Today, if you are in a profession, it is extremely important to look into joining a professional organization. Professional organizations can help you and your career in a myriad of different ways. If you are looking to excel at your career, here are some tips on professional organizations.
Professional organization can help you out in a number of ways. They can help keep you informed on major changes within your profession, provide training and seminars for you, help you find a job, provide career counseling and offer many job networking events to talk to fellow professionals in your field. Professional organizations do a great deal for a person looking to excel.
Most professional organizers request a small fee to join; the good news is that many corporations usually pay for this expense. While some professional organizations are larger and more notable than others, each professional organization is usually very helpful and a great value.
You can find much more information about a specific professional organization by going online, or going to meetings. Many professional organizations make it a point to visit college and university campuses. It is important to educate people that are choosing their profession and help them with their first steps into the field. If you are looking to excel at your career, look into professional organizations.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Get A Job - Preparing Yourself For A Career
Many people that are entering college or universities have a specific career goal in mind. Unfortunately there are many people that do not. If you would like to jump start your career, you first have to prepare. Here are some tips on preparing for a career.
While many people that choose their subject of study think they are choosing a career, individuals usually find out once they are in the actual job whether it is a career that they are looking for. Just studying a subject doesn’t mean that you will enjoy the career. It is important to research what an actual job in a specific career is like.
One of the best ways to prepare for a career is to do an internship at a company. Many corporations as well as small companies offer internships to students in a specific field of study. This is an excellent way to see first hand what is entailed in a job.
Another great way to prepare for your career is through an industries professional agency. You can find many professional agencies that will be glad to help you decide if a career in their field is right for you. Through professional agencies, you are able to talk to many people practicing as well as network with many individuals to create relationships that might help in the future.
Lastly, preparing for a career can also include mentoring programs. A mentor is a person, whose goal is to help you navigate a specific career. They can offer you advice on setting career goals, finding a good company to work at or offering advice on avoiding pitfalls or other types of issues. If you would like to succeed, follow the above tips for preparing for a career.
While many people that choose their subject of study think they are choosing a career, individuals usually find out once they are in the actual job whether it is a career that they are looking for. Just studying a subject doesn’t mean that you will enjoy the career. It is important to research what an actual job in a specific career is like.
One of the best ways to prepare for a career is to do an internship at a company. Many corporations as well as small companies offer internships to students in a specific field of study. This is an excellent way to see first hand what is entailed in a job.
Another great way to prepare for your career is through an industries professional agency. You can find many professional agencies that will be glad to help you decide if a career in their field is right for you. Through professional agencies, you are able to talk to many people practicing as well as network with many individuals to create relationships that might help in the future.
Lastly, preparing for a career can also include mentoring programs. A mentor is a person, whose goal is to help you navigate a specific career. They can offer you advice on setting career goals, finding a good company to work at or offering advice on avoiding pitfalls or other types of issues. If you would like to succeed, follow the above tips for preparing for a career.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Get A Job - Make a Great First Impression
It is extremely easy to make a great first impression to land a job. Most people think that they have to be superman or act extremely smart, in actuality; employers are usually looking for people that fit in well with their culture and are capable of handling the competencies of a specific job. Here are some tips on making a great first impression.
Before you send out your resume, prepare yourself for job hunting. Create your resume, cover letter and prepare for likely questions that may be asked when contacted. Preparing yourself is the best way to make a great first impression. Once you are prepared, a person can contact you anytime and you will have your responses ready for them which are clear and well thought out.
Once called to a job interview, you can easily make a great first impression by being on time and dressing appropriately for the job. You don’t have to be a fashion model or wear a navy blue business suit, however dress realistically for the job. This would include suit and tie for men and a nice outfit for women. Don’t wear flip flops, have your phone on or have headphones in your pocket. Show the interviewer that you respect the interview process and the chance to interview for the job.
When at the interview be prepared by asking smart questions about the position, so the interviewer knows that you are interested in the company and not just the salary. It is also important to be polite and have a positive manner about yourself. Don’t frown or act upset. Nobody likes to work with a grouch. If you are looking to make a great first impression, follow the above tips.
Before you send out your resume, prepare yourself for job hunting. Create your resume, cover letter and prepare for likely questions that may be asked when contacted. Preparing yourself is the best way to make a great first impression. Once you are prepared, a person can contact you anytime and you will have your responses ready for them which are clear and well thought out.
Once called to a job interview, you can easily make a great first impression by being on time and dressing appropriately for the job. You don’t have to be a fashion model or wear a navy blue business suit, however dress realistically for the job. This would include suit and tie for men and a nice outfit for women. Don’t wear flip flops, have your phone on or have headphones in your pocket. Show the interviewer that you respect the interview process and the chance to interview for the job.
When at the interview be prepared by asking smart questions about the position, so the interviewer knows that you are interested in the company and not just the salary. It is also important to be polite and have a positive manner about yourself. Don’t frown or act upset. Nobody likes to work with a grouch. If you are looking to make a great first impression, follow the above tips.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Get A Job - Job Placement Services
If you are just out of school or reentering the work force, one of the most valuable resources is job placement services. Job placement services can usually be either head hunters, temporary worker agencies or university career services. Many employers go first to job placement services to find great talent. Here are some tips on using job placement services to your advantage.
