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Job Gripes

2011-03-07T18:27:00Z

Featured in Readers Digest; Meetingboy.com invites viewers to gripe about their jobs. Here are some of their best response:

"No, I wasn't playing devils advocate. I really think your idea is stupid."

"Getting an excellent performance review but then no raise is like being told you get dessert then learning the dessert is celery."

"Of course it wasn't convincing. That 60-slide PowerPoint presentation wasn't to convince people it was to break their will."

"You had me at 'meeting canceled.'"

Job Interview Preparation

2011-02-11T16:46:00Z

He makes some great points in this article. When interviewing I'm shocked at how many are not prepared, especially given today's job market and economic conditions.

First and foremost research the company! Know exactly what they do and ask questions. Second - know why you want to work for them! Often times I would ask why the candidate wants to work for XYZ company and not only would they not know, sometimes they would say they wanted to work for a different company all together! So represent yourself well and make sure you are prepared!

Job Interview Preparation – Tips in Getting Ready For a Job Interview

Posted on 05. Oct, 2010 by Bill in Employment News, Interviewing

Before jumping off to your job interview, make sure you have been prepared and set for it. A job interview preparation is necessary for every applicant. There are a few things you need to consider for that big day – personal grooming, character, promptness and ethics. Most people are frightened with this kind of encounter, maybe because they are not prepared for it.

When you go out in a battlefield with less preparation, you might just be running off jittery and defeated. You need to create a good impression and make an outstanding recall from the employer. So here are some points to remember as part of your job interview preparation.

First, be educated with the company’s profile. When you want to be employed in a certain company, you have to know what they are doing in the industry. You need to research on their background, company achievements and milestones. Get necessary data on their organization – products, services and other relevant issues. Identify their mission and vision and try to make a connection with your career objectives.

Oftentimes, the interviewer might ask you on aligning your principles along with theirs. If you come across with negative facts, just leave it. Do not bring it up during the interview. Also, you need to be familiar with the position you are applying as well. Learn to identify its job description and other functions. You also need to know the location of the company. This is very important. This will help you estimate the time travel from your house to your destination – helping you to be prompt on your schedule.

Second, try practice answering job interview questions. You may ask someone to assess your answers. It is good to let a different point of view to evaluate your ability in answering. Plus, it will also help you gain confidence when talking to another person. When you are in an agency, there are some who may conduct mock interviews. These are helpful to measure your quality by going over to the feedback. You may also check online some common job interview questions and how to answer them. Here are some questions to practice for:

1. Why have you chosen this company?

2. How will you make an impact in this company?

3. Why should we hire you?

4. What are your qualifications that are suitable for the position offered or applied?

Third, ready your interview kit. This is a folder where essential documents are gathered. So that when you go out and have your interview, you don’t have to be so jumpy in looking for your documents. In this folder, you will have your resume or Curriculum Vitae, certificates, references and other essential files. The interviewer might start by having a quick scan on your resume and pose some questions. So you’d better study your resume well. Be familiar with the entries you’ve written. Because if you sound unsure with the resume-related questions, your employer might think you are lying. So answer honestly and clearly.

Lastly, as part of your job interview preparation, groom yourself. Days before your interview, you should have readied what clothes you are going to wear. Remember, even if you sound confident and positive, physical appearance is one of the factors to consider. You need to present that you are the whole package they are looking for.

Surviving and Unhappy Workplace

2011-02-07T15:32:00Z

I've gotten a huge response to the article I posted a few months ago about surviving an unhappy workplace.
Having been in the position myself several times, I'd like to offer some personal advice of how I dealt with the situation and maintained my sanity. There are really only two choices, stay and make the best of it or quit.
If you are going to make the best of it, walk into work with a good attitude in the morning and a smile on your face. Develop relationships with your colleagues. Don't sweat the small stuff and laugh during the day. Your there more than enough hours, your entitled to a laugh or two. If you find yourself getting aggravated or upset - take a break and figure out what works best for you to calm yourself down. Throw yourself into your work. Make that commitment to give a 110% and be the best at what you do.
Now if you can't do those things - its really time to look for a new job. When people start looking for a new job because they are unhappy, suddenly work becomes more bearable and even enjoyable. It's because you know that there are other options out there and you don't need to feel that you are stuck in your current situation. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. And if things do change at work and you start to enjoy it and decide to stay - at the very least you'll have an updated resume and have made some valuable contacts.

