"Know Yourself....then Be Yourself"

For anyone who doesn't know me, I'd like to take this opportunity to let you know that I am a Certified DISC profiler and I use it extensively, not only in my career coaching work but also for personal development with my clients.

I noticed a quote from Ahmed Fawzi on LinkedIn this morning that caught my eye - his favourite piece of knowledge is "Be Yourself" which lead me on to think that today's blog should be based round that piece of wisdom. In fact I'm going to take it one stage further and say "Know Yourself then Be Yourself"!

But how can you know yourself inside out? You can of course take the time to write adjectives about yourself also ask others to describe you too. That's an interesting thing to do by the way as people invariably see things in you that you don't see yourself! You might get some nice surprises!

However, there is an easier way. DISC profiling looks at your behavioural style and the assessment can tell you how you behave and perform in the work environment. How fantastic to have such an insight into yourself so when you are at interview, you can talk confidently about yourself with the back up that the DISC profiling has confirmed these traits. And, its fabulous information that you add to your CV!

For instance it can reveal:

• how you prefer to communicate with others and what's the best method of communication for you



• what types of work environments you like and what you need to be motivated and productive



• how you go about achieving goals and what you need from others around you to support you to reach those goals



• how you react under stress

So, over the next 4 weeks I'm going to highlight the main behavioural traits of the four groups in D - I - S - C and I'm sure you'll soon be able to recognise your primary trait!

DISC stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. Lets begin with 'D' (Dominance type) here. Is this you? Or do you know people around you that fit this description?

D's are very task-driven and outgoing. The are Dominant, Driving, Demanding, Determined, Decisive and Doers. They make dynamic leaders. They have masses of drive and seldom take "no" as an answer. They tend to take a position quickly and stick to it, unless they see a better idea or plan. If you work with a 'D' you may sometimes have a difficult time knowing what is going on in their minds. They are normally strong willed and independent. Because they are "bottom-line" orientated they can tend to be blunt and to the point in order to achieve their goal. They are not particularly into talking; more into doing. 'D' types make great leaders, but can have a short fuse and a hot temper. They can often explode over small things, but 10 minutes later have forgotten all about it, whilst the rest of you are still reeling from the outburst! They quite like conflict and can rise to any challenge. When two 'D's clash it can be a good spectator sport, waiting to see who will back down. If you have 'D's in your team remember that they need control - give them projects - but don't give them step by step instructions on how to carry it out. Give them freedom to make their own decisions - they work best when you don't tie them down. Just tell them what you want and let them get on with it. That way, you'll get a good job done well.

Recognise yourself? Or someone you work with?

Next week I'll describe the 'I' in DISC, which is the Influence type. If you like to talk and love people this could well be you!

As always, if I can help you in any way, or if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Christine

The Importance of Testimonials

Whether you are a business or a job-seeker, testimonials are important. They are a great endorsement of a brand or a person and add credibility to your proposition.

Don't be afraid to ask for testimonials and try to make it easy for the person who is giving it to try and make it as natural as possible. My best ones have come from text messages or quick emails where people have told me about their success and wanted me to know that I had made a difference. These are the best ones as you can 'extract' a one or two liner from what they have said to endorse you. Always ask their permission of course!!

Here are a few of mine that I am really proud about:

"After helping me update my CV I was inundated with requests for interviews!"

"The standard of service I received was exceptional"

"Christine carefully determines your best attributes and then brings them to the fore. She transformed my cv from a stale list into a stylish outline which more accurately describes who I am and what I can offer"

"Your CV got me an interview with the second largest company in the world!"

"My new CV looks organised and professional and I am currently able to get interviews due to the new look and feel of my CV. This has now given me confidence knowing I'm much closer to getting a job. Christine has helped me towards a more prosperous future"

"Superb!! It's just perfect!"

"Thank you so much for helping me think through my career plans more clearly. And thank you for my amazing CV - it looks fantastic!"

"My old CV had got me constant rejections - after Christine revamped it I sent it back to those companies and they have now asked me to interview! I am delighted with the CV itself - the speed it was produced and the overall professional look"

As always - if I can help you too, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Christine

First Page of the CV

I always advise my clients that if a cv doesn't grab the potential employer within about 15-20 seconds of reading it then you are unlikely to be asked to interview.

I also say this from experience - having worked as an HR Manager and read 1000's of cv's, I've seen my fair share of good and bads ones!

Imagine your first page as a 'sweet-shop window' - you want people to come inside and browse, so get your eye-catching stuff in that window to attract attention. Get the potential employer hooked and excited about the prospect of you working with them. You are much more likely then to get invited for interview to expand about your skills and talents further.

Please don't assume that your cv will be thoroughly read word for word. If an employer is faced with 200 cv's for each position, they will skim read first and probably have a 'no' and 'yes' pile. The aim is to ensure you go on the 'yes' pile!

So, if qualifications are important for the position you are applying for, make sure that is front-loaded on your cv. If they are looking for particular skills, then alter the layout to make sure they stand out on the front page.

Your cv is probably going to look very different for each position you apply for (and so it should), so just remember 'sweetie-shop window' and get your 'goodies' on that front page.

Happy job hunting - and as always, if I can help you in any, please just ask!

Christine Ware

Is your CV holding you back?

Many people come to me desperate - that they have been searching for work for ages and not had even a sniff of an interview.

My first approach would be to review everything they have done to date and that would include looking over the cv that has been previously used.

This is normally where the problems arise. I have candidates who are very capable, are applying for roles that are completely within their capabilities, but never get an interview.

Normally a re-write or 'tweak' of their cv can have stunning effects - the invites to interview will come through quite quickly and normally an offer is made shortly after that. My clients think I sprinkle them with 'magic dust' and perhaps I do ;-) In reality I listen very carefully to their skills and talents, write them in a way that showcases them and make the cv more'achievement-led'.

Perhaps your cv could do with some 'magic dust'? Send it to me for an assessment and get your career on the right track - every day you spend out of work is costing you money....