Employment

Showing posts with label Careers planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Careers planning. Show all posts

Monday, December 6, 2010

Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be overcome by apprehension about what comes next. After all, you're "the new kid on the block," and there's much to learn--about your new job duties and much more. But here are some things you can do to make the process go smoother. >vacancy
1. Dress for success. You'll want to look professional. Dress on the conservative side for the first week. Once you've got a good idea of what's appropriate and what isn't, you can adjust your style. 
2. Be on time. You never want to start your new job by being late, so make sure you allow plenty of time for your commute. Plan the most direct route, but be aware of alternates in case of an accident or other traffic snarls.
3. Get to know people. Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, whether it's the receptionist or the general manager. Introduce yourself, smile and make eye contact. Make a positive first impression. Ask about your coworkers' interests. 
4. Ask questions. From "Where's the bathroom?" to "Which tool do I use for this task?" It's OK to ask for help! Your coworkers will feel good about doing whatever they can to assist you. Let them. It's always better to have to ask the right way to do something than to try to figure it out on your own, mess up, and have to do it all over again.
5. Remember your place. You may feel "qualified" to tell your new coworkers that there's a better way to do something, but be patient. Every workplace has its own way of doing things. Never say "That's not how we did it at my old company!" (You're coworkers may invite you to return to your old company!) Be patient and become an accepted member of the team before you make suggestions for improvements.
6. Be careful about office politics. Pay attention to the grapevine, but don't contribute to it. Do not accept at face value what one employee says about another; form your own opinions based on your own interactions and judgment. Never complain about anyone at your old job or your new one. Figure out who has the real authority to give you work to do, and who is trying to take advantage of your newness.
Above all, keep a positive attitude, do your work to the best of your ability, and keep an open mind. Before you know it, you'll be climbing the career ladder and giving advice to newcomers! > employee


Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

A recent study showed that sales people who used their prospects' names generated a 239% increase in sales.
The simple act of using a name can have a dramatic impact on your own ultimate success in landing a new job! 
During your next interview, focus on remembering the names of the interviewers. Find a reason to say their name at least three times during your conversation. Repeat their name at the end of the interview to make a lasting impression. >vacancy
But don't stop at that. Make it a point to remember and use the names of the other people you meet -- the receptionist, the HR person, anyone you speak to during your visit. They'll remember YOU and maybe nudge the boss in your direction when it's time to make the hiring decision!  
Here's a personal step that you must plan ahead for. After the interview, go out to your car and take out the nice notepaper you've brought along for this purpose. Write your thank-you notes while the interview is fresh in your mind.
In today's high-tech world, a handwritten note is becoming a scarce -- and appreciated -- commodity.
Place the note in an envelope and write the name of the interviewer on it (do separate notes and envelopes for each interviewer, if more than one). Go back inside and hand-deliver them to the receptionist... smile and use his/her name when asking that the notes be delivered.
Do you think any other candidate will do this? Heck no! (Not unless he/she reads this article!)
Have an instant advantage by using the personal touches of: (1) remembering and using names; and (2) handwriting and immediately delivering thoughtful thank-you notes! > employee

How To Tap Into the "Invisible" Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love to work for? Do you assume that, because you don't see them advertising in the classifieds or posting jobs on their website, they have no openings? That may or may not be the case. That truth is, only about one-fifth of job openings are actually advertised! 
Here's how to tap into the huge "invisible" job market.
1. Make a list of companies you'd like to work for that are likely to have positions in your field. When composing your list, do some research and take notes about each company. You'll use that later. 
2. Obtain the names of the people in those companies who have the power to offer you a job. Simply call each company’s main number and ask for the name (ask them to spell it) and title of the manager in your field of expertise (or check to see if this information is available on their website). If possible, also get their email address and direct phone number. Don’t let the receptionist give you the name of the Human Resources manager (unless that is the department where you are trying to get a job) because your first point of contact should be with the hiring manager in your field.
3. Write and send a attention-grabbing cover letter with your resume. Address it specifically to the hiring manager in your field. The saluation should include his/her name and title. (Using something like "Dear Hiring Manager" in an unsolicited letter will likely cause it to be tossed in the garbage.) Say something specific about the company (to show you have a genuine interest and did some research) and explain how your skills and qualifications would help them achieve their goals. vacancy
If you can refer to someone the addressee knows, this will give your letter a big boost. For instance, "Jim Jones in your accounting department mentioned that you might have a need for someone with a background in direct marketing" (or whatever your field is). Yes, this is name-dropping, and it works! If you don't yet have a name to drop, do some networking... talk to everyone you know and see if they know anyone who works at that company; join associations that may have members who work for that company; go to trade fairs in which they may participate... and so on and so forth.
Your cover letter is extremely important because it's your first contact with the hiring manager.
4. Follow-up with the people you sent cover letters and resumes to. You can do this through email or by calling them. Here's a general idea of what you want to say (don't use this word for word): “My name is _________. I'm a graphic designer (or whatever your job title is) and I recently sent you a cover letter with my resume. I realize you are very busy, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could verify that you received it. I am very interested in working for your company and am eager to show you how I can be a contributing member of your team. I'd love to speak with you in person (if doing this by email) or come in for an informational interview."
If you're sending them an email or leaving a message on their voicemail, conclude with: "Please contact me at your convenience..." (leave your contact info; 24-hour phone number and email address). Any other steps you take will depend on the success of this one.
You might want to follow-up one more time after about 10 days if you don't get any response to your first contact. But don't continue pursuing it after that. Focus your job search activities elsewhere.
Even if the majority of people you contact say there are no current openings, these are not necessarily wasted steps. You are demonstrating a proactive approach, and employers admire drive and ambition. You may make such a great impression that you'll be remembered as soon as a vacancy opens up! employee

