Interviews
Money Talks
by admin on Oct.19, 2009, under Interviews
Lynne O\’Connor asked:
How do I handle questions on salary expectations in job search?
A small question with a big payoff that is high on the list for people in job search mode is quite simply, “How do I handle questions on my salary expectations?” The right approach can put money in your pocket. Make a mistake and it can cost you — not just a higher salary but perhaps even the job offer itself.
This is tricky territory. You want to know the employer is paying top dollar for your skills. They want the best value possible for every new hire they make. Hello, negotiation.
Most of us negotiate finances infrequently so it’s understandable that it’s unfamiliar and uncomfortable. It’s also true that a lack of confidence works against you in most endeavors and negotiating is no exception. So if you find even the thought of discussing a starting salary, raise, or bonus makes you apprehensive, consider yourself in good company. As a source of career anxiety, talking about money is near the top of the list.
It is not easy to learn how to put a price tag on yourself — and to do it with style. A good career coach can make a difference by turning salary negotiations into core skills you can count on. With help, you can learn to translate your value to meet the needs of your new employer and deliver the message with conviction. Then the issue of how much you cost can become secondary to how much you are going to deliver.
Work with a coach who has the perspective you need to get your strategy right and build what’s called your “value proposition.” Use your coach to practice challenging negotiation scenarios and review possible objections. Develop flexible, collaborative language and maintain a relaxed approach. Learn how to look for points of agreements, when to pause the conversation and when to offer alternatives.
Sometimes the salary question is asked right in the job posting – “Reply stating salary expectations.” Why do they do that? They haven’t met you yet. How can they possibly know how much you are worth? It could be the employer is marketing-testing their proposed salary range. Perhaps they want to limit interviews to a narrow band in their price range (provided they can get qualified candidates at the lower end).
As one strategy, you can choose to ignore the request and trust your qualifications will be compelling enough to generate a call. Or, you could cooperate and name a salary range that you’ve researched. Many Internet job boards have salary research information. Recruiters and placement agencies you are working with can be good sources of salary information. Your network of contacts may also offer some input on current marketplace rates. Another option is to add a statement to your cover letter indicating you will be happy to discuss salary in person once you have more information on the job responsibilities. Is there a perfect response? Not every time, but you can try a few different approaches to see what creates the best results.
Once you are in the door you’ll want to be alert on the salary question. Many job seekers inadvertently stumble when asked and offer a quick lowball number. Unfortunately, this answer may get etched in stone and make later negotiating tougher. After all, they’ve literally got your number.
The main rule of thumb – The one who goes first loses. So delay as long as possible without becoming aggravating. Defer the question politely, “Could we come back to that when I understand more about the job? Bounce it back to them “Is there a range set for this role?” Another alternative is to outline the research you’ve done on comparable salaries in the industry. Whenever you do mention a number ask for feedback on it, “Is that the range you had in mind?” If you are off the mark, be sure to mention your flexibility.
One exception to discussing salary upfront occurs when working with recruiters. Generally speaking they work on a need-to-know basis and may expect disclosure before representing you to a potential employer.
Overall, the earlier in the hiring process the salary question is asked, the more likely it’s designed to screen you out. Salary gains are made higher up in the food chain, not at the HR level. It is the boss’s boss who gets to make the exception and approve the increase, especially for someone with exceptional talent like you.
In any selection process two key factors need to line up for you to achieve your optimum negotiating position. When you have built relationships and mutual respect at higher levels in an organization and when they have decided you are the outstanding candidate for the job. Then, of course, you’ll want the offer in writing while you consider it.
Checking in with your coach once you have the offer is a smart move. Too often job seekers focus solely on the salary figure without taking into account other negotiable factors such as vacation, professional development, flex time, educational level, title and more. You can work with your coach to find the right approach and phrasing to address your key points. On the other hand, there are times where the better choice may be not to negotiate at all and accept the offer as it stands. A coach who understands your search priorities can help you discover what may be right for you.