Usually it is free to sign up for many job placement services, in fact if you are just out of school and have done very well in your studies, many job placement services will seek your talent. If a job placement service does charge a fee, make sure you are getting your money’s worth. It is not common in the industry to charge job seekers a fee.
Besides local job placement services, check online for a wealth of other job placement services available in your region or area of expertise. Many job placement services deal with a specialized pool of labor. If you are an accountant, IT professional or in sales, you may wanted to contact specialized job placement services.
Once you are signed up it is very possible that you can be going on a few interviews each month. The difference between job placement services and sending your own resume out, is that job placement services have recruiters that actively sell you to many employers. It is literally having your own sales force trying to get you a job opportunity. If you are looking for a job, definitely consider job placement services.
Usually it is free to sign up for many job placement services, in fact if you are just out of school and have done very well in your studies, many job placement services will seek your talent. If a job placement service does charge a fee, make sure you are getting your money’s worth. It is not common in the industry to charge job seekers a fee.
Besides local job placement services, check online for a wealth of other job placement services available in your region or area of expertise. Many job placement services deal with a specialized pool of labor. If you are an accountant, IT professional or in sales, you may wanted to contact specialized job placement services.
Once you are signed up it is very possible that you can be going on a few interviews each month. The difference between job placement services and sending your own resume out, is that job placement services have recruiters that actively sell you to many employers. It is literally having your own sales force trying to get you a job opportunity. If you are looking for a job, definitely consider job placement services.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Get A Job - The Importance Of Job Networking
One of the most important activities you can do to further your career is job networking. Job networking to some may mean socializing with people in your industry or profession, however job networking is a great way to gain exposure and find people that either you can help, or that can help you. If you are interested in finding great career opportunities, here are some job networking tips.
One of the easiest ways to participate in job networking is to get involved in your industries professional group. You can easily go to meetings, find out about different events and conferences and meet people via conventions. Job networking is a great way to learn about new opportunities and be on the cutting edge of your industry. A lot of information is exchanged at job networking functions, so you stand to gain a lot. Most industries or professions have quarterly meetings or yearly conventions so make sure you plan ahead.
Besides professional groups, it is always a good idea to keep in touch with old co-workers, students and professors. They can be extremely helpful in helping you land opportunities or you might be able to offer them a position if your company is hiring. Job networking is extremely important these days because competition is extremely fierce. Having a personal or professional connection with a person can help open the door. If you are looking to excel at your career, consider job networking.
One of the easiest ways to participate in job networking is to get involved in your industries professional group. You can easily go to meetings, find out about different events and conferences and meet people via conventions. Job networking is a great way to learn about new opportunities and be on the cutting edge of your industry. A lot of information is exchanged at job networking functions, so you stand to gain a lot. Most industries or professions have quarterly meetings or yearly conventions so make sure you plan ahead.
Besides professional groups, it is always a good idea to keep in touch with old co-workers, students and professors. They can be extremely helpful in helping you land opportunities or you might be able to offer them a position if your company is hiring. Job networking is extremely important these days because competition is extremely fierce. Having a personal or professional connection with a person can help open the door. If you are looking to excel at your career, consider job networking.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Get A Job - Job Interview Tips
Job interviews are a necessary step for landing a great job. If you would like to land a good job, it is important to brush up on your job interview skills. While job interviews can be nerve racking and uncomfortable, here are some great job interview tips that will keep you calm and help you ace your job interview.
The most important job interview tip is to be prepared. Before going to a job interview, learn a little bit about the company, have a set list of questions to ask and try to think about questions that may be asked of you. The better prepared you are, the less likely you will be nervous, and you might find that the interviewer is impressed with your confidence and knowledge.
Always dress to impress. It is very important how you portray yourself. Do not come to an interview in jeans, flip flops or Capri’s. If in doubt, don’t wear it. It is always better to dress more conservatively for an interview.
Most interviewers ask similar questions, so look at resources such as job interview books for common questions that interviewers like to ask. You might have already noticed questions such as what is your biggest strength/weakness. What are you goals for the next 2 years? etc.” So if you are entering the job market or would like to have success, take a look at the above job interview tips.
The most important job interview tip is to be prepared. Before going to a job interview, learn a little bit about the company, have a set list of questions to ask and try to think about questions that may be asked of you. The better prepared you are, the less likely you will be nervous, and you might find that the interviewer is impressed with your confidence and knowledge.
Always dress to impress. It is very important how you portray yourself. Do not come to an interview in jeans, flip flops or Capri’s. If in doubt, don’t wear it. It is always better to dress more conservatively for an interview.
