just trot intoa job interviewand say whatevers on your mind.Always have three good stories on hand that reliably entertain, inform or engage.Another tip fromScott AdamsPeople are generally more interested in stories about people rather than things.Drama, gossip and reality TV are successful for a reason. We all find human behavior fascinating.On the other hand, most people dont want to hear about the features on your new iPhone.(More on how to tell good storieshere.)5) Dont forget charismaIts not all about the words. Some people are engaging but if what they said was transcribed, it would be unimpressi ve.When youre speaking emotionally, the words only account for 7% of what get conveyed. Seven percent.Voice tone and body language are far more important.ViaThe Heart of Social Psychology A Backstage View of a Passionate ScienceOne often quoted study (Mehrabian Ferris, 1967) found thatof all the information conveyed to another person when we say something that is emotional (not informational), only 7 percent is contained in the actual meaning of the words we use.Laugh. Smile.Be passionate. Gesture. Modulate your voice. Dont just sweat the words.(Heres how to becharismatic.)6) Be somewhere interestingGot a say in where youll be at, as with a date or meeting?Pick someplace stimulating.Context matters.In general,were lousy about realizing where our feelings are coming from.Research showsexcitement from any source is often associated with the person youre with - even if theyre not the cause of it.Why do people find musicians so captivating? The music and the crowd stimulates emotions - and we viscerally associate those with the band.MIT Behavioral EconomistDan Arielyrecountsa relevant study he didWhy does this happen? Ariely thinks it might have something to do with misattribution of emotions Sometimes we have an emotion and we dont know where its coming from, so we kind of stick it on something that seems sensible. In other words, your strong feelings about the music might make you think youre having strong feelings about the lead singer.(More on the power of contexthere.)7) Live an interesting lifeRemember the theme ofDon QuixoteIf you want to be a knight, act like a knight.If you dont read, watch and think about generic things, generic things are less likely to come out of your mouth.This doesnt need to be expensive or difficult.Hang out more often with the most interesting people you know.The friends you spend time withdramatically affect your behavior- whether you like it or not.The Longevity Project, which studied over 1000 people from youth to death had this to sayThe groups you associate with often determine the type of person you become.InThe junges unternehmen of You, Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha talk abouthow the best way to improve particular qualities in yourself is to spend time with people who are already like that.The best and most reliable way to appear interesting is to live an interesting life.And to pursue that ends up being far more rewarding than merely making a good impression on others.Join 315,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related posts8 Things The Worlds Most Successful People All Have In CommonWhat 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?How To Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple EmailsThis column first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

Enlarging Text on Websites That Use Small Text

Enlarging Text on Websites That Use Small TextEnlarging Text on Websites That Use Small TextDespite the advances in modern computer technology, there is a common complaint among young and old alike, and that is the dreaded website with text that too small to comfortably read or, worse yet, impossible to read. Especially for the sight impaired it is quite disturbing to see an alarming trend in the number of website pages that open and display text that is too small for the human eye to read, even with the aid of glasses. And this doesnt apply to that age-old dreaded fine print you see in disclaimers, terms, and privacy policies. You have come to expect that, especially from businesses that dont want you to know that theres a 20% re-stocking fee should you decide to return those shoes that looked better online. The bigger problem is the actual content, and even sidebar links displayed on websites that you either want to read or need to read. You Cant Fight City Hall Even some gove rnment agencies (including the IRS) have begun to incorporate tiny, unreadable text into their websites. You may find this particularly curious because it is these very federal and state governments that regulate and enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act and advocate for accessibility. But, as the saying goes You cant fight City Hall. Instead of fighting City Hall its best to take matters into your own hands. Unless you are severely vision impaired it is quite easy to enlarge (or reduce) text to make it mora readable on your computer screen. The best part is you dont have to spend the time or money to purchase or download special software. Microsoft Internet Explorer (All Versions) If you encounter a website with small text using Internet Explorer use the drop-down menu in your taskbar to select the following options to increase or decrease the fonts appearance View Text Size Largest, Larger, Medium, Smaller, Smallest Mozilla Firefox and Netscape 6.2, 7.0 and 8.1 The following steps will help you enlarge or reduce the appearance of text on a web page viewed in Firefox or Netscape. Begin by opening the browser window to the page you want to either view in larger textor make the text smaller. To Enlarge Text Press and hold down the control (Ctrl) key on your keyboard and then press the plus () key. Repeat Ctrl untilthe text reaches the most comfortable size for you.To Reduce Text Size Press and hold down the control (Ctrl) key on your keyboard and then press the minus (-) key. Repeat Ctrl - until the text is the desired size tofit yourviewing screen. Apple Safari (All Versions) Use the following steps to enlarge or reduce the appearance of text on a web page in Apple Safari. Begin by opening the browser window to the page you want to either view in larger text or make the text smaller. To Enlarge Text Press and hold down the Apple key on your keyboard and then press the plus () key. Keep repeating this process until you can easily and comfor tably read all of the text.To Reduce Text Size Press and hold down the Apple key on your keyboard and then press the minus (-) key. Keep repeating this process until the text is the most viewing size for you and fits within your monitor screen. There is only caveat to fixing this annoying and often troublesome computer situation. You will not be able to do these steps on a mobile device because of the lack of the control tab. However, given the speed at which technology is advancing, it wont be long before this IT issue is resolved.

