Job Etiquette: All About That Bonus (Not The Base)

I’ll admit one of my favorite songs this year is “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor. I love the music and the sentiment; thus, I had to find a way to incorporate it into my blog.  Although Meghan is bringing “booty back”, I am bringing “manners” back, as Job Etiquette meets popular music to make a point. Meghan (and my mother) told me that being polite was the way to go!

In the past, I’ve discussed topics related to employment, jobs, interviews and company culture.  I would like to focus on people in the process of changing employment and accepting new positions. There are many important decisions to consider:

• What will it mean to leave a small company and join a large company? (and vice versa)
• Will my benefits change?
• Will my time off be the same as I have earned at my current job?
• Will I be eligible for a bonus like at my current job?
• Will I be part of a team culture?
• Will the attire be formal or casual?
• Will my title be similar or will it change to a promotion?

There are others of course, but in any case, the one important question is do I really want this new opportunity? If the answer is yes, not matter what changes, you have to be willing to make concessions. Not all companies or industries are alike. You may have earned a certain vacation allotment, target bonus and/or benefits that are not the same at the new company. The two that I find most commonly discussed are time off and bonus. Both are great incentives, no doubt, but discussing them with a potential “new employer” should be approached carefully and in a polite manner. Of course, people are hoping to negotiate a great deal. However, some companies do not like to negotiate. Others will, but have limits, so try not to push them. As Mom might say, “mind your manners”.

In most companies that offer time off, vacation time is accrued. That means even though you have three weeks of vacation, you earn them and cannot try to take them in your second month of employment. If you earn them, they’re typically based on years of service. Depending on your years of service in your current job, this might change as you will be a “new” employee. Time worked at your previous position does not “carry over” with you. The same is true with a company bonus. You may find the new company has a bonus system, but that the structure is different. The other important fact to consider is that if you lose a bonus by changing jobs, the new company is NOT required to pay you for your former work. If it does, you are very lucky! If you firmly focus on that or anything else that might be changing, it might give the employer cause to wonder if you really want the job or to be a member of the company.

There’s nothing wrong with being firm, but be professional and polite. Making demands prior to employment may not bode well with your new boss. They will understand what you are doing, but don’t get ahead of yourself — this may reflect poorly on your employer’s perception of your behavior. If it’s all about the bonus (past) and not the job (future), you might consider bringing manners back and deciding what a change will mean for you. Feel good about yourself like Meghan suggests in her hit song, but remember what your “Mama told you”!

Good luck!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Yes Virginia, There Is A Job!

 Writing a resume and checking it twice!

The (New York) Sun published an editorial on September 21, 1897 to answer an eight year old’s question about the existence of Santa Claus.  To some, that is still a mystery!

In 2014, there are many questions made by teens, college grads and others questioning the existence of employment or re-employment for themselves. My comments will not be as philosophical as the answers Virginia read, but they are based on what I have told my readers for over a year based on real time work experience.

Yes Virginia, as certain as there is an economy, stock exchanges, a GNP, the Department of Labor and a free enterprise system, there is a job for you. It may not be wrapped with holiday cheer, but it does exist and is yours for the finding. Networking and connecting are still top resources to find a job, internship, volunteer position, part time position, etc. Be creative and show off your talent, skills, and ingenuity using social media. “Work the room” at holiday parties or informal gatherings. The results might be surprising. Volunteer and help others less fortunate than you. It will make you feel good and you will connect with others in a giving way.

At this holiday time, try not to wish, hope or pray for a job; rather, pray for confidence in yourself and skills.

Pray for the courage to accept decisions from employers (positive or negative)

Pray for strength to read postings, send resumes and wait for responses

Pray for guidance to make the right choices for yourself

Pray for support, kindness and love or friendship from your support system.

Hope your self-promoting efforts attract attention through social media.

Find your job.

P.S. Virginia, when you leave Santa his milk and cookies, make sure to leave a nice clean resume! (He has a lot of connections!)

Talk soon!

Job Etiquette: Home Sweet Home

Over the past year, there is one question that has been dominant in almost every interview whether in person or by telephone: “Can I work from home?” Or, perhaps they will say, “I am used to telecommuting and have a home office.” Some suggest, “I can come in a few days a week and work at home for the rest of the week.” These questions often happen on first interviews or first phone screens.

The second most popular question is about company culture. What is it like to work at the company? What types of people succeed in your company? Is it casual, fast paced, what’s a typical work day?

These questions made me think more about what it means to work at home and more about company culture. If you work at home the space could be varied just like different companies or organizations:

– Close to lunch spots: My kitchen
– Casual: My family room
– Easy commute: Car in my driveway/garage/parking spot
– Dress code casual: My pajamas
– Formal Dress code: Jeans and t-shirt
– Fast paced: I have a large family
– Slow paced: I live alone
– Pet friendly: My dog is happy to have me around
– Micro-manager supervisor: I talk to myself

What about employees who regularly work overtime or stay late more often, then not to catch up? Some people might say they “live” at work. Does that mean they are working from HOME?

