In addition to the above services, perhaps our favorite contribution to a company is through the recruitment of proven leaders to bolster / “Muscle build” their company’s leadership core. Tom Daly, our Managing Partner, couples his background as a career military officer with his 14 years of direct business experience thereby effectively integrating these proven leaders from the military with career enhancing business opportunities for highly skilled military veterans. This “Leadership Solution” not only addresses the performance and motivation of a companies work force (as well as it’s bottom line) but this solution also directly improves a company’s long term leadership succession plan, thereby creating a long term solution that goes well beyond your typical recruiting solution.

For more information on how Smith Harney and Daly can assist your firm, please call us at 813-938-740 or email info@smithharney.com to schedule a free consultation.

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-Alexander Graham Bell

Interview Tip of the Week

When preparing for a Behavioral Interview make sure to prepare for questions pertaining to perseverance, honesty, a time you worked with someone with whom you didn’t get along, time management, problem solving and keeping clients happy. Come up with multiple examples for each of these genres and you will be very prepared!

Thoughts on Interviews

One of the most popular interview methods used today is the Behavioral Interview. This type of interview is when the employer wants you to tell them “about a time when….” This type of interview is becoming more popular because it lets the interviewers get a feel for your behavior and reaction to specific situations BEFORE they hire you on; unlike a few years back when they only look at your work experience and not your work ethic.
If you know you will be partaking in this type of interview it is very important to prepare beforehand. Sometimes interviewers will ask very similar types of questions that you only prepared one situation for. It is always important to have multiple examples for one question in case this happens. It’s also important in case you accidently forget one of your situations, which is common when you are nervous.

During Behavioral Interviews it is important to study the job description of the position. Look closely at the descriptions they use about their ideal candidate. Typically the word choices used in the description are the type of behaviors they are looking to find in the behavior interview. If it says they want a person who is able to build and maintain relationships with clients, make sure you have prepared multiple examples of times you have done this. Even though some of their questions may not be directly related to building relationships, it would be beneficial if you could add those examples in as often as possible.

In these types of interviews it is very important to maintain your composure and continue seeming serious but always nice. This is important because sometimes behavioral interviews consist of the interviewers acting rude towards you to see if it deflates your attitude. If you notice a shift in attitude, simply continue acting happy to be there. If the attitude gets worse, ask them nicely if you did anything wrong. This is important because you want to show the interviewer that you are aware of their shift in attitude and you are a confident enough person to know that you are not the issue. Always maintain your confidence and composure, because after all the entire interview is to see if you are stable enough for a tough position.

For all Hiring Managers –

Are you looking for proven leaders for your organization? Then contact Smith, Harney and Daly at info@smithharney.com or at 813-938-7470 so we can discuss your organizations unique leadership needs.

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How to Interview for a Job – Interviewing

Before interviewing it is common for your nerves to be jumping and your mind to be racing. In order to prevent too many jitters, make sure to get in a light workout or de-stressor before the interview. By getting in some exercise and calming your body and mind you will be able to think more clearly without your nerves getting in the way. By thinking more clearly you will also speak more clearly, which in turn will help you maintain your professional appearance and confidence.

Newsletter Comments for – How to Interview for a Job

Doing your homework before interviewing is the number one key to radiating confidence and making yourself the perfect candidate for a position. Typically veteran interviewers and job seekers who are confident in their abilities and accomplishments forget that the interviewing is not all about them but instead the company. Although the questions are aimed at you and your success, one of the most important questions for every interview is “Tell me what you know about our company.” Your answer to this question can make or break your chances. There are many people in the world with similar or better experiences than you, but by being the candidate that does their research and cares about the company conveys the type of person you really are. The perfect response to this answer consists of a little bit of background on the company such as when it began, how it began and what it has turned in to. Also including current affairs from recent press releases in your description shows you are in touch with the news and also interested in how the company is currently performing- you aren’t only looking for a job, but looking to better their company as well. Showing your awareness of the company’s current affairs during your interview is the key to making the interviewer feel that they have a passionate and driven candidate on their hands.

