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In-Person Interviews Are Back
We're moving away from virtual and remote interviews and back to face-to-face. That's right, in-person interviews are back!

We need to polish up on interview skills and that includes being able to strongly communicate when it's in person. You'll find out when a job interview truly starts.

Today's show has great tips on how to handle yourself if you get caught up in answering certain interview questions. Also, find out the two ways to fix the problem of not giving your best interview answer.

Chapters
[01:48]
When do you think the interview starts?

[02:26]
Some of Craig's mentoring and coaching students provided answers as to when they think the interview starts.

[04:10]
Stephen Covey once said, "Begin with the end in mind."

[04:46]
A short, real-world interview story to compare your approach to.

[07:00]
Do we act the same whether people are around or not?

[08:38]
Get some free tips on answering interview questions in CGME Episode 113.

[09:16]
Be aware of your body language - know how to practice and prepare.

[09:53]
During an interview, you have a choice with what you share.

[10:35]
Ask for a "do-over" if you don't like how you responded to an interview question.

[12:33]
Know what emotional intelligence is and how to effectively use it during an interview.

[14:00]
Is it OK to say, "I need a moment to respond?" or "Please give me a minute to respond."

[15:15]
Learn the power of Craig's 3P Rule - Powerfully Placed Pauses. See CGME episode 51.

[17:27]
If you struggled with a response and thought of a better way to say it, you have 2 options.

Mentioned Links
Answers to common interview questions: CGME Ep 113
Rock your interview using emotional intelligence: CGME Ep 40
Master conversations, especially responding to questions: CGME Ep 51

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How to Answer Common Interview Questions
Great preparation is the key to acing the interview. Tune in to find out how to answer common interview questions, and as a bonus, learn how to close out your interview with confidence.
 
Learn the single question you should ask that's a double win. This question expresses your interest in the open job role, but can also protect you from making a horrible job transfer mistake. Listen now - your 20 minutes will be very valuably spent! Press play now - your 20 minutes will be very valuably spent!

Chapters
[02:08]
This is one of the biggest pet peeves with human resource managers when it comes to answering this key question.

[03:58]
You have choices with the content you share during an interview.

[04:46]
Tell me about your experience.

[05:31]
Use the WIIFM tool to help you stand apart from other job applicants!

[06:43]
How SMART are your interview responses?

[07:53]
Your achievements belong on your resume, not your tasks performed.

[08:42]
What's your worst attribute? What is your biggest weakness?

[10:46]
What's your best attribute? What is your greatest strength?

[11:07]
Tell me about your community involvement or volunteering experience.

[12:22]
Make sure you do your homework before you interview!

[13:13]
Craig's challenge: Find just a couple of hours to give back. Maybe find a couple of hours a week, a month, a year - just find them!

[14:15]
Craig volunteered at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor, FL.

[15:25]
If you're considering volunteering let us know, and send us a note on social media @CraigAncel

[16:05]
Here's how to end your interview on a strong note!

[17:15]
Asking the right question can protect you from making a horrible job transfer mistake.

Mentioned Links
Volunteer at one of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in these Florida locations: 

• Safety Harbor
• Live Oak
• Donald Ralph Cooke
• Barberville
• Bartow
• Inglis/Yankeetown
• Hilliard

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How To Communicate Effectively - Part 2
Communication is an essential part of life. Whether in a personal or professional setting, we must communicate effectively in order to understand each other and accomplish our goals. In this two-part episode, we'll look at some real-world examples of effective and ineffective communication to see how we can improve our skills and avoid common mistakes. In part 2, we tackle body language, confidence, and how insecurity and immaturity affect your communication skills.
 
Chapters
[01:15]
A brief recap of part 1 of our mini-series, Episode 111.

[03:07]
Gain confidence by gaining experience in your industry or specialty.

[04:22]
Signs you may display insecurity or immaturity in the workplace.

[07:06]
Knowing your audience helps you to speak at a level they will better understand and appreciate.

[08:52]
Body language gives you insight into how your listener feels and takes in the information.

[09:44]
Powerfully Placed Pauses will improve your speaking skills!

[12:03]
Audio-only communication, like phone calls, can be improved as well. While you may be unable to read their expressions and body language, their speed, tone, and vocabulary will give you clues.

