Which Superhero Are You at Work or at Home?!

Do you possess extraordinary talents or superhuman powers when you are at work? The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives the definition as “a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers; also:  an exceptionally skillful or successful person”.   With the new Marvel Movie:  Captain America: Civil War out this past weekend we would like to ask:  Which Superhero best describes you?

1. Superman doesn’t wear a mask!  Unlike other superheroes, Superman is not afraid to show his face. However he hides behind glasses at work!  With a strong moral compass, Superman is a hero that reflects the potential in all of us for greatness; a beacon of light in times that are grim and a glimmer of hope for the hopeless. The “S” is viewed as a universal symbol for truth and justice.  Close ally with Batman and Wonder Woman.

2.  Batman (nicknamed the “Caped Crusader”) is the world’s greatest detective.   Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will.  Bruce is a man, for better or worse, that is so utterly devoted to his mission that he’s sacrificed his entire existence to fighting a never ending battle.

3.  Spider- Man: With super strength and agility, Spider-Man can react to danger quickly with his “spidey-sense”, enabling him to combat his foes.  He’s the common, average, middle-of-the-road guy that just happens to be endowed with amazing powers when he’s bitten by a radioactive spider. Spider-Man remains one of the most fun heroes in existence. He’s able to make light of even the direst of situations and yet doesn’t take himself too seriously.

4.  Wonder Woman is an iconic figure for not only her female empowerment, but as a general ambassador for peace and love. Though she’s a cunning warrior, her true strength lies in her belief of truth and justice.  While she insists on the use of peace and diplomacy, she’s never shied away from a fight and has often acted as a warrior and made the tough decisions.

5.  Captain America, whose outfit resembles the American flag,  is the hero everyone looks up to and aspires to be. He’s pure. He stands for what’s good and right at all times, no compromises. That’s why Captain America spearheads that battle cry and when he calls, every hero listens!

6.  Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen, enhanced physical capabilities, an “adamantium” exoskeleton, and a powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor.  Wolverine’s catchphrase, “I’m the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn’t very nice”.

7.  The Hulk is a large green humanoid that possesses superhuman strength and invulnerability, attributes that grow more potent the angrier he becomes.  Anyone who has ever felt rage at the world around him can identify with Hulk.  Hulk is the strongest one there is and his heroic streak remains no matter what form he takes.

8.  Green Lantern fights evil across the Universe with a ring that grants him a variety of superpowers.  The Green Lantern mantra is “No Fear”.  He doesn’t put up with Batman’s “my way or the high way” mentality.  Everyone else would cower in fear, but the Green Lantern is a man without fear!

9.  Thor is one of the most famous characters in classic mythology is also one of the most famous superheroes. This God of Thunder is a warrior renowned for his fury and skill in battle.  Thor is a champion of humans as well as gods.  Thor will always remain loyal to both.

10.  Iron Man is a billionaire industrialist escaped certain death by building an advanced suit of armor.  Iron Man is science unleashed.  He’s dedicated his life to building a more peaceful and honest legacy for the Stark name.

11.  Hawkeye: With nothing more than a satchel of arrows, this fun-loving marksman has gone from circus performer to wanted criminal to Avengers member.  He knows better than most the value of redemption and a second chance. And after a temporary death and brief turn to darkness, Hawkeye is once again the fun-loving archer we all know and love.

12.  The Flash was given super speed when a lightning bolt struck a bottle of chemicals that then spilled on him. He is a good friend to many on the team. The Flash’s sacrifice is not fruitless, helping to bring an end to an epic conflict.

13.  Ant-Man: After the discovery of a new particle, Ant-Man shrunk down to the size of an ant.   He has made quite a few… poor decisions in his lifetime and isn’t a perfect human being.  However, he still remains someone dedicated to the overall good of humanity.

14.  Black Widow: Wherever conspiracy and treachery are afoot, you can expect the Black Widow to appear to save the day.

15.  Invisible Woman is arguably the most powerful member of the Fantastic Four thanks to her control over force-fields. She is also the most grounded. She’s has pulled her family out of the fire time and time again.   It’s going to fall on the Invisible Woman to hold them together in the coming months and years.

