As 2009 comes to an end take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments. Take the time to record what you have accomplished and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. No matter how small or insignificant your accomplishments may seem you deserve an opportunity to celebrate your success.

The snowstorm and the aftermath is gone and while it has caused a great number of airline cancellations I can only wonder about the anxiety of the people whose flights were delayed and/or cancelled. I think back to a Zig Ziglar session I listened to a number of years ago. In that session Zig tells how fantastic it was to be stuck in an airport due to a flight delay. His reasoning was that there was only three reasons why a flight would be delayed. They are the weather, the flight crew and a problem with the airplane. In the event that his delay was caused by any one of the three he was much happier staying right on the ground. During the storm I got a call from my cousin who told me his son who is a third year cadet at the Military Academy was stranded at La Guardia and was making his way to Newark airport. Could I help out. I drove to Newark airport, connected with Martin and Ruth and I have been graced with an unexpected guest for three days. As an old Army guy I have had a wonderful time learning about West Point and the life of a cadet. Who knows what great things can happen in a storm?

I mentioned in a previous posting that you should be able to describe you last job in under two minutes. It takes practice in order to do this and you can either practice in front of a mirror or have someone ask you questions so you can practice responding to them in a clear and concise manner. You will sell yourself by using examples that portray a clear picture of where you have been and what you have accomplished.

During an interview show a willingness to handle all kinds of responsibilities. This will not only show your enthusiasm but will also suggest that you are interested in taking an active role in the company. People who show a desire to branch out of their defined roles are the people who get the job or get promoted.

Here is an update to the current openings I am working on.

1. Area Director of Loss Prevention with 15 direct reports
2. Inventory Control Manager in South Jersey
3. Warehouse Supervisor and Expeditor in South Jersey
4. Asset Protection Associates in South Jersey
5. Regional Loss Prevention Managers in NYC and Chicago

When interviewing for a position be sure to make eye contact with the interviewer and remember to stay away from lazy language such as "gonna" and "wanna"

When going on an interview be courteous and professional to everyone you meet. From the security guard to the receptionist. If you make small talk with strangers, be positive and pleasant. First impressions matter and you only have one chance to make a first impression.

When interviewing for a position do not speak negatively about former employers. When asked to explain why you left a company, communicate your reasons professionally. Also, practice describing your last job in under two minutes and high lighting your accomplishments.

Before interviewing for a job it is important that you research the company you are interviewing with. The information you gain will assist you when you have the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewer.

I am currently working on a number of assignments to include loss prevention and warehouse positions in Southern New Jersey. An Area Director of Loss Prevention position in the mid-atlantic states and a Regional Loss Prevention Director position (confidential) in southern california. In addition, I have several supermarket general manager positions available in the New York City metro area. I can be reached at 973-627-1888 or lance@rpssearchgroup.com