Business
A Job Search Game Changer: Assertive Communication
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King of all skills: communication skills.
Clear, concise communication is the key to getting and keeping an interviewer’s attention. An hour-long interview boils down to having 30 minutes to make your case.
- First 15 minutes: Small talk, building rapport, setting the tone for the interview.
- 30 minutes: Actual interview.
- Last 15 minutes: Asking questions and wrapping things up, which influences how your interviewer will remember you.
Making your case in 30 minutes requires assertive communication, a powerful skill for conveying your message clearly and directly. When you start using assertive communication, you’ll experience a game-changing shift in your job search and career because it’s linked to self-confidence and an alpha-like personality, traits that are valued in business environments.
During the interview process, your competitors will likely exhibit signs of passivity or aggression. In this context, assertive communication is a strategic advantage, making you stand out and, most importantly, be taken seriously. You want to aim for the sweet spot between the timid passivity of “I’m not sure, whatever you think is fine” and the overly aggressive “This is how it’s going to be.”
The assertive communicator strikes a balance between self-promotion and humility. They state their case firmly but also listen to the other person’s point of view. This balance is crucial during an interview, where you must promote yourself by showcasing your qualifications while appearing poised, professional, and easy to work with.
Assertive communication has three elements:
- Adamantly believing in what you speak of.
- Knowing why you believe what you believe.
- Being ready to prove why you believe, think or feel what you do; otherwise, it’s just your opinion, and “opinions” rarely convince anyone to take action.
A few examples of assertive communication in an interview setting:
Scenario 1: Discussing salary expectations
Passive approach: “I’m open to whatever you offer for this role.”
Aggressive approach: “To take this job, I need no less than $80,000.”
Assertive approach: “Based on my 20 years of experience managing inside sales teams and my track record for exceeding sales targets, I think $85,000, plus a commission and quarterly bonus, which we can work out, would be fair. Would this work for you?”
The assertive communicator clearly and confidently states their salary expectations, acknowledges the employer’s perspective, and leaves room for negotiation. Rather than just throwing out a number, they provide context and explanation.
Scenario 2: Addressing a weakness
Passive approach: “I definitely need to improve my public speaking. It’s something I struggle with.”
Aggressive approach: “Public speaking is not my weakness at all. I’m an excellent presenter and communicator.”
Assertive approach: “I’m actively improving my public speaking skills. In my last role, I volunteered to conduct more team presentations. This past March, I joined Toastmasters and have given three talks since. Although I am proud of my progress, there is still room for improvement.”
An assertive communicator acknowledges their weaknesses honestly and explains how they’re addressing them, demonstrating self-awareness and a growth mindset, qualities employers find attractive.
Scenario 3: “Do you have any questions for me?”
Passive approach: “No, you’ve covered everything.”
Aggressive approach: “When can I expect a job offer?”
Assertive approach: “Yes, I do. I’m excited about this opportunity and believe I would excel in this role. How soon can I expect to hear from you regarding next steps? I’m eager to move forward.“
Scenario 4: Expressing interest in the job.
Passive approach: “I’d be happy to work here.”
Aggressive approach: “I am perfect for this job. I expect you to offer it to me today.”
Assertive approach: “This opportunity excites me. Based on our discussion, I can see how my qualifications and experience align with being able to meet the expectations you have for this role; therefore, I’m confident I would excel in this role. I’m very interested in joining your team. Is there anything else I can tell you about my background to help you decide to hire me? Otherwise, when can I expect to hear from you regarding next steps?”
The assertive communicator expresses interest and enthusiasm for the job while respecting the employer’s decision-making process. They state their case compellingly without demanding or pressuring the interviewer.
Today’s job market is hyper-competitive, making job seekers desperate. Hence, it’s becoming common for candidates to ask outright at the end of an interview, “Am I hired?” No matter how much you need or want the job, never ask outright if you got the job.
While it’s understandable you want to “close the deal,” putting pressure on the hiring manager to tell you whether you got the job will create an uncomfortable situation. As I mentioned earlier, how you end your interview will influence how you’re remembered. Creating an uncomfortable situation isn’t what you want to be remembered for.
Finding the right balance is the key to assertive communication. Your goal: Be bold and confident without being arrogant or confrontational. Assertive communication is a superpower. Few do it well. It shows employers that you’re self-assured, adaptable, and can advocate for yourself. By embracing aggressive communication, you’ll be far ahead of your competition.
