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Is This Job a Trick or Treat?
If you're looking online for jobs don't get baited into applying for a loosely worded job description. There's a number of reasons you avoid certain postings. Make sure you fully understand what is being asked of you and that you're qualified and interested in performing the listed activities.

If there are any questions in your mind, make sure you address them in full during the interview. If a job sounds too good to be true, it likely is!

Listen to today's episode to find out some of the red flags and download our free guide to see even more. 

Chapters
[01:56]
Watch out for vague job descriptions - you may not fully understand what you're applying to.

[04:50]
The days of using a generic resume to apply for job postings are long gone. You need a job-targeted resume!

[06:12]
If you're interested in earning more, be careful if perks or bonuses are loosely mentioned.

[06:54]
Watch out for broad salary ranges mentioning "earn up to".

[09:00]
If you apply and get the interview make sure you come armed with questions - it's your responsibility to understand their expectations and your starting base salary.

[10:40]
Visit our website and grab this episode's free download. It covers online job description warning flags covered today and more!

[11:21]
The story behind today's episode - one of our Resume Master Class students had a questionable experience with job hunting online.

Mentioned Links
Free Download - Red Flags to Avoid In Job Postings
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class
GlassDoor.com - 5 Red Flag to Look For with Job Descriptions
Monster.com - 7 Job Posting Red Flags

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You Know What Others Don't
Don't undervalue yourself by thinking others know what you do. Each of us is unique and applies our learning, experience, and abilities in different ways.

Even if you're new to the job market or entering into a new role, you still bring value. Learn a few ways you can boost your value for your current job. Also, find out how to listen more carefully and pick out potential growth opportunities.

Craig touches on his 3P Rule, Powerfully Placed Pauses, and how strong emotional intelligence can help you to succeed.

Chapters
[01:30]
If you think that everyone knows what you do, then you're devaluing yourself.

[02:04]
Today's episode is focused on a self-check-in. How do you feel about your personal and professional career status?

[03:35]
You should recognize and appreciate your unique, specific skill set.

[03:56]
When you serve your customers do you look for ways to go above and beyond?

[05:06]
Reading body language can be a key skill to help you communicate more strongly.

[05:36]
Most people don't listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply - Stephen R. Covey.

[06:11]
Immediately boost your listening skills by following Craig's 3P Rule: Powerfully Placed Pauses.

[07:01]
Sometimes you might feel overloaded at work, the old expression "I feel like I'm drinking from a firehose" may apply.

[07:32]
With careful listening, you could identify new job opportunities as well as any skill gaps you have.

[09:48]
If you currently are "drinking from a firehose" there may be ways to lessen your load.

[11:42]
What you know is unique to you. Self-evaluate your: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

[13:58]
Value your skills, knowledge, and experience. You know what others don't.

Mentioned Links
Learn Craig Ancel's 3P Rule - Powerfully, Placed Pauses
Find out more about Emotional Intelligence
Stephen R. Covey's quote about listening

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Doing This Will Lose You The Interview
So you've been searching a while and finally found a job you're interested in applying for. You dust off your resume and fill out and submit the job application. But what you do next could make or break your chances of winning an interview.

If you're going to send a follow-up letter after your job application and resume submission - you should think again. In today's episode, I share a real-world example of how one applicant's interview chances quickly went down the drain - don't do the same!

Chapters
[01:19]
You've finally found a job that you're interested in and plan to apply.

[02:20]
After submitting your resume and cover letter you decide to send a follow-up letter.

[03:28]
Anytime you send any form of communication you need to make sure it's error-free!

[04:37]
What caught the hiring manager's eye that led him to consider an interview?

[05:49]
Try to avoid communicating when you're upset, you're unlikely to be thinking logically.

[07:58]
What if that job application thank you letter was never sent?

[09:55]
Today's message is all about clean, clear, crisp communication. And, communication is a two-way street!