Friday, December 3, 2010

How NOT to Write a Resume

You can learn a lot about how to do something right by first learning what NOT to do.
Take resumes, for example.
I review about 200-300 a month, and most have at least 2-3 mistakes. Yet, all those hundreds of mistakes can be grouped into just a handful of categories, which you would do well to avoid.
Read on and learn how to write a better resume by avoiding the mistakes of others, some of them unintentionally hilarious ...
Mistake #1: "Golden Retriever Syndrome"
Never talk about yourself in terms that could also describe a hunting dog, like the following language, which appears in far too many resumes I see:
"Hard-working, self-motivated and dependable individual."
Tired phrases like that mean nothing to employers, because they could apply to almost anyone ... or almost anyone's dog.

Instead, dump the empty assertions and back up the claims in your resume with facts, like this:
"Proven sales skills. Ranked in top 3 among 78 reps for 5 straight years, exceeding sales quotas for 18 of 20 quarters."
See the difference?
Mistake #2: A Verbal Jungle
To improve your resume (or anything you write), read it out loud. Since writing is just words on paper, reading it aloud will help you write as you would speak.
Here's an example of language so dense, you'll need a machete to find any meaning:
"Directed assembly of elements from business units in engineering, development, program management, distribution, and legal to effect market research, proposal responses, and contract management into comprehensive, virtual, successful teams ..."
After reading that three times, I'm still baffled.
Worse, do you think employers have time to read a resume three times to figure it out? No. As a result, that job seeker is still looking for work, I'll wager.
Solution: read your resume out loud before sending it out.
If you find yourself gasping for breath halfway through a sentence, stick a period or dash in there and break it in two.
And if anything you write sounds less than 100% clear when you read it aloud, revise until it would make sense to your mother. Doing so will ensure that your resume resonates with readers at all levels, from HR managers to your future boss.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Presentation

