The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ "The Job Scam Report" on Substack! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

  • TVOJS Podcast
    • Guest Posts Topics or Podcast Guests
  • ABOUT ME
  • Press page for Mark
  • Hire Mark to Speak
  • Hire Me for Content Writing
  • Guides & Resources 2023
  • Press Bylines
  • PRESS MENTIONS
  • Articles
  • Guides & Resources

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Book Review: The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman

Book Review: The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman

11LawsLikability

Michelle Tillis Lederman’s book, The 11 Laws of Likability, is for people to grow and establish entrepreneur relationship, and for the job seeker connecting with employers. Ms. Lederman is the founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, and adjunct professor at New York University Stern School of Business.

Her publishers, amacombooks.org, were kind enough to send me two (2) copies of the book to giveaway. I tell you how to get a free copy at the end of this post (I was not compensated for this review in anyway).

#1 The Law of Authenticity

Even the most extroverted person finds his or herself in uncomfortable situations. Lederman suggests that there are strategies to help reframe and attend critical but daunting events. This may mean connecting with smaller groups within the large groups.

#2 The Law of Self-Image

Lederman says to “frame a positive picture” to gain perspective. A part of the process she calls “internal framing” will help coach yourself to think positively about your strengths and skills set. “External framing” takes your thoughts and put them to words by sharing with others for validity.

#3 The Law of Perception

Two key quotes from this chapter for job seekers:

“…the best and mot innovative collaborations are the most likely to happen between people whose styles diagonally opposite…”

 

Editor’s note: Jobseekers who can apply this to interviews, focus on their contributions, and not become sidetracked by personalities will have a strong mental perspective.

#4 The Law of Energy

Lederman states that “Energy has  Power” has an impact on people, when they grasp the energy around them. She illustrates in the chapter how the lack of understanding can frustrate, confuse, and misguide your intentions. Editor’s note: Job seekers should prepare to talk about the attributes that will clearly and succinctly shed the best light on their career.

#5 The Law of Curiosity

Lederman says that,

Curiosity of two people will uncover the myriad of things they have in common. Then a mutually rewarding relationship will blossom.

She also provides sound advice for building blocks for strong conversations while getting to know people.

#6 The Law of Listening

Lederman suggests three levels of listening: Listen In, Listen Out, and Listen Intuitively.  One of the best quotes in the book she states,

The key with intuitive listening is not to assume your interpretation of what the person is ‘saying’ is correct.

Editor’s note: Job seekers must clarify the interviewer’s inquiries if there is doubt or a lack of information. Ask questions, and be direct.

#7 The Law of Similarity

Lederman advises that “People like people like them.” When we uncover our similarities, opportunities for lasting authentic connections take place.

#8 The Law of Mood Memory

Body Language aligns what you say with what you do. Non-verbal messages must remain consistent with your speech.

#9 The Law of Familiarity

Lederman spends adequate time talking about social networking. She says an effective strategy is to deepen the connections made on social media. Lederman says she has spoken to everyone on Linked In at least by phone at least once.

#10 The Law of Giving

In this chapter, she provides two mindsets that job seekers can use effectively:

Do because you can give first. Giving creates value. It doesn’t always mean exerting major effort or making grand gestures.

Don’t underestimate your ability to bring value to someone else.

 

#11 The Law of Patience

This ties into #10 about giving and patience that “…good things will come back to you.” Friendships and productive working relationships take time to develop. Editor’s note: Networking relationships do not happen over night. Through giving and patience, the doors will open to reach new levels in time.

I highly recommend to buy her book, The 11 Laws o Likability, and to follow her on Twitter ( @mtlederman) for her little doses of wisdom. Her website is http://www.michelletillislederman.com/ and you can purchase book through amacombooks.org. The official date of publication is next Thursday, and on that same day, I will post the interview I had with Ms. Lederman on this blog.


About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • Twitter
  • |
  • Facebook
  • |
  • LinkedIn
  • |
  • More Posts(756)

Filed Under: Career, Interview, Networking Tagged With: Career, Interview, Networking

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Does That Job Promotion Belong to You

Does That Job Promotion Belong to You

Editors note: Jewel Anderson is the CEO of Virtuous Careers, Inc. in Atlanta. Her company offers free resume and career counseling services. She is our guest blogger for today.

A promotion is one the best things that could happen to anyone’s career. I’m 25, non-college degree, and I make $60,000 a year. Staying in Buckhead, I was living my life. It wasn’t until I wanted career growth, that I realized, I would not be in the same place next year.

I remember as if it was yesterday. Working for Mattress Firm, I had grown a lot. I was a Market Recruiter, and top sales-writer. In March of last year, I applied for the Corporate Recruiting Position at the company. I prepared so well for this interview. I had a presentation and even did mock interviews with my District Manager. I was ready. So I thought.

For three weeks, I waited for the results. Would I move to Houston or stay in Atlanta? I was ready to take the next critical step in my career. I receive the phone call. With eager anticipation, I answered the phone, and the words hit me.

 

“Unfortunately, Jewel, we went with another candidate. Jewel, you did very well, but you had the least amount of professionalism and have bad communication skills.”

Never thought those words would change my life. Just like anybody, I was distraught, confused and disappointed. At this juncture of my life, I realized I wanted more than what the company I was working for could offer me.

Have you ever felt you wanted to grow, but didn’t know how? That’s where I was. The career became a job, and the passion I had was leaving me. It became hard for me to get up and go to work. So I began to do some searching. I turned to God.

