What do you do when the job applicant doesn’t fit the job description?

You’ve advertised for a new staff member to replace someone who is leaving your organisation. As part of the ad you have listed a reasonably detailed list of skills you require based on the past on the tasks completed by the current incumbent. You decide to interview the top ten applicants based on their resumes and references and include a couple who don’t have the full list of skills you require based on other strengths they appear to have.

After the interviews you realise the most outstanding prospect is shot in two skill areas you require. In spite of that you realise this patron would make an outstanding employee and a dd great value to your organisation. So what do you do? Do you 1) pass up on all that potential and accept a lesser person because they have all your listed skills or 2) would it be better to redesign the job scope and find another way to fill the skills gap?

For my money, number two will always be the better option.

The Four Most Prevalent Forms of Bad Customer Service

Chris Smith of 4BC speaks with Justin Herald, Managing Director of “Major Motivation” about why we have bad customer service in Australia.

“Ninja Service”… like Marcel Marceau they say nothing, no engagement you know they are there but like Ninja’s you can’t see them

“Skelton Service”… no cashiers open… then three people stand around to send you to the self service checkout

“Fools Gold Customer Service”… Ring hear about how they love you but you wait on hold for forty five minutes

“One Size Fits All”… hello how are you, hello how are you, hello how are you… said to everyone… but no real interest shown… sales service is apathetic

Recorded Program… on demand 2GB.  http://www.2gb.com/audioplayer/206961 Well worth a listen!

Empire Avenue and Career Success

It may be hard to see a link between career success and Empire Avenue however there can be a strong link which I will hopefully explain.

'Social networking can be an integral part of your career building, if you use it correctly. If you don't, even information you consider private could cost you your job and damage your career.' (abbreviated) - Alison Doyle - Job Expert

"Social media has made it easy and acceptable for you to advertise your skills and to connect with others who may be interested in your professional services. If you're not using it you could be missing out on opportunities to advance your career interests." - Corinne Mills is managing director of Personal Career Management and is author of several best-selling career books.

Self promotion, if done correctly, is an essential part of any personal career management plan or career success formula. Being published or even curating valuable information that relates to your expertise or industry is a great way to impress both your customers and your employers alike. As a young supervisor I was asked to write an article on  behalf of my employer on equipment leasing for a prestigious accounting magazine. The article was then republished in both government guides and other professional publications. Within six months I was promoted to the department manager and within two years was managing one of the companies largest branches. Sure you still have to perform your tasks well however if no one notices you then you don't get offered the opportunities to excel.

That brings me to Empire Avenue's potential to enhance your career success prospects.

When recently asked, a number of experienced players described what they liked best about being members of Empire Avenue. The messages that stuck out where:

"The People you interact with, and learning different ways to leverage social media."

"For me, EA has been a school of social media along with making connections; both locally and globally!"

"Excellent place to find other's content and draw attention to your own content ....and you meet some great (and influential) social media people."

Finally as another current player put it:

Empire Avenue lets you amplify your content and social awareness. It taps you into a network of other creators, curators and community moderators with a similar goal; to increase their social worth. By investing in others, like a social stock exchange, and by completing missions or requests on your time, you are able to earn virtual I.O.U. points which can be saved up and traded in when you have some content or profiles of your own that needs a boost.

Another perspective from friend Lynn O'Connell

"How does all this help your career? Simple. When you connect with people on Empire Avenue who share your interests, they aren't just random people. They are people who are active and influential in social media. So, when you write an important article, they can help you stand out in the (very) crowded online space. Instead of disappearing into the online void, your article -- or your pages or your Twitter feed -- are seen and shared by more people, which validates your expertise and your influence. You can use that to raise your own profile within your profession or to help your employer. Of course, you'll need to create or curate good content, and you need to nurture your Empire Avenue relationships. When you do both, the results truly ARE social media rocket fuel."

Can your career success be influenced by Empire Avenue participation? YES

Three More Quick Communication Tips

Is your fuzz killing the buzz

One of the biggest communication errors I constantly encounter is the using of industry buzzwords, jargon and acronyms. This practice can and usually does,  create annoyance, at best and misunderstandings at its worst. My advice is work hard to get the fuzz out of your communication style. Oh and often the lister will just see you as someone who is trying to show off.

Check for understanding 

Can everyone define exactly what you mean from what you say. No some concepts can be hard to explain so you must periodically check the listener knows what you are on about. The are two ways to do that. You can ask do you have any questions which is OK however its better to seek a explanation from your listener. That can be difficult however the best way to do that is to ask the listener this question: "To ensure I have conveyed my meaning well do you mind putting what I am saying into your own words so we perfectly understand each other." Note: Never ask the question "do you understand".

Don't waffle, be succinct

Another common complaint I hear is that many people waffle on or go round in circles rather than getting to the point. Use short and well considered sentences and words to convey your message. Get to the point of your communication early, don't go into a long winded wind up. If the lister wants background they will usually ask for it, or you can ask if they need more information.

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