[12:32]
Any type of communication you send out to a hiring company should be double or triple-checked for accuracy and errors.

[14:49]
Check out our free resources and downloads.

Mentioned Links
Free Resources - CraigAncel.com

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I Just Started a New Job and I Hate It
So you've started a new job, but it's not what you expected. What options do you have?

Hopefully, the interview vetted out any of your concerns. Still, what if things just don't feel right after you start work? Maybe the environment is different than you thought. Maybe there's a coworker that you find difficult to work with.

Regardless of what is causing you to hate your new job, know that you have options. Tune in to today's episode to find out what they are and how to implement them!

Mentioned Links
[00:55]
Change is difficult for most people. But what if your new position isn't what you expected?

[01:44]
If you approach your new manager to discuss the job description disconnect, make sure you do it respectfully and offer potential solutions - don't just bring problems.

[03:00]
You should always have at least one backup plan in place.

[04:20]
Any good action plan should include timelines.

[05:15]
As a potential last step, you can approach your prior employer to see if any positions are available.

[07:40]
When do you know that you hate your job?

[09:16]
Ultimately, if you find you're not a good fit for your new role you need an action plan with due dates!

[09:40]
Sending out generic resumes and cover letters usually return poor results.

[11:58]
Your actions need to have a quality mindset and plan in place.

Mentioned Links
CGME: Ep 70 - Mentors Help You Grow
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class

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Mentors Help You Grow
Mentors can be assigned or you can seek them out. But what value do they provide?

Mentors can help you identify your weaknesses and put plans together to improve upon them. You may know your strengths, but you might be overlooking areas where you fall short. Mentors can help you grow through regular meetings.

Many times, the mentor-mentee relationship provides value in both directions. This is typically called co-mentoring. It's a great way to give and receive - you both benefit.

If you'd like to learn more about how mentoring works and some areas you might want to explore, you should tune in to today's episode. We als explore the SWOT acronym - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Check it out!

Chapters
[00:33]
Mentors can be friends or colleagues. It could be a local or long-distance relationship, in person or virtually.

[02:10]
When seeking a mentor, you might learn you have something to give back, as well. That means you're in a co-mentoring relationship.
 
[03:42]
Seeking out a mentor is a positive sign of growth.

[05:30]
Everybody has several strengths and at least one weakness.
 
[06:53]
Once you've successfully turned a weakness into a strength don't stop there!
 
[07:36]
Feedback can hurt, make sure you take it constructively. What if you're told you have a lot of stutter or filler words?
 
[07:56]
When you get put on the spot you respond loudly and defensively.
 
[09:34]
As your weaknesses change because you're improving upon them, you can ask for help to grow in other areas.
 
[11:33]
In addition to strengths and weaknesses, there are two more areas to watch out for. The last two come from SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

[13:58]
The final piece of SWOT is T, which stands for Threats. Do you know where your threats could come from?

[15:00]
After you've grown, focus on future areas to improve. If you can't think of any, envision being questioned during an interview for a leadership position.

Mentioned Links
CGME: Episode 51 - Powerfully Placed Pauses - Improve your listening skills today!
CGME: Episode 55 - Getting Rid of Um, Ah...Filler Words

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Cover Letters Aren’t About You
Are you avoiding job postings that require a cover letter? If so, this episode is for you.

Maybe you already have a cover letter, but it's not getting great results. Building one is more of an art than a science. If you can't tell a great story and entice the viewer to read on, you could be sunk.

Your cover letter's job is to separate you from the competition. Your resume's job is to get you the interview. Using a generic or canned resume and cover letter will likely get you very limited responses. In fact, doing so with large corporations can even hurt you. If you're not targeting each job posting you apply for, the hiring company will quickly see your lack of effort and move on.

Tune in to find out how to change your resume and cover letter today.

Chapters
[01:08]
What if that job posting you're so interested in requires a cover letter?

