distinguishing you

30 before 30

2011-01-20T16:43:00.008-05:00

well, it appears there are 442 days remaining until my 30th birthday. since my life tends to revolve around to-do lists... why not have a 30 before 30 to-do list! so, here we go! feel free to give suggestions to any of these!

1. ~~buy new towels for the bathroom & throw out the old ones~~
2. go to a nice restaurant downtown wearing a cocktail dress
3. run a 5K straight without walking
4. ~~visit 1 (maybe 2) new states~~
5. ~~go to see a play/musical/ballet/opera~~
6. ~~treat myself to a massage~~
7. read 10 new books
8. get my next tattoo to celebrate the 10yr anniversary of my surgery
9. go on a trip with my sister (without the nieces)
10. take a dance class – something new
11. ~~complete a bike/run race (muddy buddy will suffice)~~
12. ~~cook thai food at home by my self~~
13. lose 10 pounds
14. create a morning schedule and stick to it
15. sew a pair of pants that fit correctly
16. go out of the country (preferably someplace new)
17. ~~go skiing~~
18. do a 50s pinup photo shoot (the classy kind though)
19. start writing the book i’ve been talking about for years
20. spontaneously take a weekend road trip (no planning whatsoever)
21. take an art class – the real kind
22. ~~make fresh homemade bread~~
23. find a good dermatologist
24. start an etsy shop for grits&lime
25. ~~mail my postsecret~~
26. make a meal for my family – holiday style
27. ~~host a party~~
28. complete a sprint triathlon
29. create a real savings account and leave it alone
30. buy something nice for myself from tiffany’s (it is my namesake after all)

top ten things to remember at a job fair

2010-07-26T23:42:00.005-04:00

hi there. today i represented my company at the job fair sponsored by congressman peter roskam. in college and as an intern, i attended several job fairs as a potential employee. however, this was the first time that i had attended one as an employer. there were some things that instantly stood out to me and i thought i'd share them in my newest addition of my top ten's.

1) breathe.
the first woman i talked to today was so nervous & i simply reminded her to breathe. she instantly became more relaxed.

2) do not show up in a tshirt and jeans.
or shorts for that matter. you can't compare to the candidate next to you in a suit...

3) prepare your one minute elevator speech.
know what information you want to relay to me and keep it short & sweet.

4) do not solicit.
we're there to talk to potential employees. don't take time away from them!

5) bring a notepad.
take notes and reference the companies and jobs you're actually interested in so you can circle back to them.

6) do not stop by just for the pen.
at least talk to me... otherwise, you're wasting time for both of us.

7) pay attention to your personal hygiene.
wear deodorant, eat a breath mint, brush your hair.

8) do not assume you're going to get an interview.
you still need to sell yourself & have a great resume.

9) have a firm handshake!
a limp handshake conveys weakness and lack of self-confidence.

10) do not give your resume to every company.
you're allowed to be picky. take this time to interview the company! ask questions about culture, values, jobs, and benefits!

cast your vote!

2010-07-25T00:57:00.010-04:00

well it's vacation time. well, almost. i've got one more work week then i'm taking this show on the road.

there are three objectives for this vacation: plenty of beauty-rest, plenty of beach time, and finally catching up on my reading. that's where you come in. i am planning on taking 5 books with me & want your input! which of the following ten books should i bring and write a quick review on? cast your vote & stay tuned for the reviews!

1) elizabeth gilbert's eat, pray, love
2) barbara ehrenreich's nickel & dimed
3) chelsea handler's chelsea chelsea bang bang
4) ian mcewan's the innocent
5) gary vaynerchuk's crush it!
6) michael j. fox's always looking up
7) kathryn stokett's the help
8) sue grafton's u is for undertow
9) stieg larsson's the girl with the dragon tattoo
10) jacqueline jones' saving savannah

also posted at grits&lime

small obsessions are a good thing, right?

2010-06-30T09:59:00.002-04:00

one of the great things about my "day job" is that i can truly do what i love and be myself 100% which is admittedly quite quirky and precisely what has inspired this post.

a large part of my quirkiness is that i have some fairly random obsessions. i was reminded of a few of them recently, so i thought i'd welcome you into my world!

i absolutely love to cook. it's yet another way for me to be crafty and try new things. don't get too excited... that's not the obsession. it's my choice of cooking utensils. i am in love (aka have a deep obsession) with wooden cooking utensils. it seems you can't have too many. at least not in my world. i found these gems over the weekend from crate&barrel! so pretty!!!

i've also always had a little obsession with buttons. i don't actually collect many things. however, buttons are definitely one of them! i have jars of buttons. i buy buttons, save buttons, pick up buttons that i find. i know, i know... random. but i warned you!

the last of my tiny obsessions that i'll share (before i scare you off...) is journals/notepads. i've always had a fascination with paper products! ironically, one of my best friends was a print management major in college so she was always working on projects for school that quickly became little gems for tiffany! today, i game across these beautiful journals and desk sets at papercrave. yes, please!!! they're gorgeous!!!

so what little obsessions do you have?

also posted on grits&lime!

why pay?

2010-04-01T14:33:00.002-04:00

With the economy the way it is and less companies engaging recruiters, do you think it is worth it for individuals to pay a recruiter themselves?

No matter what type of economy we're in, there is no need to pay for a recruiter. There are tons of firms out there where it is free for the candidate (they'll get the fee from the hiring company).

I'd recommend researching recruitment firms that are free or just keep at it yourself. You can do the same work! Drive around town and write down names of companies you see on buildings. Google companies that you're interested in. Talk to your friends. Attend social/professional networking events. The more you talk to people, the more leads you'll have (and it's still free!).

Ask me anything

interview the interviewer

2010-04-01T10:25:00.003-04:00

Interviews are often a chance for the employer to sell the company to a potential employee. How can you tell if company is stretching the truth a little about how great they are? What are some little signs to look for that show it's a great workplace?

You are correct! An interview is a two way street. You've got to sell yourself and so does the company! As an internal recruiter, it's my job to be a cheerleader for the company and discuss our best qualities. Just like any relationship, you should know what qualities, values, or personalities are most important to you. You should take the time to write these down and then ask questions during the interview to find out if the company matches them.

Is customer service a passion of yours? Ask about their customer service creed. If they don't have one, clearly customer service isn't a priority.

Is respect or integrity more important to you? Ask them about their corporate values (most have them).

If employee engagement and fun at work is important to you, ask about teams or leagues employees can participate in.

Take the time to interview the company.

Ask me anything

a continued effort

2010-04-01T09:55:00.003-04:00

Okay.... So I may be slacking at the posting of my days... But I'm still keeping up with them! New years resolution continues!