Or maybe you are really a Ninja Turtle at heart!  Being a hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers, or an exceptionally skillful or successful person can help you succeed in all walks of like.  Let us help you find your next Superhero to add to your staff!

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Adjust Your Mindset to Find Success in Networking

Most people think of “What’s in it for me” when they think about networking, especially when it has something to do with finding a job. This is a natural thought, because the end result needs to be a job and a means to survive. However, a mindset shift of “How can I help others” will really have more long-term positive effects than the short-term focus of yourself.

Here’s how to develop a positive mindset about networking, and greater success with the job search process.

1. Think about what you can offer to someone else.

It’s easy to engage in networking activity with the thought of only getting something out of it. But if you go to a networking event or start networking with others online, it will become very transparent if this is your only goal. Instead, go to a networking mode with the thought that you would like to find ways to serve other. Think about the value that you have, and how you can help others rather than take from them.

2. Consider all the connections you have and how they can help others.

Also consider the connections that you have within your social, professional, and educational networks. Chances are, there are people who may complement each other and are worth introducing to each other. Use your networks in a more positive way and you can expect that others will think of you when they have someone to refer. This can work in your favor during a job search.

3. Develop a professional brand that’s above your immediate needs.

It’s easy to go about developing a personal brand that is only about your career or your passions. But this does not necessarily serve you as a job seeker. Instead, think about ways that you can develop a brand that appeals to others and their needs. This is a similar approach that sales professionals use when trying to attract prospects – you must speak their language in order to be effective as a networker.

4. Get outside of your comfort zone about networking – try new methods.

Networking is not just about sitting at a computer behind social profiles. It’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone and attending local networking events, business mixers, and industry conferences. It’s about volunteering in your community and giving something back. Learn to develop a strong pitch for yourself and again think about how you can serve others. The people that you meet will be happy to learn about you, if you put yourself out there.

At Casey Accounting & Finance Resources, we focus on your area of expertise to find the right job opening for your skill set. Contact our award-winning team today to partner with top financial recruiters in Chicago.

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Be a Better Teammate – How a Positive Attitude Affects You and Those Around You

Be a Better Teammate – How a Positive Attitude Affects You and Those Around You
by Gregg Gregory

Many people believe that, with a positive attitude and positive thinking, you can do anything, including be a better teammate. I have an amazingly positive attitude, but if you needed surgery tomorrow, would you really want me to perform that surgery? Of course not.

While I do possess a positive, can-do, attitude, I don’t possess the skills to perform any kind of surgery. I believe that, with positive thinking, you can do everything (that you do) better than with negative thinking.

After a long week of travel and crossing the country twice in just eight days, an exhausted Jose was going through airport security late one night when an airport security woman said, “Hi, how are you?” Now let’s be clear, when the average person says, “Hi, how are you?” they really don’t care and are not even listening to your response.

Jose, being almost always in a positive frame of mind, quickly said to the security woman, “I am having an awesome evening and I am getting better.” In a very raspy and sarcastic tone of voice the security woman said, “Well somebody’s in a good mood.” Jose responded, “Why would you ever choose to be in a bad mood?” The woman looked like a deer caught in headlights and responded genuinely saying, “You know, you are right, and thank you for reminding me it is my choice. Have a great evening.”

Did Jose change the attitude of the woman? No. All he did was to provide an open atmosphere where the woman could freely and comfortably make a decision to change her attitude. Jose walked around the corner and watched for several minutes as the woman greeted the next few passengers with an entirely different and positive attitude. This, in turn, had a positive effect on the passengers as well. The real question is: how long did the attitude of the woman stay in a positive state? Quite probably until a passenger with a very strong negative attitude came by and yelled at her.

Bottom line, nearly 90% of the people you meet can be affected by the attitude you present at any given time, so why not impact the world in a positive way?