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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. You can send Nick your questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
Business
Why you might see Air Canada pilots on picket lines ahead of a possible strike – Global News Toronto
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Business
CEO succession plans loom at TD as it takes financial hit in money laundering probe
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Toronto — Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) has allocated a staggering US$3 billion to settle ongoing criminal and civil investigations in the United States over alleged shortcomings in its anti-money laundering (AML) controls. This move has intensified speculation around the future leadership of the bank, as current CEO Bharat Masrani’s succession plan gains urgency.
National Bank Financial analyst Gabriel Dechaine noted that the bank’s U.S. regulatory challenges have accelerated the need for a clear succession plan. “Succession questions have become even more intense because of the bank’s U.S. regulatory issues,” Dechaine commented, pointing out that under typical circumstances, Masrani’s replacement process would already be in progress. Masrani, who has led the bank for a decade, is 67 years old, making the timing of a transition a critical focus.
TD’s latest financial provision includes setting aside US$2.6 billion in anticipation of fines related to the AML probe, adding to the US$450 million reserved in April. This significant financial hit has raised concerns about the bank’s leadership stability, especially as several top executives, once considered potential successors to Masrani, have departed.
Among those who left are Michael Rhodes, former head of TD’s personal banking business, and Teri Currie, his predecessor, both of whom were seen as strong candidates for the CEO position. Other notable exits include Katy Boshart, now the CEO of Manulife Bank, and Tim Hockey, who left TD Ameritrade in early 2020.
Riaz Ahmed, currently CEO of TD Securities and head of wholesale banking, remains a potential internal candidate for the CEO role. However, at 61, some analysts consider him a less likely choice compared to younger executives like Leo Salom, who currently leads TD’s U.S. retail operations. Salom’s role is considered pivotal, making a leadership transition potentially disruptive to the stability of the U.S. division.
Dechaine suggested that while the regulatory fine provision might “clear the deck” for CEO succession, it also opens the door for the possibility of an external candidate taking the helm. Despite the uncertainty, there is some optimism that the global settlement of the AML issues could trigger a “relief rally” among investors, who have been waiting for a resolution to the investigations that have weighed on TD’s performance for over a year.
However, TD faces additional challenges. The bank’s recent decision to sell shares in Charles Schwab Corp. to strengthen its capital position will impact earnings and reduce TD’s ownership in Schwab. Moreover, Dechaine warned of potential non-financial penalties, including the possibility of an asset cap on TD’s U.S. operations. Such restrictions could limit the bank’s growth, leading to sub-par earnings compared to its peers and a potential decline in its valuation.
In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Masrani emphasized TD’s commitment to addressing the deficiencies in its U.S. AML program. “We recognize the seriousness of our U.S. AML program deficiencies and the work required to meet our obligations and responsibilities is of paramount importance to me, our senior leaders, and our boards,” he stated.
As TD navigates these turbulent waters, the focus on leadership succession will only intensify, with both internal and external candidates likely being considered for the top job. How TD manages this transition, alongside resolving its regulatory challenges, will be crucial in determining its future direction and stability.
Business
Canada moves to end rail shutdown quickly; CN, CPKC prepare to resume services
OTTAWA, Aug 22 (Reuters) – Workers at Canadian National Railway (CNR.TO), opens new tab will begin returning to work on Friday, the Teamsters union said, hours after the Canadian government moved to end an unprecedented rail stoppage.
The union said the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP.TO), opens new tab would continue pending an order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The union and company officials are scheduled to meet with the board on Friday morning.
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Canada’s top two railroads, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City had locked out more than 9,000 unionized workers earlier on Thursday, triggering a simultaneous rail stoppage that business groups said could inflict hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage.
The Canadian government on Thursday announced that it would ask the country’s industrial relations board to issue a back-to-work order that should come soon.
The CIRB, which is independent, will now consult the companies and unions before issuing an order.
CN had said it would end its lockout on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET (2200 GMT). CPKC said it was preparing to restart operations in Canada and further details on timing would be provided once it received the CIRB’s order.
“I assume that the trains will be running within days,” Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon told reporters.
As well as requesting a back-to-work order, MacKinnon asked the board to start a process of binding arbitration between the Teamsters union and the companies, and extend the terms of the current labor agreements until new agreements have been signed.
The sides blamed each other for the stoppage after multiple rounds of talks failed to yield a deal.
In a new statement during the early hours on Friday, the Teamsters union posted on X, opens new tab that it had taken down picket lines at CN.
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