Ace That Interview With Personal Characteristics of High Achievers!
By Darrell DiZoglio, High-Performance Résumé Writer at http://RighteousResumes.com © 05/08/2020 all rights reserved.
Great news! You can improve your perceived value in employment interviews by making sure employers see these qualities of high achievers in you. These are essential to secure employment and earn what you are worth that some employers will select candidates with these winning traits over internal candidates because their next promotion, monthly bonus and annual award of stock/stock options depend solely on their ability to hire top performers.
Humility – Only by emptying yourself of pride can your mind accept the wisdom of masters, experts and gurus. Humility is not something you can or should put on your résumé because that is a marketing and sales document, however you can allude to it in your employment interviews and with your actions. It is especially appropriate when you are younger, have less than 5 years of industry experience or are entering a new work environment for the first time. The same applies to career changers.
Dedication to Continuous Improvement and Lifelong Learning - This trait of winners will make you highly sought after.
Servant Leadership/Dedication and Willingness to Help Others - A dedication to customer service means you are willing to do whatever it takes to satisfy clients and exceed their expectations. People sure do appreciate five-star customer service.
Hustle/Energy – The willingness to work long, hard and smart every day, six days a week is how people really succeed, achieve and advance their careers, education and life. The smartest direction I can give you regarding hustle is that employers, executives and business owners all know enough to judge people by their actions.
Passion – “One man with a passion will do more than one hundred men with an interest…” Confucius. Without passion, most ordinary professionals quit when significant obstacles are encountered. However, passionate people are far more dedicated to achieving their dreams. They do not give a second thought to working nights in a restaurant while they continue on their quest by working days on their primary mission/career transition.
Brains – Knowing and understanding the difference between productive and constructive activities vs. negative and draining activities is vital to your success. Every day you have a golden opportunity to apply yourself to fruitful endeavors or fruitless ones.
Positive Thinking, Big Thinking and Long-Term Thinking - How you think determines how you perform and whether you will reach your annual goals or not. There's no substitute for constructive thoughts.
Being a Finisher/Completer is a highly desirable characteristic because so many start projects and so few complete them. That brings to mind another great trait of winners, being a Promise Keeper.
Enthusiasm and Heart - We've all been there, it's a slog when the going gets tough and along comes your favorite colleague who puts a kick in your giddy up with a confidence building compliment. You can do it and I'll show you how.
Embracing Accountability – The consequences to all of your choices and activities add up in due time. Wise people have the ability to look beyond short-term fun and entertainment. They remain relentlessly focused on their long-term goals, keep building momentum and frequently make sacrifices to help themselves, their family members or others. Show employers you have this admirable quality by learning from your mistakes and remaining dedicated to their service.
Strong Work Ethic, Competitive Drive and a Desire to Be the Best - Winners have made a commitment to excellence. Good enough isn't a thought that has even crossed their minds.
Long-Term Vision – Often in life we have to ignore the thin veneer of the material world, short-term gratification and temptation to remain on the righteous path. Without a willingness to make temporary sacrifices for longer-term gains, anyone can be doomed to a life full of poor decisions regardless of their intelligence, experience or wealth. This is just a test.
Belief in God, Faith, Generosity and Gratitude – The more you learn, the more you realize how little we all know. Yes, indeed miracles are everywhere, especially where nature is unspoiled. All you have to do is open your eyes, focus your mind and look for them. Many of God’s blessings are inexhaustible such as love, family, friends, family pets, good health, intelligence, good humor, the majesty of nature, the oceans and space. Whereas the material world if full of fleeting pleasures, wealth and material things. The bottom line is people with faith are relentless. They able to hold the course when the going gets tough while all others wilt under pressure.
The Ability to Remain Poised & Professional Under Pressure and Perform Well in the Clutch - Generally this is a trait of those with plenty of experience in one line of work, however, a lucky few are just born as cool as a cucumber.
Willingness to Do Extra - Imagine what would happen if you told your boss you would like to know what part of his job he hated doing the most and then you volunteered to take on that responsibility for him from now on. Any boss would appreciate that tremendously. It would only be a matter of time until you were promoted. D
Desire – Desire is essential to motivate you into action, but it is not quite passion. Desire helps students get into college and graduate school, passion and discipline however is what keeps them there and ensures that they graduate.
Persistence – Winners know that tough times do not last but tough people do. Athletes know that quitters do not win and winners do not quit. Without persistence, people often give up just when their momentum is building. You win when you ignore the critics and negative thinkers. Simply rise above them without even acknowledging them.
Organizing, Prioritizing and Multitasking Skills – Often the fulfillment of your dreams involves lots of hard work. Thus, knowing how to organize, prioritize and multitask well is sure to give you a lasting advantage over others.