Of course, all of this takes confidence, marketing and strategy. Your goal is to convince the interviewers in every meeting that you are an exceptional applicant. You want to be seen not as a cost, but as an investment. And the very best time to negotiate? When you have that written offer in your hand and they need you in the job tomorrow.
How do I handle questions on salary expectations in job search?
A small question with a big payoff that is high on the list for people in job search mode is quite simply, “How do I handle questions on my salary expectations?” The right approach can put money in your pocket. Make a mistake and it can cost you — not just a higher salary but perhaps even the job offer itself.
This is tricky territory. You want to know the employer is paying top dollar for your skills. They want the best value possible for every new hire they make. Hello, negotiation.
Most of us negotiate finances infrequently so it’s understandable that it’s unfamiliar and uncomfortable. It’s also true that a lack of confidence works against you in most endeavors and negotiating is no exception. So if you find even the thought of discussing a starting salary, raise, or bonus makes you apprehensive, consider yourself in good company. As a source of career anxiety, talking about money is near the top of the list.
It is not easy to learn how to put a price tag on yourself — and to do it with style. A good career coach can make a difference by turning salary negotiations into core skills you can count on. With help, you can learn to translate your value to meet the needs of your new employer and deliver the message with conviction. Then the issue of how much you cost can become secondary to how much you are going to deliver.
Work with a coach who has the perspective you need to get your strategy right and build what’s called your “value proposition.” Use your coach to practice challenging negotiation scenarios and review possible objections. Develop flexible, collaborative language and maintain a relaxed approach. Learn how to look for points of agreements, when to pause the conversation and when to offer alternatives.
Sometimes the salary question is asked right in the job posting – “Reply stating salary expectations.” Why do they do that? They haven’t met you yet. How can they possibly know how much you are worth? It could be the employer is marketing-testing their proposed salary range. Perhaps they want to limit interviews to a narrow band in their price range (provided they can get qualified candidates at the lower end).
As one strategy, you can choose to ignore the request and trust your qualifications will be compelling enough to generate a call. Or, you could cooperate and name a salary range that you’ve researched. Many Internet job boards have salary research information. Recruiters and placement agencies you are working with can be good sources of salary information. Your network of contacts may also offer some input on current marketplace rates. Another option is to add a statement to your cover letter indicating you will be happy to discuss salary in person once you have more information on the job responsibilities. Is there a perfect response? Not every time, but you can try a few different approaches to see what creates the best results.
Once you are in the door you’ll want to be alert on the salary question. Many job seekers inadvertently stumble when asked and offer a quick lowball number. Unfortunately, this answer may get etched in stone and make later negotiating tougher. After all, they’ve literally got your number.
The main rule of thumb – The one who goes first loses. So delay as long as possible without becoming aggravating. Defer the question politely, “Could we come back to that when I understand more about the job? Bounce it back to them “Is there a range set for this role?” Another alternative is to outline the research you’ve done on comparable salaries in the industry. Whenever you do mention a number ask for feedback on it, “Is that the range you had in mind?” If you are off the mark, be sure to mention your flexibility.
One exception to discussing salary upfront occurs when working with recruiters. Generally speaking they work on a need-to-know basis and may expect disclosure before representing you to a potential employer.
Overall, the earlier in the hiring process the salary question is asked, the more likely it’s designed to screen you out. Salary gains are made higher up in the food chain, not at the HR level. It is the boss’s boss who gets to make the exception and approve the increase, especially for someone with exceptional talent like you.
In any selection process two key factors need to line up for you to achieve your optimum negotiating position. When you have built relationships and mutual respect at higher levels in an organization and when they have decided you are the outstanding candidate for the job. Then, of course, you’ll want the offer in writing while you consider it.