Most interviewers ask similar questions, so look at resources such as job interview books for common questions that interviewers like to ask. You might have already noticed questions such as what is your biggest strength/weakness. What are you goals for the next 2 years? etc.” So if you are entering the job market or would like to have success, take a look at the above job interview tips.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Get A Job - Job Interview Do’s & Don’ts
If you are in the midst of job hunting, one of the most important things you can do to land a great opportunity is to ace your job interview. Most people do not like the job interview process because they are being evaluated and judged. For many people a job is extremely important and the stress of doing well on a job interview can be extremely overwhelming. Here are some job interview do’s & don’ts.
One of the most important things you can do is to prepare for a job interview. Read company literature; familiarize yourself with their products, marketing and recent successes. Don’t go to a job interview without knowing about the company. Many job interviewers can tell if you have come prepared or not. They will rate you on how much interest you have in the company and if working for their company is important to you or not.
Dress is very important; make sure you come to a job interview dressed appropriately. Many job interviewers are amazed at how some people come to a job interview. Don’t wear flip flops, Capri’s or t shirts. The way you dress shows your attitude. When in doubt, change your dress.
If you are looking to land that fantastic job opportunity, take a look above at job interview do’s and don’ts.
One of the most important things you can do is to prepare for a job interview. Read company literature; familiarize yourself with their products, marketing and recent successes. Don’t go to a job interview without knowing about the company. Many job interviewers can tell if you have come prepared or not. They will rate you on how much interest you have in the company and if working for their company is important to you or not.
Dress is very important; make sure you come to a job interview dressed appropriately. Many job interviewers are amazed at how some people come to a job interview. Don’t wear flip flops, Capri’s or t shirts. The way you dress shows your attitude. When in doubt, change your dress.
If you are looking to land that fantastic job opportunity, take a look above at job interview do’s and don’ts.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Get A Job - Internships
If you are a college student and looking forward to an interesting career, one of the best ways to start working on landing your dream job is finding an internship. Internships are usually summertime or part time jobs, where you as a college student can work with a major corporation. Here are some tips on landing the perfect internship.
Many corporations offer internships during the summer time. In fact, if you would like to be fast tracked to a position in a corporation, one of the best ways to increase your chances is to become an intern. Internships are offered to specific students that have the necessary course load and are interested in working in a specific field or area. Unfortunately most internships do not pay a salary, however you usually do get credit through the college or university. Some corporations do pay a limited wage, expect minimum wage, but offer you an exceptional way to learn about your chosen career.
There are many ways you can go about finding an internship. Most of the time your professor or school can help out by listing possible offers for students to intern at specific businesses. You can also go online to many web sites that offer internships. These placement services usually can place you throughout the industry that you would like to get involved in. If you know which company you would like to intern for, you can visit their web site and contact them directly. If you would like to get into a specific career after college or university, look into internships.
Many corporations offer internships during the summer time. In fact, if you would like to be fast tracked to a position in a corporation, one of the best ways to increase your chances is to become an intern. Internships are offered to specific students that have the necessary course load and are interested in working in a specific field or area. Unfortunately most internships do not pay a salary, however you usually do get credit through the college or university. Some corporations do pay a limited wage, expect minimum wage, but offer you an exceptional way to learn about your chosen career.
There are many ways you can go about finding an internship. Most of the time your professor or school can help out by listing possible offers for students to intern at specific businesses. You can also go online to many web sites that offer internships. These placement services usually can place you throughout the industry that you would like to get involved in. If you know which company you would like to intern for, you can visit their web site and contact them directly. If you would like to get into a specific career after college or university, look into internships.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Get A Job: Looking For The Perfect Career Opportunity
While many people just look for a job, there are certain people that search for the perfect career opportunity. For many job hunters a career is much more than a job, it means that the person is involved and dedicated to their work and actually enjoys the challenges and rewards that the work has to offer. If you want more than just a plain old job, here are some tips on finding the perfect career opportunity
One of the best ways to find the perfect career opportunity is to figure out what you really would like to do. Many times we choose a job based on proximity, salary or schedule. Finding the perfect career opportunity takes more work, don’t just settle for the first job you are offered, work hard to find the position that you always dreamed of.
Another great tip is to network with people in the area that you would like to work with, knowing when opportunities arise is half the battle. If you are actively searching for a career and not just complacent in your job, you can usually land a great career opportunity in 6 month to a year period of time.
You might also want to try career placement services. Many placement services deal in specific areas of expertise. Lots of jobs are not advertised publicly, finding a head hunter that can land you the perfect career opportunity is priceless. If you are looking to find the perfect career opportunity, take a look at the above tips.
One of the best ways to find the perfect career opportunity is to figure out what you really would like to do. Many times we choose a job based on proximity, salary or schedule. Finding the perfect career opportunity takes more work, don’t just settle for the first job you are offered, work hard to find the position that you always dreamed of.
Another great tip is to network with people in the area that you would like to work with, knowing when opportunities arise is half the battle. If you are actively searching for a career and not just complacent in your job, you can usually land a great career opportunity in 6 month to a year period of time.