The one thing you didnt know about your to-do list

The one thing you didnt know about your to-do listThe one thing you didnt know about your to-do listHave you ever noticed that some tasks on your to-do list get crossed off right away, making you feel like a productivity superstar? And other tasks well, they tend to stay on the list and no matter how hard you try, you cant get them to budge becauseTheyre overwhelmingYoure not sure where to startYouve got to rely on other people to do parts of itAnd so they stubbornly stay put on your to-do list, mocking you, shaking your confidence as someone who gets stuff done.Heres the problem.What youre thinking is a task is really a project in disguise. People who are able to move mountains fast know the difference.Lets take a look at the twoYou see, a task is something that will take one or two steps to complete. You schedule a time to do it, you take action, and finito its complete.On the other hand, a project is something thats much more complex. It may includeSeveral tasks or stepsStakehold ers or people that are invested in the outcomeThe need for several meetingsOther people or departments to get parts of it completedOutsourcing pieces of itA budgetNo wonder it wont budge.So lets take a different approach. First, confirm this is a project and not a task. Ask yourself if any of these applyMany tasks or stepsRequiring input or approval from someone elseThe need to outsource part of it to someone else to completeA big deadlineMany meetings to discuss issuesProgress reports to managementA monetary budgetThe impulse to curl up in a ball every time you think about it (just kidding no, not really)Now that its clear youre dealing with a project, you need to start thinking like a project manager.Step 1 Take it off your to-do listProjects are special, they get a time and action plan. This can be as simple as using a spreadsheet or a more sophisticated project-management app like Asana.Step 2 Get clear on the objective of the projectWhat is the intended outcome? Why? Who is re questing this project? What will make it a success? How will you measure success?Step 3 Agree on a deadlineWhen does this project need to be completed? Is there any flexibility with that date? What are the consequences of not meeting that date?Step 4 Discuss the budgetHow much will this cost? What happens if you go over budget? Who needs to approve the budget?Step 5 Create your plan of actionThis is where the party startsFirst, visualize the completed project.Then make a list of every single task (yup were back at tasks) that the project will require.Next, assign a due date for every task, and note if someone other than you will handle that task.Projects tend to be high-maintenance. They can be demanding, unrealistic and have a mind of their own. So a few things to keep in mindPay attention to the details. For example, if one part of the project changes, what else or who else is affected? Be open to making regular adjustments to your plan of action.Remain flexible and creative. How can you save time or money? Is there something you can do now while waiting on someone else?Be considerate. How will your deadlines impact someone else? Your priority may not be someone elses priority. Will your co-workers or counterparts have enough time to complete their part?Communicate. Let others involved know whats going on. If something is off track let people know sooner versus later.Completing your project should give you a reason to celebrate (or take a long nap). Id celebrate and take a nap Then look for the next project that may be hiding on your to-do list as a task. It will never trick you again.Mimi Bishop is a productivity + time management expert and a certified life coach. To survive the days youre just way too busy download 10 Ways to Take Back Your Time at www.mimibishop.com.