Mentioned Links
Episode 51: Powerfully Placed Pauses

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How To Communicate Effectively - Part 1
Communication is an essential part of life. Whether in a personal or professional setting, we must communicate effectively in order to understand each other and accomplish our goals. In this two-part episode, we'll look at some real-world examples of effective and ineffective communication to see how we can improve our skills and avoid common mistakes. In part 1, we talk about acronyms, knowing your audience, "weasel words" and more!
 
Chapters
[01:05]
A recent conversation with a coaching student helped inspire today's episode. They visited a website with "tech jargon" that the average person won't understand.

[02:57]
"ATS" is a common acronym in the hiring industry, but it's not verbiage everyone will understand. It's important to break down and explain acronyms!

[05:14]
Make sure your resume meets the application requirements so the Applicant Tracking Systems can scan your resume or cover letter properly.

[07:28]
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you to the hiring company and tie in your qualifications for the job.

[09:46]
“Weasel words” are blanket statements used to avoid specifying an authority. They are vague expressions that generally create a lack of trust between you and the receiver.

[11:49]
Knowing your audience helps you recognize who you are presenting or speaking to, so you can tailor your words to make sure everyone understands.

[14:13]
Have confidence in yourself and in your words, no matter the circumstances.

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Prevention Versus Damage Control
The ability to problem solve is essential in our personal and professional lives. How you react under pressure says a lot about you. But what's better than solving a problem? Stopping the problem before it starts. That's called risk management. In today's episode, we discuss the difference between "firefighters" and "fire preventers" with bonus tips on how to avoid some common mistakes at work. Tune in now!
 
Chapters
[01:35]
When you work closely on an independent project, sometimes you're too close to see the "bigger picture"

[02:37]
It's always a good idea to do quality control. That can be as simple as having an outside perspective look over your project.

[03:19]
A study from the Indian Institute of Science shows shocking results on a study about people catching typos and grammatical mistakes.

[05:36]
It's important to put yourself in the shoes of others to get more perspective. That includes when you're interviewing!

[08:15]
We need firefighters. But what's better? Preventing the "fire" before it starts! This is called risk management.

[10:29]
You don't want to expel too much time on a risk that has low impact. Spend more energy and resources on preventing the biggest potential issues.

[12:29]
Enlist the help of peers or coworkers, depending on the task at hand, to give you objective feedback.

[15:08]
If your goals aren't clearly outlined, you may have trouble achieving them, as they are weak and not well-defined.

Mentioned Links
A new study explains how the human brain recognizes jumbled words

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5 Ways To Unwind During The Summer
More often than not, when we step away from the office to go away on vacation, we're never fully disconnected. It's essential to take breaks, so as not to overwork yourself. While some jobs make us feel like we always have to be a phone call away, there are some steps you can take to distance yourself from work. Tune into this week's episode to find out how you can unwind this summer and get the most out of your downtime!
 
Chapters
[01:01]
Craig thanks Buzzsprout for bringing him to Podfest '22 and talks about his experience!

[03:29]
While he attended Podfest on PTO (paid time off), Craig's mind couldn't help but wander to work back at the office.

[05:10]
Today's show will give you tips on how to completely disconnect so you can better enjoy your time off.

[07:00]
Sometimes, emergencies happen. Just don't treat every slip-up as a huge deal. Ask someone at work to help you while you're away.

[08:35]
Sometimes we're harder on ourselves than we need to be. You have to give yourself a break from being "on" all the time.

[11:08]
If you need to give your mind a break from thinking about work, try reading a book!

[13:30]
Looking for book recommendations? Reach out to Craig at [email protected] or DM us on social media - @craigancel!

[14:54]
If you're not good at relaxing, invest in yourself with functional hobbies that are practical.

[15:15]
Maybe you want to take an online class? Try our Resume Master Class and Cover Letter Master Class bundle and improve your vital documents today!

[16:03]
If you want some time away from the office but can't afford a trip, stay close to home with a "staycation."

[17:59]
Craig issues a challenge! Take a look at your out-of-office message and make sure it's up to par.

Mentioned Links
CGME Ep 92: Pros and Cons: Being A Jack of All Trades
Indispensable vs. Irreplaceable: What’s the difference?
CGME Ep 34: Does Speed Reading Really Work?
Reach out to Craig at [email protected]
Grab the RMC and CLMC bundle now!

