Speak Your Mind

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 5 keys to assist in gathering the courage to speak your mind...

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Relationships face challenges. As you spend nearly half of your day in the office, it is just as important to manage your work relationships as your personal relationships.

Some struggle to effectively speak up about issues that cause feelings of frustration or anger. Communicating these emotions in a mature way is necessary or it may boil inside until it is acted out. This might take place in cheap shots, moodiness or the silent treatment. Ultimately, this will lead to undermining the mood in your workplace which can have a serious impact on your own emotional, mental and physical health.

Here are 5 keys to assist in gathering your courage to speak up:

1. Put Others First
This may be the last thing you want to do at a time when you might feel frustrated that you seem to "always" be putting others first. In this circumstance, we mean to consider the end goal. It may be very tempting to prove someone "wrong" in an effort to make yourself "right," but what do you want the end result to be? Do you want to make your coworker feel inferior to you? Or instead, do you want to promote a more productive and rewarding work environment?

2. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Everyone has a story. Their background and collected personal experiences shape the way they view the world. We get wrapped up in our own stories and we don't see the world as it really is. Instead, we see the world as we are. 

3. Be Self Aware
Take the time to review the situation and your feelings on the matter. Identify where you stand on the subject. Are you frustrated, sad, angry, afraid? No emotion is "wrong," it's simply the way you feel. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it." Help others to get to this point. If someone seems to be frustrated or upset, take a minute and listen to them.

4. Two Ears, One Mouth
Listen twice as much as you speak. The way to successfully persuade someone is to speak about their concerns. Once they've shared their thoughts, speak about the facts then share your opinion on the matter.

5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
While you may not be able to completely resolve an issue when you first speak up, if you make an effort to create an ongoing dialogue, situations are sure to improve.

Levitt & Associates, Inc. 

What Money Can't Buy

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 7 things that money can't buy...

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"Give me money... That's what I want," so goes the song.

Money has been in our world for thousands of years. Originally, money was used as a measurement tool to estimate the value of goods. Before money, people would trade goods that they had a surplus of for other goods that they could not readily harvest, make or grow. This typically included resources vital to their survival and protection: food, animals, tools, and fabrics. Societies expanded and the trading system became more complex.

In this day and age, to say our society is highly money-conscious would be a gross understatement.

It's important to remember what money can't buy:

7. Integrity

"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." - Douglas Adams

6. Peace of Mind

"Money cannot buy peace of mind. It cannot heal ruptured relationships, or build meaning into a life that has non." - Richard M. DeVos

5. Intelligence

"Bottom line is, I didn't return to Apple to make a fortune. I've been very lucky in my life and already have one. When I was 25, my net worth was $100 million or so. I decided then that I wasn't going to let it ruin my life. There's no way you could ever spend it all, and I don't view wealth as something that validates my intelligence." - Steve Jobs

4. Love

"If you want to distinguish between those who love you unreservedly, and those who love your money, try losing all your money." - Jordi Alemany

3. Health

"Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived." - Dalai Lama

2. Happiness

"Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has, the more one wants." - Benjamin Franklin

1. Spiritual Enlightenment

"Money can buy a house, but not a home. It can buy a bed, but not sleep. It can buy a clock, but not time. It can buy a book, but not knowledge. It can buy blood but not health, so you see; money is not everything in life." - Unknown

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

"What Recruiters Look at on Your Resume in 6 Seconds"

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares an article...

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BusinessInsider.com published an article revealing an "eye tracking" study performed on recruiters reviewing resumes. 

The study concluded that when reviewing your resume, recruiters look at your name, current title and company, current position start and end dates, previous title and company, previous position start and end dates, and education. 

The more organized and concise your resume, the clearer it will read. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Perspective on Placement Fees

Levitt & Associates, Inc shares its point of view on placement fees...

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It's true, law firms may not need assistance from a recruiter in order to hire the best talent on-the-market but what would you say the difference is between on-the-market and in-the-market?

