Archive for May, 2009

Ask and the Job is Yours

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Janet White and I have been sharing our personal stories about how the Law of Attraction or Power of Thought has been a powerful influence in both of our lives. In fact, we would not live our lives any other way. We’ve both learned to direct our thoughts in a deliberate and positive way and the results are just amazing. In assisting our clients, we’ve also taught them the same principles and they too have been delighted with the results.

Below is an article that Janet gave me permission to share with you. She explains what the Law of Attraction is and how you can apply the principles to your search.

At the bottom of the article, I’ve included a link to Janet’s book for job seekers.

Ask and the Job is Yours
Special article written by Janet White

You always get what you “ask” for through your thoughts and feelings, so what are you asking for? Having that great job or worrying what will happen if you don’t get it?

I can hear you saying, “That sounds far too easy. Just ask for the job I want and I can have it?” Yes, it really is that easy. The hard part is believing it is.

That’s because you’ve been taught to believe that job hunting is hard, and you should expect a long, difficult and problem-filled struggle. Well, if that’s what you believe, then that’s how your job hunt will be. It doesn’t have to be that way, and this article will explain why.

You’re probably read lots of job hunting articles and books and found that despite the confusing and often conflicting advice, they all say pretty much the same thing: you have to do something specific to make your dream job happen, and if you don’t get hired, it’s because you didn’t do it correctly.

So, you’re told to put in or leave out an objective, to “sell yourself” at every opportunity and to be prepared to be called at any hour of the day or night by a stranger who has the authority to interrogate you on matters which have nothing to do with the kind of work you want to do.

Being between jobs is bad enough because it’s naturally to be filled with fear, doubt and confusion, but this system of job hunting adds insecurity, unworthiness and loneliness to the mix. If you can identify with this, you might be ready for a change.

I am going to share with you something so simple – yet powerful – that it may change your life. It is an ancient principle that has been written about, taught and also suppressed for thousands of years, and when you understand it, you can use it to bring that dream job – and anything else you desire – into your life easily and effortlessly.

It is the Law of Attraction (LoA), which many people are coming to learn about through a DVD and book called “The Secret.” www.thesecret.tv  The Law of Attraction states that you attract to yourself anything you focus on, give feeling to or think about consistently.

The Law of Attraction creates demonstrations of whatever you think about, feel, or believe. These demonstrations can come in the form of experiences, objects, relationships, health, money, and yes, a job.

Here are some basic principles of the Law of Attraction:

It works for everyone exactly the same way all the time. It is totally impersonal, has no feelings, doesn’t have opinions, pass judgment or play favorites.

It is always “on.” You can’t turn it on or off, get away from it or affect it in any way.

The Law of Attraction is entirely, totally and absolutely predictable. We don’t know how it works, but we know that it works. In fact, you are using the Law of Attraction right now, whether or not you know it, through your conscious – and subconscious thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

So what does this mean to you? It means that you are creating your own reality right now through your thoughts and beliefs (even your subconscious or “hidden” beliefs).

In other words, when you focus on what a tough time you’re having finding a new job, you’re having a tough time finding a new job simply because you’re focusing on what a tough time you’re having!

The good news is that you can to use the Law of Attraction to bring you what you want, instead of more of what you don’t want.

The bad news is that it requires you be constantly aware of what you’re thinking and then replace any negative thoughts with positive ones.

Let’s take another look at the negative affirmations we started out with and then replace them with positive ones.

Negative Affirmation: I’d love to do that, but I can’t because [fill in the blank].
Positive Affirmation: I’d love to do that, and I can give up any resistance and be the perfect candidate.

Negative Affirmation: No one returns my calls.
Positive Affirmation: Since I want this job, it’s up to me to call them.

Negative Affirmation: There are no decent jobs in my field.
Positive Affirmation: There is plenty of opportunity for me in my field right here in my area. I probably haven’t been looking for them in the right places.

Negative Affirmation: There’s just too much competition.
Positive Affirmation: There is more than enough work for everyone who wants to work, and my perfect job is waiting for me to claim it.

Negative Affirmation: I hate being interrogated in interviews.
Positive Affirmation: My interviews are pleasant conversations with my peers and whether or not we end up working together, it’s always nice to meet someone new.