I am a true believer that God will always tell you what to do. He guides you and when you have a relationship with him. You hear his voice as if  you are in the room with your parents. He comforts you in despair and praises you in the good times. I began to fast. During my fast, I searched for Purpose. During my search, I learned there is a  purpose in everything. I had been working Mattress Firm for 3 years. What was my purpose? Why was I there? I wanted to quit, especially since I didn’t get the position I wanted.

Sometimes we work a job for so long, it becomes a routine. In that routine, we forget to realize that we are still learning. In my routine, I had learned what it was like to have a mindset of a recruiter. I had seen resumes over and over again. I had interviewed numerous people. I had developed a passion for helping others become employed. I realized that there was the purpose for me at Mattress Firm. So I stayed.

In the marketplace as an employee, you feel  unappreciated, or over looked. You may feel that you are wasting your time, and need to move on to a new position. Before you move or decide to leave ask yourself this questions.

Will I  move out of my emotions or purpose? Whenever you are emotionally removed, the outcome is always distressing. You either move before your time, or move into something worse. When you move out of purpose, everything falls into place. A new job is in alignment. It could be a promotion or just a new environment. You are ready and prepared for your next position.

This blog is about character. Ask yourself, am I prepared to leave my current situation. Do I have everything I need to go to the next level? Was that truly my promotion?

The scripture reads in Psalm 75:6-7,

 

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Everything has a time and a season, and at this point in my life it wasn’t time.

Be encouraged!!!

imageJewel Anderson’s company has placed over 50 jobseekers since Jan. 1, 2010, through resume writing, and career counseling. Founded by Jewel Anderson, VIRTUOUS Career Services is a consulting non-profit organization that provides discounted rates for Resume Evaluations, Resume Education, Interview Preparation, and Career and Vision Counseling.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • Twitter
  • |
  • Facebook
  • |
  • LinkedIn
  • |
  • More Posts(756)

Filed Under: Interview, Job Tagged With: Interview, Job

by Mark Anthony Dyson

The Audacious Follow Up Call After Your Interview

The Audacious Follow Up Call After Your Interview

The Audacious Follow Up Call Your Interview

It’s bold, daring, ballsy, aggressive, and necessary to make the follow-up call after your interview count. Don’t be a wuss! Stand out by calling to see where you stand in the hiring process.

Perceived by people as being “pushy” as a result of following-up is not the worst thing that could happen.

People make a living by being pushy, assertive, aggressive, and even overbearing. There are other words that people like this are called, but you have to ask the questions.

Read: Are You An Aggressive Jobseeker?

Did I get the job?

Do you receive my résumé?

Can I get 10 minutes of your time?

When you own the audacity to ask relevant questions regarding your future, you are being responsible, not “pushy.”

There are fine lines between assertive and aggressive, but being passive is bad. Very bad.

Passive people miss chances.

Passive people miss the bus. They miss the train. They miss chances of getting a seat on the train. Ok, if he or she is courteous or chivalrous, but passive? A wimp? A chump?

Passive people are tactful and respectful, and we like them. I am one of them. I’m assertive. I just have this way of persuading people. Some call it charm. Others call it sweet. But I will make the call, and I will ask the question. It doesn’t take a special person to follow up after your interview.

Don’t overcompensate. People will see you as fake. Although I will admit, overcompensation is on the road to being audacious. Which is better than being a suck-a!

A lioness will devour anything that messes with her babies. A woman scorned will imbibe your head the same way with her babies. Your job opportunity must become your baby, and the baby shouldn’t be hungry.

If you’re a chump, slacker, pushover, scared, ‘fraidy cat, scarry cat, or lazy, don’t bother to call back. Don’t just send a thank-you letter, call. Leave a good impression, not a bad taste in someone’s mouth. Don’t email, text, or use telepathy! Call. Take the letter, drop it by the office. Talk to someone that matters.

Employers want to see how badly someone wants an opportunity. It shows enthusiasm. It shows desire. When you place that  follow-up call after your interview you can call to say:

“Thank-you for the interview.”

“What are the names of each person who interviewed me?”

“Let me tell you what I learned.”

“The water was tasty, what brand was that?”

Even “Do you have Grey Poupon?” would be better than not calling! Have the audacity to follow-up. You might be leaving money on the table. You could be throwing career fulfillment in the trash if you don’t call.

Audacity alone will not get you a job, but if you were alone in following-up…well, what do you think? C’mon, place that follow-up call after your interview. I promise it won’t hurt.

Image: Steam Punk

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • Twitter
  • |
  • Facebook
  • |
  • LinkedIn
  • |
  • More Posts(756)

Filed Under: Career, Interview, Job Tagged With: Career, Interview, Job

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 245
  • 246
  • 247
  • 248
  • 249
  • …
  • 252
  • Next Page »

Join the email list and get “12 Modern Job Search Strategies Beyond the Resume 2022”

Download free

The Fortune For Your Career Is In The Follow-up

Download free

I moderated a panel on Wealth Management for executives by Black Enterprise Magazine in October 2023 in Miami.

I was interviewed on Scripps News show, “The Why!” 4/13/2023

I talked with John Tarnoff and Kerry Hannon of “The Second Act” podcast about job searching after 50 in October 2022.

I was on “The Career Confidante” podcast to talk about “boomerang employees” and “job fishing” in June 2022.

Making Job Search a Lifestyle With “Dr. Dawn Graham on Careers,” SiriusXM Ch. 132, Wharton School of Business May 2021

In May 2020, I talked with LinkedIn’s Senior News Editor Andrew Seaman on “#GetHired” Live.”

Beverly Jones, host of the NPR podcast “Jazzed About Work,” invited me back to talk job scams, job search trends, and AI tools in April 2024

WOUB Digital · Episode 183 : Job search expert Mark Dyson says beware of scams, know AI & keep learning

Copyright © 2025 · Generate Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in