How to Use the MBTI to Attract the Right Candidates

How to Use the MBTI to Attract the Right CandidatesHow to Use the MBTI to Attract the Right CandidatesThe Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most common personality assessment tools used by employers. Behavior preferences are tested across four scales, resulting in a total of 16 types. While the benefits of understanding variations among personality traits are obvious for hiring and team-building, Otto Kroeger, author of Type Talk at Work, says that personality type should not be used as the sole criteria for hiring.Any of the sixteen types has the potential to be successful at any job, Kroeger writes. Some types in certain positions may have to work harder, but they can be just as effective.Whether your company uses personality assessments or not, your recruiting practices can benefit from a better understanding of how the different personality types operate. MBTI research shows significant variation in how the different types communicate.One scale measured by the MBTI is Sensing vs. Intuition. While everyone takes in information from their five senses, we have different ways of filtering this information.According to Kroeger, Sensors prefer to focus on the facts and the details of something and have less need to interpret what they mean. They tend to be pragmatic, literal and communicate with concrete language. Because 70 percent of the U.S. population prefers to gather information in this way, according to Kroeger, much of the worlds business communication is oriented toward concreteness.Intuitives gather information and immediately translate it through their intuition, looking for possibilities, meanings, and relationships among various things, according to Kroeger. They like to see the big picture. Intuitives see the forest first and then look at the trees. Sensors work the other way around. The wide-open orientation of Intuitives means they prefer to use abstract language. They tend to speak in generalities and summaries, and they look for s ymbols and analogies rather than interpreting information in a literal fashion.Language usage is one important factor in your employer website and job descriptions. If 70 percent of the population communicates with mostly concrete language, and 30 percent prefers abstract language, recruiters could be missing out on a large portion of the population if their communication appeals to only one of end of the scale.If it were an all-Sensing world, recruiters would provide a list of skills and job seekers would try to match up their qualifications one by one. This would entail a black-and-white scenario that left no room for personal preferences and passion. If it were an all-Intuitives world, recruiters could write job descriptions in vague terms. For example, a Facilities Coordinator job description would read simply, keep our offices running smoothly without any indication of the tasks that role entails. Then candidates would sell recruiters on the possibility of how they could perfor m in the future, rather than provide specific evidence regarding past performance.Job DescriptionsThe key to attracting the appropriate type for the position is to create a balance in communication somewhere between abstract and concrete. Every job has concrete tasks that must be achieved, whether theyre spelled out in abstract or concrete language. The higher up the organizational structure, the more abstract that tasks become.For example, a job description for an entry-level Facilities Coordinator position lists the following responsibility Assist with basement storage and retrieving of files for employees. This concrete task is described in concrete language.At the same company, an opening for Senior Director, Brand Analytics and Research lists this responsibility Lead global knowledge sharing to help client service, strategy and design teams understand the role of research and analytics.Any number of concrete tasks, such as sending emails, holding meetings, or drawing up a plan and delegating responsibilities will be undertaken to achieve that goal. Lead, as used here, is an abstract verb that can be interpreted in multiple ways, while retrieve in the Facilities Coordinator example is a concrete verb that evokes an image of frequent trips to the basement. Whether a candidate is a Sensing or Intuitive type, years of accumulated experience will enable him or her to know how to execute this abstract task.Finding a balance between concrete and abstract is key to appealing to candidates higher-level goals and accumulated experience, while focusing them on exactly what is needed in the position.Employer BrandingA companys mission and vision are often communicated with abstract terms. However, when paired with images, they can evoke a concrete picture of what the company does, what its like to work there, and appeal to a candidates higher sense of purpose. For example, Airbnbs mission, when paired with the images (including a video) on its employer page, communic ates a clear idea of what the company does and gives an indication of its culture.What we build in here (video on how the AirBnB site was built)Brings people together in the real world (image of people smiling together)Grants access to the unknown (image of teepee)Inspires and creates a world of potential (image of people behind a half-open door)Its only beginning (image of document containing the word Introduction)Branding, as rule, is abstract. If articulating the difference between Coke and Pepsi were left to the concrete communicators, we would see nothing but taste-test commercials. Because abstract communicators have come up with wildly differing visions of what it means to drink Coke vs. Pepsi, we are able to express an opinion about one brand of carbonated brown sugary drink over another (and be entertained during commercial breaks).Finding BalanceThe MBTI is scored on a continuum, with few people exhibiting 100 percent of all the identified traits on any of the four scales. Thankfully, the world doesnt work in polarities. The beauty of the MBTI and other personality assessments is that they view many perspectives as necessary and valid and acknowledge the value in understanding the differences.When the new Senior Director in the above example asks the Facilities Coordinator to retrieve research reports from the basement in order develop a plan for global knowledge sharing, we see the necessity of each position and the importance of communicating appropriately to appeal (1) To a candidates ability to do a specific task, (2) To their accumulated knowledge and experience, and (3) To their sense of mission and vision.The world- and your job descriptions and employer branding pages- should appeal to both the abstract and concrete, general and specific, theoretical and empirical.Read Related ArticlesThree simple ways to attract the right candidateand deter all othersWhy Some Recruiters Almost Always Hire the Right Candidate

