The Wooden Group

By: Randy Wooden

With summer almost over and school starting, many job hunters who’d taken time off to travel and otherwise spend family time now look to resume their search. 

Fall is traditionally a good time for hiring.  So is the first quarter.  Current economic circumstances suggest there is no “good” time for companies, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t jobs out there.  It does mean they’re fewer and harder to obtain, so don’t give up.

First, assess where you stand regarding your network.  If you haven’t had contact in several weeks, find something of interest to your intended contact (an article, for instance) and share it with them.  Use that as an intro to help keep you front of mind.  Offer to help their friends who may be looking.  Seek to give, first… receive, second.

Update your online presence.  Tweak your resume on the job boards to keep it fresh.  Make a couple changes each week to your LinkedIn profile and rejoin its group discussions.  Check your resume and add any recent self-employment achievement or relevant volunteer activity.  Rehearse your answers to interview questions. 

In short, hit the job trail with enthusiasm and a game plan.  Easier said than done, yet you and I both know it’s critical.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

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Randy Wooden from The Wooden Group discusses how to handle some tough interview scenarios and how something you might say could harm your chances. He also discusses some of the things you should NOT ask in the interview.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

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Come to our free workshop, get all your questions answered and receive a complimentary resume critique!

The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop is every Thursday at noon where we’ll discuss how you can improve your marketability,  make your resume stand out,  figure out the best way to network, improve your interviewing skills…and more!

We cover all aspects of a job search.  Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee.  So, bring your questions!

The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.

Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

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Job Seekers - Do you have questions for us?

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and our answers.

To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!  

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Randy Wooden, from the Wooden Group, discusses how to get a response from prospective employers. Insider tips on how to connect with the right person. For more info, please visit: http://www.woodengroup.com. 

To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!  

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As founder and president of The Wooden Group, Randy has created the perfect position for his skill set. Drawing upon over 25 years of professional experience in a number of human resource areas including outplacement, executive recruiting, in-house staffing and training, Randy understands the corporate landscape, job-related resources and the job seeking process.

To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!  

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By: Randy Wooden
www.WoodenGroup.com

From time to time a candidate will face a question he simply wishes to avoid.  Whether that question deals with anticipated income, reasons for leaving your last job, specific career goals, occasionally a candidate may find it advantageous to avoid a direct and specific answer.

So how’s that supposed to work?

First, a definition.  A verbal cushion is typically a series of words spoken right after the employer’s question.  This cushion allows the candidate to not only show respect for the question (meaning, “I’ll answer it.”) but it also provides time for the candidate to think of a suitable answer.

I encourage candidates to occasionally use a cushion followed by a question.  For example, the employer says, “How much do you expect to earn in this position?”

You could respond with, “I think like anyone I’d look to be paid based on the position requirements as well as my experience.  (the cushion)  What sort of pay range did you have in mind?” (the question)

In future tips I’ll illustrate how to use cushions in other sticky interview situations.

In our culture it’s rude to answer a question with another question.  A verbal cushion provides some much-needed spacing between their question and your responding question.  It’s a tool you may find effective in everyday conversation as well.  Try it!

To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!  

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Don’t just take our word for it.

Read what others are saying
about The Wooden Group!

Like most senior level people I was already knowledgeable about conducting a job hunt. Still, they helped me in several key areas, especially with networking. I’ll never know whether I would have landed the job without them, but I do know I’m employed in a role I enjoy. - T. J.

The Wooden Group did what they said they would. They were professional, responsive and on target with their advice. - R. Y.

I had some concerns about how my job hunt had been going. Randy developed structure for me, held me accountable and really helped me with the finer points of my search. I’d encourage anyone concerned about their situation to give him a call. - J. D.

The Wooden Group proved to be a good investment in my career. I knew my situation would be challenging and while a new position didn’t materialize right away, I had confidence we were doing the right things on a consistent basis. - N. M.

They know their stuff. I was pleased with the process and would recommend them to others. - A. E.

I think they did a good job. They helped with my preparation and presentation. I had two offers to weigh, so things turned out great. - P. T.

To learn more, call us at (336) 793-8040 or visit www.WoodenGroup.com!  

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