The Wooden Group

Have you ever finished an interview with a potential employer and thought, “I really messed that one up.”

Have you ever had your resume overhauled by a professional?

Are you networking with the right people?

Come to our free workshop where we’ll cover all these questions and much more! Also, 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.

STAY CONNECTED!

Are you doing everything you can to find a job? Are you networking as much as possible? Is your resume in top-notch condition and very powerful? Are you maximizing your efforts on LinkedIn.com? Are your interviewing skills refined and ready?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions…you need to come to our free workshop where we’ll cover these topics and more! Also, 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.

STAY CONNECTED!

Do you have questions about how you can make yourself more marketable in this highly competitive job market? 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.

STAY CONNECTED!

By: Randy Wooden

Ever heard these?  “We’re not sure we can afford you… we’re not sure you’d be challenged in this position… I’m concerned you won’t be happy in this position.”

Failure to overcome those objections will doom your candidacy.  And while there is no foolproof way to work through the “you’re overqualified” objection, I have some suggestions which could mitigate the damage and, hopefully, sufficiently overcome the objection in order to land the job.

First, don’t argue with the employer.  Admit it’s a valid concern.  And don’t counteract their objection by telling them they’ll get a lot of bang for the buck.  They’re not arguing that point.  The employer’s telling you they won’t be able to keep you… and consequently it doesn’t behoove them to hire someone they perceive will simply continue their job search until something better turns up.

So begin your answer by acknowledging their concerns. Then, share your take on the realities of the job market and how you recognize that the past position was with a different company at a different time.  Briefly discuss why you’d want this position and why, despite it being a step back in pay and title, it fits with your longer term career objectives.

You might wrap up your answer with the confession that job hunting is right up there with battling an insurance company or a visit from the IRS.  You’d much rather spend your time and energies in a new position.

Conclude by seeking confirmation.  “Does that make sense… or… Can you see why I feel that way?”

If your past work history is one of long term stability, then you could also offer that as evidence.  I’d suggest not leading with that, however, since it can be perceived as condescending toward the employer.

All that said, for many employers there is no getting around the issue.  It’s sad, since statistics demonstrate that people change employers MUCH more frequently than they did a generation ago.  So the 25 year old is as likely to remain with the company as long as the 45 year old. 

As always, I welcome feedback.  Reach me at randy@woodengroup.com. Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

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By: Randy Wooden

Ever say these words to someone?  “Right, OK, I understand, that makes sense, sounds good, sure.”

Now be honest.  By the time you’d uttered any of those words you’d mentally moved on past what the other person was saying.  And those words were your not-so-subtle hints to the person to stop talking.

As an interviewee we often possess a combination of nerves and a desire to do an information puke all over the employer.  It’s the old adage, “Throw enough against the wall and something will stick.”  We mistakenly think that since we weren’t interrupted (as we would normally be in peer-to-peer conversation) that the employer wants to hear more.  So we drone on and on and on and…   Mistake!

When the employer gives you those “word cues” my best advice is to end in another sentence or so.  Then, ask the employer whether that addressed his question or whether he wanted you to provide more information.  I’ll bet my dollar to your penny his answer will be along the lines of, “No, you’re fine.”

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com. You can also connect with Randy on LinkedIn.

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By: Randy Wooden

Be careful where you conduct your final grooming prior to entering the interview.  Years ago a recruiter told me of an engineering candidate who drove up to the manufacturing facility and parked, face in, to a visitor space.

Before exiting his vehicle, the candidate tilted his rear view mirror downward and proceeded to do a “once over” on his tie, his teeth, his breath, his underarms and last, but certainly not least, his nose.  Knuckle-deep with his right hand. 

Unbeknownst to the candidate his vehicle pointed directly into the plant manager’s office.  The manager happened to see the car pull up and naturally paused a moment to see whether he knew who was driving.  After a disgusting laugh the manager went about his business.

About 15 minutes later his admin let him know his interview was waiting in the lobby.  Imagine the manager’s feeling as he turned the corner, only to see that smiling candidate with his right hand extended.  The man never had a chance at that job and it had nothing to do with his skills or experience.

I instruct clients to bring along an extra shirt as well as a lint brush and dental floss.  Find a nearby restaurant or the company bathroom to do your personal grooming.  Just remember, whenever you’re on company property you may be being watched, so be careful of what you say and your actions.

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

STAY CONNECTED!