You might also want to try career placement services. Many placement services deal in specific areas of expertise. Lots of jobs are not advertised publicly, finding a head hunter that can land you the perfect career opportunity is priceless. If you are looking to find the perfect career opportunity, take a look at the above tips.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Get A Job - Career Research
If you are soon entering the job market, one of the most important things you can do is career research. Believe it or not, many college and university students have no idea what the job market conditions will be once they enter the labor pool. Starting early and learning about your career of choice is an important first step to landing your dream job. If you are serious about a specific career, here are some career research tips.
One of the best ways to do career research is to get an internship. Internships are usually unpaid or low paid jobs that include college credit in a specific industry that fits your subject of study. For instance, if you are into communications, you may want to get an internship job at a radio station or something along the lines that fits your career direction.
Career research is very important and can give you a great advantage over other students that do not put thought into their future until a month before graduation. Other types of career research maybe keeping up with a trade magazine and following industry trends. Knowing about the industry that you will get involved in is an important part of landing a job. Most employers want a person that is interested in their company and job and not just a worker collecting a salary.
Another good idea is to talk to people at professional organizations and start networking early on. Many professionals already in the industry will be more than happy to help you out if you show interest in their line of work. By putting some thought and research into your career, you can land a great opportunity once out of school.
One of the best ways to do career research is to get an internship. Internships are usually unpaid or low paid jobs that include college credit in a specific industry that fits your subject of study. For instance, if you are into communications, you may want to get an internship job at a radio station or something along the lines that fits your career direction.
Career research is very important and can give you a great advantage over other students that do not put thought into their future until a month before graduation. Other types of career research maybe keeping up with a trade magazine and following industry trends. Knowing about the industry that you will get involved in is an important part of landing a job. Most employers want a person that is interested in their company and job and not just a worker collecting a salary.
Another good idea is to talk to people at professional organizations and start networking early on. Many professionals already in the industry will be more than happy to help you out if you show interest in their line of work. By putting some thought and research into your career, you can land a great opportunity once out of school.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Get A Job - Career Mentors
If you have your eye on a specific career, look for people already in the industry that can help you understand and give you important insight to the career as well as provide mentorship for you.
Career mentors are an extremely valuable resource for many people entering the job market today. Not only knowing what skills and resources are important to excel at a career is important, just networking alone can be extremely beneficial. There are many people that have become successful in a career that would love to help out and mentor an individual. You can usually find mentoring groups by contacting community organizations, colleges and professional organizations. There are even web sites online that can help you find mentors which you can causally communicate with via email and phone.
Having someone to talk to from time to time that understand the intricacies of a specific career can make your rise within a company more efficient. Many professionals forgo reinventing the wheel and talk to mentors that are more than happy to give them advice on specific issues and career goals.
Mentorship’s are an invaluable part of anyone’s career objectives. If you are entering a career, make sure you take advantage of the endless possibilities that a career mentor can share with you.
Career mentors are an extremely valuable resource for many people entering the job market today. Not only knowing what skills and resources are important to excel at a career is important, just networking alone can be extremely beneficial. There are many people that have become successful in a career that would love to help out and mentor an individual. You can usually find mentoring groups by contacting community organizations, colleges and professional organizations. There are even web sites online that can help you find mentors which you can causally communicate with via email and phone.
Having someone to talk to from time to time that understand the intricacies of a specific career can make your rise within a company more efficient. Many professionals forgo reinventing the wheel and talk to mentors that are more than happy to give them advice on specific issues and career goals.
Mentorship’s are an invaluable part of anyone’s career objectives. If you are entering a career, make sure you take advantage of the endless possibilities that a career mentor can share with you.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Get A Job - Assessing Salary
For many people, salary is on the top of their list for reasons they work for a specific company. While most people like the job they do, compensation is extremely important. If you are interested in making sure that you are being properly compensated by your company, here are some tips.
It sounds easy to assess your salary, however in real life it can be much more difficult. For many employees that would like to make sure that they are properly compensated, there are many web sites, tools and reports that can legitimately tell them if they are being underpaid. Please note that there are a lot of different variable that are thrown into the mix when determining the proper salary. Here are just a few of them: region, size of company, market share, job title, length of employment, types of benefits provided besides salary, job reviews, meeting job goals, education, etc. As you can see, a simple look in the newspaper to see what the other company is paying is not always an accurate reflection of your salary.
If you are concerned that you are not receiving fair compensation, talk to your Human Resources manager or a compensation expert at your company. They can usually take a look at your salary records to make sure that you are in an acceptable level. If you are looking for an increase in salary, follow the above suggestions for assessing your salary.
It sounds easy to assess your salary, however in real life it can be much more difficult. For many employees that would like to make sure that they are properly compensated, there are many web sites, tools and reports that can legitimately tell them if they are being underpaid. Please note that there are a lot of different variable that are thrown into the mix when determining the proper salary. Here are just a few of them: region, size of company, market share, job title, length of employment, types of benefits provided besides salary, job reviews, meeting job goals, education, etc. As you can see, a simple look in the newspaper to see what the other company is paying is not always an accurate reflection of your salary.
