Excuse Me, your Job is Waiting

Excerpt

The following is an excerpt from the book Excuse Me, Your Job Is Waiting

by Laura George

Published by Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.; March 2007;$16.95US; 978-1-57174-529-3

Copyright © 2007 Laura George

Live and Learn

From a business perspective, rejection is the best of teachers. Look over your documents. Do you see flaws in your résumé you failed to see earlier? If so, fix them. The great thing about the electronic age is that résumés can be cranked out, and out, and out. Tailor the next résumé you send out to fit the position to a T. Did your cover letter fail to sell you? Did your follow-up letter do its job?

Remember my little buddy, the soon-to-be college graduate? I wrote his résumé. After a couple of interviews without offers, he called me, whining and begging, for me to rewrite his résumé. I frankly told him that if he was getting interviews then the paperwork was just fine. It was his interviewing that failed him.

So go over the interview in your head. Don’t go over it until you can repeat the errors on automatic pilot. Go over it to examine what you think you did wrong, and more so, what you know you did right. The things you did wrong are over and done. You can’t undo them; you can’t call up the interviewer and ask for another chance; you can’t do one thing about them. Forget them because they will nurture negative energy if fed. Forget them because if you focus your attention on them, you will do them again.

Ever notice that the things you focus your attention on happen even when they are exactly what you don’t want to happen? It’s kind of like calling out an old lover’s name when passionate with a current lover. It’s something you never want to do, but you’re so paranoid that it might happen that it does! Well, focusing on all the errors in an interview is pretty much the same. If you focus on them enough, they will happen again.

I talk fast. I hate talking fast. My mother talked fast, and it’s how I learned to talk. With people I know well, I can pace myself. In front of a crowd, I am just fine. In fact, in college my public speaking even took awards. But when I have to meet somebody influential in my life for the first time, I am a wreck over the speed of my speech. I worry that I won’t be able to sound intelligent. Of course, without fail, I trip over my words and sound like an idiot.

One time, I was in conversation with a total stranger at a party, and I was talking well. Our energy had connected, and we were soon bouncing from topic to topic with great ease. As we chatted, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that a substantial crowd of people was waiting for this man’s attention. Finally, I asked him who he was. He looked a little surprised. It was apparent from the look on his face that he thought I was kidding, but I wasn’t. I really didn’t know who he was. He smiled and told me his name, smiled a little more, and told me his title. He was a federal judge. In fact, he was one of the five most powerful people in the state. Not knowing who he was, or what he was, I had no trouble talking with him. But once I had a grip of the situation, my tongue went every which way, and I nearly choked. Fortunately, he found the entire situation amusing.

Yes, what we focus on appears and re-appears in our lives. There are entire industries based on this premise. The diet industry comes to mind. If you think you are fat, you are going to eat like a fat person. If you think you are thin, you are going to eat like a thin person. But the multimillion-dollar diet industry tells people they are fat, so they have to eat like fat people who want to be thin. It works for a little while. Some of these folks shed a few pounds. But they still feel “fat” because they aren’t eating like normal people. They return to their old eating habits. In short order, they become fatter people. This works well to fatten the wallets of the diet industry. If you want to be thin, feel thin. If you feel thin, you simply won’t want to eat like a fat person.

Let It Go

Let’s get back to rejection here. Don’t keep your thoughts and feelings attached to the bad parts of an interview. Acknowledge them and abandon them. Focus on what you did right. Even some of the toughest cases I had to interview did something right. They were punctual, or they wore the right clothes, or they had the necessary paperwork. They did something right.

Also, keep in mind, most people do something wrong. I once interviewed three minority candidates at a company that hired few minorities at the time. These three gentlemen did everything right. They were punctual. They had résumés that were well drafted and on appropriate paper. They filled out the application with perfect penmanship. They answered all of my questions and volunteered enough information to make me believe they were personable people. I hired them on the spot. My only reservation was that they interviewed too well. Nobody interviews that well, much less three people back to back. I felt something was out of kilter.

Within days, I learned my feelings were right on the money. They had interviewed too well, and they had done it for a reason. The company had a reputation as having discriminatory hiring practices at the time. The truth was that few minorities ever applied, but that wasn’t the perception from anybody walking through the operation. These three gentlemen had been coached, and coached well, by a group that was considering suing the company for unfair hiring practices. They believed that if these minority candidates couldn’t get a job, no minority could get a job. They had no case because all three of these gentlemen had job offers.