The best talent in-the-market are likely the attorneys who are not actively searching for a new position. They may be perfectly content in their careers.

Recruiters are able to engage with top talent and inform them of a clients' search for someone with their skill set and experience.

In addition, recruiters are privy to inside information about top attorneys who require their job search to be private due to a number of reasons.

Recruiters search ahead of the need. We recruit for a position before it becomes available. We build relationships with candidates and are able to identify the best and the brightest and we can identify which candidates have the greatest potential.

The recruiter fee is pennies in comparison to the cost realized in salaries paid to an average performer. Recruited talent generates profit through superior performance. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Creating Positive Work Relationships

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 6 types of people that drain your energy and how to protect your health...

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The quality of our relationships has an effect on our health. You may have noticed that certain people make you feel more energized or calm while others seem to drain you of all your energy.

The following is a list of the type of people to keep your eye out for and suggestions for protecting your health:

• The Sob Story. This person seems to always have a "poor me" attitude and whines to anyone who will lend an ear. Limit your time with this energy-draining person and say "I'm sorry, I can only talk for a few minutes," and continue with your work.
• The Drama Addict. A minor incident is blown out of proportion by this person. Someone sneezes and all of the sudden, rumor in the office is that H1N1 is going around. Practice patience and limit your time with this person. Maintain a level head when listening to their stories and don't be sucked into the drama. It's strange how they can have near-death experiences every week.
• The Chit-Chatter. This person is only concerned with themselves and has no regard for you or your feelings. At first, they may seem entertaining. Then the constant talking does not stop and you get tired. You take a step back and they step closer to you. Know that this person does not respond to body language cues. You have to speak up and politely excuse yourself from the conversation, "I'm sorry, I really have to get back to my desk now."
• The Fixer Upper. This person heads straight to your desk to desperately plea that you solve their problems... all the time. You become her therapist and they take up all your free time. Do not fall into the trap. You need your free time. Share your empathy but resist the urge to offer advice. Instead, show your support and say, "I'm confident you'll find the right solution." If they persist, consider sensitively suggesting they speak with a qualified professional for help.
• The Blamer. This person cuts you down and always has a negative comment to make. They may feel more powerful if they can make you feel guilty or that your work on a project was lacking. Apply that 4th grade lesson, "I'm rubber and you're glue," theory. Imagine a shield of sorts that protects you from their negative remarks. Your shield keeps you sane and their constant negativity cannot deplete you.
• The Bully. Some people are just vindictive. They cut you down and have no consideration for your feelings. Remember that these people tend to be wounded and do not take their mean remarks personally. Remove them from your life whenever possible.    

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

How to Sabotage a Job Offer

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 3 ways to lose a job before you get it...

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You've heard it time and again, a post-interview thank you note can set you apart from other candidates in the interview process. Interviewers often claim that the follow up can almost be as important than the interview. 

Here are three things to avoid when writing your note:

1. Being Late. Just as it is important to be on time (or early) for an interview, it is important to send your handwritten thank you note the day of your interview. This shows that you are respectful, thoughtful, and that you really want the position.

2. Being Careless. Mistakes are often made when people rush. Write neatly and take a minute to review your note to check for spelling or grammar errors. 

3. Making it About You. This is a note to your reader. Your reader enjoys hearing nice thoughts about themselves. Make it personal while showing that you are action-oriented and interested in assisting them in situations that are important to them. For example, "It was nice to have met with you today. I really enjoyed speaking with you about your views on _________. I can see that your firm has been very successful in _______ and I'm eager to brainstorm with you more about how ________ can affect your firm in a positive way as that has been a key focus during my career." (Fill in the blanks) 

Take your time and compose a well-written, personal note. Then send it as soon as possible. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Reinventing Yourself

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 3 tips to reinvent yourself in your new career...

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Sometimes you are ready for a change - a big change, one where a new hairstyle just wouldn't cut it. You may be ready for a new career.  

