In Honor and memorial for those who have fallen for us …

It is Memorial day ... no pithy pushes to grow and excel ... rather time to pause and reflect on those who have fallen to protect our freedoms and honor on this special time of the year for reflection.

This past March, Vikki and I spent two weeks in France beginning in Paris and along the way spending time in Normandy where we visited the D-Day locations and of course, the American Cemetery where 7,482 of our fallen soldiers are buried overlooking the sea and the beaches where they lost their lives while determined to protect the world and end WW II. It is, at best, an experience that shakes one to their core. It is an experience etched in our memory for life. We walked the rows of graves and held a wreath-laying ceremony along with those we were traveling with.

So rather than think of us this week, let's reflect and honor those we must be forever grateful to for their ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. The poem I have attached below states it so well: 

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

We walked among the crosses

Where our fallen soldiers lay.

And listened to the bugle

As TAPS began to play.

The Chaplin led a prayer

We stood with heads bowed low.

And I thought of fallen comrades

I had known so long ago.

They came from every city

Across this fertile land.

That we might live in freedom.

They lie here 'neath the sand.

I felt a little guilty

My sacrifice was small.

I only lost a little time

But these men lost their all.

Now the services are over

For this Memorial Day.

To the names upon these crosses

I just want to say,

Thanks for what you've given

No one could ask for more.

May you rest with God in heaven

From now through evermore.

- C.W. Johnson

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in 2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement:

www.next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Accept ... Commit ... Permit ... Then Achieve!

Ready for your first job - don't make these mistakes: A guide to workplace success ...

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. - Johnny Cash




This weekend, there will be tens of thousands bright, talented and energetic college graduates walking across the stage to receive their degrees, and it will be a happy day for them as well as their family. Congratulate the recent grad – they deserve it.

And – hopefully shortly – they will be experiencing their first post-college job, a brand new experience for them. Those first days on the job can be confusing and stressful for sure in a new environment we call work and new dynamics of people. I thought it would be helpful to review, again, the career “killing” mistakes people make in the hope that this will help out new graduates steer their way. 

Everyone makes mistakes. The real key to success is making good on a mistake you made, admitting it and then learning from the mistake. That is developing leadership – that is being on your way to a highly-successful career. What follows are the mistakes that are very hard to recover from and therefore should be avoided at all costs:

Not accepting responsibility - When you make a mistake in your work, fess up to it – accept responsibility. In his book on leadership Good to Great, Jim Collins identifies a key traits: When in the face of crisis when a mistake has been made, followers look for someone to blame; leaders look in the mirror and accept responsibility.

Not being a team player - No one likes a prima donna who is just focused on me – me – me. Being a team player, and contributing to joint efforts will help one define their success. Demonstrate that you've got the greater good of the organization at heart.

Working with a fear of failure - Many work every day doing the same thing over and over. They appear not to believe in themselves. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. Instead of saying, "I've never done that”,  try  "I'll learn how." Find learning opportunities in every situation.  Consistently being risk-averse can be more hazardous to your career than making mistakes and learning from them. 

Undermining people or the company - Talking behind the backs of others, undermining  managers or the company. Discussing a confidential matter; spreading gossip.   Not only will you find yourself isolated, but others will not trust you and when  not trusted, your growth stops. Don’t engage others in  inappropriate discussions. While there is such a thing as free speech, it's not so free if it costs you your job!

Being disrespectful - Being disrespectful to others is a career killer. Treat everyone as  you would expect to be treated is important.  Being condescending to others, pretentious or making someone feel like they aren't good enough is so damaging to all. There is no place in a job for yelling or calling someone out in front of others.  

Being one of the “walking dead”, without goals - You know them – the people who just come to work every day, do the bare minimum and simply collect a paycheck. They get by for awhile, but when business conditions require cost cutting, guess who’s the first to go. Always work with a set of goals – long and short term.  Talk your goals over with your manager. Know what is expected of you – always.

Checking your people skills at the door - Researchers found that if employees are disliked, it's almost irrelevant whether they're good at what they do, because other workers will avoid them. Go out of your way to communicate, establish strong working relationship with others, smile and be engaging with others, it will work wonders for you. 

If you find yourself in one of these situations – time for damage control. Fess up – be accountable, communicate to others and ask for guidance from your boss or other leaders. When it is behind you, push on and succeed!