Negative Affirmation: Looking for work is a full-time job, and no one ever said it was easy.
Positive Affirmation: Everything I do brings me closer to my right employment, and I look forward to each new day with joy, knowing that my dream job is mine now and is already on its way to me. And so it is!

Remember – you always get what you ask for, so make sure you ask for what you want, not what you don’t want!

Check out Janet’s book http://www.jobmarketsecrets.com/buythebook.shtml

Finding your passion and purpose. What do I want to do with my career?

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Here is one of the biggest questions I get when people are on a job search.

“How do I find my passion?”

When you find yourself liberated from your job responsibilities and on a job search, you have some time on your hands to reconsider what you are doing with your career and you too may have asked yourself something like, “What is my life purpose?” or “Should I do something new with my career?” Loving what you do, and having complete passion for it will bring you the great rewards. If you currently have a hard time distinguishing between work and play, that is a good measure that you have passion for your current career. If not, it is not too late to discover your passion and purpose. You may have a particular gift that you were born with, a talent, or specific experience that is inspiring and engaging for you. Something that calls to you.

People ask me why I chose to become a Results Coach and I say, “I didn’t choose it, it chose me!” One day it became so obvious that this was what was calling me so I said “YES!”

Take some time and paper and write the answers to the questions below. It may become obvious to you too, or it may just plant a seed that will start to sprout and sign posts will suddenly start calling you “this way”.

If money were no problem, what would you do?

What is easy and effortless for you to do?

What has given you the most joy and satisfaction in your life?

What qualities do you admire in your roles models?

What area has been a constant challenge but you continually work at getting better at it. For example health, relationships, money, confidence, creativity…

What drives you that might benefit others? Typically an area where you are complimented and admired.

List your favorite hobbies and passions in life?

What is an area that you would like to be of service?

After answering those questions and you find something is calling you, ask yourself this important question. “Could I give my life to this?” If yes, you have found your passion and purpose in life. Now declare it and go do it!

In 2004, I gave my life to inspiring people to have great lives by declaring my commitment to it. The universe then started lining up people and events for me and I thank my lucky stars for having the courage to listen to that calling and follow it. At the bottom of this article is the personal declaration that I wrote in 2004 that led to my taking a Leap of Faith!

Before I make it look too easy let’s cover some important points

The process of following your heart can be like going out into the wilderness and roping in a wild horse. Are you prepared to do the hard work to make your passion your life’s work or do you just want to hold the image but not do the work?

You may fail before you succeed. We know how constraining the fear of failure is but, you may not realize that fear of success can be just as tough on you. Are you willing to learn from failure as you figure out how to be successful?

There are many examples in history of famous people not having the best reputation on their road to success. This includes quitting or getting kicked out of college, being fired, going bankrupt, and many went on to be wildly famous and successful. Did you know that before he became successful, Henry Ford went broke several times? Are you willing to risk what others might think or how you might be judged as you are on the road to success?

Bottom-line, the path to success it filled with hidden obstacles, do you have the tenacity, determination, and courage to get through them?

When you do find your passion and purpose and you are prepared to give your life to it, then go and do it. You’ll chuckle when you realize that it has been there all along, just waiting for you. When you can look at your life and see that you are truly living your passion and purpose, doors begin to open, people line up and impulses and events become in sync with what you are up to. Is there something you “should do”? Nope, it is all for your own enjoyment of your life. What if you don’t discover your passion and purpose? Keep looking as you joyfully go through life and sooner or later you will likely stumble upon it. It is never too late so when you do find it, go do it!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here is my Personal Charter written in 2004 before I ever knew I would be a Results Coach.

My purpose in life is to be an everyday hero for myself and others. Inspiring people to see their greatness and encouraging them to inspire others.

The values that are at the heart of who I am are:

  • Love for the Human Spirit
  • Generosity and Inspiration
  • Freedom of Self Expression
  • Courage to Play the Game of Life full out

What I can be counted on for is…

Be a source of love and compassion for all.

Be a stand for people being extraordinary and cause them to see the greatest vision they have for themselves.

Rise to the challenges of life with grace and celebrate the gift that life is.

This is who I am and what you can count on.

~Donna Fedor

June 2004

Five Smart Steps to a Successful Job Search

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Recommended reading everyday of your search to ensure you are taking action on the following Smart Steps.

Your next job is out there waiting for you.

“Oh please, tell me where?” I can hear people saying!

Consider, your next job exists, in the mind of your next boss.

Right now, that job may be unclear, a persisting problem that will eventually require a new employee to solve, for example.

It may already have been defined and open right now, perhaps advertised on the company’s website.

In either case, the job you seek must first exist in the mind of a hiring manager before it can be filled by a person.

So, the more you can get the attention of the hiring managers, the more jobs you can be considered.

Here’s the story of one very smart job seeker who did just that. She met more hiring managers and was hired for a great job. A job that seemed like it was created just for her.

Here are some guidelines that Alice used on her successful job search.

Smart Step #1 – Clarity equals power

When Alice, from San Mateo, California found herself in the job market in February 2009, her first step was to decide exactly what she wanted to do in her next job.

“I knew I was looking for a Director of Marketing or a Public Relations position where I could use my skills in public speaking, writing, and sales,” said Alice.

Knowing what she wanted was the most important first step.

Most job seekers I’ve talked with, have only a slight idea of what they want to do and even when have some idea, when they describe it to me, it’s like a moving target.

Smart Step #2 – Shooting for a bulls-eye

Alice then spent a Sunday researching potential employers and made a target list of 20 companies she wanted to work for.

“I hunted online for people who could actually hire me, like a VP of Marketing or Corporate Communications, along with their email, mailing addresses and phone numbers,” she said.

Alice was smart to create a “specific job target list” and highlight the people with the authority to hire her. That is shooting for a bulls-eye.

Smart Step #3 – The Sales Letter versus the Cover letter

A Sales letter, not a cover letter. A sales letter, one that “sells” hiring managers on these important details:

• You know who they are
• You understand their problems
• You can help, with promises backed by specific results. You are the solution to their problem.

Make a list of your skills. Figure out where you were either saving money or increasing revenue. When you think about it, for example, the time you took that extra responsibility and revenues went up almost $100,000. That is a specific result.

Now. You might think you can’t come up with specific numbers or dollars. Yes, you can!

In any job you’ve held for more than a few months, you either contributed to increasing revenue or saved the company money. The numbers are there, if only you’ll look long and hard enough.

Many people think they can’t write a sales letter. Wrong again!

Start with various advertisements and save the sales letters that appeal to you. Do the same tomorrow and the next day. In three days, you’ll have a “swipe file” of examples you can borrow from to write your own sales letter to employers.

Whatever letter you do come up with will be brilliant compared to the average, boring cover letter.

Smart Step #4 – Follow up – yes – by a phone call!

This is essential. You must talk to people. It’s not enough to mail or email.

If you’ve put the time into choosing employers, targeting hiring managers, and writing a relevant sales letter, people should be willing to take your call, if only out of curiosity.

After mailing her 20 letters on a Monday, Alice called and got responses.

She called that Thursday and talked to five people. She was able to set up an interview with four hiring managers.

Smart Step #5 – Get the Offer

When Alice met with her first hiring manager, it was more of a business consulting discussion than an interview. That’s because Alice had positioned herself as the solution to a problem, rather than as a job seeker. She had good rapport from the beginning and shared her ideas and feedback as they discussed the problems she would be solving.

The employer said he was in a tough position because had more business than he’s ever had, and unless he brought in someone like Alice immediately, he had no idea how he was going to manage all of it.

Do you think the hiring manager was excited about Alice? You bet he was!

All businesses have problems, whether times are good or bad. They need help to either make more money or capitalize on the money they are making.

Bottom-line, your job is to research ideal employers, find out what help they need, offer to provide it, and prove you can deliver. That’s what Alice did.

How did all of this turn out?

“I was offered a position at the first company I interviewed with and it was the one I most wanted to work for. The whole thing took only 3 weeks.”

I have seen this type of job search, success story, and I encourage you to follow this very smart way to do a job search.

Again, I recommend you read this everyday of your search to ensure you are taking action on these Smart Steps.