Here are five things to remember about having a positive attitude:

  1. The average person comes in contact with 10 different people a day, either on the phone or in person. This means that your positive attitude not only impacts the 10 you come into contact with, but it can impact up to two or more generations down the line. If you are positive to the 10 people you come in contact with, and they do the same for just one more generation, that means that your positive attitude impacted 100 people. What if that carried out just one more generation? You have now impacted 1,000 people with your positive attitude. Unfortunately, a negative interaction works the same way.
  2. Your attitude drives your work behavior. If you are positive, you will do your work faster and at a higher quality than if you have a negative attitude. Think back through the last three or four days. What kind of attitude did you have when you got to work? Now how was your production for that day? Do you see any correlation?
  3. Remember, your attitude is not just in your words, it is demonstrated in the way you stand, your facial expressions as well as the tonality of your voice. Non-verbal cues can be even more devastating than the words you selected.
  4. Your attitude has a dramatic impact on your health. This does not mean that positive people will never get sick or have problems. It does mean that they usually use their attitude to get through the problems more quickly. The same applies to laughter. How often do you get a gut wrenching belly laugh? How do you feel after such a laugh?
  5. Remember, like the airport security officer, your attitude is your choice. When you feel like you are headed in the wrong direction, do one of the following:
  • Think about a time when things were clicking just right.
  • Call a friend and let them pick you up.
  • Make a change in what you are doing at that moment to something you know will help create positive energy.

The bottom line is, when you are thinking positively you will be more effective in every aspect of your life and, in many cases, the endorphins released can reduce pain and anxiety, which perpetuates a greater positive attitude.

Copyright © 2015, Gregg Gregory & Teams Rock.  First published November 30, 2015.

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A diverse, twenty-year background in real estate, mortgage banking, event planning, and production, as well as radio and television broadcasting, created a perfect storm that put Gregg Gregory where he is today. Gregg works hard to ensure that different personalities can work together successfully to accomplish your organization’s mission, goals, and objectives.   To learn more about Gregg’s powerful teambuilding programs and events, visit www.Teamsrock.com or call 301-564-0908

The 12 Joys We are Grateful For!

As the year ends and a new one is on our doorstep, we reflect on how fortunate we are and what we are grateful for in our everyday lives as we work to place people in outstanding job opportunities with great companies!

  • “I am grateful for the ability to impact someone’s life by finding them a career that has truly made a difference in their life.  The best is when they come back to me years later to let me know!  I am grateful for my standing desk.  It allows me to burn calories while I work away…can’t beat that!”   Cheryl
  • “I am grateful for strong working relationships.”   Denise
  • “I’m grateful for terrific coworkers that know me better than I know myself some days, and for the ability to build new relationships every day. Also, couldn’t be more grateful for a sense of humor that helps me keep everything in perspective.”   Rachel
  • “I am definitely thankful for donuts!”   Jake
  • “I am grateful for the clients and candidates that contact me to assist with staffing and placement when needed, knowing I will do my best to assist!”   Linda
  • “I am grateful for LinkedIn!  As a new recruiter, I LOVE IT!”  Adam
  • “I am thankful for great companies that we work with that allow us to place our wonderful candidates.  I am thankful for a warm office to come to every day with great team members, wonderful leaders and owner!”   Barbara
  • “I am grateful for the trust that each person places in me during the search process.   And a hot cup of coffee each morning!”   Pete
  • “I am grateful for the team I work with. We are a family and work together to help one another succeed.”   Jessica
  • “I am grateful for the office treats!”  Erika
  • “I am grateful for the client and candidate relationships I have developed and maintained over the many years!   I am grateful for the technology available to me to make my job easier and accurate.  I’m grateful for working with a dynamic and loyal management team.”   Eileen
  • “I am grateful to be able to work with a great group of recruiters and staff who love what they do, for our amazing clients and the ability we have to give back to our community!  Every day, we get to improve people’s lives and make an impact on their future.  I am grateful to be a part of it all!  Best wishes to all in 2016!”  Patty

What Does It Mean When They Say “We’ll Keep Your Resume on File?”

When an employer says they will “keep your resume on file,” what does this mean to you as a candidate? This is a common recruitment practice that can leave job seekers feeling dismissed and rejected. Understand what this means and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing as we will explain.

First off, it’s generally understood that hiring managers are bombarded with hundreds of resumes from candidates who vary from not qualified to overqualified. They must review all these resumes, and then choose a small handful of candidates who meet the job criteria, and then decide how to proceed from there. It doesn’t matter if your resume was the first or the last to be received, all candidates must be treated equally.  However, if you have sent your resume once they have stopped accepting resumes for the position, it may not even be considered since the top candidates may have already been selected.