Day 66. Had a great revelation that there is no need to put a title on something that's great.
Day 67. It never ceases to amaze me the unprofessional ism of some candidates. One wanted to reschedule 45 minutes before their scheduled interview. Another accepted a different position but still wants to come in for an interview...
Day 68. I had a really great conversation with someone I really care about. Walls are down.
Day 69. I love my artwork and it's very hard to give it away even if I know they will take care of it.
Day 70. I decided to take a nap at lunch. THAT was a GREAT idea!
Day 71. For the first time ever. I did not pre-pack for a weekend trip. I'll just do it in the morning.
Day 72. I went home to Savannah for the first time in years to celebrate St. Patty's!
Day 73. I got to see my sister at work. It was very exciting to see her in that role.
Day 74. I was reminded that something as small as a hand-written note can really lift your day.
Day 75. I shared a very personal story with the executive and senior management teams and felt very proud of who I am.
Day 76. I finished the train the trainer program for our new values initiative.
Day 77. I made five job offers in four days and then received another four staff reqs the same day...
Day 78. I do not deal well with rejection mostly because I'm so considerate. I know I need to work on that but not sure which part.
Day 79. Having my best friend in town is the best medicine and distraction.
Day 80. I went to "the dump." I was not impressed.
Day 81. I missed my flight to Chicago. That has never happened before... I was able to stay calm and it really paid off because great Delta folks helped me out and got me on a flight!

There's more... But I didn't want this post to be too long....

continued growth

2010-03-07T17:51:00.005-05:00

We've moved into the third month of the year which is the time when most people start slacking on their new year's resolutions. I'd like to note that I'm still going strong!

Day 52. I treated myself to some new work clothes with my newly won LeasePlan money!
Day 53. Sometimes its worth putting your opinion out there because you never know who's listening.
Day 54. Successfully started to tear down some walls.
Day 55. I trumped the expressway entry from the last time... Make that... I successfully drove on the expressway during a snow storm!
Day 56. I nearly doubled the number of participants at the Chicago Career Fair compared to last year.
Day 57. I visited West Palm Beach, FL for the first time. This trip was also a huge leap in faith that I haven't been willing to take in a long, long time.
Day 58. A rainy day in Florida equals a GREAT movie day!
Day 59. I had the best date night EVER!
Day 60. I realized that, sometimes, home is not where you live...
Day 61. I was nominated for a front-row parking spot by a front line employee who appreciated the career fair. I felt so honored.
Day 62. I drafted my first sales offer letter complete with a confidentiality agreement.
Day 63. I bowled my all time high score - 153!!!
Day 64. I was reminded that I should focus on the things that I can control.
Day 65. I pulled out my paint brushes for the first time in months and created two new pieces!

astronomical insight

2010-02-22T22:20:00.003-05:00

I know its been a bit since I've actually posted about my new year's resolution, but I assure you that I've been keeping up with it. Taking the time to go on vacation was great for me, but what I've learned about myself since that time has been astronomical.

Day 38. I don't typically back down from a fight. But this time I did, offered a peace offering, and still feel really good about it.
Day 39. Taking steps to build my recruitment network. Big steps for me since I've always been scared to...
Day 40. Trying to be tech savvy... and adding new things to my blog (you can now ask me anything)
Day 41. Completed the full cycle of an interview process in one day. phew!
Day 42. Negotiated my first salary deal. Took some hard work but we came to the best resolve!
Day 43. First time in a long time... Went with a gut feeling and told someone how I really feel about them.
Day 44. Sometimes its best to just be yourself and let it shine through loud and clear.
Day 45. Had a valentine for the first time in years.
Day 46. Realized that my passion is noticed by others and valued.
Day 47. Even great people in the organization got there by chance.
Day 48. Be prepared for anything and stay calm (the apartment flooded).
Day 49. A peer asked to meet with me for advice on her career. I feel very honored.
Day 50. The next step in my career is on the horizon. I'll find out next week what that looks like.
Day 51. Drove on an expressway in Chicago (if you know how much I hate driving, you'd understand the importance of this experience).

formspring.me (gaining computer skills)

2010-02-22T19:30:00.002-05:00

I would like to work on developing my computer skills. Due to my current situation, I do not have a home PC. How would you recommend that I get the training I need?

Take advantage of the resources around you. First (if you are currently employed), discuss training opportunities with your current manager. There are several CBT courses available that you can do from your desk. Additionally, check with the local library. Often they have computers for use. As well, there are multiple training classes you can take online. Lastly, check with local colleges or universities. Typically, they offer continued education classes and you may find something related to gaining computer skills. Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (strange resumes)

2010-02-22T12:57:00.002-05:00

What is the weirdest thing you've ever seen on a resume/application?

I don't know if there's one specific thing that I've seen that really threw me off kilter... The main thing that always throws me off guard and makes me ask "WHY????" is the format. Let me tell you... simple is always the better way to go. If it's too flashy, uses crazy font, or simply has no organization, I typically won't read it...

I think I'm going to start saving "bad resumes" as examples for people... Maybe that will help!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (creating a professional image)

2010-02-22T12:52:00.002-05:00

I'm wanting to enhance my professional image but don't know how to do that? Suggestions?

You professional image is very important to developing your career. First, consider the qualities that you want to portray. Then, make a list of people you admire that represent those same qualities. The list may start out with "famous" people. When it comes to dressing for success, you may want to consider mimicking their style. Make sure that you add people to your list that work at your current organization, as well as people in your network (school, professionals in the same field, church, or other social activities). Take the time to sit down with these people. Ask them questions about tips they have for you to develop your personal image.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (what not to do in an interview)

2010-02-13T00:11:00.002-05:00

Can you describe the worst interview you've ever conducted?

I imagine that you're asking this question so that you know best "what not to do" during an interview. So, I'll describe the worst interview and then give you some lessons to remember along with it.

The worst interview was with a gentleman that had been unemployed for sometime. Because of his situation, he had created two resumes - one for entry-level positions and the second for more advanced positions. He was interviewing for a fairly entry-level position and, clearly, forgot which resume he was referencing in the interview. As well, a defined requirement for the position was advanced Excel skills and he rated himself as a 9 out of 10. He definitely was not a 9 out of 10 as he had, quite possibly, the lowest Excel scores of anyone I've given the test to. On top of that, a large part of my job as a recruiter is to weed out those candidates that will not fill it with the culture of the organization. Not only did I feel that he would not fit in with the culture, at one point, I became very uncomfortable sitting in the room alone with him.

So, what lessons should you take away from this story? 1) Although, I recommend customizing your resume to the job, there is no need to down-play or over-indulge your skill set, 2) There is a big difference between being confident and proud of the work you've done compared to being cocky and over-exaggerating, 3) Be honest, and 4) Be yourself.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (degree vs. years of experience)

2010-02-09T17:59:00.003-05:00

When recruiting, in the long run, which looks better to you as an applicant; A degree or years of experience in the field?

Every hiring manager is different. Some managers may put more value on a degree over years of experience. However, I'm sure you're aware of the trend where it's no longer a high school diploma that's required, but a college degree.

I make sure to sit with each of my hiring managers to evaluate what their needs are. Some need a higher level of formal training, whereas others value the real world experience. However, have both doesn't hurt either.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (resume: 1 page rule)

2010-02-09T17:48:00.003-05:00

I just got an 8 page (technical) resume to consider for a potential hire. Whatever happened to the single-page rule? Are the best resumes you see generally shorter or longer?

Great question! Let me just start by saying there are ALL TYPES of resumes out there.