You can't change your wiring. It's best to think of this self-project as "repackaging", or what I like to call "reinventing" yourself. Your chances of happiness and success increase when you know exactly what you like and what your strengths are. Make a list of everything you enjoyed in your previous positions. Be sure to make note of the things that you excelled at. 

Step by step process. Reinventing yourself won't happen overnight. Start small and know your end goal. Set measurable mini-goals along the way and celebrate each achievement. You are on your way to becoming the you you've always wanted to be. 

Full-time commitment. Switching to a different field means you are starting from scratch. You can expect the same long hours you had in your first career. Luckily, you are doing what you love and you're doing it for you. The return on investment is far greater when you are doing what makes you happy. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

7 Things Successful People Do

Levitt & Associates, Inc shares 7 things successful people do...

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"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington

1. Fail
You may have heard the quote, "To increase your success rate, you must double your failure rate." Everyone fails. To be successful, you must persevere and know that for every time you fail, you are that much closer to success.  

2. Set Goals
Set measurable and achievable goals and write them down - daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Keep checking back to those goals, measure your progress and re-evaluate your list. 

3. Act
There is never going to be the "perfect" time.  Instead of letting obstacles stall you, know that taking action will lead you to your answers. 

4. Continued Improvement
"There's always room for improvement." Successful people hold this mentality and thrive on self-improvement. Everyone makes mistakes; rather than dwell on them, reflect on them as a learning opportunity. Nobody is perfect; view your weaknesses as areas of opportunity and set goals to improve.

5. Communication is Key
The most successful people know how to communicate with others in a way that allows them to get what they want without making others feel that they are being manipulated or pressured. Communicate with confidence. 

6. Be Flexible
Plans change and sometimes Murphy's law of "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong," applies. The most successful people know that there is no use becoming frustrated and instead, they roll with the punches.  

7. Network
Build and maintain connections. The most successful individuals had help along the way and utilized their mutually beneficial business connections and partners. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

"Why Should I Hire You?"

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares how to answer one of the most important interview questions...

 

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You've made it through the interview and one of the final questions is asked, "Why should I hire you?"

The question's basis is threefold:

1. Do you have a firm understanding of the skills required to do the job? Take this time to go beyond "I'm a hard worker." Key into specifics. Review the requirements listed in the job description as well as points in the interview then explain how you meet and exceed those requirements.  

2. Will you be committed to the job? Some people want a job, any job; others want a career; you want a career at this firm and here's why _________. Answer the follow-up question of, "why do you want to work here?" before they ask it. After all, one of the reasons they should hire someone should be because they want to be there.

3. Will you be a good fit with the firm? Are you a team player? Are you easy to manage?  Conclude this three-point answer with a statement that says you work well with others, you easily adapt to situations and changes, and your supervisors and colleagues would speak highly of you.  

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

10 Game Changers on the Job Hunt

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 10 game changing points to consider when searching for a career move...

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1. Attitude

Be committed, be passionate, believe that "failure is not an option." Finding a new opportunity can be a job in itself. Speak with friends, family, a recruiter, previous employers, old colleagues; let them know you are searching and ask if they know of any law firms or companies hiring.

2. System

Set goals, know your intentions, plan your activity, role-play for interview situations. Know what you want, aim for it, know how you are going to get there and go.

3. Idea

Know what the market might bare for someone with your particular skills and background. Know approximately how long it will take from the resume submission to the interview. Have an idea of how long your search for the right position will take.

4. Activity vs. Productivity

You are not in a position to let fear of rejection rule your search. You interviewed, you did not get a position, you may feel discouraged. Focus on the big picture. That position may not be the right position for you, what can you do to improve on your next interview? Be productive and keep searching.

5. Face-to-Face

You are a step closer to your new job when you are able to speak with them on the phone. You are a leap closer when you meet in face-to-face interviews. Do everything in your power to get an in-person interview.