4 wardrobe essentials for nailing that interview outfit

4 wardrobe essentials for nailing that interview outfit4 wardrobe essentials for nailing that interview outfitPreparing for an interview can cause a lot of unwanted stress and anxiety. But the more you prepare for an interview, the better off you are - and that includes what you plan to wear to it Whether the interview is for a professional position or for a creative one, the way you look has an instant impact on those who you meet.Its not always fair, but it is true, which is why its so important to wear an outfit that exudes confidence, poise, and respect.Below are four pieces of clothing that will help give you the confidence you need to crush the interview, including styling tips and tricks to present yourself at your very best.Power SuitA power suit says so much without saying anything at all. Walking into an interview wearing a perfectly fitting suit screams I want this job. A business suit is a timeless interview outfit, but the power suit is a trendy and chic version of it. Take your basic black pantsuit and think of a fashion-forward rendition of it.Whether its a tapered leg, a boyfriend fit, a windowpane print, or a bright, bold hue, you can now find a suit that matches both your personality and your attitude. Pair it with a classic white button-down and a walkable pair of heels to let your power suit do all the talking.Shift DressEvery girl should have at least one shift dress in their closet. Theyre comfortable and versatile, making them easy to wear over and over again. Invest in a shift dress with a sleek silhouette that flatters your shape without being too tight. You might even consider sizing up or a choosing material with a bit of stretch, as you want to be able to sit, stand and engage comfortably.Showing too much skin isnt the best first impression for an interview, so opt for a sophisticated neckline, cap sleeves (or longer), and a respectful length. For some more coverage, layer it with a cardigan or a pair of tights. A pretty ansicht nec klace or a pair of drop earrings are a great way to add more color and dimension to a shift dress.White BlouseThe idea of wearing a white blouse sounds so boring, but it doesnt have to be. A white top serves as a blank canvas, allowing you to showcase your personality through other aspects of the outfit. If the interview is in a business setting, pair it with a printed midi skirt or a classic pencil skirt.For a more creative role, try wearing it with a pair of wide-leg trousers in a bright hue or even a tulle maxi skirt. Whether you prefer a classic oxford style or a silk blouse with billowy sleeves, there are so many renditions of white blouses on the market that you are bound to find one you can wear again and again.Make sure the blouse isnt see through and if you are not sure, wear an extra layer underneath.Fitted BlazerThe great thing about a fitted blazer is that it can be used as a layer over just about anything that you wear - including a mini dress when the weekend rolls ar ound A fitted blazer gives off a professional vibe and elevates your outfit, no matter what is underneath it.You can never go wrong with a simple black blazer, as you can easily pair it with black pants one day to create a makeshift business suit or wear it with a pair of dark denim and a silk blouse the next. If you decide to go the oversized route, boyfriend blazers look just as cute. To avoid drowning in the excess material, make sure the blazer fits throughout the shoulders.Always dress with confidence in mindWhat you wear will not make or break your interview, but it is comforting knowing that you have several interview savvy pieces in your closet that can last throughout the course of your career. Boring business attire is a thing of the past, and we can now look forward to fashion-forward office wear.Its exciting to have the ability to express your personality and confidence through what you wear, especially to a nerve-wracking interview.They say people make a judgment within the first five minutes of meeting, and chances are that a bold, comfortable power suit will leave much more of a positive impression than an ill-fitting pencil skirt you keep tugging at. Be confident in your skill set and your outfit, and youll be bound for success.Being both a working professional and a fashion blogger, Allie Lochiatto understands the challenges of putting together the right interview outfit. Allie writes for her blog Allie Wears and for thredUP.com, an ansprechbar/offline consignment store where you can find womens work dresses and other budget-friendly work options.