Interview Archives - Page 17 of 18 - The Voice of Job Seekers

Interview with Michelle Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability

Michelle Lederman has written a book that coincides with whom she is, and effortlessly offers advice that she epitomizes. I imagine if I wrote a book called, “How to be Huggable, Lovable, and Squeezable” people will have a pretty high expectation for me to be, well, lovable. I can assure you that I won’t write that book. There are several takeaways from this interview and The 11 Laws of Likability.

Linked In

One attribute that impressed me is her ability to connect with people online. When you look at her Linked In profile she has over 500 connections and has spoken to each person at least once. I asked her during our interview her thoughts on job seekers use of Linked In:

The Law of Authenticity

There are job seekers that I have coached over the years who attempt to become someone else whenever they interview, or during networking events. In Lederman’s book, she says that “Tapping into likability does not mean making everything all perky and bright and constantly being happy. On the contrary, she says to, “Take a deep breath and reconnect with that part of you that feels authentic and honest…”.

Approach People Where They Are

We also talked about how people can really hurt their networking success by approaching awkwardly that appears strategic. This could potentially wear out people who can be helpful. She says that you are “Networking for life, not just for now.”

Go Ahead, Google Yourself

Before I interviewed Ms. Lederman three weeks ago, I had known that she wanted job seekers to “Do enough research that you have a solid base of background knowledge, but don’t go overboard.” Listen to how she responded to me when I told her that I Googled her:

Overall, I have enjoyed talking with her, and tweeting with her. You can reach her via Twitter at @mtlederman and also check out her blog at michelletillislederman.com

DON’T FORGET

Friday is the last day to qualify for a copy of Michelle Lederman’s book, The 11 Laws of Likability. To qualify this week, comment below what you liked about this interview, or Re-Tweet this post via Twitter. I will announce the winner on Monday’s special afternoon post.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers," career consultant, job seeker advocate, career writer, and founder of this award-winning blog. I help the employed, unemployed, underemployed, and under-appreciated find jobs using job search strategies to navigate the new job market. I aim to give a safe place online to those with different needs, cultures, and ethnicities to find their voice in the job market. Thousands have read my career advice throughout the web as I write about everything from job search strategies to the mobile job search. I have published more than 400 articles on this blog and some of the largest career sites such as Recruiter.com, YouTern, and Come Recommended. I've been quoted in major online publications such as Monster, TIME/Money, Fortune, Business Insider and MSN. FlexJobs, JobMonkey, Aerotek, Career Pivot, and CareerSherpa listed my podcast as one of the top podcasts to help your job search. Love for you to sign up for the weekly newsletter. I share the latest articles I've written, new podcast episodes, and answer any questions you may have. The new job search is scary and if you need help, I am here for it!

by Mark Anthony Dyson 3 Comments

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

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

by Mark Anthony Dyson 1 Comment

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!!!

Jewel 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.

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About Mark Anthony Dyson

About Mark Anthony Dyson

About Mark Anthony Dyson