Checking in with your coach once you have the offer is a smart move. Too often job seekers focus solely on the salary figure without taking into account other negotiable factors such as vacation, professional development, flex time, educational level, title and more. You can work with your coach to find the right approach and phrasing to address your key points. On the other hand, there are times where the better choice may be not to negotiate at all and accept the offer as it stands. A coach who understands your search priorities can help you discover what may be right for you.
Of course, all of this takes confidence, marketing and strategy. Your goal is to convince the interviewers in every meeting that you are an exceptional applicant. You want to be seen not as a cost, but as an investment. And the very best time to negotiate? When you have that written offer in your hand and they need you in the job tomorrow.
Back Pain Relief Q/A: An Interview with a Neurosurgeon
by admin on May.16, 2009, under Interviews
Thom Kingsley asked:
Lower back pain is a major problem for hundreds of thousands of Americans. In fact, it’s reported by the National Institutes of Health that lower back back pain cost us around $50 billion annually in lost wages, lost work and general reduction in productivity that lower back pain imposes. This article, an interview with Dr Steven Gelbard, a Neurosurgeon from Coral Springs Florida, sheds light on some steps you can take to reduce - and even stop - your lower back pain forever.
Question 1: What are some non-surgical alternatives to back surgery?
Answer 1: Non-surgical alternatives, also called “conservative” therapy, are typically suggested by my patients’ primary physician prior to their referral to me. My patients have tried everything - and none of it worked for them, though conservative therapy does work for a large number of people.
Here are some non-surgical ideas for reducing lower back pain, but I must say that my first and foremost recommendation is that if you’re suffering from lower back pain that you visit your primary physician before attempting anything on this list.
1) Rest
One of the most common back injuries is the slipped disk - rest at the early stages of injury is one of the best recovery tools available. Lie on your back on the floor and place pillows under your knees and head. Also try placing your feet and calves on a chair.
2) Heat
Heat can help with ongoing muscle spasms. Heat the spasm for periods of 20-30 minutes at a time.
3) Stretching
Only conduct stretches with the approval of your family physician. The muscles of your back are deeply interwoven down into the muscles of your butt and legs so often a stretching regimen can reduce certain types of back pain. If your pain is chronic you may find that several months of stretching can help reduce pain.
4) Exercise
Strengthening your body core - abdomen, lower back and gluteus - can help to reduce back pain and prevent future pain from occurring. Pilates and yoga are two types of exercise that can help you achieve a stronger core, and both systems of exercise have practitioners who develop exercises specifically for stronger backs.
5) Injections
There are a number of injections that can serve to both diagnose the cause of your back pain as well as potentially treat it. The types of injections include soft tissue injections that decrease inflammation and reduce joint pain, epidural steroid injections often used for degenerative disk disease, nerve block injections which can both diagnose and treat the pain, and trigger point injections for areas that are especially sensitive.
Question 2: How effective are epidural injections for chronic pain?
Answer 2: Some people who have epidurals get better and never have problems
again. Or, they may require a set of epidural blocks once a year, or once every two or three years for flare-up. They can get away with-out surgery. We have a lot of people we are following that way. But, if all else fails, and you are hurting every day since an accident that happened over a year ago, then it is appropriate to do something more aggressive.
Question 3: What is the least invasive lower back pain surgical procedure?
Answer 3: Many people, when faced with surgery, want the least invasive procedure possible. This is often in line with what will give them the best relief for the longest period of time, and we’ve found especially good long term results using a procedure called percutaneous laser diskectomy which involves only a minor incision that a band aid can cover.
I find this percutaneous diskectomy particularly amazing because of how little we have to do to heal our patients… Especially considering the level to which they return.
With percutaneous diskectomy the patient can get completely better. He will be able to return to work and live everyday without pain or maybe occasional pain. But he still will have had an injury to his back; he will always have to be careful. He will always have to be aware of heavy lifting. I wouldn’t recommend that he play tackle football or lift weights. But the normal activities that people do like day-to-day sports, swimming and walking…all of these are OK. In a sense, the restrictions, while there, are limited.