When I first started as a recruiter, I was doing IT recruiting and only knew the 1 page rule... That quickly changed. I quickly learned that for technical resumes, they need to be longer. Especially for candidates with lengthy experience. Technical resumes require so much detail because you can't simply say that you worked with a specific technology (i.e. Cisco) because that could mean ANYTHING. As a recruiter, I need to know specifically what type of Cisco hardware, firewalls, switches/routers you have worked with. So, the 1 page resume immediately goes out the window unless you just graduated college and have no work experience.

In general, I do not pay as much attention to the length of the resume rather the quality of the resume. The quality of the resume encompasses not only the information provided, but the layout as well. A recruiter is most likely only going to scan the resume at a first glance so you want to make sure that the important information can be found quickly (i.e. education/certifications, job responsibilities, and achievements). If you catch my eye the first go-round, I'll look at it more in detail later.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (preferred job boards)

2010-02-09T17:36:00.003-05:00

Which job boards/sites have you used, and which did you like the best?

Traditionally, I've used either Career Builder or Monster. However, I've had to be a bit more creative with other postings. I've used LinkedIn, as well as sent out e-blasts to people in the industry.

It's about finding what works best for you, your company, and the specific position you're trying to fill.

Ask me anything

formspring.me (tough market and no response)

2010-02-09T17:33:00.003-05:00

Lots of job seekers take it personally when they never hear back from companies to which they've applied. What advice would you give to new jobseekers vis a vis maintaining a thick skin and being persistent in a tough market like this one?

This is a tough one for me to answer. Mostly, because it consistently tugs at my heartstrings.

Its easy for me to say "Don't take it personally...", but I truly understand that it is VERY personal. Of course it's personal! Before I give you any advice... Let me give you some perspective and a little insight to how I function as a recruiter.

If a resume is handed or emailed to me as a referral from someone who works with me, I attempt to reply to either those individuals directly or the internal referral with the status of the position or their candidate's qualification.

If I post a position on one of the major job boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc), I'm sure you can only imagine how many resumes I get a day. In every job description, I attempt to be VERY clear on what the requirements of the position are. So, I quickly go through all the received resumes and delete those that do not meet the basic requirements. You read that correctly... I delete them without responding. Then, I go through the remainder to look for the ones with the desired qualifications. The reason that this tugs so much at my heartstrings is that I WANT TO respond to every candidate, but it would be physically impossible to do so.

So, my first piece of advice... NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. As for names. Talk to people. Let them know you're looking. You are ten times more likely to get your resume in front of the recruiter if you know somebody at that company than you are with simply applying online. It it impossible? Absolutley not.

Which brings me to my second piece of advice and I'm going to borrow the next quote from a famous poster "Keep Calm and Carry On". If is a very touch market out there right now, but I will tell you that things are picking up. Slowly, for sure, but they are picking up. Keep a think skin. Be persistent. DO NOT GIVE UP. The right job will come along. Everything happens in its own time.

Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (make the recruiters stop)

2010-02-09T17:15:00.003-05:00

Now that I have a job, how do I get all these recruiters to *stop* calling me?

First of all, Congratulations!!!

Now, for those pesky recruiters.... (just kidding).

First, make sure that if you do not want to be called any more that you remove your resume from the Job Boards (Career Builder, Monster, Indeed, etc). As a recruiter, those are the first places I go to look for candidates. If your resume is out there, I think that you're actively looking for a position.

Second, contact the recruiters that you worked with during your job search. Let them know that you have found a job and would like to remain as either an INACTIVE candidate in their database or to be removed completely.

Hopefully the calls will stop after that!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (brainteasers)

2010-02-09T17:05:00.003-05:00

Seems like there's a fad for asking really oddball brainteaser questions in job interviews these days...is there any way to prepare for those? Is there anything wrong with just saying "I really don't know"?

You know... It does seem like that's the fad right now... Although, I'm not a huge fan of it. My goal is not to trick you or make you uncomfortable. I've been told often that my interviewing style is more conversational. I want to make sure that you not only have the right qualifications for the job, but that you're going to fit in with the culture of the organization.

However, simply because that's not my interview style, does not mean that it still does not happen. What I can tell you is to prepare for those "typical" questions. Here's a list of the top ten most frequently asked interview questions: http://distinguishingyou.blogspot.com/2009/06/another-top-10.html

Now, for the oddball questions... If you honestly have no clue what the interviewer is asking you, do not reply with "I really don't know". Instead, ask for clarification. Have them expand on the question, or give you an example. Hopefully, this will provide you a clearer picture as to what they are asking you. Best of luck!

Ask me anything

formspring.me (resume objective)

2010-02-09T16:56:00.003-05:00

How do you feel about resumes that start off with an Objective? They always seem vague and banal--is there any way to make them effective?

I was actually just having a conversation about resume objectives with a fellow colleague the other day.

Often, objectives can do more harm than good, especially if they are vague and lack any originality. If you're not going to take the time to right a GREAT objective, then you're better off not writing one at all. Let your resume speak for itself. No one says that its required and, quite frankly, most would not notice that it was even missing.

However, if you are going to take the time to write an objective... DO NOT be vague. Be specific. Take the time to not only customize your objective, but the ENTIRE resume to the job you're looking for. Here's the best "formula" I've found to help with writing an objective.

(BLANK LEVEL) position in (BLANK FIELD) where (BLANK EXPERIENCE) will add value to (BLANK AREA).

The level is what level of a position you're looking for... entry level, intermediate, senior, management, etc
The field is what field you're looking to go into... Sales, Finance, Marketing, Media Relations, etc
The experience is what you are bring to the table... # of years, education, industry knowledge, etc
The area is where your experience will add value... operations, customer service, project management, etc

Ask me anything

formspring.me (desired salary)

2010-02-09T16:42:00.003-05:00

How do you answer the "desired salary" question on a job application? When is it OK to just say "negotiable"? And if you're applying for a job you really want, and you're willing to take a paycut, how can you communicate that w/o undercutting yourself?

Great questions!

The "desired salary" question is a tough one and requires the same amount of thought an effort as you would to applying for a specific position. Take the time to think about not only the dollar amount, but what benefits do you want as well. It's always okay to give a range rather than an exact number. Who knows? You may be willing to take a lesser salary if they give you an extra week of vacation or a company car.

As a recruiter, I despise when candidates say "negotiable" because it makes me think that you haven't put much thought into it. Of course, it's negotiable. Everything's negotiable.

The best piece of advice I can give is to ask the salary range up front so that you know what you're dealing with. Of course, salary isn't everything, especially if you're lucky enough to find your dream job... So, go ahead and ask the question, take the time to decide what your needs are and then communicate it effectively. It makes the offer process easier if all the cards are already out on the table.

Ask me anything

check it out

2010-02-09T16:20:00.004-05:00

Well, well.... Who would have known? I am attempting to be tech-savvy. Thanks to the help from Nicole! Thankfully Blogger makes it fairly easy to be tech savvy. It's mostly point, click, copy & paste. Phew!

