No Finish Line

No Finish LineNo Finish LineA marathon runner determines training and running 26 miles to be easier than the job search, where she cant control the schliff line, if there is one.Marc Cenedella wrote a piece a few weeks ago comparing the search process with running a marathon (Its a marathon, not a sprint, Nov. 8, 2010). As a veteran marathon runner (Ive run 24 worldwide), I have some thoughts.The search process is a terrifically challenging endeavor - it takes time, commitment, hard work and a bit of luck. But thats about as close as I can come to a positive correlation with running marathons.Heres my take I started to train for my first marathon to rechannel my energy following a breakup. I joined a running team, dusted off my running shoes and headed out the door. I also told everyone, friend and foe, of my goal - to finish a marathon - knowing the pressure would make me finish. Then, I enlisted a friend to throw me a festivitt afterward, as an added incentive to make sure I fin ished the race. Through the long, hot summer, logging in some 20-mile runs in the humidity, I was determined to have a successful finish. When race day came, I did, and it set me on my path to becoming an international marathon runner. At the end of the race, I felt immortal. My confidence was in the stratosphere for months afterward. (I also managed to meet a new boyfriend, became engaged and married the following year.)Now for the job search In August 2007, my job as a senior portfolio manager was eliminated when my company merged with another. The whack to my self-confidence was obvious, but being determined, I dusted off my high heels, donned my navy blue interviewing suit and immediately got out there talking to and meeting with prospective employers. I hired a career coach and a personal marketer to get me in front of hiring managers. I joined networking groups and helped orchestrate training programs and exercises designed to make all of us better as we continued to hund for jobs.While taking all the right steps, my timing was terrible We were in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, and there was zero demand in the finance industry for someone with my skills. Despite a rigorous interviewing schedule, tons of networking and volunteer activities to help others (including job seekers), there were no offers. Sometimes after several rounds of interviews, the company would inform me they had simply decided not to fill the position. (Someday I want to write about how companies should be more responsible when dealing with candidates. But, thats a story reserved for another time.)What Ive come to discover is that in running marathons, where I have control over the outcome, nothing can stop me Ive run marathons in heat, snow, sleet and pouring rain with blisters, pulled muscles and a host of other impediments that only fellow runners can appreciate.The job search is different. My resume is solid, I have impressive skills, I play well with other s and I have a record of delivering results. But, I control only one side of the equation. The company controls the other. I sometimes invoke the analogy of an invisible hand moving the finish line further back, so that just when Im about to burst through the tape, I find I have several hundred more yards to go.Case in point Recently, I had 10 interviews with a company, and the decision came down to two finalists, and I was one. Unfortunately, they selected the other candidate, and used voice mail to communicate their decision. Gee, I feel that finish line moving back a few more yardsI believe in the Chinese saying that with crisis comes opportunity. I have embarked on another career during this process, consulting with financial services companies, particularly in the alternative assets (hedge funds and private equity) space. While it has not yet replaced my former senior executive position, the work is satisfying and something I enjoy doing, since it uses skills I have but did not get to use as much in my previous jobs. I also have begun to focus on smaller companies, where there is a need for an experienced executive to help guide a company through rough shoals. It feels good to be productive, respected and professionally wanted.I also believe that while the search process is challenging on every level, and at times seems insurmountable, there are things within our control. Being prepared, being professional, working hard to get meetings is part of it. I also believe daily exercise is a vital component. I get up early, get in an hour of some kind of exercise, and then hit the phone and the computer. Is that finish line getting a bit closer? Only time will tell.

4 characteristics of leaders who get hired and promoted

4 characteristics of leaders who get hired and promoted4 characteristics of leaders who get hired and promotedImagine if you had the opportunity to sit down with a senior executive and get the real, straight up truth about what it takes to stand out as a leader in todays highly competitive workforce.Thats exactly what I got when I interviewed Oracle executive John Hall about the fruchtwein common characteristics of people in his organization who contribute the fruchtwein value. Hall was more than happy to divulge the four characteristics shared by those he is most likely to hire into or promote within the organization he has led to become the worlds most profitable software training business.1. Adults only need applyIf youre brilliant but high maintenance, that wont impress Hall.I like to hire people who are smart but they have to work well with a kollektiv, he explains. I call it adult behavior. They dont have time or tolerance for office dramatics. Explains Hall, We still have di sputes and discussions but at the end of day, I want a gruppe that supports me and supports the business one hundred percent. Working well as a team is critically important.2. Dont tell me everythings greatYes men and women with rose colored glasses firmly in place need not apply, either, according to Hall. The other thing that were really keen on, he explains, is being data-centric. I dont need somebody to say, Things are going well. I want them to say, Hey, things are 6.7% better than last year or Theyre at negative 6.7%. Hall adds, Speaking in those terms provides a tremendous amount of credibility when youre talking to senior executives and other people in your industry. So get into the practice of presenting your thoughts with clearly defined facts rather than fuzzy generalizations.3. Take the baton and go for the finish lineA key to success and being valued in Halls organization and most others is being results-oriented. At Oracle we have very specific objectives around reve nue, margin, market share, customer satisfaction, and quality, Hall says.He takes care to clearly define and communicate goals, and then relies on team-members to drive toward those results with little handholding along the way. Ive had success with describing the finish line in extremely clear, data-centric terms. I tend to hire great people and make sure they know the objectives.Not clear what constitutes success in your role? Ask your manager to clarify your objectives, so you can measure and report your progress against clearly defined targets.4. Set the integrity bar highThe final thing thats table stakes for me is high integrity, Hall says. He sets a high bar for integrity in his approach to things like customer service and how his own employees are treated. When I surround myself with a team thats got high integrity, he explains, its easy to maintain that standard.Want to be valued by the leaders in your own organization? John Hall would encourage you to work well with your t eam, be data-centric, results-oriented, and operate with integrity. These are the characteristics I always look for when hiring or promoting somebody, he concluded.This article originally appeared on BeLeaderly.com.