At this point, you may have received a letter or email thanking you for applying, but announcing that they have decided to move forward with other candidates at this time. Your resume will be securely stored in a file with the other candidates, and will be grouped by area of skills for future consideration. Very often, hiring managers will refer back to these resumes as new positions are opened, so you could get called back in a few weeks or months.

If you are one of the lucky few who are called for an initial phone or in-person interview, congratulations – you have made the first big cut! This means you have met the general requirements of the job you have applied for on the company’s website or online. Your resume and qualifications are likely to have been reviewed more closely and even by a few people on the hiring team. Your resume is now in a much smaller group of candidates, and you are being considered for the job.

Once you have a phone interview, or have been asked to come in for an interview, you are in an even better position. This is your chance to impress the hiring manager and convince the company how your contribution can help their company succeed. If you have this interview and you then get a rejection letter, your resume will end up being stored with the job type and skills, and may even be passed around the company (in a secure file) to see if any other managers or teams may be interested in you.  Sometimes, the candidate they did offer the job to initially is unable to accept the position, and the interview process starts all over from the beginning.

Remember, getting told that your resume will be kept on file is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a required human resource practice to hold the resumes and applications of qualified candidates on file for at least six months for EEOC guidelines (equal opportunity). Feel free to reapply for work as you see positions come open you are qualified for, and send in your resume at least once every six months, or as asked.

As a nationally accredited, best-in-class recruitment firm, our staff is well networked in the accounting and finance community, tenured and industry certified. Contact Casey Accounting & Finance Resources today, and we will help you find finance careers in Chicago!

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Behavioral Interview – Are You Ready?

Do you have a behavioral interview scheduled with a company that might hire you for an available position? If so, there is no reason to stress about the interview, or downright fear it either.

Many people worry about behavioral interviews, because they don’t know what to expect. Companies and recruiters are using behavioral interviews more often to determine which candidate might be the best for the available position. Why? Because past behavior could lead to future behavior.

Here’s some expert insight into behavioral interviews, so you can confidently handle them if and when they come up in your job search process.

What Happens During a Behavioral Interview?

You might be wondering what happens during a behavioral interview. First off, the interviewer will ask you to describe a situation in which you had to deal with a difficult co-worker who was not pulling their weight on a project or ask about another situation at a previous job. The interviewer will want you to explain the situation and how you handled it without generalizations or theorizing the issue. The interviewer will likely take notes, and you might not be able to discuss any stories you might have prepared.

How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview

The next step here is to prepare for a behavioral interview as much as possible, in order to succeed the next time you have a job interview scheduled. The following steps are how you should prepare for a behavioral interview:

  • Think about past experiences that show leadership, teamwork, planning, education, customer service and more from your career.
  • Prepare to describe the situation, the action you took and how the situation came to a conclusion. An easy way to remember this is with the STAR acronym – situation, task, action and results.
  • Have short descriptions of each situation prepared, and have details ready in the event that the interviewer asks for them.
  • Make sure the outcome of the situation reflects positively on you, even if the overall outcome was negative.
  • Never generalize about these events. Be as specific as possible.
  • Never leave out any details, or embellish true ones, because the interviewer will be able to find out what is true and what is false.

Avoid Short Answers

Do your best to avoid giving interviewers short answers when taking part in a behavioral interview. Short answers give the impression that either you are not prepared, or you do not have any experience with the type of situation the interviewer is asking you about in your career. Both of these could lead the interviewer to remove you from consideration for the job, especially if the position requires you to handle tough situations with co-workers or subordinates. The more you offer in the answer, the better the interviewer can understand what type of worker and problem solver you have been in the past.

There is absolutely no reason to fear the behavioral interview, especially if you have had to deal with tough situations in the past. Just follow the tips above and you will shine in any interview.

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources, a winner of Inavero’s Best of Staffing® Client Award for the second consecutive year, can help your company meet all of its financial staffing needs. Contact our award-winning team today to get started!