Teamwork

I read an article posted this morning on LinkedIn, from a member of the Real Estate Lawyer Network, and was so touched I just had to share it with you. In a world where it feels like it's every man for himself; where individual accomplishments at times, are given more attention than team efforts toward a common goal, let's take a moment to think about the people in our lives that make up our "team" in life.

A Life Lesson on Teamwork

Another inspirational story by Samson Abiodun Ojo.

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon results.

Who do you have on your “team” in life? I know that I would be a mess without certain people: my wife, my family, my coworkers, just to name a few. Of course I need them for practical, everyday things: I would not be able to maintain a website without the expert advice from the technical department, as much as I would not be able to maintain a household without my wife. But, I also need them for emotional support. When I have a bad day or I feel frustrated with how things are going, they are there to pull me out of the slump. When I feel good and life is going my way, they are there to celebrate with me. Today, I would like to share a fun story about the power of teamwork. I hope you enjoy it:

A man was lost while driving through the country. As he tried to reach for the map, he accidentally drove off the road into a ditch. Though he wasn’t injured, his car was stuck deep into the mud. So the man walked to a nearby farm to ask for help.

“Warwick can get you out of that ditch,” said the farmer, pointing to an old mule standing in a field. The man looked at the decrepit old mule and looked at the farmer who just stood there repeating, “Yep, old Warwick can do the job.” the man figured he had nothing to lose. The two men and the mule made their way back to the ditch. The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins, he shouted,

“Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull, Ted! Pull Warwick!”

And the mule pulled that car right out of the ditch.

The man was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule, and asked, “Why did you call all of those names before you called Warwick?”

The farmer grinned and said, “Old Warwick is just about blind. As long as he believes he’s part of a team, he doesn’t mind pulling.”

Today, I'd like to thank my Don Richard Associates "LIFE TEAM" for helping me out of the slumps when I start wondering if what I do is really important, and for being there to celebrate my greatest moments! I couldn't do it without you! Jen, Ed, Liza, Brenda, Jackie, Ashley, Christine, Sam and Angie - THANK YOU!

LegalScout

Top 10 Questions & Requests You Should Never Ask a Recruiter

Recruiters communicate weekly with HR professionals, and in my case, law firm administrators, when submitting resumes and coordinating interview schedules. One of the most difficult aspects of being a recruiter, (and at times entertaining) is having to educate -- or gently remind -- hiring managers about questions they are not allowed to ask us prior to scheduling an interview with a candidate who has piqued their interest.

Top 10 Questions and Requests You Should Never Ask from a Recruiter:

1. "How old would you say she/he is?" (awkward silence)
2. "Ok, well, can you tell me which age bracket they would fall into?" (even longer pause of silence)
3. "That's a strange last name, where were they born?"
4. "Do you know if they have small children?"
5. "Are they married?"
6. "You wouldn't happen to know if they were Catholic, would you?"
7. "How much longer until this person retires?"
   
8. "Please only send me 'skirts' to fill this position."
9. "Have they ever been arrested?"
10. "Don't send me anyone overweight."

What do these all have in common? They're illegal to ask and most fall under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Please help a recruiter out by not asking any of the above questions! Help us to adhere to federal labor and employment laws and keep integrity in the staffing world.

LegalScout

Got Your Game Suit On?

For all my dear employment-seekers:
Allow me to share with you my perspective as a recruiter and how I expect you to dress for an interview. We're both well aware the market is as competitive today as it was throughout 2008-2009. What you wear to your interview can land you the position or blow it for you. I'm still shocked to see my candidates arrive at my office like they're dressed for a business casual Friday. Keep in mind that your interview with me (a recruiter) is just as important as your interview with a prospective employer. If the position is temporary or temp to hire in nature, I am your employer! You have one chance to show me how serious you are about your career, how polished you will present to my clients and you'll show me you mean business. I can tell within a few minutes of meeting someone or almost instantly, if the candidate (based on presentation) would be great for client So and So. I've already carefully reviewed your resume - so when I shake your hand, I want to be able to match your terrific qualifications on paper, to a neat and tidy, polished applicant in person. You don't have to be wearing an Armani suit to pull this off.

If I had two candidates with the same amount of experience, same level of education, same skill set and one wore a sharp suit and the other wore a pair of slacks and casual top, who do you think I'd present to my client who is looking for a top-notch assistant? If you wore the latter, you automatically took yourself off my radar. Of course, coaching is part of my interview. But really? Do we have to review business dress attire?

Points to keep in mind during your interview:

• Please...take off your coat! Stay a while. Nothing is more odd than interviewing someone who is wearing a bulky coat. I've even had a candidate keep her purse over one shoulder throughout the entire interview!
  
• Your suit jacket should be able to button comfortably; and your pants should be hemmed. I should be able to check out your shoes!
• Skirt suits are great! As long as the length is modest. Don't forget to wear conservative hoses and appropriate business shoes or heels. Strappy, party sandals should not be part of your professional game suit.
• Choose a color suit that portrays your professionalism. A flaming orange or yellow suit may not be appropriate in most settings.
• Large hoop earrings are never professional.
• Wearing a ring on each finger is never professional.
• Lip, eyebrow, nose and tongue piercings are not going to portray you in a professional light when reaching out for your dream position. I'm all for self-expression and individuality, but we're talking about interviewing for a professional position here. We're also talking about interviewing in "Hampton Roads, VA". This isn't NYC and it surely is not LA. So, yes, try to hide your tattoos, if you can. If you land the job, there will be plenty of time to show off your cool artwork once your foot is in the door and you have established credibility.
  
• Clear nail polish is great! Chipped nail polish is not.
  
• Do not hold your head up with your hands. I write this -- remember -- from experience.
• Get rid of the gum while parking the car and take a moment to get yourself together if you're windblown while walking into the building. Yes, it's possible to wear a business suit and look a hot mess.
  

Remember, your first impression is critical to recruiters. Your attire sets the tone for the interview and can very possibly give you the advantage "edge" you need to compete in this market. Put your game suit on!

LegalScout