Cardiovascular Technologist - Job Description

Cardiovascular Technologist - Job DescriptionCardiovascular Technologist - Job DescriptionA cardiovascular technologist (CVT) helps doctors diagnose and treat patients who have or are suspected of having cardiac and vascular disease. He or she may use non-invasive procedures, including ultrasound, or invasive procedures, which involve inserting probes, such as catheters, into patients bodies. Severalsub-specialties fall under this occupational title. A cardiology technologist monitors and treats problems with the heart. A vascular technologist monitors and treats blood flow abnormalities. An echocardiographer, also called a cardiac sonographer, uses ultrasound equipment to take images of the heart and valves. Quick Facts Cardiovascular technologists median annual salaryis $55,270(2017).About55,000 people work in this occupation (2016).The majority workin hospitals. Other employers are medical laboratories, outpatient facilities, and doctors offices.Heart and vascular illnesses do nt adhere to a 9 to 5 schedule and because of this many who work this field cant either. Cardiovascular technologists often work odd hours in order to respond to health emergencies.The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies this as a Bright Outlook Occupation, because of its excellentjob outlook. This government agencypredicts employment will grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. A Day in the Life of a Cardiovascular Technologist Job announcements on Indeed.com listed the following job duties Under direct supervision of the physician, prepares patients, assembles and operates hemodynamic and electrophysiologic equipment during interventional and diagnostic proceduresAssists physician in performing invasive procedures. Performs related radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging techniques to demonstrate catheter location, position and document findingsMaintains a well stocked and clean work environmentWorks collaboratively with the Cath Lab gruppe to prom ote wellness and optimize patient outcomes and quality care Scanand interpretholter/event monitors and sendto physician for confirmationExplainprocedure in easy-to-understand terms based on professional knowledge to relieve patient of pre-testing anxiety How To Become a Cardiovascular Technologist Most people prepare for this occupation by earning an associate degree at a community college. These two-year programs typically consist of coursework and clinical training under the supervision of an experienced technologist. Some choose, instead, to earn a bachelors degree which will take four years. Another route is to get an associate or bachelors degree in radiologic technology or nursing followed by on-the-job training. Look for an accredited program since that is often a requirement for certification or registration. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits cardiovascular technologist programs. Although states dont currently license cardiova scular technologists, it is difficult to find an employer who doesnt require certification or registration. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is one organization that oversees certification and registration of CVTs. Many employers require their CVTs to have ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) certification. Do You Have the Soft Skills to Succeed in This Field? In addition to your classroom and on-the-job training, in order to succeed in this field, you need particular characteristics. It is essential that you evaluate whether you have these qualities when deciding whether to become a CVT. Are you detail oriented? This quality will allow you to follow physicians instructions. Do you have excellent interpersonal skills? They are needed toestablish rapport with your patients. Are you physically fit? You will be required to move and lift patients, as well as stand on your feet for long periods of time. What Employers Will Expect In jo b announcements on Indeed.comemployers specified candidates must meet the following requirements Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situationsHighly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills to establish working relationships that foster optimal team performance and quality patient careProficient keyboarding, familiarity with hospital electronic medical records and information systemsAbility to multi-task and self-led problem solving skillsMust be able to interact with physicians during emergencies and assist them with interpretation of data collected Must be able to respond to the hospital within 30 minutes of receiving a page Is This Career a Good Fit for You? Aself assessmentwill help you discover if this career is a good fit.It must match yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related values. Cardiovascular technologists should have these traits Interests(Holland Code) IRS (Investigative, Realistic, Social)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityType s) INTJ,ESFJ, ESFP, ENFJ, INFJ, INFPWork-Related Values Relationships, Support, Independence Occupations With Related Activities and Tasks DescriptionAnnual Salary (2017)Educational RequirementsNuclear Medicine TechnologistPerforms nuclear imaging tests like PET and SPECT scans$75,660Associate or Bachelors Degree in Nuclear Medicine TechnologyUltrasound TechnicianOperates equipment that uses use high-frequency sound waves to diagnose illnesses$71,410Associate or Bachelors Degree in Diagnostic Medical SonographyRadiologic TechnologistUses diagnostic imaging equipment, like x-ray and CT-scans to help doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries$58,440Certificate or Associate, or Bachelors Degree in RadiographySurgical TechnologistAssists members of an operating room team that includes surgeons, RNs, and anesthesiologists$46,310Associate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in Surgical Technology Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Emplo yment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited April 17, 2018).