[01:47]
The first references to cover letters appeared in newspapers back in the early to mid 1900's.

[02:23]
How is your cover letter written? Is it written to brag on you? You need to remember the purpose of a cover letter!

[03:11]
If you automatically include your cover letter with every resume submission I urge you to think twice.

[04:49]
Cover letters aren't about you! They're about the story you tell, the value you can provide to a future employer.

[05:14]
Minimize your use of "I" statements.

[05:40]
Cover letters have a unique sequence to entice the reader to read on.

[06:33]
Seriously consider the content you put in your cover letter, it's got to tell a great story! A recent Resume Master Class student asked, "What's wrong with my cover letter?"

[08:55]
Avoid using generic resumes and cover letters. This can hurt your chances - find out how.

[09:48]
Make sure you have strong framing, a good storyline, and generous white space.

[11:10]
We're celebrating the release of Craig Ancel's Cover Letter Master Class!

[12:30]
Your cover letter's first paragraph is critical. If you don't hook them from the beginning how likely are they to read on?

[14:32]
There's a special combo deal waiting for you. If you need to create or update your resume then check out our Resume Master Class.

Mentioned Links
Craig Ancel's All-New Cover Letter Master Class
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class

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Are Cover Letters Required?
In today's fast-paced world, you're lucky if your resume gets any time in front of a human. Most online applications are electronically scanned by software before they have the chance to get in front of a person. What about cover letters?

If cover letters are required with resume submissions, don't ignore these job postings because you don't know how to effectively write one. Today's episode is here to change that.

On the other hand, if you have a cover letter at the ready, I strongly recommend against using it as is. Cover letters and resumes should be custom-tailored for each targeted job you apply for.

Finally, if you automatically send your cover letter with each resume submission, think again. You could be harming, rather than helping your chances at an interview. Find out why by listening now!

Chapters
[00:40]
A recent student of Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class confirmed cover letter submissions are still required!

[01:08]
Knowing how to create customized cover letters will put you well ahead of the competition.

[02:17]
Before your resume gets in front of a human, it's likely scanned and ranked using a software tool called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

[03:22]
One of the key functions an Applicant Tracking System performs is to scan your resume for keywords.

[04:16]
It's not likely you're much traction with a generic resume or cover letter.

[04:28]
What's the purpose of a cover letter?

[05:00]
Make sure you read and respond to the job requirements.

[06:30]
Should I submit a cover letter with my resume as standard practice?

[08:35]
Depending on the quality, substance, and structure of your cover letter it may be harming you instead of helping you.

[11:09]
What's the purpose of a cover letter?

[11:52]
Whether through a cover letter or resume make sure you tell the correct story!

[12:46]
Warning: Don't list any content that you don't recall the specifics about and can't speak to.

Mentioned Links
Join the waitlist for Craig Ancel's Cover Letter Master Class!
CGME: Episode 67 - Did You Read The Job Requirements?
Get on our CGME Email List Now! - Don't miss special, advanced notices.

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Did You Read The Job Requirements?
Looking for work can be stressful. Don't let that stress or anxiety get the best of you by rushing through the job requirements. Not reading or fully understanding the job description can hurt you, whether you're applying internally or externally.

If you're applying internally, your lack of fully reviewing the job requirements could catch up with you and affect your reputation. If you're applying externally to a large corporation, your lack of attention to detail could ruin your chances for multiple opportunities.

Today's episode walks you through one such example of not reading the job requirements. Tune in so you don't make the same mistakes.

Chapters
[01:02]
Applying for internal positions without reading the job requirements can be hazardous to your health.

[02:01]
Don't rush to apply for open jobs, make sure you thoroughly review the job requirements.

[03:00]
You're aware of the travel requirements, right?

[04:16]
Are your qualifications right on the borderline?

[05:03]
Besides job requirements, there can be preferences listed.

[06:14]
Consider the job requirements and how your resume or cover letter aligns.