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Creating The Master Classes with Madison Ancel - Part 2
In this special two-part episode, return guest, Craig's daughter and digital manager, Madison, comes back on to go behind the scenes of the Resume and Cover Letter Master Classes! They discuss the real-world events that inspired the creation of both courses and elaborate on quotes, lessons, and stories that can only be found in the master classes.

In the second and final installment of this two-part series, Craig and Madison delve into some of the research behind the Cover Letter Master Class. They give tips from recruiters, share advice from personal experiences, and connect the teachings of the Resume Master Class to show the importance of a connection between your cover letter and resume.
 
Chapters
[01:20]
Craig hears a shocking opinion from a recruiter about how to address your cover letter.

[02:36]
In the digital age, information is at our fingertips. Use that to your advantage!

[04:10]
Craig believes putting down the name of someone at the company is better than being generic. It shows effort!

[06:20]
One of Craig's students said they began to envision themselves working at the company they were applying for with the help of their targeted resume.

[07:40]
If you're looking for your lightbulb moment, book a 1-hour coaching session with Craig at craigancel.com/coaching.

[09:32]
Being thoughtful matters. Putting thought into your resume, and tailoring it to the job you're applying for, will help you stand out.

[12:30]
A mini-lesson on the first use of cover letters, all the way back in the 1930s

[14:20]
You have the creative license to construct a cover letter that will fit nicely with the position based on what you know about the company

[15:45]
The Cover Letter Master Class breaks down each paragraph of your cover letter. Each one fulfills a unique purpose.

[20:20]
After helping design it, Madison went through  CLMC as a student and was able to create cover letters she was proud of.

[22:50]
Craig elaborates on the concept of KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid

[26:15]
If you ever look for career coaching, make sure you're getting authentic feedback

[27:40]
Craig shares his story of how he lost his job, which, years later, inspired him to start the Career Growth Made Easy podcast.

[29:13]
To wrap up, we reflect on the value of the Resume and Cover Letter Master Classes, which are only on sale for a few more days! Visit craigancel.com/rmc to grab your discounted price today.

[32:17]
It is possible to transition from one career to another! Whether you're looking to start from scratch or just make a few tweaks, RMC and CLMC have you covered.

Mentioned Links
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class and Cover Letter Master Class are ON SALE! Get the bundle for 25% off at craigancel.com/rmc
If you're looking for your lightbulb moment, book a 1-hour coaching session with Craig at craigancel.com/coaching.
Email us at craigancel.com/email to join our email list!

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Creating The Master Classes with Madison Ancel - Part 1
In this special two-part episode, return guest, Craig's daughter and digital manager, Madison, comes back on to go behind the scenes of the Resume and Cover Letter Master Classes! They discuss the real-world events that inspired the creation of both courses and elaborate on quotes, lessons, and stories that can only be found in the master classes. Tune in to get a sneak peek at the teachings of both courses and look out for part 2 next week, on June 27th!
 
Chapters
[01:15]
Return guest, daughter, and digital manager, Madison, is here to go behind the scenes of the creation and inspiration of Craig's Resume Master Class and Cover Letter Master Class!

[02:49]
Craig kept hearing the same concerns over the years and saw an opportunity to bring his coaching expertise to his peers.

[04:30]
Madison attests to the teachings of the Resume Master Class, having used its content to redesign and update her resume.

[05:58]
When creating RMC, Craig wanted the course to be available to a variety of people, no matter their age or experience level.

[07:15]
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) greatly influenced how Craig shaped the course content.

[09:08]
Don't try to "break the mold." Put your resume content where it's expected to be. It's all about "Location. Location. Location"

[13:43]
The font you choose can make a huge difference.

[15:39]
Use the concept of "Less Is More" when constructing your resume.

[18:20]
Madison shares details of her story, found in the Resume Master Class, about going up against 400 other applicants for a job.

[22:00]
While she was nervous about applying for her first internship, the teachings of the Resume Master Class helped give Madison confidence!

[23:15]
"It's about pulling from your resource pool."

[24:55]
Craig spoke with an HR professional and asked what her peeves are when interviewing.