Anyways, I've added the feature on the right-hand side giving you the opportunity to ask me anything related to training or recruiting. I guess you could ask personal questions too... But that doesn't mean I'll answer them...

a break FOR inspiration

2010-02-06T20:12:00.005-05:00

I took the last week to finally take a vacation. I went on a cruise to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. This break was the perfect time to reflect on who I am as a person, enjoy the company of some amazing people, and get some additional inspiration for grits&lime. Of course, I kept up with my New Year's resolution and really put myself outside my box and had a blast doing it!

Day 27. Got a phone call from my sister and it really was my niece asking for me. My sister and both of her beautiful daughters are soooo very special to me.
Day 28. Great planning makes even the most hectic of days go smoothly.
Day 29. One of my special talents is packing. I managed to pack 6 days of clothes in 1.5 carry on bags.
Day 30. I took my first vacation in 1.5 years. This trip was much needed.
Day 31. I put myself really outside my comfort zone and hit on a guy! woo!
Day 32. Went to Grand Cayman for the first time. I also sang karaoke for the first time. I sang Donna Summer's "Last Dance" and it was soooo much fun!
Day 33. We returned to Cozumel and I drove our Jeep around the island. Thank God I know how to drive a manual!
Day 34. I took a moment in time to acknowledge and stand up for who I am, what I believe in, and my expectations.
Day 35. I started reading an inspiration book and found a quote that reminded me to not be afraid to be by myself. This is the best time to find out who I am.
Day 36. I logged into my work email to catch up even though it was my day off... And actually restrained myself from actually doing any work. That's a first!
Day 37. I spent the day in my pjs and completely ignored my to-do list. For those that know me, know exactly how out of the box that is for me.

I should also note that while on vacation I came up with three new dress designs for grits&lime. Taking a break was an amazing time for inspiration!

3 weeks is a habit

2010-01-26T10:20:00.008-05:00

Did you know that it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to build a habit? Just so you know, if you stop doing that something for even one day, you break the habit and have to start all over again! Well, we are now on day 26 of my new year's resolution, and I'm keeping up with! Woo hoo! Again, let's see if I can keep this up for 3 months.

So, what have I been up to since the last blog? Well, find out!

Day 18. Its a very small world and it got smaller. Ran into someone from work at trivia and ironically, someone else at my table works with someone from his table!
Day 19. The "my dog ate my homework" excuse is sometimes true, especially with my dog, and sometimes it's better to just buck up and be honest.
Day 20. Looked back at my 2009 accomplishments list. It made me feel great to see what I'm capable of.
Day 21. I'm currently involved in our Quality Improvement Process team. During a QIP session, I learned about benefit cost analysis, solution finding based on root cause, and documenting proposed process improvements. As a side note, I was described as a firecracker today. I'll take that as a compliment!
Day 22. Realized fully how you have to take time for yourself BEFORE you get burnt out (yeah, I'm there...).
Day 23. You know you're getting older when you go to a "Rock Band" (yes, the game) party on a Saturday night and they pull out a wet-vac to clean up a spilled beer.
Day 24. I was able to use my creativity, resourcefulness, and craftiness to help fix a friends dress for an upcoming wedding.
Day 25. Did you know? Lacrosse is the national summer sport for Canada.
Day 26. I was reminded while reading a fellow sewer's blog that I need to continue to make beautiful things out of sad, ugly things. There are others in the world who have very similar stories to tell.

a small sense of accomplishment

2010-01-20T11:07:00.004-05:00

I lead several management training classes on giving feedback, both positive and constructive, and completing performance appraisals. The main piece of advice that I give my managers is that you need to document conversations had throughout the year whether its a notebook, file of pieces of paper, or in electronic format.

Last year, this concept got me thinking a little more about myself and the feedback that I receive throughout the year. So, at the start of 2009, I decided to keep a list of all my accomplishments throughout the year. This simple list turned out to have multiple uses in the long run!

* When it came time this week to complete my 2009 self-appraisal at work, this list helped support my reasoning for "Meeting Expectations" and, even more so, in those cases where I felt like I had "Exceeded Expectations." Merit raises are attached to our performance score. If I can document that I not only stepped up to the plate, but actually hit a grand slam, I'll more likely be eligible for a higher increase! Fingers crossed!!!

* Currently, I'm in the process of updating my resume. Not because I'm looking for a new job, because let's face it.... I have my dream job and I work for a GREAT company! However, it's always beneficial to have an updated resume (but that's a completely separate post). Having this list will help me clearly define my job responsibilities and accomplishments!

* I think the most important use of this list is that it helps build a sense of self and in the best way too. This list shows that I am talented and that when I put my mind to something, I can create and deliver wonderful things! This list proves one thing. I. am proud. of me.

Some of you may be thinking... Tiffany, this sounds very similar to your new year's resolution. Well, you're right. This small list of work-related accomplishments reminded me that I've accomplished many other things in my personal life as well.

So, here are a few of my favorite accomplishments from 2009 that I'm most proud of:
* Designed and implemented a training & certification program for our online tool
* Proposed, Sold the Concept, Designed, & Implemented an internal Career Fair designed to build retention and encourage career development
* Introduced & lead new training program for managers
* Took over responsibility to write articles for the Training & Development portion of our monthly newsletters
* Designed three new online surveys to encourage feedback and obtain metrics on satisfaction for Training & Recruitment
* Successfully filled 24 positions (10 of which were internal transfers!!!)
* Documented the recruitment process & joined our Quality Improvement Process team to improve upon the Internal Transfer Process

how long is a new year?

2010-01-17T23:59:00.005-05:00

How long does a new year last? Well, at least until you stop referring to it as the new year? Well, we're still here and I'm keeping up with my new year's resolution! Although, they say that it takes three weeks to make something a habit... Day 17 - not so bad. Although, check back with me in three months... That will be an accomplishment!

Day 10. Not only do I thrive in situations where I can learn something new, but also in those that allow me to be creative (i.e. previous post)
Day 11. While at the townhall meetings for my company, I learned the results of 2009 and the goals for 2010. Most importantly, I was reminded why I love working for LeasePlan
Day 12. I can use my creativity to hone in on my insomnia issues. If I get the idea out of my head and on paper/ on canvas/ on fabric, I'll be able to sleep easier.
Day 13. The notion of starting my own company with my best friend is becoming a reality. Welcome grits&lime!!!
Day 14. I read a great article about self image and ways to remind your how special you are.
Day 15. Sometimes all you need is a good night's sleep for a little fresh perspective.
Day 16. Always go with your gut. It usually steers you in the right direction.
Day 17. I finished my first sample for grits&lime and couldn't be more excited and proud of myself.

a little inspiration: with a twist

2010-01-14T14:34:00.007-05:00

This blog was originally created to provide tips, feedback, new ideas, and suggestions about recruiting, training, and career development as a whole. Some of the information is geared toward my fellow recruiters and trainers, although even more so for my fellow followers, friends, and those looking to distinguish themselves. More importantly, this blog was designed to be a creative outlet for myself. In a way, it was really a chance for me to distinguish myself.

In recent months, I've come to realize that I am, in fact, a creative person. Not only do I thrive in situations where I am continually learning something new, but in situations where I can be creative and put my hands to work. I've been sewing as long as I can remember and have always loved making gifts for my family. Most recently, I started painting which has been an amazing release for me. Now, you may be asking yourself why I'm so surprised at realizing this about myself... Well, I'm always great at using the analytical side of my brain. I've always been good at math, love working with spreadsheets, and even come up with random equations in my head while running (trust me, I know how odd that sounds). My entire family is like this and I've always been steered in that direction because its what made the most sense.