Before resorting to any surgery, though, be sure to thoroughly discuss the procedure’s benefits and potential downsides with your surgeon. And remember the power of the second opinion - many people see this as a sign of disrespect towards their doctors, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Lower back pain is a major problem for hundreds of thousands of Americans. In fact, it’s reported by the National Institutes of Health that lower back back pain cost us around $50 billion annually in lost wages, lost work and general reduction in productivity that lower back pain imposes. This article, an interview with Dr Steven Gelbard, a Neurosurgeon from Coral Springs Florida, sheds light on some steps you can take to reduce - and even stop - your lower back pain forever.
Question 1: What are some non-surgical alternatives to back surgery?
Answer 1: Non-surgical alternatives, also called “conservative” therapy, are typically suggested by my patients’ primary physician prior to their referral to me. My patients have tried everything - and none of it worked for them, though conservative therapy does work for a large number of people.
Here are some non-surgical ideas for reducing lower back pain, but I must say that my first and foremost recommendation is that if you’re suffering from lower back pain that you visit your primary physician before attempting anything on this list.
1) Rest
One of the most common back injuries is the slipped disk - rest at the early stages of injury is one of the best recovery tools available. Lie on your back on the floor and place pillows under your knees and head. Also try placing your feet and calves on a chair.
2) Heat
Heat can help with ongoing muscle spasms. Heat the spasm for periods of 20-30 minutes at a time.
3) Stretching
Only conduct stretches with the approval of your family physician. The muscles of your back are deeply interwoven down into the muscles of your butt and legs so often a stretching regimen can reduce certain types of back pain. If your pain is chronic you may find that several months of stretching can help reduce pain.
4) Exercise
Strengthening your body core - abdomen, lower back and gluteus - can help to reduce back pain and prevent future pain from occurring. Pilates and yoga are two types of exercise that can help you achieve a stronger core, and both systems of exercise have practitioners who develop exercises specifically for stronger backs.
5) Injections
There are a number of injections that can serve to both diagnose the cause of your back pain as well as potentially treat it. The types of injections include soft tissue injections that decrease inflammation and reduce joint pain, epidural steroid injections often used for degenerative disk disease, nerve block injections which can both diagnose and treat the pain, and trigger point injections for areas that are especially sensitive.
Question 2: How effective are epidural injections for chronic pain?
Answer 2: Some people who have epidurals get better and never have problems
again. Or, they may require a set of epidural blocks once a year, or once every two or three years for flare-up. They can get away with-out surgery. We have a lot of people we are following that way. But, if all else fails, and you are hurting every day since an accident that happened over a year ago, then it is appropriate to do something more aggressive.
Question 3: What is the least invasive lower back pain surgical procedure?
Answer 3: Many people, when faced with surgery, want the least invasive procedure possible. This is often in line with what will give them the best relief for the longest period of time, and we’ve found especially good long term results using a procedure called percutaneous laser diskectomy which involves only a minor incision that a band aid can cover.
I find this percutaneous diskectomy particularly amazing because of how little we have to do to heal our patients… Especially considering the level to which they return.
With percutaneous diskectomy the patient can get completely better. He will be able to return to work and live everyday without pain or maybe occasional pain. But he still will have had an injury to his back; he will always have to be careful. He will always have to be aware of heavy lifting. I wouldn’t recommend that he play tackle football or lift weights. But the normal activities that people do like day-to-day sports, swimming and walking…all of these are OK. In a sense, the restrictions, while there, are limited.
Before resorting to any surgery, though, be sure to thoroughly discuss the procedure’s benefits and potential downsides with your surgeon. And remember the power of the second opinion - many people see this as a sign of disrespect towards their doctors, but nothing could be further from the truth.
What To Wear For A Job Interview
by admin on May.13, 2009, under Interviews
James Brown asked:
You have an upcoming job interview, for you may have just recently graduated or is thinking about making a career change. The interview is your one shot at creating a good and lasting impression in order to get the job or position.
It is important for any interviewee to dress to impress and so a job interview calls for a serious business suit. Interviewers can create a first impression about you in a matter of seconds based on how you are dressed. You need to dress the part to show them that you are dead serious.
While they would consider your educational background, degree, relevant experience, personality and motivation for the job, it doesn’t mean that appearance is not important to them. After all, they would want their future employees to exude and display a certain corporate image and they will look for that in you.
Also, while job interviewers would understand that those who are just starting with their careers like the fresh graduates will have a limited budget for a work wardrobe, they still expect them to wear clean and appropriate clothing befitting of their company image.
You should as much as possible wear a suit. It definitely creates an impression that you are indeed serious as compared to a sports coat. The ideal colors would be navy or charcoal gray in a single breasted suit. A black suit would be more for business social functions and funerals so navy would be a more tasteful choice.
Your suit should be buttoned when you enter the office but you could unbutton it when you sit down. The bottom button should not be buttoned. Before you stand up to leave the office, your suit should be buttoned once again if you had unbuttoned it upon sitting down.
Never ever wear a short sleeve with a tie. White long sleeve shirt only with a straight point collar. It is recommended to wear a suit in solid color and a tie with patterned design. Avoid wearing pink or yellow colored ties and instead opt for serious colors like burgundy and others. An excellent design for a tie would be one that is in a solid color, small patterns or stripes. Make sure that the tie is long enough to reach your waist band or belt buckle. As long as you change the tie you will be wearing, you can still wear the same suit for subsequent interviews.
Your sock’s color should match your shoes and it should allow coverage so as not to expose your leg’s skin when you cross your legs. Your trousers’ length should cover your socks and choose a belt with a small buckle.
Lastly for the shoes, choose classic lace-ups in brown, black or cordovan. It should be well-shined and in good condition.
You have an upcoming job interview, for you may have just recently graduated or is thinking about making a career change. The interview is your one shot at creating a good and lasting impression in order to get the job or position.
It is important for any interviewee to dress to impress and so a job interview calls for a serious business suit. Interviewers can create a first impression about you in a matter of seconds based on how you are dressed. You need to dress the part to show them that you are dead serious.
While they would consider your educational background, degree, relevant experience, personality and motivation for the job, it doesn’t mean that appearance is not important to them. After all, they would want their future employees to exude and display a certain corporate image and they will look for that in you.
Also, while job interviewers would understand that those who are just starting with their careers like the fresh graduates will have a limited budget for a work wardrobe, they still expect them to wear clean and appropriate clothing befitting of their company image.
You should as much as possible wear a suit. It definitely creates an impression that you are indeed serious as compared to a sports coat. The ideal colors would be navy or charcoal gray in a single breasted suit. A black suit would be more for business social functions and funerals so navy would be a more tasteful choice.
Your suit should be buttoned when you enter the office but you could unbutton it when you sit down. The bottom button should not be buttoned. Before you stand up to leave the office, your suit should be buttoned once again if you had unbuttoned it upon sitting down.
Never ever wear a short sleeve with a tie. White long sleeve shirt only with a straight point collar. It is recommended to wear a suit in solid color and a tie with patterned design. Avoid wearing pink or yellow colored ties and instead opt for serious colors like burgundy and others. An excellent design for a tie would be one that is in a solid color, small patterns or stripes. Make sure that the tie is long enough to reach your waist band or belt buckle. As long as you change the tie you will be wearing, you can still wear the same suit for subsequent interviews.
Your sock’s color should match your shoes and it should allow coverage so as not to expose your leg’s skin when you cross your legs. Your trousers’ length should cover your socks and choose a belt with a small buckle.
Lastly for the shoes, choose classic lace-ups in brown, black or cordovan. It should be well-shined and in good condition.