If you are concerned that you are not receiving fair compensation, talk to your Human Resources manager or a compensation expert at your company. They can usually take a look at your salary records to make sure that you are in an acceptable level. If you are looking for an increase in salary, follow the above suggestions for assessing your salary.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Get A Job - Four Simple Steps To An Effective Resume
An effective up-to-date resume plays a vital role in your job search. The following easy to follow tips will help you make your resume more effective.
Step I - The Basics
• Take time to do a self-assessment on paper.
• Sketch out on paper everything from your work experience to extra-curricular activities.
• Prepare a web page that should reflect your professional ambitions.
Step II – Preparation of Content
• Contact Information
o Contact information at the top of the resume
o Do not use any nicknames.
o Choose an email address that sounds professional.
o Include your web page address.
• Career Objective
o Be specific about what job are you looking for. For example, mention the aim clearly as ‘to obtain a managerial position within a financial institution that requires strong analytical and organizational skills’.
o When you apply to different companies, tailor this objective to match the job you seek.
• Summary
o Give the big picture of what you do in brief. For example, ‘A post graduate in English and a freelance content writer with two years of experience’.
• Key Competencies
o Design the list of your key skills and abilities in a way that it should target the job you are applying for.
• Education and Training
o Show you have the educational qualification to do the job.
o Include your most recent educational qualification and subjects you have studied that are relevant to the position.
• Work Experience
o Give the employer a brief overview of work that has taught you skills.
o Use action words, such as achieved, acquired, assembled, collaborated, conducted, developed, implemented, motivated, organized, trained etc to describe your job duties.
o Include your work experience in reverse chronological order. Put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job.
o Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.
o Specific skills should include communication skills, Teamwork skills, Analytical skills, Computer skills, organizational skills etc.
• Activities and Interests
o Design this section in such a way that the employer could build a picture of you.
• References
o Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume, "References furnished on request."
Step III - Revision and Review
• Run a spell check
• Do a grammar review.
• Proofread
Step IV – Formatting and Design
• A4-size, white or off-white paper
• Font size – 12
• Font face - Arial
• No italic or underline words
• No graphics, no shading, no horizontal or vertical lines
• Give your resume a simple and professional look
Most people do not pay the requisite attention to writing out a well formatted, clear resume; consequently missing many job offers. Remember, you are just four steps away from an effective, up-to-date resume.
Step I - The Basics
• Take time to do a self-assessment on paper.
• Sketch out on paper everything from your work experience to extra-curricular activities.
• Prepare a web page that should reflect your professional ambitions.
Step II – Preparation of Content
• Contact Information
o Contact information at the top of the resume
o Do not use any nicknames.
o Choose an email address that sounds professional.
o Include your web page address.
• Career Objective
o Be specific about what job are you looking for. For example, mention the aim clearly as ‘to obtain a managerial position within a financial institution that requires strong analytical and organizational skills’.
o When you apply to different companies, tailor this objective to match the job you seek.
• Summary
o Give the big picture of what you do in brief. For example, ‘A post graduate in English and a freelance content writer with two years of experience’.
• Key Competencies
o Design the list of your key skills and abilities in a way that it should target the job you are applying for.
• Education and Training
o Show you have the educational qualification to do the job.
o Include your most recent educational qualification and subjects you have studied that are relevant to the position.
• Work Experience
o Give the employer a brief overview of work that has taught you skills.
o Use action words, such as achieved, acquired, assembled, collaborated, conducted, developed, implemented, motivated, organized, trained etc to describe your job duties.
o Include your work experience in reverse chronological order. Put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job.
o Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.
o Specific skills should include communication skills, Teamwork skills, Analytical skills, Computer skills, organizational skills etc.
• Activities and Interests
o Design this section in such a way that the employer could build a picture of you.
• References
o Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume, "References furnished on request."
Step III - Revision and Review
• Run a spell check
• Do a grammar review.
• Proofread
Step IV – Formatting and Design
• A4-size, white or off-white paper
• Font size – 12
• Font face - Arial
• No italic or underline words
• No graphics, no shading, no horizontal or vertical lines
• Give your resume a simple and professional look
Most people do not pay the requisite attention to writing out a well formatted, clear resume; consequently missing many job offers. Remember, you are just four steps away from an effective, up-to-date resume.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Get A Job - Negotiating The Salary
There are always jobs out there for you somewhere. Therefore, eventually, you will go through this stage when you have to use your negotiation skills to get a better salary package. It is where the following tips will prove a great help to you.
You Cannot Compel Your Boss
If you force your boss to increase your compensation using subtle threats and coercive tactics, it can be potentially damaging to your working relationship with him or her. Give logical reasons and try to convince him that you deserve a better salary because of your experience and qualifications.
Make a Realistic Approach
You must aim high, but at the same time, you must make a realistic approach. You should suggest ideas to which your boss can realistically say yes.
Avoid Coercive Behavior
Never try to use ultimatums, threats, or other coercive behavior, as it will certainly damage your professional relationship with your boss, or you may lose the job you got, much before joining. Therefore, be careful and use tact and diplomacy. Whatever you want to say, present it in the right tone so that your boss should understand your views. At the same time, your tone must also show that you are also trying to listen and understand the views of your boss. This way you can both work together to address this issue.