Not only should you brush up on the company’s history and affairs, but always brush up on yours as well. Quizzing yourself days in advance to your interview prepares you to speak fluidly and not freeze up in an intense situation. By memorizing bullet points about your accomplishments and how they will relate to another position is the easiest place to start. Have a handful of examples that you are comfortable speaking about, and also include back up examples in case a lot of questions have been asked and you want to avoid repetition. Remember, when thinking about How to Interview for a Job, it is okay to pause a moment and gather your thoughts, but always maintain your composure and confidence in order to avoid becoming flustered.

For all Hiring Managers –

Are you looking for proven leaders for your organization? Then contact Smith, Harney and Daly at info@smithharney.com or at 813-938-7470 so we can discuss your organizations unique leadership needs.

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When I first retired from the Marine Corps, I was approached by the CEO of a public company. That person explained to me how his firm recently purchased a similar sized competitor and he realized he didn’t know if he could trust all his “new” managers and employees. It wasn’t that they were bad people, it was just when he would travel the country and left their office / region, he didn’t know if they were going to follow his guidance and follow their new company’s game plan. Apparently that’s when he knew he had a trust issue within his company and decided to do something about it.

The CEO retained me to go out and find the best leaders I could find. Some had already exited the military while others transitioned out. In about a year and a half, I recruited approximately 55 top notch leaders who then entered this company’s newly developed Leadership Development Program and learned the trade. As we all know within the military, Integrity is paramount. It is Leadership rule #1! The Air Force says “Integrity First”. The Marine Corps considers Integrity the most important Leadership Trait and we all know about the Honor System at the Academies.

Today, that company has revenues of over $1 Billion and was recently chosen as the 2d best place to work in our area. I’d say focusing on character and values paid off for this company and that’s too important for veterans to not understand.

Don’t take it for granted that everyone has the same values as what’s found in the US armed forces. Veterans have spent years in a culture where trust and integrity are the basis of everything and that is something that every business owner values. Good luck on your search for fruitful employment. You have much to offer.

* * * BUSINESS OWNERS - Are you looking for proven leaders for your organization? Then contact Smith, Harney and Daly at info@smithharney.com or at 813-938-7470 so we can discuss your organizations unique leadership needs. There is a professional work force looking for a good company where they can be productive team members.

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“Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle… when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”

A MUST WATCH Video – Guaranteed to get you pumped Up! This is by far, one of the most inspiring stories you will find from a sporting event.  Have a Happy Friday! Tom

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-e.e. cummings

Interview Tip of the Week on “How to interview for a job”

Be Relatable
When asked a question like “tell me about yourself” it is important to highlight your experience that particularly relates to the position at hand as well as your hobbies and interests. The employer wants to make sure that you are balanced and someone they could potentially spend every workday with. So make sure to express your interest in the position and express how you are a well rounded person with hobbies and a life that will keep you motivated each day.

Thoughts - When considering how to interview for a job, it’s important to relax and be relatable. Applying to jobs can sometimes feel like a catch-22. Defining who you are and what you represent is one of the most important aspects of a resume, yet at the same time it needs to represent exactly what the employer is looking to hire. Learning to adapt- but not change- how you represent yourself is essential when applying for a new career. Whether you are looking to stay in a similar career path or looking to work in a completely new one, your resume needs to reflect what you’ve accomplished along with what another company wants in an employee. Sometimes this is incredibly daunting. It is easy to feel like your previous jobs do not completely relate to the job you are applying for, even if you know it is a position you could successfully take on. This is why it is necessary to adapt to the position and alter your resume to truthfully yet effectively represent you. The easiest way in maneuvering this technique is by looking at the company’s job description. Pinpoint requirements and experience listed that you have accomplished. Then make sure to highlight your relevant experience and use the same vocabulary in your resume that they use in their job description. Emphasize the relatable experience that you have to make sure you are getting your pertinent accomplishments across, even if it means changing every resume for every position in which you apply. By reflecting in your resume word for word the requirements they ask for you are highlighting yourself as a perfect candidate for their position. Although this may take more of your time, it will set you up for success and eventually land you the job. Thanks for reading How to interview for a job!

For all Hiring Managers – Are you looking for proven leaders for your organization? Then contact Smith, Harney and Daly at info@smithharney.com or at 813-938-7470 so we can discuss your organizations unique leadership needs.