[07:41]
Where can you find the job requirements?

[09:02]
Knowing and speaking to the job requirements can boost you ahead of the competition.

[10:22]
Practice interviews are important. Be prepared to discuss your strengths and at least one weakness.

[13:16]
Don't ruin future hiring chances with large corporations.

Mentioned Links
CMGE: Episode 68 - Are Cover Letters Required?
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class

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Leaders Versus Managers
It's not really about titles. It's about your inner drive and how you perceive challenges. It's what motivates you and sets you apart from others. You might have the title of manager, but you can be much more than that.

On the other hand, you may not work as a supervisor. You may be an individual contributor working your way up from the bottom. Regardless, it's your personality and drive that can make you a leader.

When people are chosen for supervisory roles, it's often because they've already proven themselves. Maybe they've exhibited leadership qualities and are being recognized with the opportunity for advancement.

In this week's episode, we'll talk about the differences, and how you can be a leader, whether you supervise, or work side by side with your peers.

Chapters
[00:41]
Leaders versus managers apply to every walk of life.

[01:30]
We need both leaders and managers. But it may benefit you to modify your style to achieve greater results.

[03:29]
Here's what we're supposed to do when things like this happen.

[04:10]
Our sincerest apologies for your most recent visit to our location.

[04:58]
If this person were a leader what could they have done differently?

[06:25]
What qualities or characteristics do leaders versus managers possess?

[07:36]
With leadership, I believe you have a vision, the goal in mind.

[08:18]
You don't have to be in management to be a leader.

[08:52]
Career growth objectives should be mapped out with short, mid, and long terms goals.

[09:12]
Requesting training or potentially leading it could set you apart from your peers, in a good way.

[11:40]
Your outlook and inner drive are what cause you to be branded as a leader.

Mentioned Links
Free Resources & Downloads - CraigAncel.com

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How to Get Bigger Tips
Another name for the food and beverage industry is the hospitality industry.  When customers go out for meals and drinks there's a certain expectation for the quality of their service. 

If you're in the hospitality industry what are some things you can do to go above and beyond? In today's episode, I'll cover over 1 dozen tips that might help you reel in bigger tips. But don't misunderstand, there's no quick easy way.  You truly need to provide a unique experience by going above and beyond. You need to make your guests' visit memorable. If you do, they'll remember you at the end of the dining experience.

Make getting bigger tips part of your daily service routine. Grab your free download, How to Get Bigger Tips, which includes bonus tips not mentioned in today's podcast. 

Grab your free download, How to Get Bigger Tips, which includes bonus tips not mentioned in today's podcast. 

Chapters
[01:03]
It's not all about the money. It's about improved customer service, In fact, The Absolute Best Customer Service.

[01:55]
Greet with a genuine smile.

[02:13]
Be attentive: scan your service area and know what to look for!

[02:50]
How do you take your guests' orders? There are ways to improve your guest connection and increase the accuracy of their order.

[03:40]
Do you ask for your guests' names when you serve them?

[04:28]
How to increase the total bill by providing value-added customer service.

[06:46]
Pay attention to what your guests share. Try to connect back to their conversation perhaps referencing the weather, traffic, or their tight schedule.

[07:29]
See how one server handled my son's request for $1,000,000.

[08:28]
Anything you can do to add value will show. Try to catch food and drink errors before serving the table.

[09:46]
You can gather special feedback from repeat customers. Recognize your regulars!

[11:13]
Your last chance to go above and beyond with customer service!

[13:34]
If you're facing a particular hospitality struggle or challenge and it wasn't answered here, let me know.

[14:12]
Don't forget to grab your free copy of How to Get Bigger Tips. Several bonus tips are included not mentioned in today's podcast.

Mentioned Links
CGME: The Ultimate Best Customer Service
Free Download: How to Get Bigger Tips (includes bonus tips)
Email Craig Ancel

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