Well, it may have taken almost 28 years to figure this out about myself, but I couldn't be more excited. Actually, let me rephrase that. I couldn't be more inspired. That inspiration has lead me to work with one of the dearest and most creative friends I know, Nicole, to start grits & lime. So follow us @gritsandlime for updates on what's to come and check out {nicole galletta} for a great explanation of how we came up with the name!

a new outlook and a new year's resolution

2010-01-09T19:02:00.011-05:00

Hello everyone! Okay, okay... I know. It's been way too long since my last post and I'd like to thank several friends for pointing this out to me. So in an effort to improve upon my noted-ly poor blogging consistency... I have specifically centered my new year's resolution around my blog so that I will be more consistent. So, what is said new year's resolution? Well, it comes from three parts: 1) I need to blog more, 2) I need to start taking more risks and putting myself outside my comfort zone, and 3) I always have had a need to increasingly expand my knowledge (as mentioned before... I'm a learner by nature). Wrap these three parts into one and you have my new year's resolution! In 2010, I resolve to learn/do something new every day, keep track of it, and consistently blog about these learnings/activities.

It's been a little over a week since I started this goal... and when you hear the saying "you learn something new everyday", you never realize how true this really is until you actually start writing it down. So, here are days 1-9:

Day 1. Sometimes its okay to take risks and I should challenge myself to do so (i.e. new year's resolution).
Day 2. This was more of a reminder... I love my family very much. I have a unique relationship with each member, and may not tell them all the time... but they're each very special to me.
Day 3. While reading the Post Secrets blog... My secrets are not any stranger than anyone else's...
Day 4. While attending Trivia Night at Wild Wings Cafe... I learned a lot of useless knowledge including that of Simpson's trivia and Eric Clapton's nickname (note: it's not "the clap").
Day 5. Interviewed a candidate for a sales position and learned a lot about the fleet industry from someone who had been in it for almost twenty years.
Day 6. Completed a half day at the Fulton County Superior Courthouse for jury duty and walked around downtown Atlanta by myself.
Day 7. I realized the power of Facebook in rallying support and the color of too many women's bras.
Day 8. I only have so much patience... and its not with my dog....
Day 9. I visited Stone Mountain for the first time and actually hiked down the mountain - Snow, ice, and all.

tiffany's top ten for interviewing internally

2009-10-13T15:48:00.007-04:00

Hello All. Most Americans are feeling the pains when it comes to searching for a job, and it seems as if there simply are not any out there. The reality of the situation is that most companies are simply not filling roles, and if they are, they're filling them internally. As a recruiter, I feel that my role is not simply to weed out candidates, but rather nurture and grow my current employee base.

Top Ten Tips for Interviewing Internally

1. When applying, always provide a resume even if not asked for one.
Managers from another department may not be aware of your prior work experience or accomplishments.

2. Provide a letter of recommendation or job-related kudos.
You may be pleasantly surprised about the supportiveness of your supervisor when it comes to helping you advance.

3. Emphasize your specific experience and extensive knowledge of the company.
Discuss how this knowledge makes you the ideal person for the job, but provide details. Don't assume the interviewer knows all about your past accomplishments.

4. User your "insider knowledge."
Come up with answers to expected questions that will target what the interview wants to hear. For example, if they continually emphasize the importance of customer service, be sure to talk specifically about how you've enhanced customer service in your current role.

5. Research the position for which you are applying.
Talk to people who work in that department; find out what they're currently working on, and their goals - then prepare to talk about how you can help to achieve those goals during the interview.

6. Come prepared to the interview.
Prep for some of the "most asked" questions; as well, come with your own questions as well. Internal candidates often forget that they are interviewing the manager as well to guarantee this is the right fit for them.

7. Think outside-the-box with your responses.
In case the hiring supervisor is thinking about bringing in an external candidate because they feel a need for a fresh perspective and/or new ideas, be sure to work your creativity into your answers. Show that you can be innovative and inventive, and are full of "fresh" ideas yourself!

8. "Sell" yourself just as if you were interviewing for another company.
Be careful not to sound too casual or overly confident, especially if you and your interviewer know each other well. You may have a great advantage over external candidates, but don't assume that's all you'll need.

9. Don't assume you will know the interviewer(s).
They may bring in additional interviewers from other departments to provide an unbiased interview panel.

10. Always, always, always ask what the next steps are.
This simple step shows that you are truly interested in the position. This is also a great way for you to hone in our your investigative skills to see how interested they are in you. Interested managers will share the process in detail. Hiring managers that are not interested tend to be vague.

what not to say

2009-07-23T10:22:00.002-04:00

Hello all. My boss sent me an article today about 43 wierd things said in an interview. Let me preface this by saying that you really should not follow suit. Although, it's a hilarious read & I hope you enjoy it! Just click on the following link!

What NOT to say!!!

say it with a smile

2009-06-25T08:43:00.007-04:00

Recently, a friend of mine was scheduled for a phone interview and she asked if I had some tips. It seems like there are more and more of these now-a-days. My guess is because there are so many people on the market for a new job that companies are having to add an extra step for screening applicants. So, here are some tips if you find yourself on a phone interview.

* As with any interview, ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Do your research on the company and the job opening - check out their website if you already have that information.

* Anticipate questions from the recruiter or hiring manager like the ones in my top ten. Have an idea of how you want to respond to these questions.

* Type up a list of questions that are important to you and ask them! Remember, an interview is a two way street. You're interviewing the company to make sure its a right fit as well.

* Say it with a smile. Do the interview in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. I know it seems wierd, but it really does make a difference in the sound of your voice.

* Dress as if you were going to the interview in person. Trust me, you'll feel more professional in a suit than your PJs.

* At the end of the interview, always ask "What's next?" This shows your interest in the process and the position!

Go forth & good luck!!!

twenty minute simple skirt tutorial

2009-06-18T15:14:00.003-04:00

I've been sewing since I was a little girl. Pillows, toys, blankets, halloween costumes - that sort of thing. When I was in college, my grandma gave me her old sewing machine. I've since upgraded, but love any chance I have to pull it out!!! Here's a great way to make some simple dress skirts for casual work days or the weekend!

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!: "skirts are elastic I would say they would fit a size 2-8.

summer time reviews...

2009-06-17T09:31:00.006-04:00

Wow! I can't believe we're already in the middle of June. Where did the year go? We've hit the summer months which typically means that it's time for mid-year reviews. This is a time for you and your manager to look at what you’ve accomplished since the beginning of the year and what you plan to do in the remainder.

In preparation for your review, here are some guidelines to help you, the employee, with your role in the process.

Planning & Preparation
* Review performance expectations and competencies and ask for clarification if needed.
* Prepare a list of your accomplishments and progress to date.
* Make note of difficulties or obstacles you’ve encountered in completing your goals for the year.
* Obtain feedback from others when necessary.