Soon a presentation? Your thesis presentation / defense? Sweaty hands and knees? A presentation is often perceived as a stressful and nerve-racking task. Many people can greatly dread holding a presentation. Why? And why many people do not like to present? And how is a presentation a success? This article will present you can find answers to these questions. You can also find several tips for successful presentation.
Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee
Presentation
During a presentation, you give an oral presentation on your research and the derived results. During the presentation you can use different attachments such as PowerPoint or overhead projector.Why do many people at present?
When does a presentation for a group of people, then the attention you get during your presentation of the group, seem very uncomfortable. The silence during the presentation, the sound of your voice, all eyes are on you and you feel your body respond differently than normal. In short, you feel insecure, and furthermore, you're all alone. At least, that seems so. During a presentation to the audience exactly what you want to hear them say. Otherwise they were not present in your presentation. A presentation, you so nice and interesting to tell and nerves are hereby entirely unnecessary and also lead just wondering.
Another reason for nerves during a presentation can be found in test anxiety. Some people feel insecure about their performance and will therefore present here in the face. Furthermore, a presentation usually seen as a test in which the speaker feels that everything depends on this single presentation. Fear of failure for a presentation you can fix. Often find by following a simple course quickly remedied.Presentation Preparation
To be successful presenting is an essential preparation for your presentation. Just because you really can see from the presentations, the chances are that your presentation (and preparation) until the last minute delays. This is not a good presentation and it will certainly not benefit. Especially not when you have done your presentation, you will find that your nerves are more affected by it during your presentation. How do you prepare for a presentation? By carefully thinking about your topic. Make sure the subject well in your head. Do you remember enough about the subject you are about to present? Read Up. For example, no longer know how to research your thesis had just broken? Read this section is equally well. Once you know enough about the topic, you must ask yourself what your listeners want to tell your presentation. Try this out of your head and just write key words on this. The full launch of a presentation is certainly not a good idea. The main goal is to create a story where you make a chronological format. Make sure that the story in your head right and you can play the story in mind. This can thrive when you're in the shower or the dog walking. This way you learn the story you want to present in your head. Case is that you, the focus on the main hold. If you want eight cases treated during your presentation, make sure you have in mind these eight cases and that you can explain during your presentation. The exact details of this you do not have to scoop. But then you look for yourself the order of eight things to have in your head down. If you do a presentation in this manner are well in your head, your preparation for your successful presentation!The presentation
There you are. For the group, the moment of silence falls and you will begin your presentation. Many sleepless nights might have preceded. And now it's come: you must be present. You have your presentation well prepared, so you have no fear. You start talking and you notice that everyone looks at you. You tell a funny story and you find that the public good pick. Your nerves are cut off. You come back to consciousness and let your nerves. How should you go? Here are some tips for each item that you hold in your presentation can keep.Eye contact during presentation
The most important during your presentation is to maintain eye contact. Over the crowd watching is no longer an option. It can be intimidating, but eye contact during your presentation is a confirmation of your audience's attention. So go do not avoid eye contact. Try as much as possible from person to person about to jump and not too long someone right in his / her eyes to see during your presentation. When someone asks a question during your presentation, make eye contact with the person first and give him / her the floor. Take your time for. The idea is that you start answering the question correctly, so you should fully understand the question. Eye contact is important.Hands
Hold objects, such as a pen or a piece of paper, during a presentation are not recommended. Avoid this as much as possible. If you're nervous, you give through your fumbling with a pen here demonstrate. Do not do it. During a presentation it is just that good to make gestures with your hands. To make the presentation more lively. Do this also in moderation. Beware, lest your hands the key role to play during your presentation.Visual aids to support your presentation
During your presentation, it is advisable to use visual aids SUPPORT. Do not use too much text and be economical with pictures and figures. Be aware that not everyone jumping frog in your PowerPoint presentation just like it. Do you use visual aids during your presentation, make sure that people see your resources. In other words, do not stand for. It sounds very obvious, but it's a common mistake during the presentation. It is positive if during your presentation when you refer to your device, the audience asks if anyone can see it and whether it is legible.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Hot Tips for Projecting Professionalism at Your Next Job Interview

By Sara Parent

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy


A job interview can be a stressful experience if you don't know what to do, or if you aren't used to being in that situation. But there are some things you can do to help you interact with your interviewer more professionally. A successful interview has as much to do with how you present yourself as the skills you bring to a company.
When meeting someone for the first time, there are some simple rules to remember. We went to Anne Sowden of Here's Looking At You, a Toronto-based image consulting firm, for some suggestions on how job seekers can project a professional image.
She offers these tips for your next interview:
  • Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back. This makes a huge difference when making a first impression AND you'll feel better.
  • If you're not sure how to shake hands properly, get someone to help you. There's nothing worse than a bad handshake.
  • When shaking hands, stand up, make eye contact and smile. Smiling conveys an accepting attitude towards others.
  • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer but look away at regular intervals to make sure you aren't staring.
  • If you're concerned about clammy hands. Keep a tissue in your pocket and gently squeeze it before shaking hands.
  • When receiving someone's business card, leave it on the desk/table in front of you and look at it during the meeting. It's one way to make sure you get the person's name correct.
  • When sitting, don't slouch. This sends a message that you don't care about being with someone.
  • Be prepared. Whether it's an interview, meeting or networking. Have a plan of what you want to accomplish and do it.
  • Practice introducing yourself. Get a friend to help you.
Remember that, for better or worse, first opinions are formed very quickly. Sowden says that the image you project can affect your ability to inspire trust and confidence. She adds that it also gives others information by which they judge our credibility and professionalism.
Knowing how to act and presenting yourself professionally through your attire are critical image builders. Sowden offers these tips on dressing for business:
  • Buy the best you can afford in classic styles.
  • The more skin you show, the less professional you look.
  • Err on the side of caution-dress up rather than down; dress conservatively.
  • Research the dress code, the position you're interviewing for and the person you will be meeting.
  • To project expertise, wear a jacket.
  • Wear clothing that is comfortable and makes you feel good.
  • Focus on basics-jackets, skirts, slacks in a neutral colour. Black, navy and charcoal project power and authority.
  • Check skirt lengths. A skirt around knee length is flattering for most women and looks professional. It also doesn't expose too much leg when sitting down. If your skirt has a split, check how much leg you expose when sitting down.
  • Avoid plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, and clinging knits. Knits cling and find body fat even if you think you don't have any.
  • Keep jewellery simple. No clanging, dangling or jangling items.
  • Carry either a briefcase or a purse, not both. No knapsack.