Address Things That Are Important To Your Boss
Remember, just as you have your own needs and concerns, your boss also has his/her needs and concerns. Therefore, use your skills to anticipate your boss’s interests. Make sure that all your ideas address those things that are important to him. This way you can easily persuade him to say “yes”.
Try To Reach Mutual Understanding
The best way of negotiating salary is to create several options. You should first create possible solutions, and then let your boss decide among them. This way, the resulting joint brainstorming will prove very effective, and whatever is the final decision, it will satisfy both you and your boss’s interests.
Give Strong Reasons
You should firmly ground your proposal on objective criteria; for example, you can say that people of like experience are getting a higher salary in other companies and the offered salary does not match up to the industry standards. Such strong logic may persuade your boss to agree with your proposal.
Be Ready with a Back up Plan
Think through your alternatives, so that if your boss does not agree, you should not face embarrassment. Create a specific back up plan for yourself so that you know what you have to do if your proposal is rejected.
If the boss does not accept your proposal, do not feel bad about it. After all, the best way to improve your negotiation skills is to learn from your experiences. With experience, you will become a skilled negotiator, and get the raise that you want.
You Cannot Compel Your Boss
If you force your boss to increase your compensation using subtle threats and coercive tactics, it can be potentially damaging to your working relationship with him or her. Give logical reasons and try to convince him that you deserve a better salary because of your experience and qualifications.
Make a Realistic Approach
You must aim high, but at the same time, you must make a realistic approach. You should suggest ideas to which your boss can realistically say yes.
Avoid Coercive Behavior
Never try to use ultimatums, threats, or other coercive behavior, as it will certainly damage your professional relationship with your boss, or you may lose the job you got, much before joining. Therefore, be careful and use tact and diplomacy. Whatever you want to say, present it in the right tone so that your boss should understand your views. At the same time, your tone must also show that you are also trying to listen and understand the views of your boss. This way you can both work together to address this issue.
Address Things That Are Important To Your Boss
Remember, just as you have your own needs and concerns, your boss also has his/her needs and concerns. Therefore, use your skills to anticipate your boss’s interests. Make sure that all your ideas address those things that are important to him. This way you can easily persuade him to say “yes”.
Try To Reach Mutual Understanding
The best way of negotiating salary is to create several options. You should first create possible solutions, and then let your boss decide among them. This way, the resulting joint brainstorming will prove very effective, and whatever is the final decision, it will satisfy both you and your boss’s interests.
Give Strong Reasons
You should firmly ground your proposal on objective criteria; for example, you can say that people of like experience are getting a higher salary in other companies and the offered salary does not match up to the industry standards. Such strong logic may persuade your boss to agree with your proposal.
Be Ready with a Back up Plan
Think through your alternatives, so that if your boss does not agree, you should not face embarrassment. Create a specific back up plan for yourself so that you know what you have to do if your proposal is rejected.
If the boss does not accept your proposal, do not feel bad about it. After all, the best way to improve your negotiation skills is to learn from your experiences. With experience, you will become a skilled negotiator, and get the raise that you want.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Get A Job - Understand Different Types of Cover Letters
Remember, not all cover letters are the same. Following are the four different types of cover letters. Follow the tips below in order to make each letter impressive enough to win the interview for you.
1. How to Respond to an Advertisement
• Be specific and focused. Highlight your skills and qualifications and respond to the specific requirements stated in the advertisement.
• Write directly to the contact person stated in the advertisement.
• If you are responding to a recruitment agency, refer to ‘your client’ or ‘your client’s organization’ instead of ‘you’ or ‘your company’.
2. How to Write Cold-call or Canvassing Letters
When there has been no specific job-advertisement put out, but you still want to find out about and express your interest in the jobs that might be available now or in the future, you have to write a canvassing cover letter.
• Clearly, mention in the opening paragraph that you are inquiring if a position is available.
• Describe thoroughly the type of position you are looking for.
• Design the letter content in a way that should interest the reader enough to contact you.
• Research and gather information regarding the structure, history, achievements and goals of the company in order to match your selling points to the needs of the company.
3. How to Write Referral Letters
When you want to apply for an interview in a company or a recruiting firm on the recommendation of someone in your network, such as your friend working in that company, you need to write a referral letter.
• Mention the person who is recommending you as an introduction in the opening paragraph. However, make sure that you have taken the permission to use the name of the person who has referred you.
4. How to Write Online Cover Letters
In the present age of Internet, online letters are the most used method of writing cover letters. In an online cover letter, you write an email to respond to the advertisements published on the Internet, in the newspaper or on a touch-screen.
• Use the ‘subject’ line of the email to write the title of the position you are applying for.
• There is no need to use the full mailing address of the person you are writing to. That does not make any sense. Simply, use the salutation line, such as ‘Dear Mr Thomas’.
• Design your content in a way that is easy to read and to the point.
