Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to change you is the greatest accomplishment.” That is a quote I try and fulfill every day, staying true to who I am.
It is not easy because of all the competition out there vying for those same positions, in particular when looking for a job or career change.
What makes you stand out from the rest?
Do you settle for just taking what comes along for fear of not fitting in?
Following the trends is actually important when it comes to what your target career or next job is. So what will it take for you to be yourself and fit in?
First off, something our boss is constantly telling us as part of her spiel, is that it is all about personality and attitude, then about skills and abilities.
You can teach someone the job, but you can’t provide them with that sparkling personality or that positive attitude that will take you places.
It is what I believe got me in the door to this job I am doing now. I LOVE my job… and I am passionate about it. I am passionate about it because I am a people person and because my passion is for people.
I want to help, I want to make great matches, I want to set an example and I want to make a difference.
When I walked in the door of Excel Personnel the very first time, I had done my research and reviewed company on the internet and about the owner on LinkedIn.
I discovered that it was a very professional business and thus would be the dress and attitude.
That was right up my alley. I read that they dealt with clients from every business sector and industry.
The first opportunity I had to meet Ms. Karen Watt, the owner of Excel Personnel, I was so excited! I prepared myself by knowing about the company and about her. I went in on an informational interview.
I saw her professionalism and her passion for the business she had cultivated for just over 20 years now. We came from similar backgrounds and had the same taste in dress and our attitudes were both very positive.
She called me the very next day and sent me out on an assignment and for the next 2 weeks she kept me busy. When I walked in to pick up my first paycheck, she saw me and called me into her office and asked me to start the next day as her Office Manager.
I was elated! For just over 2 months I sat at the main desk in the front of the Office with my sparkling personality spreading my cheer to everyone who came in the door as well as the staff. If spewing rainbows got me my nickname here, Rainbow, then so be it, I am happy with that!
I would sit at my desk looking through the next office and out the window, thinking what a beautiful view! I was excited about seeing the candidates and clients come in and the variety of people.
Knowing what positions they were vying for also gave me a view of how well they would fit. It begins from that first phone call they make to the front desk, to that person that answers the phone.
Something not everyone realizes, the presentation begins with that first call. My thoughts and opinions were valued, my contributions were valued. I felt like part of a team.
We were creating an atmosphere that would make it a fantastic place to come to every day to do our job. Our enthusiasm for what we do carries a long way and people notice.
Hearing from clients and candidates and even vendors that come in the door that they love the vibe they get coming in makes what we do worthwhile. Remaining true to who we are is what shines, pretending to be someone else is hard work.
When the position of Recruiter, HR Associate in the office next to the window with one of the best views in town became available, I asked my boss whether I would be a good fit for this position. She said that with my personality, people, communication and administrative skills, I would be ideal for the position and here I am now, 1 year later.
Loving what I do and doing what I love with a fabulous view that makes me want to smile every day. How can one go wrong with that kind of attitude! It makes a difference and people notice.
So in going after what you want for a career or your next job, remember that Attitude and Personality, then Skills and Abilities is what WILL float your next Bosses boat!
Depending on what kind of environment you want to work in, do the research and find out what their company culture is like to see if you will be the right fit there so that you can feel comfortable being yourself! Please don’t forget to make that very first impression, the very best you can by being the best you, you can be. Be confident and you will shine!
There is a fantastic article that I found on LinkedIn that comes to us from Martha Stewart, the Queen of Presentation, who has some very wise words to share about just this topic.
If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on this blog, feel free to write and I would be happy to share further thoughts on this topic.
Wishing you and yours a sparkling journey and all the best in your every endeavor!