Always Wanted to be a Police Officer?

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy


You've decided this is the path you want to take. You've watched enough NYPD Blue and COPS to know this is the life for you. What do you do now?

Dig In:
Call your local police force or your local RCMP detachment. Ask to go on a ride-along. This will give you a better understanding of the job. What you don't see on NYPD Blue you might get to experience on your ride-along. 

Talk To Those on the Job:
Get to know your local police officers. Make some contacts at the station by telling them you're interested in the job and in pursuing a career in it. Ask them what they like about, what they dislike, what skills they needed, how they got into it, what skills they think you should have, and anything else you can come up with.

Decide on Which Force to Join:
If you are interested in local police in your town or municipality, check their websites or give them a call to see what qualifications you need to work as a police officer for your town or city. Ask them how many officers they have hired lately and how they see their needs in the future. Education requirements differ from city to city. Some will require you to have a policing course completed. Some hire you first and send you to a police college. As well, many colleges and universities offer preparatory courses to help you get into policing. Ask the force what they are looking for as this could save you a lot of time and money.
If you are interested in joining the RCMP, they have a detailed requirement of what they need. First, you must attend a training session. They are held throughout the country. Contact your local detachment for information on the next available training session. Then you must write the RCMP Police Aptitude Test, do the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (called PARE, which is used by most police agencies in Canada), then a series of tests, investigations, and evaluations are performed. If you are successful, you will be selected to enroll in the cadet training program at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

Get Ready:
The process to join a police force can be intense. You've got to be prepared to deal with physical fitness testing, personality and aptitude testing, background checks, and lots of paperwork.
Policing can be a satifying and rewarding career. A little research now will help you prepare yourself and get you closer to fulfilling your goal.


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Monday, November 1, 2010

Quirky Ways to Get Your Resume Read

By Bruno Deshayes

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy  

Unless you want a quirky job you probably don't want to go quirky about your job application. Do you want to be paid with real money or monopoly currency?
The first pitfall to avoid is putting a photograph of yourself. Leave that to your facebook page if they want to check it out. Unless you are applying for a role as an actor or performing arts where a whole press-book is required a photo of yourself can be detrimental. People will hire you for your skills and your brains - not for your good looks. Remember more and more women sit on recruitment panels and your sex appeal might not cut it with them...
Next pitfall are unsubstantiated claims. Trust, honesty and loyalty are in short supply in our confused world. What you say about yourself need to be corroborated by circumstantial evidence. Don't say you are the fastest, the tallest, the quickest, etc... simply state the challenge you faced, the action you took and the result it produced. That's all an employer is interested in and they just want to know if you can do it again for them - simple, huh?
Next pitfall - going wild with fonts and colours. Your application might be passed around to various people on the recruitment committee, emailed to an iPhone, a Blackberry or an android smartphone. How mangled you will look through a not-so-perfect email program on those devices? If you want your layout and composition to remain unaffected then stick to the PDF format. Recruitment agencies hate it because their databases can't scan it for keywords.
Next pitfall - confusing your resume for an essay or a monologue. Unless you apply for a role as a writer and are asked to submit samples of your prose, you should not bore your audience with your introverted view of the world since you became unemployed. Employers are not interested in your moods, your political or religious views - all they want to know is if you can be productive from day one without any need for training or induction.
Next pitfall - ignoring your industry lingo. The best way to be rejected is to show a lack of grasp for your industry values. New lobby groups are forcing employers to comply with more and more regulations and standards. What is best practice in your field? Do you use due diligence? What about occupational health and safety? What about anti-discrimination laws?

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