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Below, you will find how Leatherneck.com defines the 14 Leadership Traits that are emphasized by the Marine Corps. It’s at this point where I first ask leaders of companies if their current leadership / management practices even half of the traits defined below. Then I ask if they would like to hire leaders into their organization that utilize these traits as the foundation of their leadership.

BEARING - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.

COURAGE - Courage is a mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a Marine to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

DECISIVENESS – Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.

DEPENDABILITY – The certainty of proper performance of duty.

ENDURANCE- The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship

ENTHUSIASM - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty

INITIATIVE - Taking action in the absence of orders.

INTEGRITY - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles. The quality of truthfulness and honesty.

JUDGMENT- The ability to weigh facts and possible courses of action in order to make sound decisions.

JUSTICE - Giving reward and punishment according to the merits of the case in question. The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.

KNOWLEDGE - Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one’s information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of your Marines.

LOYALTY- The quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, and unit, and to one’s seniors, subordinates, and peers.

TACT- The ability to deal with others without creating hostility.

UNSELFISHNESS- Avoidance of providing for one’s own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

It’s important to remember that leadership is leadership – Whether it’s military leadership or business leadership, the key word in success of an organization is Leadership.

Are you looking for proven leaders for your organization? Then contact Smith, Harney and Daly at info@smithharney.com or at 813-938-7470 so we can discuss your organizations unique leadership needs.

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Many know Charles Colson as President Nixon’s “Hatchet Man” and who was best known for his political shrewdness and going to jail as a result of his actions during the Watergate scandal. But those who remember him for that are remembering the wrong man. Charles Colson came out of jail a truly changed man and made a positive difference to many since his time in prison.

My experience with Mr Colson was as a captain in the 2d Marine Division back in the early 90′s when our Division CG, General Jim Jones (later CMC, CINCEUR and President Obama’s first National Security Advisor), had a mandatory officers call to be held at the base theater. We were told that we were going to listen to Charles Colson speak and at that time I couldn’t understand why. Why would the CG have us listen to a “jail bird”? As I sat in the audience and listened to others ask the same question, we quickly learned why. General Jones had brought Mr Colson in as part of our own Leadership Development

Charles Colson took the stage with the CG and got to his story petty quickly. He stated that while in prison, he had plenty of time to reflect upon where he was and wonder how it happened. He always considered himself a good man, one of the most powerful men in the world because of the access he had to the president of the United States – whom he was very loyal to – and wondered how could this happen to him. It then hit him that he was in jail for one reason, and one reason only – for lying. That simple. There he was, in jail due to his loyalty to the most powerful man in the world and that’s when he realized that integrity and telling the truth was in fact, more important than loyalty.

As a child, my father would bring me to West Point to spend the day. I remember a discussion he had with me when I was about 6 or 7 years old about honesty and integrity, and spoke with me about West Point’s Code / Honor System. As an officer years later, I thought about the conflict that could be caused between ones honesty and loyalty if asked about ones seniors actions if they were inappropriate (I worked for one captain years before who would create that dilemma) . So while sitting there listening to Mr Colson speak about the subject, I was most intrigued and it was there that I fully understood why integrity comes over loyalty at all costs. That’s why we were there, to listen to Mr Colson speak about that dilemma and choosing loyalty over integrity. He lied to protect the most powerful man in the world and went to jail for it. It was then that he decided to change his life and take a new direction.

Charles Colson came out of prison a different man than the one who entered. He formed a ministry that helped many and some lives he knew he impacted, while others (like me) he wasn’t aware of impacting. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I received that lesson as a grown man, but it was one I will always remember and thankful for the opportunity to learn from his experience. It was an important enough lesson to me that I figured I would write this post so that others can learn from the lesson as well. Charles Colson will forever be remembered for the changes he made in his life and the lives he positively impacted. Rest in peace Mr Colson and thank you for spreading the word.

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Peak Performance, Turnaround &
Maximum Results.

For over 30 years, Anthony Robbins has dedicated his life to modeling the most successful people in the world so it makes sense to follow his principles when you’re thinking about how to interview for a job. Through access to their experience, he has discovered and simplified the core distinctions and strategies that can be applied immediately to measurably improve the quality of your life….. All good stuff to know when you’re honing your interview skills.