12 Ways to Become More Likable at Work - The Muse

12 Ways to Become More Likable at Work - The Muse12 Ways to Become More Likable at WorkTheres always that person in your life you admire from afar- the funny but intelligent co-worker, the admirable boss with a kick-ass routine, or even that friend of yours who can get just about anyone in your office to smile (even on a bad day).Well, heres the big secret youve probably never thought to tell yourself That could be you, too. Seriously, being well-liked by others doesnt involve casting a spell or engineering a great illusion. Gaining respect at work, or making lots of friends, or acting as a great leader isnt only for some special people. Its a skill that just about anyone can pick up- and pretty quickly, in fact.So how do you become one of them? These 12 behaviors of likable individuals will change your whole perspectiveLikable people arent afraid to ask questions, such as How can I help or What do you think?Likable people are inclusive no matter where they are or what theyre doing, they find a way to include others who seem a bit out of place or could use a friend.Likable people know when, and when not, to talk during meetings- especially when they are talking solely for the sake of hearing their own voice.Likable people help out newbies, even new bosses who are still adjusting to being the head honcho.Likable people apply their seemingly unrelated life skills to work.Likable people know just what to say at the right time (the most important phrase being Thank you).Likable people do little acts of kindness every day- all of which are super easy to work into your routine.Likable people are emotionally intelligent- which means theyre not only aware of their own emotions, but sensitive to other peoples as well.Likable people have better things to say than Dont worry when another person is upset.Likable people know how to politely shut down negative people.Likable people also know how to give criticism without sounding condescending.Finally, likable people know wh en its appropriate to be the cool guy, and when to be a strong leader.What else do likable people do? Tell me on TwitterPhoto of happy co-workers courtesy of Shutterstock.

47 million Americans say financial situation is worse now than in recession

47 million Americans say financial situation is worse now than in recession47 million Americans say financial situation is worse now than in recessionAmericans still are trying to bounce back from the Great Recession.A decade after the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, a new survey found that 47 million Americans feel their financial situation now is worse than it was 10 years ago.The nationwide Bankrate survey asked nearly 3,000 Americans who were adults at the time of the recession, finding that 23% felt their situation was worse now than when it hit in 2007. More than half (51%) did report that they were financially better than before, according to the survey. On a generational breakdown, a quarter of Baby Boomers said they were worse off.Thirty-one percent said they felt no schwimmbad impact from the economic dive.The echoes of the financial crisis and Great Recession remain very present in the financial lives of many Americans, despite the improvement in the broader economy, said Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick in a statement. While some have managed to prosper in the decade since there are still tens of millions who are struggling to even get back to where they were before the economy took a turn for the worse.One factor for why Americans havent seen the economic improvement that they were hoping for is because wage growth hasnt been what was expected. The majority of participants said their wages or salaries havent recovered to their pre-Great Recession level. 10 percent said their hourly wage or salary worse much worse than it was in 2007.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