[29:00]
Craig offers some bonus tips on interviewing.

[31:15]
What was the driving force for creating a Cover Letter Master Class?

[32:28]
Your resume shows your qualifications. A cover letter helps convey why you are interested in the job and why you feel you'd be a good fit.

[35:00]
Your cover letter is your FIRST first impression, likely before the resume is even seen.

[36:10]
Your cover letter and resume should have cohesive content.

[37:23]
The Cover Letter Master Class breaks down the most common reasons why cover letters are discarded. Craig reveals #1 on the podcast.

Mentioned Links
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class and Cover Letter Master Class are ON SALE! Get the bundle for 25% off at craigancel.com/rmc

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Why Employees Are Leaving Their Jobs
It's no secret that unhappy employees leave their jobs. But it might shock you to find out what some of the contributors are. Even in 2022, some companies are not embracing technology that would allow employees to work from home.

Tune in to find out what 3 recent surveys said about why employees are leaving their jobs. According to CNBC.com, there's even a reason 10x more important than pay.

If you're a high-performer that wants to be in a high-performance work environment, you won't want to miss this episode. You'll hear what fellow high-performers are seeing and saying.

Finally, if your company would offer employee surveys, would you be up for the task of answering open-ended questions? See what others have to say about this - their compliments and complaints.

Chapters
[00:48]
"The Great Resignation" could be the new economic buzzword of the pandemic.

[02:17]
Yes, you can repurpose yourself and your resume! Some employees found new career paths.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/011-is-my-resume-old/id1490044127?i=1000463797768

[03:23]
Something shocking that made the top 5 list: Lack of flexible work atmosphere. That means no Working From Home (WFH) or Alternate Work Locations (AWL).

[05:24]
CNBC said there's a reason 10x more important than pay that makes employees quit!

[06:53]
Failure to recognize performance was another top item that lead to employee turnover.
https://craigancel.com/resources

[09:06]
The opposite is also true, high performers leave when they see underperformers being tolerated.

[09:58]
The Inc.com survey summed up the reason why people leave their jobs in 4 words: Feedback that goes unheard.

[11:00]
Failure to act leads to employee dissatisfaction.

[12:16]
Here's a staggering piece of information, one survey indicated nearly 41% of respondents were looking for a new job.

[13:18]
Are employees willing to respond to open-ended survey questions from their employers?

[15:54]
If employers are going to ask questions, they should have the resources to analyze and act on the results!

Mentioned Links
CGME: Ep 11 Is My Resume Old?
Free Downloadable Resources at CraigAncel.com

Surveys
TheThustle.co https://thehustle.co/why-people-are-really-leaving-their-jobs-during-the-great-resignation/

CNBC.com https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/14/the-biggest-reason-people-quit-is-10-times-more-important-than-pay.html

Inc.com https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/why-are-people-really-leaving-their-jobs-whole-reason-can-be-summed-up-in-4-words.html 

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Pulled in 1,000+ Directions? Get Laser Focused!
In today's world, distractions are only increasing. We could all use some help to become laser-focused. Today's show was inspired by an interaction Craig had with a Barred Owl in his neighborhood. Owls are known for their great vision and focus. Maybe our neighbors in nature can serve as a gentle reminder to help us regain our focus.

Tune in to today's episode to find out a simple way to prioritize your daily work activities and focus on what matters to your company's bottom line. When you do, it should be positively reflected in your performance reviews.

Chapters
[01:08]
Barred Owls are known for incredible vision and focus, despite distractions.

[02:01]
Like the owl, we can be surrounded by numerous distractions in our lives. We have to know how to filter out unimportant content.

[03:44]
We need to know what's important in our daily lives, both from a personal and professional standpoint.

[05:43]
How do we know what the truly important tasks are?

[07:26]
Sometimes our perceptions of what is important to our company can be wrong.
https://craigancel.com/resources

[08:22]
When you feel the urge to defensively respond, follow Craig's 3P Rule!
https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/051-powerfully-placed-pauses/id1490044127?i=1000519802668

[10:00]
You can learn to better organize your day and get laser-focused by following what the medical community does.

[12:23]
Grab your free download: Adding Value to Your Job
https://craigancel.com/resources

[13:13]
You can use your past performance reviews to determine where you should apply your laser focus.

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