7. Prepare

Your self-esteem will be raised if you are truly prepared for the interview. Prepare a presentation on yourself as to why you should be hired. Sell yourself in the interview. Dress professionally. Put your best foot forward and ask for the job you want. Share what you can bring to the table and what separates you from other candidates.

8. Focus

What can you do for them? That is the focus. What's in it for you is secondary and not the main topic of conversation in the first interview. Give an employer enough reasons for why they should hire you and they will share what they do to reciprocate.

10. POV

Have a diplomatic answer prepared for why you left (or are leaving) your last job. Avoid a "me-centered" point of view and present past or current employers and colleagues in a professional, if not positive light. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Beware the Counteroffer

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares why you should think twice before accepting a counteroffer...

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The rates at which current employers have made counteroffers has increased in the last decade. Human resource and recruiting professionals claim that accepting a counteroffer can be "career suicide."

Many candidates who are actively seeking a new position are often frustrated at their current job due to a variety of reasons. Most accept those reasons to be beyond repair without ever speaking with their supervisors. Some of these issues may easily be solved or mitigated and should be discussed before you accept a counteroffer. However, there are some issues that simply won't change.

Think twice about accepting a counteroffer. Will the working conditions remain the same? In the long run, would you be happy staying or leaving? 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Getting Back into the Workforce After Time Off

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares the steps of re-entering the workforce...

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You may have taken a few years off to raise the kids, perhaps you took care of a relative who was ill, or maybe you were just overworked and needed the time away from an office.

You're ready to get back to work. Some say it can't be done.Don't believe it. People do it every day. Getting back into the workforce can be a challenge, but it can be done.

The first step is to figure out what you want. You may have been giving this some thought for a while; now is the time to narrow your focus. In a way, starting over is much like beginning a new career. Write down what you enjoyed in previous positions, what were your strengths, what do you enjoy doing now, what are your strengths now, what positions you've dreamed of in the past, where you see yourself working, what you see yourself doing in 5 years.

Now make your calls. Contact a recruiter, touch base with friends, get in contact with old colleagues and people you met through networking.

Do your research:
Do you need to take a course or two?
Do you need more on-the-job experience?
Do you need to know more of the right people?
Do you need to wait until the position you want opens up?

Know that this process will take time. Use this time to brush up on your interview skills, get coffee with old business colleagues and reacquaint yourself with the business world.

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

4 Reasons to Work with an Outside Recruiter

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 4 reasons to work with an outside recruiter...

Your firm may have an HR department and they may have brought some great talent to your team in the past... here are 5 reasons to work with an external recruiter to bring you new talent:

1. Speed and Focus
Search and placement is a recruiter's soul focus. Recruiting firms have dedicated years building an extensive network of contacts and when you bring in a recruiter, you are able to borrow this mass list of contacts.

2. Credibility
An outside recruiter is often viewed by candidates as an objective expert. Candidates may find it difficult to trust an internal recruiter as they have the firm's best interest in mind. The perspective of a trusted recruiter (who has both party's interests in mind), can influence a candidate's decision between competing offers.

3. High Demand, Low Supply
Good talent is hard to find (and retain). Finding new talent that fits well with the firm's culture requires a focused and ongoing effort. It is more cost effective for you and your team to dedicate your efforts on retention and delegate searches to an external source.

4. Market Intelligence
In working with an experienced recruiter, you are able to borrow their inside information. Recruiters keep informed on the latest market, industry, and salary trends. Recruiters who specialize in your industry know the backgrounds, motives, successes and failures of the talent pool, thus enabling them to present only the best candidates.

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

10 Signs You are Ready for a New Job

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 10 signs you are ready for a career move...

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1. You don't want to go to work. Not only because your bed is just far too comfortable, but because you genuinely don't like being at work.

2. You're bored. Once upon a time, you were passionate about even the little things. Now the thought of sitting at your desk makes you want to take a nap. You crave a challenge, but not one in your current position.