The Dos and Donts of Dressing as a Lady Lawyer

The Dos and Donts of Dressing as a Lady LawyerThe Dos and Donts of Dressing as a Lady LawyerAs a woman, it is difficult enough to figure out how to dress without hearing other peoples opinions on the matter. Unfortunately, people have a lot of opinions Dressing as a lady lawyer is one of the most talked about topics when it comes to the dress code for lawyers in general, and its worth discussing some of the dos and donts of the clothes women are wearing to their legal jobs. Do Dress Conservatively One thing is for certain- Ally McBeal did not dress appropriately. Her skirts were too short, and her blouses showed too much cleavage, at least by courtroom standards. Lady lawyers should make sure that their outfits ?cover them in such a way that their clothing does not distract from the point they are trying to make. Practicing the law is all about using your brain, so your intelligence should be your most prominent feature. Pantsuits and skirt suits are safe options here, along with moderately comfortable shoes (read not stilettos, but also not crocks).?? Dont Wear Clothes that Dont Fit While showing too much skin is distracting, wearing ill-fitting clothes is also cause for alarm when it comes to wardrobe. One of the most important things to remember when choosing work clothing is to make sure youre buying what fits you- feeling good in your clothes is half the battle. Do Show Your Sense of Style It has been discussed before, but there is nothing wrong with weaving some of your own style into your business wardrobe. Do you have a favorite color? Wear that color shirt under your suit jacket. Do you like sparkly things? Include one accessory, as long as its not distracting. Just because youre in a stuffy courtroom doesnt mean that your style has to be stifled. Just remember- the other people in the room should notice your intelligence before they notice what you wear. As long as you follow that rule of thumb, you should be just fine. Dont Go Overboar d As previously stated, you are free to include your fashion sense into your wardrobe but dont overdo it. Just because you like sequins doesnt mean its appropriate to wear a bedazzled jacket in court. Find understated ways to show your personality, and you cant go wrong. Do Follow Any Explicit Dress Codes Does your firm or court have a specific and explicit dress code? Dont even dream of not following it That is the easiest way for you to go wrong with dressing as a lady lawyer. Dress codes are in place for a reason (even if the reason doesnt seem to make sense). Nothing says unprofessional like someone who blatantly disregards the dress code. If you want the freedom to start incorporating your own style into your wardrobe, start by making sure everything follows the dress code and build from there. Dont Tolerate People Telling You How to Dress Aside from a written wardrobe policy, you shouldnt have to tolerate others commenting on what you wear on a daily basis. It is a gr owing trend in the legal realm- everyone from law school professors to judges seem to think they should have a say in what female lawyers wear to work. And their statements are all over the map- some think skirts are distracting while others think pantsuits are too masculine. To all the lady lawyers out there- you do you, as long as its within reason. Dressing as a female lawyer isnt always easy- there is a fine line that must be carefully balanced upon, like a tightrope. The most important thing to remember is that you should be able to keep your own sense of style while still following all the dress codes applicable to the courtroom. Dont let the myriad of voices bother you too much

5 Top Jobs Now Hiring in Austin

5 Top Jobs Now Hiring in Austin5 Top Jobs Now Hiring in AustinAustin, Texas is the place to be. The fastest growing city in the U.S., recent college graduates and retiring baby boomers have grown the citys bevlkerung by 3 percent in the past five years. The economy, too, is thriving. The boom started in 2011 and is expected to reach a 6 percent increase by 2016.Known as the live music capital of the world, Austin also was rated No. 1 City for Tech Business by the Wall Street Journal. The FBI lauds Austin as one of the safest U.S. cities, and the American College of Sports Medicine has named it among the fittest.Texass capital city, Austin has a population of around 843,000, and the metropolitan area is home to about 1.9 million residents.Affordability is a big draw for Austinites the cost of living is nearly 3 percent below the national average, while the price of housing is an impressive 15 percent below the national average.As the population continues to surge, Simply Hired data re veals more than 43,000 available positions. Here are the top jobs for Austin1. IT (Information Technology) WorkersWhile the cost of living in Austin is remarkably low, a great perk for IT professionals is that their pay scale remains on par with their peers across the country. Apple, Ebay, Hewlett-Packard and Samsung all have Austin branches. So if you have technological know-how, there are a variety of ways you can use your expertise in Austin.Number of jobs 4,290Average salary for IT Administrators $70,000 $96,0002.bro and Administrative Workers There are scores of opportunities in this field, and a wide range of jobs that fall into this category. From executive assistants to certified medical assistants to general and administrative clerks, if your expertise is in organizing, streamlining and maintaining fluidity in daily operations, employers want your skill set in Austin.Number of jobs 3,670Average salary for Office Managers $43,000 $53,0003. Software Developers Austins vibra nt tech scene is in full boom. Contribute to this excitement by putting your skills to work as a developer. This is a fast-paced and thriving marketplace with opportunities for new college grads and seasoned professionals alike.Number of jobs 3,620Average salary for Software Developers $69,000 $81,0004. Sales RepresentativesSales is a tried and true profession, and it remains a great living for those with the right personality and skills. Inside sales jobs, including technical sales and events, give you the chance to show customers how new products can make their lives easier at home and at work. Bonuses based on sales frequently round out a solid base salary.Number of jobs 3,420Average salary $40,000 50,000 (plus potential for bonuses)5. NursesOne benefit of being a registered nurses is that your skills are in demand in cities across the U.S., Austin included. Nursing is a rewarding profession where you make a difference in peoples lives every day. Its fulfilling work, and there is always a need for nurses.Number of jobs 2,680Average salary $57,000 $64,000Whatever your skills set, area of expertise or interest, there is plenty of rewarding work available in Austin. So whether you are already a resident or you are considering a move to the Lone Star state, its a great time to check out jobs inAustin, TX.See the top jobs in other top hiring citiesTop Jobs in Los Angeles, CATop Jobs in Boston, MA