Completing Your Self Appraisal
* Keep an objective perspective when completing your self-appraisal.
* Consider the wording of the goal carefully before selecting whether you meet expectations.
* Provide examples of successes and difficulties.
* Save your appraisal as a draft until you are comfortable with your self-appraisal.

Meeting with Your Supervisor
* Be an active participant in the discussion with your supervisor.
* Remain open and receptive to the feedback from your supervisor.
* Make the discussion easier by asking questions like, “What else could I have done to improve X” or “Do you have any suggestions for me?” Then listen carefully.
* Provide specific examples of what you’ve done particularly well and where you would like to improve.
* Discuss what you plan to achieve by the end of the fiscal year, and ask what your supervisor expects you to achieve in this timeframe.
* Share progress you have made toward your own development plan with your supervisor.

Completion & Follow-up
* Thank your supervisor for their feedback.
* Recommit yourself to a successful year.
* Periodically ask for additional feedback on your performance.
* Seek out coaching and informal update opportunities.
* Consider special projects/assignments.
* Actively seek learning opportunities and bring to the attention of your supervisor.
* Take responsibility for personal continuous improvement and development.

another top 10

2009-06-11T16:20:00.006-04:00

Have you ever left an interview and thought to yourself, "Dang, I had the perfect answer for that!" knowing that you completely froze when you were asked it... Well, the key to a great interview is being prepared. Take the time to actually write out your answers to these top ten interview questions, and it wouldn't hurt to practice in the mirror either. Trust me! It helps!

Top Ten Interview Questions to Prepare For

1. Tell me about yourself.
Tip: Talk about a couple of your key achievements making sure to focus on highlights of your resume.

2. Tell me about your current/last position. What did you like best about it? Least?
Tip: Be prepared to provide specifics.

3. What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
Tip: Discuss your number one strength making sure to provide a good example. For your weakness, find something that you are currently working on. Provide an example of how you’re working to improve on it.

4. Can you provide me an example of when you provided great customer service?
Tip: Explain the problem/project, discuss the action you took, and provide what the results were.

5. What motivates you in the workplace?
Tip: Challenge, creativity, success, and opportunity are the most used. You can also mention specific skills that you enjoy using such as problem solving, decision making, listening, or counseling others.

6. Did you gain any relevant experience during this time period?
Tip: Most likely, they’re referring to gaps in your work history. Keep your answers professional and work-related. Talk about skills you developed, gained, or worked on while un-employed. You may want to talk about time management skills, how to deal with adversity, problem solving, decision making, etc.

7. What is the most difficult situation you’ve ever faced?
Tip: Pick an example which you successfully resolved a tough situation in the work place. Tell the story briefly and try to reveal as many good qualities as possible. The interviewer is looking for qualities such as perseverance, good judgment, and maturity in a work situation.

8. What experience do you have that will make you the ideal candidate for this position?
Tip: This is a great opportunity to sell you. Talk about your strengths (including ones you did not mention previously) and how they fit the needs of the company. Do your research on both the company and the position before going into the interview.

9. What is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
Tip: Figure out what it is that you value most in a company and position. You may value challenge, good working conditions, training, or friendly co-workers. Talk about one or two of those items.

10. Have you ever been convicted by any Federal, State or any other law enforcement authorities for any violation of Federal, State, County, or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance?
Tip: This may appear on your application. If so, answer truthfully. If you are offered the job, they will most likely do a background check and its better to be forth-coming with this information. For many companies, this does not omit you as a candidate for the position. If asked about it during the interview, find the positive and talk about how you have moved on from this discretion. There is no need to go into detail. If the interviewer is concerned about your credibility, mention that you can provide a list of professional references that would be able to vouch for your character.

everyone loves a top 10

2009-06-11T16:09:00.007-04:00

Hello all. This week, I have two top 10's for you. The other day, I mentioned that I was able to go to the Atlanta Children's Shelter to work with the parents on tips and tricks for interviewing. So I wanted to give you the two top 10 lists I provided them. Enjoy!

Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts For an Interview

1. DON’T wear something that is too revealing or flashy.
Stick with dress pants or a knee length skirt. Conservative is the safer way to go!

2. DO be aware of your personal hygiene!
Take the time the morning of to shower, and brush your hair. First impressions are everything!

3. DON’T leave your cell phone on or answer it during an interview.
Turn it off or put it on silent. If you missed a call, return it once the interview is over.

4. DO bring a copy of your resume and any prepared questions.
Always be prepared!

5. DON’T chew gum during an interview.
It’s distracting and unprofessional.

6. DO wear a watch!
Plan on being there at least 10 minutes early!

7. DON’T use inappropriate language.
Try to avoid using slang. Keep the interview as professional as possible!

8. DO have a firm handshake.
It’s okay for women to have a firm handshake.

9. DON’T lie.
There is no need to lie if asked a question directly, but be careful about going into too much detail.

10. DO come with a positive attitude.
Treat all people you encounter with courtesy and respect. First impressions are everything, even that of the receptionist!

a little inspiration goes a long way

2009-06-05T11:17:00.008-04:00

My friend, Nicole, has recently been on this huge kick of finding something positive in all this doom and gloom, and I've decided its about time to join her!

Even more recently, Nicole (yeap! the same one!) has been let go from her job. Although this was a swift kick in the gut (as I'm sure it would be for anyone out there going through a similar situation), Nicole has taken on an immensely positive attitude. Nicole looked at her situation, not as a mark of bad fortune, but as an opportunity and is taking life into her own hands.

Although the afore-mentioned job was here in Alpharetta where we both reside, we call Savannah home. Nicole's been comtemplating her move back to Savannah for some time now, and losing her job really and truly did offer her the right timing and opportunity to make this work for her.

In the past two weeks, I've watched Nicole take the next step (and a giant one at that) in her career. She's put herself in an opportunity to be very happy in the town we both love and call home and make herself known in the industry she loves and (i know) she will thrive in. She's already applied for a few jobs in the Savannah area that are right up her alley and exactly what she wants to be doing. Not only that, but 1) she's teamed up with two other talented individuals to create their own team to design websites, 2) she's being asked by companies what her consultative fee is for marketing advice, 3) she's already been asked to plan a wedding, and 4) a press release she wrote at the afore-mentioned job was just picked up by msnbc!

It's people like Nicole that inspire me to keep doing what I love! Good things CAN happen, even in crappy times like these. Like I always say - the decision is yours! What are you going to do with your career? What opportunities have just been presented to you?

its all about you

2009-06-02T08:41:00.003-04:00

Career Development can be a really vague term at times, but what it really boils down to is what are YOU doing to make yourself a better candidate, employee, boss, or even co-worker?

Earlier in the year, I put together an internal Career Development Fair for my company. We got a huge response, which was exactly what I had hoped for. However, I think that people tend to forget or not grasp the most important part of Career Development. I can teach as many classes in one day, one week, one year as possible, but if you're not playing an active part in that session, what's the point? Don't get me wrong... I LOVE what I do! I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world! I love providing support to those who want to do something for themselves... but I can't hold your hand through all the steps. You have to actively participate in your own career development, because I can tell you - It's not going to be handed to you.