What NOT to Say in an Interview

2011-02-04T15:05:00Z

Great article. These are perfunctory responses that people often use when interviewing. Jeff offers some fresh alternatives. Also don't ask what the hours are and discuss that you would love to work from home if the option is available. This gives the interview the sense that if they don't have that option that it will be a problem for you to come into the office in the future.

Another big one is dress code. Who cares!? Take a look and see what people around you are wearing. Yes - most of us would love to wear jeans and t-shirts but are you really not going to take the job if the dress is business professional?

And finally - don't discuss what you DON'T like doing in your current or previous jobs. It comes off as negative and gives the impression that you are inflexible.

What Not to Say in an Interview

by Jeff Hindenach, Excelle.com

Interviews are always pretty difficult. You're nervous. You don't have a lot of personal space. You're forced to answer multiple questions back to back with no time to rest. And your whole professional future seems to depend on this one tiny thing. Terrifying! So it's easy to understand why so many interviewees depend on cliches to answer interview questions.

But those off-the-cuff responses aren't going to get you hired. So we've figured out the ten most commonly overused interview answers and supplied some alternatives that will pack a punch and keep you on track for success.

1. "I'm really hardworking."
In a job interview, everyone is hardworking. No one is going to admit to being lazy or not caring about his or her job. The term "hardworking" is pretty much white noise to most interviewers. Everyone says it, so how can it possibly add value to your image? You have only so much time in a job interview--make every word count.

ALTERNATIVES: Try giving specific examples of how you're so hardworking. Do you often stay late? Do you take on extra assignments? It's always a good idea to give the interviewer something tangible to consider; otherwise, your words could end up feeling like empty promises.

2. "I'm a total team player."
While being able to work with others is key, phrasing it this way makes it sound cliched. And it doesn't just suggest cheerleading imagery--it's also very vague. Sure, no one wants a recluse for a coworker or employee, but beyond just the baseline ability to be social, what else do you bring to the communication table?

ALTERNATIVES: Talk about your ability to communicate with other members of your office. Cite specific occasions when it was imperative for you to play well with others. Also touch on certain stellar communication skills that you think you have. Know how to craft the perfect email? Spent a lot of time with clients on the phone? Give the interviewer a fuller picture of your interactive skills and leadership potential.

3. "I am loyal to a fault."
You're not a dog, so why are you comparing yourself to one? While loyalty is a noble trait, no employer really believes that you are going to sacrifice your own well-being or advancement for the company. You can't know how you'll fit into a company until you're there. If you preach the virtues of loyalty in the interview but end up hating the job and moving on in six months, it reflects badly on your professionalism.

ALTERNATIVES: Be honest. Lay out your long-term goals for that particular company. If you want to use this position to gain experience and then advance in your career, talk about that. Your drive and honesty will be just as valuable as your loyalty. And that will give the company an incentive to keep you engaged, so they can hold on to you as long as possible.

4. "How much does it pay?"
This is one of the most annoying questions for most interviewers. You'll find out how much the job pays when you get the offer. Until then, you should focus on the position and how you can contribute to the company. No matter how you phrase the question, asking about money at this stage makes you look like you're just in it for the money. Even if that's true, is that how you want to come off?

ALTERNATIVES: If finding out the salary is really that important to you, ask to talk to other employees on your level, ones who won't be making the hiring decision, to get an idea of work environment. Then ask them about the benefits package and compensation. But trust us--don't make the initial interview all about the money.

5. "I can take on any challenge."
Let's be honest, you're not Superman. Even he couldn't take on every challenge. You are only human, and you have your limitations. Saying you can take on anything only sets you up for failure in the end. Don't let your desperation for a job be the kryptonite to your career development!

ALTERNATIVES: Try something like, "I'm quick and can pick things up pretty easily." There's always a learning curve with any new task, but the quicker you can learn the ins and outs, the more efficient you will look to your boss. Be realistic about your limitations. If you can't complete the tasks you promised you could, your boss might start to doubt your abilities in other areas.

Explaining Why You Quit Your Last Job

2011-01-26T15:18:00Z

When coaching clients - I often get asked how to go about explaining why they quit their last job. Sometimes the explanation is simple: relocation or layoff. However if you left because you couldn't stand your boss and weren't treated well, that's a little bit more difficult to explain. It's best to always describe the circumstances in a positive manner, no one wants to listen to you bash your previous employer during an interview. Cater your answer to your current situation. For instance if your prior company was small and privately held and your company your interviewing for is public, you can simply say you want to work for a larger organization with the growth potential like XYZ company. If you are interviewing for a position that differs from your last, pick out the key duties of the potential position that were non existent in your last position and explain that you are looking to add those skills.
Remember, always keep it positive when explaining your reasons for leaving.