• Keep your paragraphs short.
• Use bullet style format.
• Avoid bold type or italics.
• Writing all in upper case is a definite NO-NO. Remember, in an email, it is considered a form of yelling!
Hence, identify which type of letter you are writing, and follow the above tips in order to ensure your call for the interview.
1. How to Respond to an Advertisement
• Be specific and focused. Highlight your skills and qualifications and respond to the specific requirements stated in the advertisement.
• Write directly to the contact person stated in the advertisement.
• If you are responding to a recruitment agency, refer to ‘your client’ or ‘your client’s organization’ instead of ‘you’ or ‘your company’.
2. How to Write Cold-call or Canvassing Letters
When there has been no specific job-advertisement put out, but you still want to find out about and express your interest in the jobs that might be available now or in the future, you have to write a canvassing cover letter.
• Clearly, mention in the opening paragraph that you are inquiring if a position is available.
• Describe thoroughly the type of position you are looking for.
• Design the letter content in a way that should interest the reader enough to contact you.
• Research and gather information regarding the structure, history, achievements and goals of the company in order to match your selling points to the needs of the company.
3. How to Write Referral Letters
When you want to apply for an interview in a company or a recruiting firm on the recommendation of someone in your network, such as your friend working in that company, you need to write a referral letter.
• Mention the person who is recommending you as an introduction in the opening paragraph. However, make sure that you have taken the permission to use the name of the person who has referred you.
4. How to Write Online Cover Letters
In the present age of Internet, online letters are the most used method of writing cover letters. In an online cover letter, you write an email to respond to the advertisements published on the Internet, in the newspaper or on a touch-screen.
• Use the ‘subject’ line of the email to write the title of the position you are applying for.
• There is no need to use the full mailing address of the person you are writing to. That does not make any sense. Simply, use the salutation line, such as ‘Dear Mr Thomas’.
• Design your content in a way that is easy to read and to the point.
• Keep your paragraphs short.
• Use bullet style format.
• Avoid bold type or italics.
• Writing all in upper case is a definite NO-NO. Remember, in an email, it is considered a form of yelling!
Hence, identify which type of letter you are writing, and follow the above tips in order to ensure your call for the interview.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Get A Job - Job Interview Etiquettes
The success of your interview depends upon various factors, but most of all it depends upon your body language and your interview etiquettes. The following tips will help you improve on this area and consequently will maximize your chances of success.
Before The Interview
The following are must as far as personal appearances go:
• The interviewer usually notices your overall appearance. Therefore, be careful about what you wear to your interview. Wear what is appropriate for the post and the company.
• If there is no dress code as such, it is better to overdress than be shabbily or inappropriately dressed .
• Do not wear too much cologne or perfume.
• For women, minimal jewelry and make up.
• Make sure your shoes are polished and coordinate with your suit or dress
• Clean and combed hair.
• Clean and trimmed nails
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview starts.
• Put your mobile phone on silent mode, or better still, turn it off.
During The Interview
• Be assertive. Give a firm handshake to interviewers and address each of them by name. This will make a positive first impression on the interviewer.
• Avoid ‘uh’, ‘you know’, and slang. Use your ability to communicate effectively and try to maintain a professional tone while you speak.
• Do not use technical terms or jargons until and unless they are appropriate to the question.
• Speak to the point. Do not talk too much, as you will not receive extra points for that. Be quiet and focus. Listen to the questions carefully and keep your answers to the point.
• Do not slouch in your chair. You should always look attentive and alert.
• Do not squirm or fidget.
• Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, leaning slightly towards the interviewer.
• Look the interviewer in the eyes. If there are many interviewers, look at the one who is talking. Eye contact is an effective nonverbal communication method and it can make a significant difference to how you present yourself. However, be careful, you just have to maintain eye contact, so do not stare like a snake.
• Some interviewers perceive people with moustaches as being aggressive. Therefore, if you have a moustache, you must consider shaving it off. It might sound funny but it is important. After all, you can always grow it back once you have the job!
After The Interview
• Shake hands with each interviewer and thank him/her by name.
• Send a thank you note after the interview as soon as possible.
Following interview etiquettes and maintaining a right body language make you appear a well-balanced and confident individual. Therefore, following the right etiquette guidelines will give you an edge over others.
Before The Interview
The following are must as far as personal appearances go:
• The interviewer usually notices your overall appearance. Therefore, be careful about what you wear to your interview. Wear what is appropriate for the post and the company.
• If there is no dress code as such, it is better to overdress than be shabbily or inappropriately dressed .
• Do not wear too much cologne or perfume.
• For women, minimal jewelry and make up.
• Make sure your shoes are polished and coordinate with your suit or dress
• Clean and combed hair.
• Clean and trimmed nails
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview starts.
• Put your mobile phone on silent mode, or better still, turn it off.
During The Interview
• Be assertive. Give a firm handshake to interviewers and address each of them by name. This will make a positive first impression on the interviewer.
• Avoid ‘uh’, ‘you know’, and slang. Use your ability to communicate effectively and try to maintain a professional tone while you speak.