What's the moral of the story? Get inspired! Think about the changes you want to make and GO FOR IT!!! If you realize you're lacking a certain skill, step up to the plate and find a way to acquire or develop that skill. If you're wanting to learn something new, take the initiative and go out and buy a book, do some research, take a class! Your life is in your hands and there are endless opportunities!

training with limited budgets

2009-05-29T09:47:00.004-04:00

Well, It's that time of year again. We all hope that we'll keep the same budget as last year... But with so many companies simply trying to stay afloat, budgets will surely be cut.

So what do we do as trainers with significantly less money to ensure that we're still providing the same level of service? So that we remain as valuable to the company as we were with twice the budget? Investigate! Do a little research! Find out what is important to your fellow employees! This has several different forms. Could be something as simply as an email, conversation in a hallway, or a chat over lunch with a co-worker. Or you can even step it up a notch and send out a survey to your company. The bottom line is find out what is most important to your organization and focus on that. If you meet the needs of your organization with half the budget, you will definitely be noticed and may even get some extra praise!

Once you know what to focus on, there are several ways to cut down on the cost of your training. The most obvious way is to cut out as many external vendors as possible. Bring the training in house! Enjoy the chance to take off your event management hat & step back in front of the group! Another easy way I've been able to cut down on costs is PAPER!!! SOOOO MUCH PAPER! For our New Hire Orientation, we used to print out all of the presentations. How crazy is that? We now put the presentations on a CD-ROM that they can take with them! Plus it takes up so much less space!

What are some tricks you've used to cut down on your budget?

doing what i love... with purpose

2009-05-27T15:36:00.004-04:00

I really am lucky. I do love what I do. What I love even more is being able to help others while doing what I love to do!!! I recently had the opportunity to do so.

Last Friday, I was able to go downtown to the Atlanta Children's Shelter. They are a day-care facility for homeless children. They also offer programs to assist the parents in their home and job search. I lead a session on the Do's & Don'ts of Interviewing. It was a really great session and I was really impressed with the questions they asked once they finally opened up.

The experience was the best part of it all. I was actually able to take what I do on a day-to-day basis and use it to help those in need and provide reassurance for each of them in the job market. It was such an uplifting day.

Goodies From My Favorite Artist!!!!

2009-05-01T13:49:00.002-04:00

My friend, Nicole, and I have been huge fans of Natasha Wescoat for quite awhile now. Her paintings are fun, cheery, bright, and even insprirational. Check out her blog - she's giving away some goodies!!!

the 6 P's

2009-02-09T20:16:00.003-05:00

Well, there's actually 7, but to remain as PC as possible, I'll only use 6. What are they? Proper Pre-Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Truer words could not be spoken. Words that I live by.

This phrase can be applied to any project, goal, event, to-do list, or daily tasks you're faced with. Really what this boils down to is preparedness and adequate time management. Now, there's a word that makes everyone cringe! But is it the time management that makes you cringe or is it the ensuing chaos that tends to surround you when you least expect it? My guess? It's the chaos that you're afraid of.

So what do you do when you're about to give a presentation (that's saved on your desktop) and you find out that your laptop has died because you forgot to bring the power-cord? You switch to plan B. And if that won't work, what can you do with plan C or possibly plan D? That's the beauty of the 6 P's. If you've taken the adequate time to properly plan your presentation in advance, you're ready for any what-ifs that could potentially come your way. Plan B may be that you've saved the presentation to a public drive; plan C is that you have the presentation saved to a flash drive; and why not go ahead with a plan D - you have printouts of your presentation.

See what I mean? If you've used the 6 P's to think ahead and consider what could potentially go wrong... When it does - You're prepared! And what makes it even better is that NO ONE HAS TO KNOW IT WAS PLAN B!!!! To steal a phrase from my former boss, you're like a duck floating on water. To the average eye, you're gracefully floating across the lake; but underneath the water, you're paddling away as furiously as possible.

it's coming!!!!

2009-01-16T16:11:00.003-05:00

click on the image to view it easier.

learn, act, grow!

2009-01-12T17:09:00.007-05:00

I'm so ridiculously excited!!! This is my baby!!! I proposed this idea less than a year ago when I was applying to be the new Trainer & its actually coming to fruition!!! This is such an amazing experience! I'll keep you updated!!!

Are you interested in getting your undergraduate degree? Or going back for your master's? But you're not sure if you're ready?

Would you like to have someone take a look at resume to make sure it's ready to go when the next opportunity arises?

Are you thinking about making a career shift here at LeasePlan, but want some questions answered first?

Not exactly sure how to handle stress in your personal/professional life & would like the opportunity to talk to others on how they handle it?

Would you like to know more about Tuition Reimbursement and what colleges are local?

Ready to make your New Year's Resolution, but not exactly sure how to set the goal & stick with it?

Not great at Networking and would like some tips & tricks of the trade?

These questions and MORE will be answered during LeasePlan Academy's Career Fair "Learn, Act, Grow!"

Mark your calendars the week of February 9th and keep an eye out for more information to come!

shoes that work for you

2009-01-10T13:17:00.006-05:00

Hi there. This one is going to be geared to the lady trainers out there, but men, you can probably take a tip or two from it at as well.

A few entries ago, I talked about our dress for success panel. For those of us in training or recruiting roles, we are in very visual positions. We are, at times, the very first person a potential employee meets. so for me, at least, its very important to look my best. To present as professional an image as possible. One thing that many of you may not know is that I'm 5'3" and I definitely do not look my age. We'll just say that I have my own sorted issues with feeling that I'm not taken seriously because of my appearance. Because of this, I tend to wear heels a majority of the time. Nothing to obscene, but just enough to make me feel a tid bit more significant. As a trainer, I spend approximately 4-5 hours a day (at least) on my feet. So those really cute heels tend not to work out so well with the hours of standing, walking, & moving boxes, tables, computers, etc. Needless to say, if I can find a comfortable heel that actually looks cute too - I buy it!!!! Ladies, I have found probably one of the best brands out there for stylish women's shoes designed for you to be on your feet all day!!! That brand is aerosoles!!!! Especially the What's What by Aersoles! These shoes were originally designed for female nurses & doctors that are obviously on their feet all day. These shoes are amazing! I even wear them on the weekend because they're so comfortable. So if you're looking for a way to sharpen up your image but continue to stay comfortable - I definitely suggest these!!!

technology & training

2008-12-05T11:02:00.010-05:00

Without a doubt, we live in a time where technology reaches all aspects of business. We communicate primarily through emails, do reseach online, convert our systems & data to online applications, use video conferencing equipment to hold meetings so that additional travel expenses are eliminated, and a majority of our marketing is now done online as well.

Recently, we've begun to see a trend in online training as well. The opportunities for online training are almost endless. Not only are there blogs touching on just about any topic imaginable, but there are webinars, capability for webex/SameTime meetings, and even more CBTs than ever before.

At my company, we have a goal of 40 hours of training for each & every employee. Quite honestly, this was one of the primary reasons I chose to work with LeasePlan. I was instantly impressed that there was a company out there that valued its employees so much that it included TRAINING as one of their top Key Performance Indicators for their annual plan - right up there with net income, return on equity & client satisfaction ratings.