"Explaining Why You Quit Your Last Job" Employment Digest Becky Mease

Many times during an interview, the hiring manager will ask that dreaded question most hate to answer, “Why did you leave your last job?” Not all answers are going to be as easy as, “The Company was down-sizing and I was unfortunate enough to feel the ax.” Many folks leave a job for not receiving promised outcomes, for have personality clashes with employers and/or co-workers, lack of company vision, and even for feeling undervalued. The entire situation may become even bigger if you quit and didn’t give the customary two weeks notice. However, there is a productive way to explain your personal situation that will still have you looking like a professional.

When an employee feels like they are being abused by their boss or are undervalued, it’ll take that one single moment where they’ve decide they can’t take anymore and then just up and quit. No notice, no explanation. At the time, they gave little thought to how they would explain their leaving at their next interview. However, just because they left rather promptly, doesn’t mean it could cost them any future employment.

The best advice is to not bring it up at all if they do not ask you. Most hiring managers will- but not all. If they do, you will have to have a well-crafted answer that will have the hiring manager empathizing with your situation and believing what you did was due to no other alternative. Never should you cast stones at a prior employer- your explanation should be truthful and very general. Employers don’t like to see blame shadowed over governing entities- and there is always two sides of a story… and yours can be checked. Taking responsibility for problems looks more appealing to a prospective employer than listening to a candidate belittle past bosses.

If you are asked why you left, instead of telling the hiring manager that your boss was a closed-minded jerk, you might say you and he had very different work styles. So much so you had to quit. Of course, they’re going to ask you to elaborate, so go further in saying that other bosses you’ve worked under allowed for more responsibility and independence in your work. While your latest boss approached projects differently, and had you feeling your work was undervalued and lacking. Again, take some responsibility for the reason you left- concede to the fact that you couldn't’t handle your bosses work style. This is more product than kicking your old boss around leaving the hiring manager questioning your professionalism.

We have found that many interviewing questions today are more open-ended that require and interviewee to elaborate on situations that had occurred in previous employment environments. This type of questioning is more behavioral in terms where they look to see how a candidate reacted or would react to certain situations. You’ll almost always hear the question, “Tell us about a time in your previous employment history where you had a problem with a boss, co-worker, or the job itself.” They’ll then ask for to further explain what you did to solve the problem. Again, it’s all in the wording and how you make yourself look while still maintaining your professionalism.

Patience

2011-01-24T15:19:00Z

Yes, it's been awhile. Being a new mom takes just a bit of adjusting.
Suddenly I'm on someone elses schedule. Which brings me to my topic du jour. Patience. I've really had to learn how to be patient while on hiatus. I thought that staying home with my daughter and taking a break from work would be a welcome vacation. I wouldn't have to juggle school, contracts, and clients. I could just relax and hang out with my daughter. I couldn't have been more wrong. You have everyone giving you their 2 cents on what to do and how to raise your child. Sometimes my husband and eye didn't agree on things. And then throw the holidays on top of it. I had to try and do all my shopping, decorating, cooking and cleaning in between feedings (unfortunately she doesn't really sleep), all while on 3 - 4 hours of sleep. I didn't have time for the simplest of tasks like putting a letter in the mailbox before the mailman came.. I used to be the email queen - I was in touch with people at all times. Now it would take days before I could return an email or a phone call, and not for lack of trying. I learned how to be patient with myself as well as others. I could only do so much in a day on someone elses schedule
Then I suddenly got it. People have families lives and chaos. Even with all of this wonderful technology sometimes you can't respond right away. I soon found this out - I couldn't email and make phone calls even with my iPhone right by my side. So if someone takes a few days to respond to your email whether its a friend or work related be patient and realize its not the end of the world.

Selling yourself in an interview

2010-10-27T13:55:00Z

People too often don't sell themselves during the interview process. Put yourself in the hiring managers shoes - if you had a choice between two candidates and one said - "I think I can do the job" and the other said, "Yes I can do the job and here's where I've done things that are similar in the job description". Who would you choose? You can sell skills and abilities with confidence with out being arrogant. Companies want to hire people that are confident that they can do the job. This means less training and quicker productivity which translates into contributing to revenues. Make sure your prepared going into the interview to tell the hiring manager why you are the right fit and have plenty of relevant examples.