• Do not use technical terms or jargons until and unless they are appropriate to the question.
• Speak to the point. Do not talk too much, as you will not receive extra points for that. Be quiet and focus. Listen to the questions carefully and keep your answers to the point.
• Do not slouch in your chair. You should always look attentive and alert.
• Do not squirm or fidget.
• Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, leaning slightly towards the interviewer.
• Look the interviewer in the eyes. If there are many interviewers, look at the one who is talking. Eye contact is an effective nonverbal communication method and it can make a significant difference to how you present yourself. However, be careful, you just have to maintain eye contact, so do not stare like a snake.
• Some interviewers perceive people with moustaches as being aggressive. Therefore, if you have a moustache, you must consider shaving it off. It might sound funny but it is important. After all, you can always grow it back once you have the job!
After The Interview
• Shake hands with each interviewer and thank him/her by name.
• Send a thank you note after the interview as soon as possible.
Following interview etiquettes and maintaining a right body language make you appear a well-balanced and confident individual. Therefore, following the right etiquette guidelines will give you an edge over others.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Get A Job - Choosing the Right Career With Honest Self Assessment
When it comes to choosing a right career, the most important thing for you is to know what you actually want. Having an understanding of yourself will help you to make choices and decisions about your career direction and is essential for presenting yourself to employers in a competitive and confident way. On the other hand, if you do not understand yourself, you will end up making choices that do not work for you.
Identify Yourself
In order to identify yourself, ask the following questions to yourself. Be honest in doing that.
• What are the things that you think you are good at - computers, statistics, economics, accounts, writing, music or something else?
o The right answer to this question will help you choose the right occupation for yourself.
• What are the special talents that others see in you?
o Assess yourself by comparing adjectives, such as confident, competent, capable, practical etc. You can ask for help from your teachers and family members in order to get a right answer.
• Which location do you like to work in - home, city, country, country town, or suburbs?
o However, location would more depend upon what occupation you have chosen, and whether the employment in that occupation is available in your chosen area. Still, you must be aware of where would you like to work.
• Do you want a field job or an office job?
• What shift do you prefer to work – day shift, night shift, weekends, or flexible hours?
• What are your academic qualifications? Do you have any plans to improve on it?
• What other job-specific skills do you have – analytical skills, computing, typing etc?
• What does personal freedom mean to you?
• What are the things that you cannot live without – family, integrity, faith, wisdom, peace, friends, love etc?
• What dreams do you have now and for the future?
Making Decisions
• Stay focused. Test each option and choice against your values and your definition for personal freedom. Eliminate the ones that do not fit on it.
• Come up with ten options. Prioritize your options according to what is important and valuable to you.
• Remember, you have to accept the full responsibility for your choice. Therefore, think about an alternative. Think about what you would do in case you do not get your preferred job.
• Once you have come up with the best choice, re-evaluate the same. Think about how you feel now that you have taken your final decision. If you still feel confused and not that happy, you have certainly made a wrong choice. Go back. Evaluate your choices repeatedly until you reach a choice that makes you feel empowered.
Choosing a right career is thus all about evaluating yourself and your preferred choices. No body can tell you which is the right career for you. So assess yourself properly, since the decision lies in your hands.
Identify Yourself
In order to identify yourself, ask the following questions to yourself. Be honest in doing that.
• What are the things that you think you are good at - computers, statistics, economics, accounts, writing, music or something else?
o The right answer to this question will help you choose the right occupation for yourself.
• What are the special talents that others see in you?
o Assess yourself by comparing adjectives, such as confident, competent, capable, practical etc. You can ask for help from your teachers and family members in order to get a right answer.
• Which location do you like to work in - home, city, country, country town, or suburbs?
o However, location would more depend upon what occupation you have chosen, and whether the employment in that occupation is available in your chosen area. Still, you must be aware of where would you like to work.
• Do you want a field job or an office job?
• What shift do you prefer to work – day shift, night shift, weekends, or flexible hours?
• What are your academic qualifications? Do you have any plans to improve on it?
• What other job-specific skills do you have – analytical skills, computing, typing etc?
• What does personal freedom mean to you?
• What are the things that you cannot live without – family, integrity, faith, wisdom, peace, friends, love etc?
• What dreams do you have now and for the future?
Making Decisions
• Stay focused. Test each option and choice against your values and your definition for personal freedom. Eliminate the ones that do not fit on it.
• Come up with ten options. Prioritize your options according to what is important and valuable to you.
• Remember, you have to accept the full responsibility for your choice. Therefore, think about an alternative. Think about what you would do in case you do not get your preferred job.
• Once you have come up with the best choice, re-evaluate the same. Think about how you feel now that you have taken your final decision. If you still feel confused and not that happy, you have certainly made a wrong choice. Go back. Evaluate your choices repeatedly until you reach a choice that makes you feel empowered.
Choosing a right career is thus all about evaluating yourself and your preferred choices. No body can tell you which is the right career for you. So assess yourself properly, since the decision lies in your hands.
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