Tony Robbins ranks among the “Top 200 Business Gurus.”
Harvard Business School Press

I’ve had a lot of teachers and mentors over the years, and believe me, there is no one better than Tony Robbins.”
John McCormack,
Inc. Magazine’s Entrpreneur of the Year

“What Tony really gave me, a kid sitting on Venice beach selling T-shirts, was to take risks, take actions, and really become something.”
Mark Burnett,
Executive Producer, Survivor

AMERICAN EXPRESS asked its entrepreneurial clients whom they would select to help them take their business to the next level, if price were no object. Without any lists being provided, they came up with the following six responses: 1. Bill Gates, 3. Warren Buffett, 5. Ross Perot, 2. Donald Trump, 4. Lee Iacocca, 6. Tony Robbins

Wow! Those are some pretty impressive statements from some pretty successful people and institutions. While I have never undergone any Tony Robbins training, I would say I am a believer so when he makes a statement like “Passion is the Genesis of Genius”, I’ll go along with it. After all, Tony Robbins has had a good deal of success helping people succeed.I would say that passion is one of the main interview skills you need to develop.

Why is this important to you? Well, if you’re trying to figure out how to interview for a job, then ask yourself if you still have your passion. If not, figure out why not, and get it back. All great leaders get people to follow them because their followers believe in them, and are these followers are energized by their leaders passion. Build up your interview skills and be the leader!

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While there are numerous factors that can be addresses, I will just focus on three.

1. You must ask yourself, are you more interested in opportunity or location. Both, is not a option. If the answer is opportunity, then you’re pretty much open to getting a certain type of position anywhere the right job presents itself. If you’re more interested in location, than that allows you to focus your efforts on a certain geographical area.

2. Networking. Knowing the answer to question #1 allows you to focus your efforts in either direction. However, when I say networking, it doesn’t mean just getting as many connections on LinkedIn as you possibly can.  It means studying the landscape, identifying some key players, and then reach out and start building a strong network.  One golden nugget is to try to reach out to fellow veterans, even from the same service that you’re in if possible.  There is a lot to be said about the brotherhood (and I guess sisterhood

I had a friend who separated from the Marine Corps after about 9-10 years of service.  He had a special needs child and determined it would be best if he and the family moved back home where there was a solid support network already established. He was one of those guys who worked up to the end so when he arrived back in his home town, he didn’t have any job prospects lined up (not good for a married man with a wife and several children to take care of).  His parents were very happy to have him home and when he went INTO church his first Sunday home, he didn’t have any job prospects. When he left the church that day, he had two solid opportunities (Mom and Dad were well respected and NETWORKED inside the church). One prospect was to be Fred Smith’s bodyguard (yes the founder of FEDEX) and the other was to go work in a near entry level position at a local medical device company. He told me he really wanted to work for Fred Smith but seeing his child had certain needs, he couldn’t afford to be on the road so often. He was advised, if he took the medical device company, that chances were good he could rise fairly quickly to a position that was more in line with his leadership level. He hesitantly took the near entry level position and because of his work ethic, dependability and prior military training, he quickly rose up the ranks and became the World Product Manager for one of the company’s medical devices in just a few short years.

3. Prior Planning. As many of you know, before going to college and my service in the Marine Corps, I was a Sergeant in the Air Force. I was very fortunate to work for some great leaders.  As my NCOIC approached retirement, he went to his retirement planning seminar about 7 months before he was due to retire. What I saw was a different man when he returned. He was pale and visibly shaken. At his retirement seminar (7 months out) he was advised proper retirement planning should begin five years before expecting to retire. The philosophy back then, which I believe is still true today, is that five years before retiring you identify where you want to retire. Then you work it so your final PCS move takes you as near to that location as possible, and then once there, you spend your last three years networking and becoming an active member within the community.  After recruiting as long as I have and dealing with hundreds of veterans as they prepared for retirement, I can honestly say that this is one sold piece of advice. I would only add to make sure you work on getting as many professional certifications in your field as possible before retiring.

Till next time!

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-         Tony Robbins

Everyone knows that job searching is strenuous, time consuming and a nagging part of your life you simply want over with. All job seekers crave the e-mail or phone call that notifies them they snagged an interview- phew! – And that after the thorough questioning of an interrogator you think you did all you could do to get the job. And sometimes that is the case. But even if your interview was perfect and you answered every question right on, there is always a few more follow through opportunities that can still leverage a company towards you instead of your competitors.