How Resume Writing Impacts Your Job Search

2010-08-26T16:23:00Z

How Resume Writing Impacts Your Job Search

By Darryl Strosnider

Resume writing (specifically poor resume writing) is the second most common reason that people are not hired for positions regardless of their skills. The only reason that it comes in second is because the #1 reason people do not get the jobs they want is because they do not apply. Whether they doubt themselves or do not have the time, many people cut themselves from the running before they even get started by not applying to jobs.

Once you have gotten past self-doubt and are starting with the resume writing process, there are many different things to remember. There are dozens of different types of resumes, endless ways to write them, and thousands of gurus out there who will tell you that they have the secret to great resume writing. The big secret: there is not any. You simply need to approach resume writing with an informed mind and be willing to invest the time to master resume writing. Do this well and you will be on your way to career success in no time.

It does not matter what level you are at in a career; not having a unique and flawless resume almost guarantees failure in your job search. There are so many resume books and websites that there is no reason you could not prepare a proper resume that fits your career field. It is essential to remember that every resume will be different. If 111 people apply for a job and every resume looks identical, the employer will not be impressed and might not hire anybody. However, if one person takes the time to make his/her resume stand out from the rest, he/she will probably be first in line for an interview.

How do you make your resume stand out when you do not know what your competitors are doing? While you cannot know how others are approaching resume writing, you can however do everything you can to make yours as flawless as possible. First, avoid grammatical errors and use simple formatting with clear fonts and adequate spacing. Then work on other elements that will make your resume writing a success. For example, look for keywords in the job announcement and include them in your resume. That way, you will catch the attention of the employer. Also, if you use headlines and bold fonts (carefully) to emphasize central elements of your resume, you will create a way to stand out.

It does not matter what style of resume you are creating or what career you are at. All applicants must provide polished resumes that stand out from the crowd in order to make the best impression on a employers.

"Tell Me about Yourself - 7 key Strategies to Sell Yourself in an Interview and Land that Job!"

2010-08-25T13:38:00Z

"Tell me about yourself - 7 key strategies to sell yourself in an Interview and Land that Job!"
Employment News

Link:
ow.ly/2uxZj

Get more energy by changing your morning routine!

2010-08-12T20:51:00Z

I was reading an article this morning by Laura Stack and she was talking about breaking your morning routine. She brought up some excellent points which if we follow – can help us increase our productivity. It involves just a few minor but not easy changes. I think we are all creatures of habit; we do the same thing every morning, day in and day out. Whether it starts with our morning ritual of getting ready for work followed by the same routine we follow every morning we enter the office.

Routines get boring and ultimately drain us of our energy, so change it up a bit. Instead of reading emails as soon as you get into work, return phone calls that are way overdue.

If you are conducting your job search, instead of waking up and going to straight to the computer in your pj’s get dressed and take your laptop to the nearest café.

You’ll find that when you do change your routine – you actually feel refreshed, energized and ultimately more productive.

Looking to change careers? Try this exercise

2010-08-10T18:12:00Z

Neat little exercise for those of you looking to change careers. Puts some perspective on what you want your life to look like in 20, 30, 40 years. Even if your not looking to make a change right away - try this exercise and see what your life road map looks like - it might surprise you.

Employment Digest
The Key to Making a Successful and Meaningful Career Change
http://ow.ly/2nG9R

Great interview on post interview analysis - why didn't you get the job?

2010-07-28T19:23:00Z

Great article on examining maybe why you didn't get the job after an interview. For all you job seekers out there - its crucial that you do a post interview analysis so you can improve for next time!

5 Reasons You Didn't Get the Job
Erin Joyce, Investopedia.com
http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-5_reasons_you_didn_t_get_the_job-1375

Are You Spending Your Job-Search Time Wisely? by Mike O'Brien

2010-07-26T15:11:00Z

Are You Spending Your Job-Search Time Wisely?

by Mike O'Brien, Climber.com

ow.ly/2gE8C

He makes some great points about how to allocate your time when searching for a new job. Majority of us apply to jobs we find online. Mike talks about how job seekers should spend at least 30% of their time networking. And you can utilize whatever methods of networking you like best: face to face, phone or online. Many people today rely on referrals to get their next job. Talk to friends, relatives, former employers - you never know who they might be connected to and who might be looking to hire!

