formspring.me (gaining computer skills)

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

check it out

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 small sense of accomplishment

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

another top 10

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.

its all about you

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

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

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.

the 6 P's

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.

learn, act, grow!

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

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

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...

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!!!

welcome!!!

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.