The Thank You Card: Writing a thank you card is one of the most underestimated ways to show your interest. Always send a simple, upbeat card to each interviewer to reiterate your passion and ability to successfully do the job you want.

Networking: Never stop networking with the company after an interview. Continue reaching out to employees you may have connections with and don’t be shy to ask them to put in a good word.

Research: Continue your research on the company in case you land a follow-up interview. Stay up to date on news regarding them and conjure up new topics for discussion.

Be Patient: If the interviewer asks you to follow up in a week, don’t call any earlier to find out if you got the job or not. Don’t act desperate- just be confident!

Interview Tip of the Week

Passion

In an important interview, not only showing confidence but passion for success in your field of work is a must. Your credentials and accomplishments got you the interview but having enthusiasm to succeed in a new company will set you apart from your rivals and land you the job. watch?v=ixm-J7_oUQ0

Hot Hiring City This Week

Atlanta, GA

With a population size of 540,921 and an opening of 335,493 jobs, Atlanta rocks the charts on cities ready to break the hiring slump. Visit Atlanta’schamber of commerce website to see what companies are currently hiring: http://tinyurl.com/43yl2yt

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We are currently looking for cleared veterans with either Secret or TS/SCI clearances (depending upon the positions) for the following positions. To learn more and to apply, click on the job title and you will be brought to a separate page for that position.

IT Planners for Africa / Asia-Pacific and Latin America -

Theater Special Operations Command Planners –

Technical Writers for Plans and Policies –

Senior Strategic Planner for Latin America –

Senior Strategic Planner for AFRICOM and Asia/Pacific -

Strategic Planning Leads for AFRICOM / Asia Pacific & Latin America -

Journeyman Strategic Planners for AFRICOM / Asia-Pacific & Latin America -

Regional SME for Africa -

Regional SME’s for Asia-Pacific / Latin America-

Global Mission Support Technical Writers -

Global Mission Support Strategic IT Planners-

Education Support Planners-
All of the above positions are based out of Tampa, Fl and some travel is to be expected.

Preferred experience is at the O5 and O6 levels for prior officers and E8/E9 level for prior enlisted.

To learn more, visit the links above and apply directly at the jobs page.

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To Apply: Click HERE

Essential Job Functions:
The candidates shall be a member of the Global Operational Planning Team (OPT) in support of the Regional SOF Coordination Cells (RSCCs). The candidates shall:

provide a combination of on-site and off-site subject matter expertise at the COCOM level on integrating, fusing, and synchronizing information technology (IT) requirements and information from open source, national intelligence, interagency and multi-national systems (i.e. NATO) in a collaborative environment.
provide expert knowledge on the IT impact from cultural and political sensitivities in the assigned theater of operations (i.e., AFRICOM, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America) that would assist or impede USSOCOM from establishing coalition IT networks at the RSCCs within the specified area of operation.
provide expert IT knowledge on the processes to establish clear objectives and pipelines that link directly back to the enterprise’s strategic goals.
provide IT subject matter expertise to inform assessments, plans and policy and assist in writing and editing cutting edge, strategic level doctrine to include: plans, briefings, papers, correspondence, and public statements.
assess the technology currently used by supported organizations and how it assists in completing current operations.

The candidate will describe information technological related activities planned for the current and future operations by describe any updates, additions, or retirement of technologies planned for the use by command and supported agencies and or components across global area of operation.

The candidate shall:

work with other IT subject matter experts to synthesize complex information obtained through meetings, conferences, and other forums and produce clear and accurate policy, authorities, and plans for implementation of the Global OPT’s.
coordinate strategic messaging in order to ensure that the all of the team’s communications are in line with the Command’s overall strategic communication themes and objectives.

Travel may be required to various CONUS and OCONUS (Non- hazardous) locations to gather data for the performance of the above tasks.

Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree and 10 years of progressive, relevant experience. Additional education may be substituted for experience.

Required Skills:
Regional expertise
Information technology planning experience

Desired Skills:
None

Security Clearance:
Secret

To Apply: Click HERE

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