3. Nothing excites you... even a raise. If you were given a $10,000 raise and still wouldn't be happy driving to work in the morning, it's time to move on.

4. You search the internet all the time. And it's not for work-related purposes.

5. You procrastinate. You were once the first in and the last out, that spark has faded and somehow you are now the last in and first out. You sit at your desk and avoid your work at all costs. If you run out of menial ways to avoid your to do list, you watch time tick on the clock.

6. You take advantage of every sick day available.

7. You don't like the people in your office. You don't have to celebrate every colleague's birthday with them, but life at the office is improved if you like and respect your team.

8. You are not performing to the best of your abilities. Move on.

9. You no longer take pride in your professional appearance. You don't feel the need to brush your hair and your clothes aren't ironed (you haven't taken them to the cleaner's in some time).

10. You are reading this blog.

It's time for a career change. It's time to meet with a recruiter.

Everything in life will seem a little brighter when you find a job that you are truly happy with. When you feel enabled to achieve your professional and personal goals, your life can only change for the better. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Make Networking a Way of Life

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares why networking should be a way of life...

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When was the last networking event you attended? Most people network on occasion and usually for a specific purpose. Those who excel at networking make it a part of their lifestyle. The idea is "give a little, get a little." 

Network IS:

A verb. Active, ongoing pursuit that requires commitment.

A process. Results take time and consistency.

A two-way street. The best networkers understand that it is a give-and-take relationship and often help people more than they are helped. What goes around, comes around.

An opportunity. The business contacts you make can change your career and can change your life.

An investment. It takes time and energy but the return on investment consists of much more than the fun you will have.

Network is NOT:

A noun. Yes, you will have a valuable database of contacts. What you DO with those contacts is what matters.

An occasional activity. It becomes truly effective when it is a part of your lifestyle.

Sales. Your goal is not to sell everyone you meet, but instead to build real relationships.

Rocket Science. It is not hard to do. Anyone at any stage in their profession can build strong relationships through networking. 

Take the time to build relationships, build a solid reputation, and help others to achieve success. Your return on investment will be much greater than you thought.  

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Stand Out of the Applicant Database

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares how to maximize your chances of getting the interview...

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Your resume has approximately 60 seconds to make an impact. Here's how to make yours stand apart from all the others: 

Optimize Your Resume

As in, Search Engine Optimize. Just the same as how a Google search uses Search Engine Optimization to give you the most relevant results, recruiters, and HR departments sometimes use electronic applicant tracking systems to sort through resumes and cover letters to provide them with the most relevant candidates in the applicant database.

Maximize your exposure by adding in relevant keywords used in the job description. Build these keywords into your work experience, education and qualifications sections. 

 Attention Grabbing Sections

Key honors/awards: List these under Education.

Key Skills: Use bullet points under Work Experience to convey your key skills that are most relevant to the position.

Frame Your Resume

Make your resume easy for the reader to speed read without missing pertinent information. Divide your resume into clearly headed sections: Education, Experience, and Activities. Don't get too fancy with the fonts, the basics are easiest to read. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

7 Things You Should NEVER Do in an Interview

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares 7 things NOT to do during an interview...

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7. Don't be late. Keep Murphy's Law in mind, "Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong." Your car may break down or your alarm clock may be set for 6 pm instead of 6 am, derailing your scheduled day. Give yourself plenty of time to be in the vicinity early, stop for a coffee and review your notes, then head into the building about 15 minutes early.

6. Don't show up unprepared. Know about the firm you are meeting with. Research how long they've been in business, where their offices are, their mission statement, etc.

5. Don't ask about the salary, benefits or perks. The initial interview is not about what the firm can do for you, instead share what you can do for the firm. Ask about the job and what your responsibilities would be. Make them feel that you are the best fit for that job and share your previous successes relating to the expected responsibilities.

4. Don't focus on the future, focus on the job at hand. The initial interview is not the time to ask about advancement opportunities. Show your interest for the job you are there to interview for.