Obviously, it can become difficult for each & every employee to get away from their desk to attend 40 hours of training while making sure that their actual job requirements are completed as well. Not to mention, that we have two locations (one here in Atlanta, & a second in Chicago). I'm ONE person, and primarily housed in Atlanta. So how do I cater to the additional 150 employees that over 700 miles away from me without racking up on extra delta skymiles at my companies expense when everyone's budget is being scrutinized anyway OR leaving the Chicago folks feeling jipped? Enter technology to save the day!

We had to get a bit creative with the availability and type of training that would be offered. We now provide a vast offering of CBT courses that are available for any employee that they are able to access at any time of the day and even from home. As well, we know both Atlanta & Chicago are known for horrible commutes, so LeasePlan employees can check out one of the many books on cd from our library. They get their training credit once they have completed the book & filled out a Q/A summary on the book they selected. Let's not forget that I'm only able to travel to Chicago four, maybe five, times out of the year... Is it really fair to the other office that the people here have me at their disposal practically year round? Solution!!! WebEx/SameTime Meetings!!! Basically, I'm able to give access to our remote employees to view my computer screen through an online application. They log in, access the meeting I've set up, and voila! they can see everything that the people in Atlanta can see! As well, they dial into a conference bridge so that they can actually hear the presentation as well. It's almost as if they were right there with me. At times, we even hold training classes in one of our boardrooms to utilize the video conferencing equipment. It really does add such a personal touch to be able to see the face of the person you're talking to.

It doesn't take much to think outside the box; but it definitely makes a difference. At the end of October, almost 50 % of our employee base had already exceeded our 40 hour goal with an average of 61 hours. The total average of training hours per employee is 39.9 hours!!! That's amazing & we're not even finished with the year!

and the winner is...

2008-12-05T08:54:00.003-05:00

Hello all!!! I'm sorry I've been away for the past couple of weeks, but I'm back!

Just a quick update on our Women's Professional Development Series which I mentioned in the last entry. The third program just started up so we've got a fresh new set of women ready to development their careers! It's very exciting! I love working for company that continually finds new & interesting ways to develop their employees.

On another extremely exciting note - this program helped LeasePlan win a Client Advisor Award!!! The Client Advisor Awards are designed to set the standards for best practice behavior and results in the relationships between professional services firms (in this case, the company we partnered with to design the program was PathBuilders) and their clients (us). Both the professional services firms & the clients can be nominated for the award, and in this case, LeasePlan was nominated for our group and we won the award as well!!!

what are your strengths?

2008-11-09T20:45:00.005-05:00

Last year, I participated in a 4 day series (that lasted over the course of 8 months) that my company offers to the women of the organization. We use an outside vendor that specializes in career development for women. The course is designed to talk about many issues women face in the workplace & how to set yourself up to succeed. Over the course of this blog, I'll be sure to touch on several of the topics we covered.

Before we even started the series, we each read "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham. This was such an eye-opening book to read. It discusses the idea that in order to succeed & be happy, you must first discover what your strengths are & focus on those rather than focusing on trying to strengthen your weaknesses. You also take the StrengthsFinder test which helps determine what your top 5 strengths are. Let me tell you, this test could not have hit the nail more squarely on the head. It was me to a tee (no pun intended). My #1 strength is that I'm a Learner. Let me tell you - This really put my whole life into perspective for me. My entire life, I've been the wierd kid that loves going to school. If there is one thing that I've learned from reading this book is that I thrive in situations where I'm learning new things. Finally explains why I always enjoyed going to school, reading books, watching educational movies/shows, and why I always wanted to be a teacher. Some may ask why I didn't become a teacher; well, let's say that I learned very early on in college that I did not want to spend 8 hours a day with the little ones. I realized after reading this book & taking the course that I need to be in a job that allows me to learn new things on a daily basis. That's when I realized I should (and wanted to) become a trainer.

I guess the point that I'm trying to make is find out what you're good at... You can figure it out pretty easily by paying attention to what makes you happy during the day. When we succeed, something triggers inside our heads & we immediately feel happy. So find out what your strength is & figure out how to make it work for you. Find the job or the aspects of your job that truly make you happy. Take the work out of your job!!!!

On another note, the Wall Stret Journal recently picked up the story of the program. Take a look and stay tuned for more. Also, we're (along with the 3rd party firm that created the program for us) are finalist for a 2008 Client Advisor Award, an award to honor clients & advisors who consistantly and cooperatively foster and grow successful client advisor relationships. This program has just started its third round & I believe there will be several more.

dress for success

2008-11-05T20:37:00.014-05:00

I'm sure that most of you have seen Julia Roberts and her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. There's no doubt that the work of the real Erin Brockovich is nothing short of absolutely astonishing and she continues to inspire others as a dedicated environmental activist. Even with all of this hard work & natural talent she obviously carries, my mind cannot help but wonder how many obstacles she has encountered in her lifetime simply because of the way she dressed while on the job? When I hear her name, my first thought is of tight mini-skirts and enough cleavage to make some people blush.... then, my mind goes to the excellent work she has done. Let's face it... we live in a visual society and it's almost impossible to escape the ramifications that come along with that.

Recently, careerbuilder.com surveyed employers to discover that 41% say that people who dress better or more professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in their organization. The survey dug in a little bit deeper to find that employers give more weight in an interview to candidates who show up wearing a business suit than those who do not. In an effort to encourage employees to continually look professional, some employers have made the decision to ban certain items of clothing such as flip-flops, mini-skirts, & even jeans.

Just like many other companies, mine faces these same issues. In an effort to find an out of the box way to address these issues, we came up with our own Dress for Success Panel. For the first panel we held, we brought in one of our departments that is 100% female-based & put together a panel of 5 women from our organization that were director level or above. The moderator posed a few questions to get the session going and to keep it moving if need be, but for the most part the ladies kept the conversation lively and upbeat. You could see the enthusiasm in the group to find out what tips and tricks that they could each use to help further their own careers. It was so interesting to hear the questions from the women of our organization and the concerns they already have about being able to dress to impress. It was even more impressive and ultimately humbling to hear one of our vice presidents (one of our best-dressed vice presidents at that) talk about sharing suits with her roommate when she was fresh out of college to appear like she had more clothes than she did.

Since the inception of the first panel, we now hold the panel monthly with a different set of panelists each time. We've also encorporated men in the panel to ensure that each and every employee can get the most out of the experience. I think that with out a doubt this program has been a success. It's provided a fresh perspective on how being aware of your personal style can only positively enfluence your career.

welcome!!!

2008-11-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

Hello all & welcome to my blog! I've been juggling the idea of starting a blog designed to specifically talk about recruiting, training, & career development. I've always enjoyed blogging, and helping people find their place in the world is my passion - so why not bring the two of them together.

So, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have a B.S. in Speech Communication from Georgia Southern University. My professional background includes roles in Sales & Account Management Support, Account Management, Recruiting, & Training. My current role is Recruitment & Development Specialist. I'm responsible for developing & maintaining our recruitment program, as well as responsible for the on-boarding of our new hires. I conduct several training classes designed to assist in the development of our current emloyee base, including New Hire Orientation, online training, & career development courses.