Being Teachable, Following Directions Well and Recognizing that Constructive Criticism is an Opportunity to Improve Your Performance.
Always Being Prepared/Consummate Professionalism - Always being prepared is often the difference between winning and second place/losing.
Anticipating Wants/Needs, Thinking Ahead, Being Proactive demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond to reach organizational goals/satisfy clients.
Strong Work Ethic - Believe it or not, somebody has to actually do the work and fulfill all those promises. If you become a reliable top performer/producer your services will always be in demand.
Competitive Spirit/Entrepreneurial Drive - Any type of sales or marketing professional is going to go much further with competitive spirit and entrepreneurial drive. In these professions results are everything and management focuses on monthly key performance indicators thus lazy coach potatoes need not apply.
Resilience - Resilience is the ability to bounce back after a tough loss or bad day. "Fall down six times, stand up seven..." ancient Chinese proverb.
Leveraging Modern Technology - Working smart now means becoming a more efficient employee by utilizing software, hardware and technical tools to do your job faster, better and more efficiently.
Reliability and Arriving Early/On Time for Work - Being punctual is always an asset. From this moment forward vow to arrive 10-15 minutes early because there is no such thing as being on time anymore.
Being a Great Listener and Following Directions Well
Being a great team player - Fewer and fewer professionals are wise/mature enough to realize it's far better to bask in the joy of a team win than an individual win. Let's face it, organizational goals will not be met without teamwork and those are the goals that matter most. Once you've made it as a professional, why not send the elevator back down?
Straight-Forward/Confident Communicator - Saying what you mean and meaning what you say. There's tremendous value in speaking plain English, communicating/enunciating clearly (not mumbling), collaborating effectively and confirming comprehension (if necessary).
Great Writing, Editing & Proofreading Skills are a significant and bankable asset in virtually every profession.
Bilingual/Multilingual - Speaking, reading and writing in another popular language besides English is a huge asset. In many professions employers are willing to pay 15% extra to retain your services if you are bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin.
Proactive Problem Solving, Creative Problem Solving and Thinking Out of the Box - "A stitch in time save nine." Some professionals know and value the ability to ask probing questions to get to the root cause/issue of problems. Once that information is known the solution often reveals itself or becomes obvious with a few more answers.
This list of the personal characteristics of high achievers should help you figure out and correct your weakest points from an employer’s point of view. Remember we are all a work in progress and we all have room for improvement.
Would you like to be winning from the beginning in your job search? If so, contact Darrell DiZoglio, CPRW here: http://RighteousResumes.com. You will be glad you did.
Learn How to Excel in Employment Interviews and Get Hired Quick
By Darrell DiZoglio, CPRW of http://RighteousResumes.com Copyright 03/03/2015 All rights reserved.
It is true that employment interviews are harder than ever to earn today. So, here are some helpful instructions to enable you to thrive and make a lasting impression with recruiters, hiring managers and executives. Read on for time tested and proven ways to gain mastery of the interview process. You should leave most interviews with a realistic sense of confidence that you are a leading candidate, even those dreaded gang interviews where the questions never seem to end.
Although we are still in a challenged economy, I am very confident these practical strategies will serve you well. For most people the job search is something that we trudge through. Remember that we all miss 100% of the shots that we do not take. Simply asking for the job is still the most often overlooked clincher. I am sure these helpful hints will work wonders for you:
- Learn video conferencing with at least one popular application (Skype, GoToMeeting, Join.me or WebEX). It's 2017, so your first couple of interviews could be be long distance via video conference.
- If you are looking for career opportunities in other states, it is even more important to practice video conferencing because you are will have to navigate dozens of these interviews (it saves a lot on travel expenses). Make certain to learn the full operations - receiving calls, initiating calls, muting a conversation and conducting an interview via Skype.
- For video conferencing interviews always make sure the camera is at your eye level (use books to increase height if necessary). You should also dress for success and make certain that the background is consistent with the professional image you want to project to a prospective employer.
- Think about what you can offer this employer that cheap labor overseas, software, automation/technology and robotics can not, then keep this info at the ready for your interview (on top of your PC monitor if video conferencing interview).
- Eye contact use plenty of it, especially early, for tough questions and the final sales pitch.
- Dress for success. Yes, first impressions are still lasting impressions.
- Show interest. Any employer feels more certain about making the commitment if you show you genuine desire for the position. This attribute carries a lot of influence in who gets the job.
- The lack of enthusiasm is one of the main reasons more mature and experienced candidates are not chosen. Yes, it can be just that simple. Make great strides here and you will get better results. Pick several good things about the company and make positive comments on them. Like: "Now that's what I call a great benefits program! I sure would be happy to work until retirement here."