3. Don't turn the weakness question into a positive. At least, not in the usual way. For example, don't say you work too hard and care too much about what you do. Instead, be honest about a real weakness of yours but add a spin, "Math is not my strong suit, however knowing that, I take my time and always double check my work with numbers." This shows that you are honest, thorough and responsible.

2. Don't lie. If you get through the interview with exaggerated half-truths, your performance on the job will show that you are not equipped to handle the job you were hired to do. Save yourself the embarrassment.

1. Don't ask if there is any reason you shouldn't be hired. The misguided advice that some career experts provide can lead the interviewer to focus on what's wrong with you; that's not the lasting impression you want to leave them thinking about.    

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

7 Words to NEVER Put on Your Resume

Legal Recruiters at Levitt & Associates, Inc. share 7 words to keep OFF of your resume...

The following words demonstrate a lack of effort, leadership and confidence:


1. "Hopefully"
Double check your resume, cover letter, and online presence to delete this word. You are a confident individual who uses language that projects confidence. 

2. "Professional"
Clearly, you conduct yourself in a "professional" manner, nearly everyone describes how they conduct themselves this way.  Demonstrate your creativity and imagination to find new ways to answer their question. 

3. "Implemented"
"Implemented" implies that you followed someone else's lead.  The only time this word is accepted is when it is preceded by "planned and...".

4. "Team Player"
Show that you are a team player without using the words "team player."  Get creative and provide information about how your team was successful or how you enjoy taking on a mentor position. 

5. "Attempted"
This is not the place to share what you wanted to do.  This is the place to share concrete information on what you did. 

6. "Assisted"
Leaders are desired.  The interviewer is more impressed to know that you were the one being assisted.  They want to know what you achieved, how you achieved it and the size of the team you led in the process. 

7. "Approximately"
If you don't know, its best to find out.  If you do know, this is where you display your confidence.

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Improve Your Communication Skills

Levitt & Associates, Inc. shares why listening better can help you to be more productive...

What is the difference between listening and hearing? It was once explained to one of our associates that during an exam, the room is quiet yet there are sounds everywhere. You can hear the sound of the fan spinning, you can hear the person next to you tapping their pencil, you can hear people outside talking as they walk by the room. Those things are only distracting when you listen to them; when you focus your attention on them.

We often listen for what we want to hear. It's human nature, we like to get what we want. Let's say you asked for some time off during the firm's busiest time. You're told that it just can't happen and that with the workload, people are already going in on weekends and there is only one week left before things really get crazy around the office. Somehow, what you heard was, "Go ahead and take your time off as long as it's in this next week before things really get busy at the office." Not exactly the interpretation your boss meant to leave you with. 

Sometimes, we listen for what we don't want to hear. Think back to a time when you were offered constructive criticism on your work, "Great job on the report, we love it and we're sending it to the client tomorrow. One thing I can mention is that the colors on the graphs should be the client's colors. It would add a little something extra." Somehow, through all the positive praise, all you hear is, "You're report wasn't good enough." What you interpreted was not at all what the feedback stating.

Take the time to listen and focus on what they are saying. Notice their facial expressions and body language. Pay attention to their voice inflection. Take note of their mood, timing, and agenda. 

Stop hearing and start listening. 

Levitt & Associates, Inc.

Levitt & Associates: Featured Podcast

Alisa Levitt, Owner of Levitt & Associates, Inc., was recently featured on a podcast with "The Lawyer in Blue Jeans," Jeff Isaac.

To hear Alisa's full interview, tune it at 24 minutes (interview ends at 34:10). 

Direct link to featured podcast:

http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmbam/podcast/audio/lawyer_in_blue_jeans_16938.mp3

Link to Lawyer in Blue Jeans Show on AM760 KFMB:

http://760kfmb.com/shows/lawyer-in-blue-jeans/
(Air date: May 1, 2016)

Levitt & Associates, Inc.