The above demonstrates that interviewing is a skill. It’s a skill that can be coached, self-taught, or learned in the school of hard knocks. Most people learn it in some mix of the three. Rejection is just part of the curriculum in the school of hard knocks. Learn the lesson well. Remember your strengths, what you did well, and rehearse it time and again. Rehearse in front of a mirror if that helps you get your presentation down to a smooth performance. While rehearsing it in front of a mirror, notice your performance getting better and better. See the energy you can get going when you do it well.

If you believe you have just botched an interview so badly that you want to crawl under a rock, it’s time to call on a friend to do a little role-playing. Pick a friend with empathy, compassion, and some business savvy. Do a couple of mock interviews. If a friend in need isn’t a friend indeed, then seek out a professional coach.

If you have been practicing the energy techniques throughout this book, it’s highly unlikely you botched it badly. Your energy was probably your saving grace from a job that could have caused you months, maybe years, of frustration. Move on.

Copyright © 2007 Laura George

Money I Have About 1 Month And Half To Come Up With $1000. Any Suggestions For Things To Do For Fast Cash?

Its near the end of may, and i graduate June 14. As a result, i will only have then until the end of June to come up with the money. REASON: I promised my parents that if i come up with the money to go to France for a month in July that I would have $1000 more before than for something to start off my college account so i wont have to work during the year. Well, its getting close, and the $1700 i made for France took many many months. I have $0 right now…I need some help for ideas and things to do besides waitressing to come up with the money. Unless you live in the Hampton Roads area of VA im not asking for a job offer just ideas. Thanks!!

Looking To Move Out Of My Parents’ House, Want Room For Creativity? More Details Inside.?

I go to college here in the area (Hampton Roads, in Virginia). Due to some family differences, I have about 58 days to move out. I want to be able to paint and make some changes to my new home. So I’m thinking a townhouse might be my best interest. Like renting to own? But how do I go about that? I know you can look up apartments and go through the rental process on your own, but can you do that with a townhouse or is it like a house where it’s super hard to do on your own and your best bet is a realtor?

Do Most College Math Teachers Grade On A Curve?

I’m taking a calculus I class at a local community college. This class is actually not a requirement for my degree, but rather a requirement for the Navy and my ROTC. It’s required for commissioning.
My teacher seems to be administering acceptionally difficult test, generally a few steps above the worst homework problems, or at least the last 10 or so problems (really hard ones) The majority of the class that was failing dropped (about 12 people) and the rest are either doing ok, borderline, or like myself, failing. I had a “nice” precalc teacher that tested on understanding concepts, not the concepts and applications like this teacher.
I have heard of a lot of people that were pulling D’s and F’s and ended with a B on a curve for the grade, however, she has not used one curve yet. How common do math (esp. Calc) professors grade on a curve, and can someone recommend a good calc teacher in the Hampton Roads, VA area?

Narragansett: New England’s Hidden Treasure

Although Rhode Island may be small, it certainly packs plenty of vacation punch in its picturesque South Country. Home to the thriving resort destination of Narragansett and countless recreational activities along its pristine shores, you simply cannot go wrong with a Rhode Island getaway centered around stunning excitement.

Narragansett may not be considered a common East Coast vacation destination in the same terms of the Hamptons or Martha’s Vineyard, but it is no secret to knowledgeable Rhode Islanders who have no doubt already soaked in the splendor of its beauty. As one of the pleasant resort villages that constitutes a part of the South Country and the home to some of the best beaches in New England, it is no wonder that so many people flock here on summer weekends to relax in the most picturesque of settings.

Set apart by their relatively clean water and fine sand, Narragansett offers four excellent beach options that are sure to appease even the most discerning guest. Narragansett Town Beach is one of the state’s most popular beaches for its amazing waves that draw surfers here en masse. If the thought of catching a big wave doesn’t get your heart beating a little faster, then head over to the jewel of Rhode Island’s beaches, Scarborough State Beach. The perfect place for a classic day at the beach, visitors can enjoy 2,325 feet of beach frontage to pursue a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, bodysurfing, and sunning.

If the crowds of the Scarborough North and South Beaches deter you from waterfront adventures, then head over to the family-friendly, 27-acre Roger Wheeler State Beach. Sometimes referred to as Sand Hill Cove, it features a pavilion, bathhouse, playground, lifeguards, and calm waters that are ideal for swimming or wading. The final option, Salty Brine State Beach, is a short stretch of sand that is better suited for ship-watching than regular water activities. Formerly known as the Galilee State Park, visitors can drop a fishing line off the pier and watch the boats coming and going through the breachway.