- Ask intelligent questions of your interviewer. Research the company first of course. Show you have researched the company by asking questions that demonstrate you have done your homework. Make them notice you. The quality of your questions is proof of you desire. If you prepare for an interview naturally the employer will know you are likely to prepare for daily performance. This was overlooked by more than 60 percent of all my applicants.
- Smile, sit up straight leaning slightly forward look alive and interested. A large percentage of communication is nonverbal. Your body language is often overlooked, but not by the interviewer. Do you appear healthy, fit and able to work? You should, each to the best of our ability of course. Did you use a credible firm handshake or the dead fish handshake? Minor you might say, but the beauty is all in the details.
- Have a sense of humor. If you can get your host to smile and laugh they just might find you enjoyable to work with. Trust me everybody really appreciates a cheerful personality.
- Find commonality with your employer. If there are horse racing pictures on the walls surrounding his desk tell him about your great experiences growing up on a farm with horses. If he has a college diploma from your college tell him you also are a Bryant College graduate. Did he happen to have professor Gallagher in Trigonometry too?
- Show unwavering confidence, but not arrogance. It is never all about you. Rather how you can better serve the company. Some humility is generally a good thing too.
- Research will help you know ahead of time what any employer's biggest challenge is. Be prepared to show them how you can assist them in this challenge better than anyone else. Create the missing piece of the puzzle and dangle it in front of them if you can.
- Have an evidence file. Gather the proof of all your accomplishments whatever they maybe: W-2 forms, 1099 forms, Awards, Certificates, Reference letters, A list of professional and personal references even pictures of your trophy wall since you can't bring that with you. This works wonders since it adds to your credibility and shows yet again you came prepared while all others did not. If a picture is worth a thousand words your evidence file is well, priceless.
- "Be the chess player, not the chess piece." Think a few moves ahead in life as Bobby Fischer did when he was crowned World Chess Champion. Actually, invest some time in your own success by writing out a list of the toughest questions you will be asked during interviews on index cards. Then practice answering them with a digital recorder until you have eliminated all stuttering, stalling, stammering and pauses. If you can answer these questions confidently the normal questions should be a breeze. Listening to your own answers is key to improving especially for those earning above $45,000 annually. Keep practicing until you are smooth, enthusiastic and confident without sounding rehearsed.
- Find out what remaining steps in the hiring process you have to go. Again plan ahead. Ask them, when can I expect to hear from you if I am lucky enough to be selected for the next round/for employment? This way you will know when follow up is appropriate.
- Always, get a business card and names of all the folks you just met. Send out thank you letters promptly.
- Improve your chances of being hired by letting the other candidates do most of the work for you. Strange as it may seem, try to be the last person interviewed. There is no scientific double blind study on this but in reality still this remains largely true. I know after interviewing folks for a full day or two my eyes got a bit tired. Naturally, it was easy for me to remember the last couple of interviews. It was even easier to hire the last couple of folks since it was now time to make the decision. Timing is everything. Though, if you made a great impression and I had jotted down great notes on your resume you will be hired whenever you come in. But, why would you swim upstream on this when you can swim down steam after all it is your career?
- Ask for the job. This is all your responsibility.
Remember, employment interviews are strictly business. You are being evaluated and compared to other similar candidates. All employers want to know that you can do the job, that you will perform well and that you will fit in well with their existing team.
Would you like to be winning from the beginning in your job search? If so, contact Darrell DiZoglio, CPRW here: http://RighteousResumes.com. You will be glad you did.
My Favorite Inspirational Quotes and Affirmations
Collected for your enjoyment by Darrell DiZoglio, http://RighteousResumes.com (August 1, 2014)
"Everyday, I am better and better in every way through Christ who strengthens me." Norman Vincent Peale
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Norman Vincent Peale
"My secret to contentment is knowing that God's plan is better than my own." Nick Vujicic
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein, American Physicist, 1879 - 1955.
"The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed." Proverbs 11:25
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you have imagined." Henry David Thoreau
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
"Those that say it cannot be done are generally interrupted by those actually doing it." James Baldwin
"You can't build a reputation based on what you are going to do." Henry Ford
"Now you have to Pay it Forward..." Pay it Forward, one of the greatest movies ever produced.
"Faith without works is about as useless as a screen door on a submarine..." Rich Mullins
Listen to Christian Music Radio for the Ultimate in Inspiration! Banish Depression.
Trust me on this, KLOVE.com, TheFaithfulRoad.com and Sky.com/Christian will supercharge your life. They will come to your emotional rescue and renew your faith! People always ask me, "How do you have the energy and drive to do what you do?"
