Written by Susan Lamphiear
“Just the Facts, Ma’am” was really never spoken by the fictional character Joe Friday in the TV show Dragnet, even though the phrase has been attributed to him. But apparently these same words could well have been uttered by a job interviewer whose DISC assessment results showed their dominant behavior as D for Dominance. Someone who ranks high in these Dominance behaviors is likely looking for direct answers to specific questions, so you’re better off not dragging your story out. Get to the point.
The DISC Assessment, keynote topic today, can help you identify your primary communication and behavior style, leading to more successful relationships, impacting your personal life as well as career success. In job transition, adapting to other people’s styles may improve interview outcomes, leading to that job of your dreams.
Keynote Speaker
It was a turning point for Sandi Ashton and her husband when they both took the DISC assessment a few years ago. Though the assessment is often used for career planning, the DISC can be a real eye opener in any type of relationship (and really what it was originally intended to be used for). Sandi, a dominant D, wanted “just the facts”, but her husband tended to give her way too many details. Enter the DISC assessment which allowed each of them to learn to adapt to each other’s predominant style of communication and behavior. In fact, they both laughed when they looked at each other after they saw their results of the assessment.
Keynote speaker Sandi Ashton wanted to give those of us in job transition specific ways to use the results of our own DISC assessment as a way to build our own resumes, and to adapt in interviews, by recognizing dominant styles in others simply by careful observation.
Vice-President of Career Connectors Board of Directors and President of her own company, Optimizing Excellence, Sandi emphasizes she wants to help people understand their unique value to an organization as they tackle career transition.
Research suggests that the most effective people are those who understand themselves, including both strengths and weaknesses, in order to adapt to their environment, and this certainly includes the job hunt. That’s where the DISC Assessment comes in. (You can take the DISC Assessment FREE through Career Connectors website. Click here.)
Sandi, a leadership coach, and DISC certified trainer, explains that the DISC assessment measures only behavior. We don’t always see the essence of a person; we can’t see into their soul. But, a lot can be learned from knowing what our own strengths are and then being able to recognize strengths of others during our interactions.
While the DISC Assessment measures your natural inclinations, another important use for the DISC is adapting at times to the other person’s communication style. It’s possible, with practice, to more quickly recognize the other person’s communication style early in a discussion.
Recognizing Behavioral Styles Quickly
- Dominance — This person may launch into the conversation without saying hello.
- Influence — Usually this type of individual is an entertainer, personable, and holds long conversations.
- Steadiness — Often this person asks how you are and seems to genuinely care. This type of individual tries to stay in touch and remembers things about your past.
- Compliance — Emails from this person are usually short, to clarify a point, often sent with attachments as support data.
Tips for Using 4 DISC Behavioral Styles in a Job Interview
- Dominance – The person with this prevailing style wants to see results. If you’re interviewed by someone with this style, be direct and give specific examples with results achieved.
- Influence – With a focus on people, this interviewer should be allowed to talk. You ask about the company and mention mutual connections. This person is often looking for “an experience.”
- Steadiness – This individual needs security and wants a logical explanation of things. Give facts slowly, in a logical way. Listen carefully and answer their questions.
- Compliance – Usually this personality style requires the bottom line. Remember when interviewing with this person to answer questions with details and don’t talk personally. In an interview, answer questions with details.
Sandi emphasized our unique value matters. “You’re all a gift — you can bring balance to an organization. We all need each other.” The DISC can help remind us of our unique self. Being aware of our own strengths and thus our own value to a company is incredibly important in our job search. Use results of the DISC assessment to formulate your resume and to present yourself in interviews.
Remember research hints that the most effective people are well aware of both their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to pick a job that utilizes their strengths while learning to adapt to other people’s communication and behavioral styles. That way you can find the position which best utilizes your strengths and you help an organization meet their ultimate goals. Style when we adapt is a win-win situation, both personally and professionally, Sandi says
Hiring Companies
AppointmentPlus
Jennifer Rojas, Human Resource & Recruiting Manager
AppointmentPlus is a cloud-based scheduling company that allows businesses to get rid of their appointment books. Founded in 2001 and located in Scottsdale, the company features online scheduling available 24/7. Their core values include workplace balance. The company features a number of benefits to employees including 4% 401K match after 90 days, tuition development, company charity events, 100% health insurance for the employee, and a snow cone machine on site every Friday. Open positions include sales development, graphic design, product analyst and copywriting. To see a more complete job listing and apply, visit their website.
Paladin
Dana Johnson, Account Manager
Paladin helps connect talented individuals in marketing, creative communications, and digital professions throughout the country, including Phoenix. Positions range from contracts, contract to hire, to salaried positions. A few of the positions they offer are graphic designer, copywriter, web analyst, marketing coordinator and project manager. In their hiring process, they generally schedule a 10-15 minute phone call to determine what you’re looking for. They need good talent so their next step is to meet potential job candidates in person. The company has been in the Phoenix area for over two years but has been in business for 25 years. To learn more about their job listings and to apply, visit their website.
Charles Schwab
Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager
Charles Schwab will soon celebrate 42 years in the financial services industry. Founded with the idea of bringing Wall Street to Main Street, the company tries to see everything through their clients’ eyes. With headquarters located in San Francisco (on Main Street!), it’s actually Phoenix that has the largest employee base at close to 4000. Lots of opportunity exists in Phoenix for individuals ranging from new grads to retirees. Entry positions include broker trainee, client services, and relationship specialists. Right now there are 100 openings in Phoenix. The company has earned numerous awards as a top company. For more details on job openings and to apply, visit their website.
Resources
Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher
Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants, located in Tempe, offers anyone in job transition an opportunity to receive training in nationally recognized certified areas ranging from project management to Microsoft to medical front office to Six Sigma and more. Many students qualify for 100% funding of these courses. Flexible scheduling allows students to continue the courses even when they are offered a job during their training. For more information about classes and funding, contact them through their website.
Closing
Executive Director of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the formal part of the morning by reminding everyone of the breakout sessions where they can receive professional headshots for their LinkedIn profile, assistance with resumes, and the opportunity to speak with representative from hiring companies. She also reminded everyone they can take the DISC assessment free (click here) because of their affiliation with Career Connectors.
The next meeting of Career Connectors takes place in Gilbert on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 9:00 A.M. featuring the keynote address Secrets Recruiters Don’t Want You to Know by Absolutely Abby.
Featured speaker at the next Phoenix meeting will be Nykky McCarley, speaking March 4, 2015, on LinkedIn Like an All-Star.
A reminder the next Scottsdale event of Career Connectors is moved to March 19, 2015, instead of the second Thursday of the month. Jack Milligan will talk about Salary Negotiation – Make More Money.
For details and registration for these Career Connectors events in the Valley, visit the event section of the website.