While the beaches are the main attraction, Narragansett has plenty more to offer in the way of sights and recreational pursuits. As the most famous landmark in the city and generally considered a good luck symbol, the Towers are a worthwhile sight for their history and resilience. Constructed in the late 1800s to protect the entrance to the Narragansett Pier Casino, these massive stone structures cross over scenic Ocean Road and offer a reminder of Narragansett’s prominence at the turn of the century.

After a look at this distinct feature from Narragansett’s past, there is no better time to explore the untamed, natural beauty of the area on the East Bay Bike Path. Stretching for 14.5 miles along Narragansett Bay, riders are taken through State Parks, over bridges, and past marshes and coves without danger from motorists. Other excellent sights that you may want to add to your itinerary include the pristine Point Judith Light, which was recently restored, and the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park, where the seaside village atmosphere is in full swing.

While there certainly is no shortage of sights and attractions, the best way to truly appreciate the cozy and relaxing atmosphere of this lovely town is in Narragansett vacation rentals. Located close to the beautiful beaches and the countless activities on the water, Narragansett rentals invite you to enjoy the best of New England without a care or worry in the world. Kick back, relax, and let your vacation come to you as it may while your home away from home ensures that every moment of your stay is as convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

Reasons to Visit London

When you go to London, the best time is definitely during the Summer, because there is no cold or snow to make you feel chilly and miserable.

After you land at Heathrow Airport you will have access to hire a taxicab and he will get you to the best hotels in London or the surrounding areas.

You can also take a taxi and go to places that you wish to visit as London is the most exciting city in the world.

It has many gardens & museums for you to see and lots of locations for pure enjoyment. The very first thing you should do is of course to visit Big Ben Tower and the Thames River with the London Eye Trip beckoning you at Westminster Bridge.

The Thames has a really beautiful landscape view and it is the longest river in England. Here you can just relax or do some shopping, buy souvenirs since London is also considered to be the best city in the world for shopping as well.

Some of the best gardens in the world are here for example Hyde Park, Green Park, Battersea Park, Greenwich Park, Hampstead Park, Holland Park, and many more.

Then you have the wonderful museums in London such as the Guards, Fashion & Textile, the Bank of England, British Museum to name a few.

The concept of London is that it is made up of many separate villages which is very well illustrated in North London by the suburb of Hampstead.

Oxford Circus & Piccadilly Circus are amazing places to visit and they draw in millions of people every year.

Piccadilly Circus is a rather untidy place with lots of traffic and it’s the central hub of the West End and a most popular meeting place for UK Residents as well as International Visitors.

One more place where you have to go is Whitehall and Buckingham Palace to see the hundreds of years old history of the British Government and Aristocracy.

The Houses of Parliament are directly accountable to Her Majesty The Queen and she can dissolve Parliament at a moment’s notice if she wishes.

Many Diplomats and Celebrities live in St. Johns Wood which is a most beautiful residential area north of Regents Park and the famous Baker Street.

If you get a chance have a good look at the City of London with using an amphibious vehicle with a Duck Tour – it’s the best way to travel by road and by river in London ie. along the river Thames !

London is famous for it’s historical buildings including Admiralty Arch, Queen Victoria Memorial, Wellington Arch, Bunhill Fields, Covent Garden, Duke of York’s Column and many more.

For shopaholics more shopping can be easily achieved in Carnaby Street, Charing Cross Road and Greenwich and afterwards why not wander into the many various museum types in London. Some more of particular note are the Tate Galleries, London History Museum, London Maritime Museum, National Gallery, London Transport Museum etc.

And if you have any money left over from your Shopping, then London’s best art galleries sell international modern & contemporary art paintings and paraphernalia at interesting prices.

How about enjoying London from the top of a traditional Double Decker Bus. You can see Piccadilly Circus nicely and and hop off and back on at Trafalgar Square or at Whitehall.

The Tour Hosts are armed with the best London Knowledge and have exceptional customer service to make your tour journey the best possible.

They also do the purple route which takes you to Holland Park, Notting Hill, Kensington Garden, Paddington Station and Madame Tussaudes.

The green route will take you to the British Museum, Russell Square, Telecom Tower, Leicester Square, The National Gallery, Big Ben, Waterloo Station and the London Eye.

These are the places a tourist should visit if they want to get to know London’s best sites. Also try to enjoy the City of London on a hop-on & hop-off Double Decker Bus.

Once you’ve been to these places you have basically seen the cream of London.

When you are ready for Dinner, admire London from a glass encased river boat with breathtaking panoramic views including a dinner on the Thames River.