Would you like to be winning from the beginning in your job search? If so, contact Darrell DiZoglio, CPRW here: http://RighteousResumes.com. You will be glad you did.
Less is More – Proof You are Wealthy, Loved and Blessed Beyond Your Knowledge
By Darrell Z. DiZoglio, CPRW of http://RighteousResumes.com Copyright 8/3/2012, All rights reserved.
I am a Christian Soldier in the war on poverty, unemployment and hopelessness. Here are a few helpful ideas to present those in dire need of happy thoughts and inspiration during tough times. Sometimes the gift of perspective you receive from walking a mile in someone else’s moccasins is priceless. So, here is a little insight from me…
There are two types of wealth in this world, God’s and the fleeting material wealth of humanity. God has endowed us with the magnificent planet Earth, which is clearly the diamond of the Milky Way galaxy, health, intelligence, freedom and an unlimited capacity to love. God’s love for us is inexhaustible as is our own supply. Has anyone ever asked you how much love do you have left? Not likely because your supply is so large it is not even measurable. "You already have everything you need to be great." White Feather
There is also no disputing that the Earth, our good health and love are all wonderful gifts beyond measure. The Earth came with everything in nature from the trees and seas to the humming birds and bumblebees. We know all of nature is beautiful, abundant and awe inspiring all you have to do is surround yourself with it, observe it with binoculars or watch the stars with a telescope. Remember to give yourself this gift often and protect nature from harm by avoiding all chemicals and drugs.
Love, God created us in his divine wisdom so that the more love we give away the more we receive. As anyone over 21 knows, love is without a doubt the most splendid gift of all. If that alone is not proof there is a God, please create a human being from the dust and make sure he is intelligent, beautiful, free, intelligent, self-healing and in good health. Only then will I believe you (cloning does not count).
Good health is also definitely one of God’s greatest gifts, our bodies actually heal themselves when left alone. As mere mortals, we normally only become aware of how precious this gift is when we have lost it temporarily. Perhaps age only exists to make us aware of what a wonderful gift this is. Does death exist only to make us aware of what a wonderful gift life is? If it does, even funerals aka “celebrations of life” are a blessing. Carpe diem (Live for the day)!
Intelligence, talent, good humor and the capacity to learn are all God's marvelous gifts. Learning helps us to contribute for the greater good, and become valued and productive members of society. If you have ever risen above challenges, surmounted obstacles and been victorious in your endeavors or studies, you can appreciate this gift. Again, it is nearly impossible to appraise its worth because your ability to learn and grow has no limits.
Freedom, now that might be the ultimate gift second only to love. Clearly, our ancestors knew its value for they contributed to the Constitution and Magna Carta. Anyone who has known tyranny, oppression or captivity knows freedom to be priceless. Isn’t it wonderful that every day we can choose to be working towards the unlimited opportunities that are ours in America, tend to our garden or visit the beach and surf?
Sunshine, regardless of what the warped media says natural sunlight is good for you in moderation. The key to avoiding a sunburn is to build up your tan gradually. Avoid sun block because your body needs natural vitamin D from sunshine to stay young, vibrant and healthy. All people know this instinctively as everyone appreciates sunny days and are disappointed by gloomy weather. My grandma is 103 years old and always enjoys plenty of sunshine at the beaches in Florida. Sunshine is God's love in action, soak it up.
Children, dogs and cats, even our children and favorite pets have an infinite supply of unconditional love. Now, that is as amazing as it is true. God so loved the world that he even gave us Jesus his only son, and allowed him to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins. Enlightened people give thanks for this every Sunday or at least twice every year at Easter and Christmas church services. Don’t you honestly have plenty to be thankful for? Why not focus on that every day instead of your problems? If you accept all these truths, then you know that often less is more.
Mankind, gave us a small sample of material wealth, governments and the concept of time, all of which are fleeting, taxing or at best come and go as they please. All are limited, difficult if not impossible to master and oh so elusive. In short, there is nothing that compares to God’s gifts. Hence, if you ever want to achieve happiness and nirvana, I would urge you to train your attention on God’s gifts everyday of your life. That way, you will realize you are already wealthy, healthy, free and living in God’s unlimited love and abundance. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Would you like to be winning from the beginning in your job search? If so, contact Darrell DiZoglio, CPRW here: http://RighteousResumes.com. You will be glad you did.
The Optimist's Creed
By Christian D. Larson in 1912 (Yet it is just as relevant and helpful today, over 100 years later.)
Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something special in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Would you like to be winning from the beginning in your job search? If so, contact Darrell DiZoglio, CPRW here: http://RighteousResumes.com. You will be glad you did.