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in 2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Four Common Interview Questions - But what they really mean (and it is not what you think the interviewer is asking) and how to nail them …

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” - ― Stephen R. Covey

You go to an interview loaded for bear. Ready to dazzle. Charged and energized and yes, ready for any question … you think  …

… as long as you know what the real question is behind the question!

I found a very interesting article that discussed the four most common interview questions and what the questions are really probing for. In my years, I used these questions all the time and most applicants didn’t get what I was looking for. So, to help you “ace” your next interview, let’s look at the four questions – what they really mean and how you can turn these into strong statements of your qualifications.

Four Most Common Questions – and what they mean … 

1. Question: Tell me about yourself.

The “Usual” Answer: Well I was born in XXX, NY and went to high school here, college here and worked for X, Y and Z. 

Waste of energy and not what the interviewer is looking for. After all, your resume with that info is right in front of the interviewer.

What is really being asked:  Tell me why you’re the right fit for this job.

The interviewer is looking for you to “sell” yourself with compelling statements about why you are right for the job. Think of 2-3 accomplishments that demonstrate what you have done in the past (and where). Practice by reading your proposed answer out loud – pass  by someone else for their opinion.

2. QuestionHow would you explain our organization’s mission?

The “Usual” Answer: “I read all about the company, your products, services and history and know the industry you are in and what you do.

That wasn’t the question and anyone can read the “About Us” page of a web site.

What is the real question: Tell me how you align to the mission of the company – not just what we can do.

First, be sure you understand the mission and don’t just rely on the web site. Google the company –see if you can glean more and present a piece or two of information. Find one item that demonstrates that you went deep and did your research. Start with one line that shows you understand the mission, using a couple key words and phrases from the website, but then go on to make it personal. Say, “I’m personally drawn to this mission because…” or “I really believe in this approach because…” and share a personal example or two. For example, if you’re interviewing at a school that stresses character, share some specific character-building education activities you’ve led for students in your last job, or reference the recently released Bully. If you’re interviewing for a position at a hospital, talk about the 5K you recently ran to raise money for leukemia or your passion for volunteering your time to help children with cancer.

3. Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

The “Usual “Answer: I see myself growing in the company and taking on more responsibility as I feel I could be here for the life of my career.

Really – think someone believes that and it isn’t the question behind the question. 

What is the real question: What the interviewer really wants to know is whether this particular job and company is part of your career path, or whether you’ll be jumping ship in a year once you land your “real” dream job or if you care about the work they do.  Your job – sell your connection to the company – if it really exists. In her article, Sara McCord (Forbes.com, May 14, 2012) suggests that if the position you’re interviewing for is on the track to your goals, share that, plus give some specifics. For example, if you’re interviewing for an account executive position an advertising firm, and you know your goal is to become an account supervisor, say that. And then add specifics about the sort of clients you hope to work with, which will help your answer sound genuine, not canned—and again show why this particular company will be a good fit.

If the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations, the best approach is to be genuine, but to follow your answer up by connecting the dots between the specific duties in this role and your future goals. It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision, or that you’re excited about the management or communications skills you’ll gain.

4. Question: Do you have any questions for us?

The “Usual Answers”: They range all over the place but from my experience, either you as the interviewer don’t get any questions or the questions have no depth at all. 

What is the real question – and what does the interview seek to see?: Depth. Depth of understanding not just the position, but rather the company, mission, opportunities and more. You find this through listening – really listening – and then posing questions that dive deeper and demonstrate your commitment to learning, being the best you can and more. In last weeks blog, I discussed the four top questions you can ask when asked if you have any questions (http://wp.me/p3pCJy-LY) . Good idea to review before your next interview. 

Remember, you have one chance to make the best impression – so nail it! Make every interview count and of course, learn from the experience.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in 2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement:

www.next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Job Market Report - Nice improvement ...

For Immediate Release

For Information: Dan Moran 518- 641-8968

Job Market In Region, Statewide and Nationally Springs Ahead 

(Albany, NY, May 7, 2014) The Region’s job market, after a period of holding steady which is good , showed stronger signs of stability and some growth this past week after all sectors – Regionally, Statewide and Nationally  — sprang ahead after weeks of holding steady. This is on the heels of a strong national job report last week, reporting 288,000 jobs created in April – sorely needed. “ We are seeing the effect of seasonal hiring taking hold and employer confidence which we need to see this time of the year or 2014 would be a dud in regard to jobs. I have been touting the consistency in the market; we did need to see a breakout week and this may have been it, especially the past few days with very strong activity – good news for all”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie.  