How to Decode a Job Posting - by Jerome Young, Forbes.com

2010-07-22T20:33:00Z

How to Decode a Job Posting - by Jerome Young, Forbes.com
http://ow.ly/2fgWi

Great article for all you job seekers out there. Most of the time we just glance at a job title and decide whether or not we are interested. Title carries a lot of weight - but looking at the job description carries equal weight. Usually the top 3 bullet points for job responsibilities and job duties are usually are the most important. Make sure you cater your resume to title, job duties and qualifications. This should peak the hiring managers interest, and hopefully lead to an interview.

A Great Boss is Confident, But Not Really Sure

2010-07-15T15:51:00Z

Great article for all you job seekers out there as far as what to look for in your next boss/mentor. Might be wise to ask questions as far as upper managements style and decision making process. How do they deal with turbulent times and correct mistakes? Successful leaders don't always make the right decisions, but they know how to take responsibility for the wrong ways and take action in correcting them.

A Great Boss is Confident, But Not Really Sure, by Robert I. Sutton

http://ow.ly/2bXdu

13 Ways to Sabotage a Job Interview by Maria Hanson

2010-07-13T15:21:00Z

Maria makes some great points. Job seekers do most of these things - but I find that when I'm interviewing they tend to be a little lax in one or two areas. What separates a good candidate from a great candidate who gets the job? Some who follows all 13 of these tips and sells themselves as to why they are best fit for the job.

http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-13_ways_to_sabotage_a_job_interview-1353

Family, fun with friends & bbq's Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-02T15:11:00Z

Most of us work long hours which doesn't leave much time for relaxing. Take advantage the time off you have this weekend and really enjoy yourself and focus on the things that are important to you - besides work. I hope everyone enjoys the long holiday weekend and celebrates the 4th with friends and family. I know I will. And although I'm crammed in a 2 bedroom condo with my parents sister and her kids, we can't seem to get our act together to get ready to go anywhere, fight over who is getting a shower first to get hot water, stand in various corners of the condo to steal internet service, and have hot Italian meals like pasta and meatballs in 90 degree weather, I will look back in time and cherish these memories.
Everyone have a great 4th of July!

Just because you are an elder - doesn't give you the right to push people around!

2010-06-22T16:53:00Z

So I'm waiting in line at Barnes & Noble for a much needed decaf iced coffee. An older lady - who had to be pushing 80 practically knocks me over and starts to order. She asks what kind of green tea they have is it hot or cold. Like she's never ordered anything in her life before. She is at this point taking up the whole counter and has inched me out of the way. Then she proceeds to give all of her personal information when the barista just wants her first name for the drink.
I think as we get older we think that we have a warped sense of entitlement. Wrong. I'm older and pregnant and still don't expect people to treat me differently. Someone actually elbowed me in the stomach at a restaurant in the South End last week. I barely got a sorry. Oh well.
I'm writing this to all of you (especially my parents) who are still young and vibrant but I can see them acting like this as they get on in years.
Just remember a little courtesy goes a long way - no matter what your age.

Know Your Strengths!!!

2010-06-21T13:45:00Z

When interviewing, can you effectively answer the questions - "What are your strengths and weaknesses?". Always have 3 strengths and back them up with WORK examples.
"I'm organized, for example at ABC company there was no process in place for personal files. I organized them alphabetically, in the human resources department in a locked file cabinet. Following compliance regulations, 2 individuals have access to the files. I created procedures to follow if someone needs to gain access to the files."
Giving a detailed example paints a vivid picture for the interviewer and carries much more meaning than saying "I'm organized."
And ALWAYS use work examples. For instance - "I'm organized, my kitchen is always clean" - just doesn't make a whole lot of sense unless you are interviewing for a job cleaning kitchens.

What can YOU contribute?!

2010-06-21T13:26:00Z

I find that when I ask "what can you contribute to ABC company?", most people don't sell themselves. That question gives you a great opportunity to talk about all of your strengths and points that were not discussed during the course of the interview. Employers don't want to hear what they can do for you. It's great that you can grow and learn with a company, but unless your interviewing with the dean for the college of your choice, its not a good answer. What employers want to hear is how are you going to contribute to their overall bottom line? How are you going to increase revenue? Maybe its cost cutting procedures, sales, or developing new products. By discussing this, the employer starts to think, hey this candidate will more than pay for themselves and you'll have a better chance on securing the job of your choice.