You can also enjoy the Medieval Banquet with unlimited beer or wine and enjoy the fire-eaters, jesters, minstrels. After the show hit the dance floor or take a stroll to Tower Bridge and enjoy the view of London by night.

It’s the best way to enjoy London and don’t forget that Greenwich and Hampton Court Palace and ancient Windsor Castle are less than one hour’s distance from London’s West End.

If you want to see the Royal luxury way of life go on a Buckingham Palace Tour and also see the “Changing of the Guards” which is always a treat to watch.

If you want to enjoy a visit to London, then better go in Summer with no adverse chilly weather and so sneezing and coughing are out of the picture.

Just relax and take a deep breath and suck in the wonderful atmosphere in the Summer Sunshine while looking at various Sites, new and old, in mighty London.

What Sports Bars In The Hampton Roads Area Is Showing Marquez Vs. Pacquiao?

Where can I travel in Togo?

It is a fact that today every one is so busy with work that family is given a secondary preference. And for that reason, why not treat your beloved family for an unforgettable experience in the beautiful land of Togo? This lovely country is located in West Africa and home to the capital city Lomé and has a population of more than 6 million people. French is the official language that is spoken in this country even though there are many other languages spoken as well. This is a country that will offer some of the best sights you have ever seen. Nightlife in Togo is exceptionally brilliant. There are numerous nightclubs, particularly in Lomé of which most are open until the early hours for dancing to a mixture of West African and Western popular music. Some of these local nightclubs and restaurants comprise of the Chris & Jimmy’s Diner, the Chinatown 3, the Aladdin’s Eatery, the Aalay’s Shrimp & Fish, the Fanny’s Restaurant, the Hornblower’s Restaurant, the Mughal Indian Restaurant, the China Garden and the 1890 Restaurant & Lounge. Most restaurants catering for visitors tend to be French-orientated although some do serve African dishes. Have a taste of some mouth watering delicacies like Pâtes or akume, Fufu and Riz sauce arachide. The Stratta Grill & Café bar, the Big Basin Bistro barand and the Cafe Marcella bar offer a good selection of alcoholic drinks like Palm wine and Tchakpallo wines. Likewise, check into some of the beautiful hotels for a relaxing welcome. Some of these hotels include the Staybridge Suites, the Village Motel, the Cleveland Airport Marriott, and the Budget Inn, the Holiday Inn in Cleveland Airport, the North Point Inn, the Extended Stayamerica and the Hampton Inn hotels. Afterwards, you can book a tour guide to some breathe taking Togo attractions like Mt Agou, the Tamberma, the Grand Marche, the Klouto, the La Plage, the Bafilo, the Marche de Be and the Kpime Falls. Did you know that Togo’s capital, Lomé, is the only capital in the world situated right next to a border? Well, you can wander round the market with its intriguing voodoo charms, lotions and potions, and the Village Artisanal. Visit Togoville, where the colonial treaty between the Germans and the ruler Mlapa III was signed. The local leader still shows copies of the treaty to visitors. You can also explore the short coastline which is home to several small fishing villages, sometimes with examples of colonial architecture. Spot the wildlife in the Fazao National Park outside Sokodé, the Kéran National Park near Kara and the Fosse aux Lions (Lions’ Den) southwest of Dapaong. the traditional mud Takienta tower-houses in Koutammakou, home to the Batammariba. Enjoy water sports in Lake Togo, swim in West Africa’s biggest pool (the Olympic-sized pool at Hotel Sarkawa) or cool off at the lakeside resort of Porto Seguro, which has waterskiing and sailing facilities. Much more enjoyable is going whale watching at the Gulf of Benin. Hike in the scenic hill country around Kapilmé. Though cars are available for rent in Togo, the rates are astronomical; you’re usually better off hiring a cab for your trip. The few major roads are mostly in decent shape. Traveling by bicycle is an excellent way to explore Togo. The dry summer months of November and December are the best times that you can visit.

Should I Join The State Or A Local Police Department In Virginia?

I am going to graduate from College next May. I want to be a police officer. Should I join the Virginia State Police, or a local police department in Hampton Roads…or any of VA for that matter?

Medical Coding And Billing Salary An Hour?

I’m suppose to be starting school on the 25th this month. The loan I’m going to have to pay back after I graduate makes me not want to go, but I feel like I my backs against the wall on this one. -But that’s another story. But my question is how much does someone in medical billing/coding make an hour? Maybe it varies in different states depending on the cost of living. But I’m here in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. If you are currently have or had this job description, you’re answer would be a big help. Thank you.

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