“Numbers are showing that the early part of the year – January and February were very soft as I was reporting, but March showed some growth and the strength seems to be building”. 

Job postings in the Capital Region were up to 2068 up from 1962  a week ago. Other markets in NYS were all up as well including metro NYC with a very large increase. The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

National Job Market

Nationally the market was way  up to approx. 651,500 from  597,000  last week. “ The surge is happening nationally as well”. 

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. In 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 years in business. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! &  Get Hired Now! programs.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act:

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968

eFax: 586-279-4212

    

dmoran@next-act.com

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Your Turn – 10 Best Questions to Ask in an Interview … Hey – you shouldn’t be the only person in the “hot” seat …

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet”.- Bobby Unser

One of the most common questions I hear from people when discussing the interview process goes something like this …

(… I get how I should answer interview questions – but what should I say when asked if I have any questions? ….”)

Employers are not the only ones who get to ask questions. To conduct a great interview, it should be a give-and-take – you get to ask questions too. Not just trite questions – but deeper, probing questions that give the interviewer an insight into you and demonstrates your interest. In my year of HR & management experience, I recall so many times when I ask a potential candidate of they have any questions and I get that deer-in-the-headlights look – Duh … what?

It is all about preparation and positioning – positioning yourself as a strong and interested candidate. Having your thoughtful questions prepared in advance and being locked-and-loaded when the questions are posed (or if not, when you ask if you may discuss a few of your questions which is perfectly appropriate) is as important as rehearsing potential interview questions in advance. Your goal – distinguish yourself from others in the pack. 

Below you will find – in  my opinion – a list of the top questions you can present: 

1. How has this position evolved since it was created

2. What have past employees done to succeed in this position

3. What have you enjoyed most about working here

4. What is the top priority for the person in this position over the next three months (My personal favorite!)

5. What are the qualities of successful managers in this company

6. If offered the position, can you give me examples of ways I would collaborate with my manager

7. What are some challenges that will face the person filling this position

8. Do you have any hesitations about my qualification

(Thanks to Aaron Guerrero of US News & Reports for these questions contained in his article http://money.usnews.com, October 23, 2013)

 It is all about preparation – and winning. Be bold and be strong – and you will win. And thank you for reading this. - Dan

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet”.- Bobby Unser

One of the most common questions I hear from people when discussing the interview process goes something like this …

(… I get how I should answer interview questions – but what should I say when asked if I have any questions? ….”)

Employers are not the only ones who get to ask questions. To conduct a great interview, it should be a give-and-take – you get to ask questions too. Not just trite questions – but deeper, probing questions that give the interviewer an insight into you and demonstrates your interest. In my year of HR & management experience, I recall so many times when I ask a potential candidate of they have any questions and I get that deer-in-the-headlights look – Duh … what?

It is all about preparation and positioning – positioning yourself as a strong and interested candidate. Having your thoughtful questions prepared in advance and being locked-and-loaded when the questions are posed (or if not, when you ask if you may discuss a few of your questions which is perfectly appropriate) is as important as rehearsing potential interview questions in advance. Your goal – distinguish yourself from others in the pack. 

Below you will find – in  my opinion – a list of the top questions you can present: 

1. How has this position evolved since it was created

2. What have past employees done to succeed in this position

3. What have you enjoyed most about working here

4. What is the top priority for the person in this position over the next three months (My personal favorite!)

5. What are the qualities of successful managers in this company

6. If offered the position, can you give me examples of ways I would collaborate with my manager

7. What are some challenges that will face the person filling this position

8. Do you have any hesitations about my qualification

(Thanks to Aaron Guerrero of US News & Reports for these questions contained in his article http://money.usnews.com, October 23, 2013)

 It is all about preparation – and winning. Be bold and be strong – and you will win. And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.

Career Management & Transition Specialists

Corporate Management Services

Celebrating 26 years providing career & corporate management services in 2014!

125 Wolf Road, Suite #128

Albany, NY 12205

Phone: 518-641-8968  

dmoran@next-act.com

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &

Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement:

www.next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm