You have updated your cv and scoured online job boards. Finally, the phone call you have been waiting for has arrived and you have been invited to interview. Following these five simple steps will ensure a successful interview and help you to land your dream job!
Step One: Research Brings Rewards
It is important to find out as much information as you can about the company and the person you are interviewing with. This can be done with an online search. Companies are impressed when you are able to speak about recent press releases or current topics within the industry. Don't forget to include finding out directions to the interview and the amount of time it will take you to get there!
Step Two: Dress for Success
Dressing professionally is a key component of any interview. Be sure to pay attention to grooming your hair, nails and teeth. It is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Employers pay attention to not only what you are wearing but also your emotional state so be sure to take a deep breath, stay calm and smile!
Step Three: Be Specific
It is important to highlight your strengths using specific examples. Take the time to speak about the projects you have been involved in or the leadership roles you have been given with previous employers.
Step Four: Stay Positive
Sometimes what you don't say is just as important as what you do say. Avoid topics such as overtime, money and disputes with previous employers. Stick with positive topics.
If you are asked about a skill you don't have, make sure you point out your ability to learn quickly or similar skills you have.
Step Five: Ask Questions
Turning up to the interview prepared to ask questions about both the position and the company shows a potential employer your enthusiasm and interest in the industry.
Following these five simple steps will not only make you interview smart but will put you at the top of any employer's list.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Becoming Your Best Self - How to Get Ahead at Work byLouise Kaelin
When we sign a contract with an employer, it is critical that we realize that we are in control of our destiny and our career with that company. Here are some things you can do to insure that you earn the promotions you want.
1. Do the best job you can. Part of being the best you can be is doing the best job you can. To get promoted, it's not enough to show up for work. Whatever we have been hired to do, we must do to our very best ability. The better you do your job, the more likely it is that your efforts will be noticed and that you'll be considered for bigger and better responsibilities. This step is absolutely critical for getting ahead.
2.Respect authority. Whether you respect the person in the position, always show respect for the position. This is especially true when that person decides whether or not you'll get promoted. I believe that people have to earn respect, but it always make sense to respect the position. Even if we question their ability or how they got there, their position is vital to the success of the company. Because of that, it is just common sense to treat the person in it with respect.
3.Assume management is doing the best they can. It may be hard to believe some days, but the management is actually doing the best they can. They have the interests of the company and their employees at heart. However, unfortunately to some degree, they must often put the needs of the business before the needs of the individual employees. It only makes sense, and trust me when I say, that you would most like make the same decision if that were your responsibility. Also, assuming the best of management makes for a better relationship for you and the powers that be.
4.Assume management is not trying to screw you. If you are someone who believes that other people are in control of your life, then it is very possible that you believe management has your name on a voodoo doll in the backroom and all their decisions are made to screw you over. Nothing could be further from the truth (at least in 99.9% of the cases). Take responsibility for your life and your career. If you are not getting promoted, start by looking at your actions. Would you promote you, based on the quality and quantity of work you do, and the level of maturity you show on the job? One of my favorite Jim Rohn quotes is "You don't get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour." This is something to remember always.
5.Support the company's mission statement and operating principles. Most companies, big and small, have outlined their mission and operating principles. Get a copy of yours and follow the guidelines as presented on these documents. Supporting these documents and becoming a true member of the team, by looking out for the best interests of the company as well as yourself (and don't forget to do both!) is a great way to be noticed by management.
1. Do the best job you can. Part of being the best you can be is doing the best job you can. To get promoted, it's not enough to show up for work. Whatever we have been hired to do, we must do to our very best ability. The better you do your job, the more likely it is that your efforts will be noticed and that you'll be considered for bigger and better responsibilities. This step is absolutely critical for getting ahead.
2.Respect authority. Whether you respect the person in the position, always show respect for the position. This is especially true when that person decides whether or not you'll get promoted. I believe that people have to earn respect, but it always make sense to respect the position. Even if we question their ability or how they got there, their position is vital to the success of the company. Because of that, it is just common sense to treat the person in it with respect.
3.Assume management is doing the best they can. It may be hard to believe some days, but the management is actually doing the best they can. They have the interests of the company and their employees at heart. However, unfortunately to some degree, they must often put the needs of the business before the needs of the individual employees. It only makes sense, and trust me when I say, that you would most like make the same decision if that were your responsibility. Also, assuming the best of management makes for a better relationship for you and the powers that be.
4.Assume management is not trying to screw you. If you are someone who believes that other people are in control of your life, then it is very possible that you believe management has your name on a voodoo doll in the backroom and all their decisions are made to screw you over. Nothing could be further from the truth (at least in 99.9% of the cases). Take responsibility for your life and your career. If you are not getting promoted, start by looking at your actions. Would you promote you, based on the quality and quantity of work you do, and the level of maturity you show on the job? One of my favorite Jim Rohn quotes is "You don't get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour." This is something to remember always.
5.Support the company's mission statement and operating principles. Most companies, big and small, have outlined their mission and operating principles. Get a copy of yours and follow the guidelines as presented on these documents. Supporting these documents and becoming a true member of the team, by looking out for the best interests of the company as well as yourself (and don't forget to do both!) is a great way to be noticed by management.
How Can Job Seekers Be Able to Find a Job? b Son Duongy
Finding a job does not have to be an impossible task. Right now, it may seem like something you will never be able to obtain. A negative attitude will never get you anywhere. People who are looking for a job need to have the right type of attitude before even attempting the job-hunting process. If you must, go out and buy yourself a nice outfit or suit to wear when going to fill out applications. Jot down all of your skills and what it is that makes you so much better than others in your particular career field of interest.
Once you have psyched yourself up for the job hunt, you need to figure out where it is you want to go. Grab a newspaper and begin sifting through the classifieds to see what job description's match your interest. Make sure you pair yourself with a job you know that you would be interested in. You should also be careful not to limit yourself to only one profession. If you run across something online or in a local classified ad that strikes your interest, but doesn't quite seem to match up with your qualifications, do not be intimidated to take a risk. You never know what type of fascinating opportunities await you. If you are a go-getter, then you have a high chance of getting something good and worth while.
Having confidence in your abilities to be a good employee to whatever company you apply to is most important. Take your job hunting seriously. Do not mess around applying to places at which you know you would not enjoy working at. People who enjoy what they do are the one's who stick with a job and become a success. You will greatly increase your chances of finding a job if it is something you do at least once or twice a week. Jobs usually do not come to people, it takes determination and ambition.
The job market is very competitive and people are taking whatever they can get these days. It is best to get out there and be aggressive about obtaining the position you rightfully deserve. It is perfectly okay to be extra direct about what you can do for a company, so do not be shy. You should also not be afraid to contact the company you applied to after a couple of weeks of applying. Employers love it when people actually want the job they are applying for.
A strong resume highlighting your skills, strengths, and experience is the master tool in finding a good job. If you have to, you may need to create a resume to target a specific employer. You should also create a catchy cover letter to go along with your resume. Try not to make your cover letter sound too wordy, just state your point, but also be professional and sincere. Just because things are slow does not necessarily mean that employers aren't looking for good employees. They are waiting on you to come to them, you just have to take action. And remember, attitude is everything.
Once you have psyched yourself up for the job hunt, you need to figure out where it is you want to go. Grab a newspaper and begin sifting through the classifieds to see what job description's match your interest. Make sure you pair yourself with a job you know that you would be interested in. You should also be careful not to limit yourself to only one profession. If you run across something online or in a local classified ad that strikes your interest, but doesn't quite seem to match up with your qualifications, do not be intimidated to take a risk. You never know what type of fascinating opportunities await you. If you are a go-getter, then you have a high chance of getting something good and worth while.
Having confidence in your abilities to be a good employee to whatever company you apply to is most important. Take your job hunting seriously. Do not mess around applying to places at which you know you would not enjoy working at. People who enjoy what they do are the one's who stick with a job and become a success. You will greatly increase your chances of finding a job if it is something you do at least once or twice a week. Jobs usually do not come to people, it takes determination and ambition.
The job market is very competitive and people are taking whatever they can get these days. It is best to get out there and be aggressive about obtaining the position you rightfully deserve. It is perfectly okay to be extra direct about what you can do for a company, so do not be shy. You should also not be afraid to contact the company you applied to after a couple of weeks of applying. Employers love it when people actually want the job they are applying for.
A strong resume highlighting your skills, strengths, and experience is the master tool in finding a good job. If you have to, you may need to create a resume to target a specific employer. You should also create a catchy cover letter to go along with your resume. Try not to make your cover letter sound too wordy, just state your point, but also be professional and sincere. Just because things are slow does not necessarily mean that employers aren't looking for good employees. They are waiting on you to come to them, you just have to take action. And remember, attitude is everything.
How to Get Great Job References by Coleen Bennett
References are one of the most important factors in your job search. Potential employers don't usually call your references until the very end. When they've seen your resume and interviewed you and they think you're the one, then they'll want to call your references to make sure. A lukewarm reference can kill the deal. You need to make sure that the names you give are people who will give your potential employer a glowing report.
First, a little about how reference checks work. Potential employers will want to talk to people who have worked with you. At least one of your references should be somebody that you reported to directly (a former boss). Others can be co-workers, people from other companies who interacted with you at work, even clients. It's okay to include a personal reference too. This may be someone who knows you personally but hasn't worked with you.
If you're currently employed, you probably don't want your current employer to know that you're looking for a job. Your new potential employer will understand if you don't give them permission to call your current supervisor. But you do need people who have worked can speak to your work performance. You could give the name of your supervisor and others from your previous job. If there is someone who worked with you at your current employer but has now left the company, that could be a good resource. If you've done any volunteer work, someone there could provide a reference.
If you are not currently employed and you don't provide the name and number of your most recent supervisor, your potential employer will wonder why.
Most companies have policies against giving references. That's because if they say something negative about a former employee, they could be sued. If you give your potential employer the name and number of the HR person from a former job, that person will likely only confirm that you worked for them and when.
Ask people if they will give you a reference. If they say no, or cite the company policy, don't give their name as a reference. If they were so enthusiastic about you that they would give a glowing report, they would have said yes. Be very careful about asking anyone associated with your current job. Word might get back to your employer. You could also damage your employer's position by tipping your hand to the wrong person. For example, you are an account rep serving an important client. If you leave, your employer will want to position it carefully it a way that makes their clients feel that their needs are still going to be taken care of. If you ask that client for a reference, you leave your company is an awkward spot.
Leave on spectacular terms. Do not put your employer in a difficult position when you depart. Give two weeks notice and come to work every day during those two weeks. Do everything you can so that the next person can pick up your job easily. Even if you're not pleased with your current employer, you should do these things because you'll need them to give you great references the next time you look for a job.
First, a little about how reference checks work. Potential employers will want to talk to people who have worked with you. At least one of your references should be somebody that you reported to directly (a former boss). Others can be co-workers, people from other companies who interacted with you at work, even clients. It's okay to include a personal reference too. This may be someone who knows you personally but hasn't worked with you.
If you're currently employed, you probably don't want your current employer to know that you're looking for a job. Your new potential employer will understand if you don't give them permission to call your current supervisor. But you do need people who have worked can speak to your work performance. You could give the name of your supervisor and others from your previous job. If there is someone who worked with you at your current employer but has now left the company, that could be a good resource. If you've done any volunteer work, someone there could provide a reference.
If you are not currently employed and you don't provide the name and number of your most recent supervisor, your potential employer will wonder why.
Most companies have policies against giving references. That's because if they say something negative about a former employee, they could be sued. If you give your potential employer the name and number of the HR person from a former job, that person will likely only confirm that you worked for them and when.
Ask people if they will give you a reference. If they say no, or cite the company policy, don't give their name as a reference. If they were so enthusiastic about you that they would give a glowing report, they would have said yes. Be very careful about asking anyone associated with your current job. Word might get back to your employer. You could also damage your employer's position by tipping your hand to the wrong person. For example, you are an account rep serving an important client. If you leave, your employer will want to position it carefully it a way that makes their clients feel that their needs are still going to be taken care of. If you ask that client for a reference, you leave your company is an awkward spot.
Leave on spectacular terms. Do not put your employer in a difficult position when you depart. Give two weeks notice and come to work every day during those two weeks. Do everything you can so that the next person can pick up your job easily. Even if you're not pleased with your current employer, you should do these things because you'll need them to give you great references the next time you look for a job.
How to Apply For Jobs Online Tips by Son Duong
Searching for a job is one thing, but the actual application process is something totally different. The first thing you should do is give yourself a pat on the back for at least attempting to locate work online. You are making a very profitable decision when you choose to apply for jobs online, especially since the corporate world is becoming more and more computerized as time passes on. There really isn't a better way to apply for a job because it is convenient, fast, and obviously, very simple.
One of the first steps you need to take in order to apply for employment online is to find a job that interests you. Think about what your skills are and what qualifications you possess and then go from there. For example, if you have a teaching degree, your best bet will be to apply online to local schools, kindergartens, colleges, etc. If you have a particular company or workplace you prefer to work at over all others, then apply there first.
When presented with the application, you are going to be asked a series of questions such as what your first and last name are, where you currently reside, telephone number, email address, position you are interested in applying for, years of experience, etc. It is highly recommended that you do not leave anything blank. The more information your potential employer can obtain about you during the application process, the more likely they will be to give you a call back for an interview.
When you are filling out your online application, make sure you are as honest as possible. If the application asks if you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, do not give a false answer. If the application asks you to list your previous job history, make sure you are completely honest about the amount of related experience you have. Any false answers could potentially have a negative influence on your chances of gaining employment.
An effective way to apply for a job online is to submit your resume to as many job portal websites as possible. Be careful to make your resume appear as professional as possible. If this is your first resume, there are plenty of places you can look to for assistance on how to make it appear professional. Remember that your resume can make or break your chances for gaining employment, so do your best to be as accurate as possible about the information you display. It is essential that your potential employers be very aware of the skills you possess as well as what you can do for their company as an employee. Be sure to highlight any achievements and place any related job experience on your resume as well.
All in all, the online job process is relatively simple. Once you have submitted your resume and/or online job application, all you have to do is wait. If more than a month passes by and you have not yet received an email or call back from the place you are interested in working, give them a call and inform them that you were just checking on the status of your application. The more you persist, the quicker you are likely to obtain employment.
One of the first steps you need to take in order to apply for employment online is to find a job that interests you. Think about what your skills are and what qualifications you possess and then go from there. For example, if you have a teaching degree, your best bet will be to apply online to local schools, kindergartens, colleges, etc. If you have a particular company or workplace you prefer to work at over all others, then apply there first.
When presented with the application, you are going to be asked a series of questions such as what your first and last name are, where you currently reside, telephone number, email address, position you are interested in applying for, years of experience, etc. It is highly recommended that you do not leave anything blank. The more information your potential employer can obtain about you during the application process, the more likely they will be to give you a call back for an interview.
When you are filling out your online application, make sure you are as honest as possible. If the application asks if you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, do not give a false answer. If the application asks you to list your previous job history, make sure you are completely honest about the amount of related experience you have. Any false answers could potentially have a negative influence on your chances of gaining employment.
An effective way to apply for a job online is to submit your resume to as many job portal websites as possible. Be careful to make your resume appear as professional as possible. If this is your first resume, there are plenty of places you can look to for assistance on how to make it appear professional. Remember that your resume can make or break your chances for gaining employment, so do your best to be as accurate as possible about the information you display. It is essential that your potential employers be very aware of the skills you possess as well as what you can do for their company as an employee. Be sure to highlight any achievements and place any related job experience on your resume as well.
All in all, the online job process is relatively simple. Once you have submitted your resume and/or online job application, all you have to do is wait. If more than a month passes by and you have not yet received an email or call back from the place you are interested in working, give them a call and inform them that you were just checking on the status of your application. The more you persist, the quicker you are likely to obtain employment.
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