Life After Beautiful Resume

Life After Beautiful Resume Minimalist resume template suited to formal resumes. This template is created by Microsoftitself. These templates are designed to be clean-cut and right to the point. The very first template from GraphicRiver has a very simple layout which makes it effortless to concentrate on the info you need to present. Envato Elements is the ideal place to get started when you platzdeckchen out to hunt for awesome looking resumes. Our creative templates enable you to stick out from the crowd. In the world today, a very first impression can either make or break your odds of landing your dream job. You might discover that your dream job isnt that dreamy whatsoever, but that another job within the exact same industry might fit your requirements and personality far better. The critical moment of making a terrific first impression has passed. Show how fan youre by explaining exactly why you want to get picked and the way you will advanced afterwards. As a fine t ouch, Dan Hernandez has branded his cover letter with similar style, which is an intelligent idea if your work application involves submitting a number of documents. Making an eye catching designed resume from scratch is going to be a time intensive and a tricky task when youre looking for job. The Professional Resume is a superb option if youre just beginning with your work search. Beautiful Resume Ideas Resumes have to be distinctive and original. Infographic-style resumes have gotten popular, and they are sometimes effective when done well. Both may be used to create chronological or functional resumes. Objective The fundamental idea is to compose a personal statement that describes what you would like to become or do eventually. You may ought to be sure that your absatzwirtschaft is actually on message. It is possible to also write extra skills. Apparently, you ought to still mention different skills that can be applicable together with different qualification which you think they research for. Because of minimalist design you bring concentrate on the context. Ahead of producing your targets, you want to earn your advertising and marketing and advertising objectives. Part of creating an effective resume is selecting the best format to inform your private story. If youre asking for a creative position that needs a portfolio, be sure that you include simply the best samples. A lovely, minimal and user-friendly template that you could edit based on your abilities and experience. It adds just a little style whilst still keeping the total presentation very businesslike. This way you can earn a stunning first impression. As you could have noticed, design is only one of several elements in your resume that could capture attention. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. Apart from colors, you may easily tweak the headings to coincide with the position youre applying for and your unique skill collection. Naturally, it doesnt indicate that your resume will fail. Your resume or CV may be among the most important projects you ever design. Youre able to discover minimalist resumes in plus-rechnen to elegant and creative resume templates perfect for practically any kind of industry. Selecting references on the exact first place beyond college may be nerve wracking experience. You may edit the color in addition to the content with no trouble. You should get advantage and using business analysis resume to make your self glow that could force you to leap to the top priority. There are lots of free resume templates readily available online but sometimes it can be quite tough to decide on the best one that is most suited to you.

6 Tips for HR Pros to Recognize and Combat Workplace Doldrums

6 Tips for HR Pros to Recognize and Combat Workplace DoldrumsThe purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson didnt live and work in the daily grind HR professionals face today, but much of his perspective still rings true. However, many employees dont feel happy with their jobs because they dont feel as though they are making an impact or reaching their goals.Feeling deckenfries in a career can hit to anyone at any point. Workplace doldrums lead to less productivity, boredom, and staff becoming disengaged. Having purpose is what motivates employee satisfaction and drives an effective workforce. Here are six tips from industry pros on how to encourage employees to rise out of workplace doldrums Take Stock in Career GrowthThe top three doldrums are first thing in the morning, after working with a difficult client, and after 2 years into a job. An exa mple of a time I witnessed the doldrums welches with myself I spent 10 years in corporate sales and business development, and right as I hit 10 years, I got restless. I took stock of what I welches doing and what I wanted, and eventually chose to solve the problem by leaving my job.I think you reach a point in your career where if you dont feel particularly challenged anymore, you get the doldrums. When an employee isnt able to grow and gain more responsibility, they become stagnant and get bored.I recommend looking at the situation and honestly trying to discover the source that is making your employees bored or feel uncreative. Can you change it within your current situation? Can other bosses help? Really think about the cause of the doldrums, and youll be able to change it.Jyssica Schwartz, Director of Sales at Authors UniteAssess the situation and try to discover the source of boredom. jyssicaschwartzClick To TweetRecommended Reading More on employee zurckhalten and work-life ba lance. Use an Open Mind to Problem SolveI witnessed a mid-late career employee was in a slump and underachieving. I assigned him some new tasks and coached him through the process. We engineered a task set that was conducive to his personality and goals. The employee stayed until he retired at age 57.Take the time to show the possibilities of what could be, versus what the tasks are. Think in more broad terms. Be positive. Be willing to assign new tasks. Realize your staff may be limiting their own thinking. If your staff faces boredom and being stuck, encourage them to be assertive and self-promote. Dont worry about what others may think. Take care of themself. Look outside the workplace for fun and meaningful activities. Also, get social support and seek positive peer support.Bruce W. Cameron, M.S., LPC-S, LSOTP-S, CPC, Licensed Counselor, Executive Coach, and co-host of LA Talk Radios Concierge Coaches Show.Take the time to show the possibilities of what could be, versus what the tasks are. cameroncoachesClick To TweetFind Personal and Professional BalanceWhen an employee at our office showed signs of the doldrums, we put her in dienstgrad of training new employees. She was rejuvenated in her career because she wanted to put her best foot forward and really show others how to get the job done. We also provided small bonuses and quick thank-you notes (email and cards), which gave her a re-energized approach to workSometimes the grind of getting things done can be monotonous, but that can be combated by a bit of a change of pace, like learning a part of someone elses position (helps with cross training and awareness).The same ole routine can also lead to the doldrums. Change it up. Employees can take lunch at a different time or skip a break, but take a longer lunch. They can also change up their routine so that they start the day with the tasks they normally end with and vice versa.Working in the same position for years can definitely lead to the doldrums. E mployees should take initiative change the day-to-day by giving MORE rather than succumbing to the doldrums and giving LESS Work and life have to each provide value in your life. If youre putting all of your eggs into the work basket, you put more pressure on work and then find it to be more unpleasant. Balance your life. Deborah Sweeney, CEO of MyCorporation.Professional and personal life have to equally provide value. deborahsweeney MyCorporationClick To TweetRecommended Reading More on fun and productivity in the office.Change Perspective and Learn Something NewBack in 2008, I managed a distribution center. Everyone was anxious, and concerned about how the economic crisis would affect our jobs. We had to do more with less. The staff was edgy and territorial, but we needed to continue to serve our customers while learning to conserve resources.Our answer was cross-training every employee. Their main job remained the same. However, this way they could be loaned out to other departm ents whenever short-term demands increased. We found overall job satisfaction increased. Employees felt valued, knowing that we trusted their capabilities. Their confidence increased when they became the trainer, and became more compassionate when it was their turn as the trainee.They changed the scenery by going to a new department. Learned new procedures and discovered how their work affected their coworkers. This helped staff beyond training, and became an opportunity for collaboration.This global perspective shift allowed employees to be generous with their coworkers. It created an atmosphere of cooperation. The answer to workplace doldrums? Change your perspective.Encourage staff to change scenery or go take a walk. Pick a route theyve never taken before bonus points if there are trees involved. Helpthem to get revived and find their inner dreamer.Foster anenvironment where learning is valued.Getcurious,and discover something your employees have always wanted to know more abou t. Go out and make a difference for someone else.Jane Fisher, Efficiency Coach and Consultant, Jane Fisher, LLCHelp employees get revived and find their inner dreamer.Click To TweetDo More to Challenge StaffPart of my responsibility is to ensure my absatzwirtschaft team is being as productive as possible. I have seen the workplace doldrums set in when my staff doesnt have an effective work-life balance, a big life event happens, or when they have been with the company for more than three years. I have an employee who was college graduate when we hired her as a part of the marketing team. She immediately had a hard time transitioning from college life to working full time. When I noticed her gloom starting to set in, I met with her individually to ensure that she was happy with the work she was doing. I have worked with college graduates in the past, and I found the most success when I met with them on a regular basis for the first six months of them starting. I think the main way to combat workplace doldrums is to keep your employees challenged. A challenged employee will be more satisfied with the work they are doing. Eric Bowen, Digital Marketing Manager at Broadband Search.A challenged employee will be more satisfied with the work they are doing. e_bow15Click To Tweet Help staff beat workplace doldrums. Encourage them to take stock in their career growth, use an open mind to problem solve, find a work-life balance, change their perspective, and always confront workplace doldrums directly.