The point is, both ways can work depending on your job, your job description, the company and the situation. Flexibility is great and there are many options to help you be productive. Many companies have the ability to be more accommodating and others would like their employees to be on site to maintain a corporate culture. Some allow employees to do a combination of both. Whether your home is work or your work is home, what is important is to make sure you can separate both spaces. Maintain a good balance of both because honestly, do you really want to live in the work space or change your home into a company?

P.S. On an interview, don’t make it your first question.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Ode To Mom

In this blog, I have written about tips for job hunting, interviews and many areas related to employment. I have written about the meaning of Labor Day but to be honest, the person who truly knows the meaning of labor (other than laws) is MOM! In my case, my Mom was interrupted at 5:40 am to work very hard to give birth to me!! No FMLA legislation yet or short term disability coverage (not in vogue for maternity purposes.) She wasn’t paid overtime hours that day but she worked very hard with no breaks to achieve her goal, Baby Job Etiquette!

My Mom wanted to be a physician. She had that vision in a time when mostly men were in medical school. She was one of four children in a family where her parents had one salary and times were tough. She instead went to a prestigious nursing school on scholarship and became an R.N. Her road was not easy because in her second year, she was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever. She was absent from school for one year with no FMLA for protection or disability insurance. She was hospitalized in her teaching hospital so she had the very best of care from her teachers and classmates. She courageously went back to school after her lengthy recovery and became Chief Pediatric Nurse at a Boston hospital.

She took a leave of absence while raising our family and returned to the work force after twenty years out of work. She also made sure to retain her certification and took courses to become updated on what she had missed over the years. She was welcomed back and worked another 25 years in the profession she loved. She was a caring and compassionate woman, beautiful inside and out. She wore her nursing whites and cap and refused to dress an scrubs and clogs. When she walked into a patients room, they felt better just looking at her!!
There are many people as we know looking for employment at this time. For those of you returning to the work force have faith and courage. Take the initiative, my Mom did and created a place in the work force all over again. And for those of you, including me, who may work very hard at their jobs, the labor that all Moms go through is the toughest job of all.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of my readers who are Moms.

It’s been a while but, we’ll talk soon.

Job Etiquette: In Memoriam 2013

Usually at the end of the year, whether it be in print or on the various award shows, there is a spot to remember  people who died and their contributions.  It is usually a time to be respectful, sympathetic and to remember people and their talents. It is also a time to look forward to the new year and what it may hold in store for us. Job Etiquette has decided to create In Memoriam for job seekers.

• For lost employment
• For lost work friends
• For lost company events
• For lost vacation time
• For lost “employed” status
• For lost benefits: medical, dental, vision, etc.
• For lost paychecks and unemployment checks
• For lost time and a half for overtime work
• For lost self esteem and confidence
• For frustration and self doubt

Looking forward to 2014, there is always the hope for change. I try with my blog to provide helpful hints and information to you with the hope that you will see what is real vs. ideal and to always see humor in your job search. I am grateful for my followers and hope to continue my assistance to you in the New Year.  Let’s hope your losses are small and your gains this year will overcome much of what is on this In Memoriam list.

Happy New Year to all with wishes for a safe, healthy and rewarding 2014!

Job Etiquette: Breaking Bold

I miss Walter White. I know, I’m not alone! I went as far as calling my hotel (for a scheduled business trip) on the night of “Felina” (the finale of Breaking Bad) to see if they had the cable station so I could view it. I needed to watch it. Phew, they let me watch in the lobby! True story.

I decided to incorporate Walt into my blog and thought about what I could say:

• Would you want him for your boss?
• Would you want him for your colleague?
• Would you want him to run your company?
• Would you want him in Human Resources? (Yikes!)

There was a point in the story line where Walt reveals something about his job change, lifestyle change and job fulfillment which I could understand and hopefully you can too. Note: I am not suggesting that his choices in his job change to any of my readers. However, he revealed some insights about his choices.

• He was good at what he did.
• He felt “alive”.
• He liked his work.
• His made changes for himself.

In my last blog about knowing your “work self”, I wanted you to understand what it is that you require to be successful and comfortable in the work environment. Hopefully when you are in the right position, you have the potential to succeed and learn about career development. Many of you face changing jobs, working with out-placement, finding a job, internship, part time job, temporary assignment or volunteer position. You may be lucky and find it in the area you have studied for or dreamed about but maybe not.  In the new position, try to do your best and “be good at it”. Maybe you will like it or maybe it will lead you to something else you relate it to. If you start to “like” the job, even better. If you gain some self respect and some salary it will help you to feel “alive” in a useful and constructive way. The enthusiasm and work history you develop will transfer to your next role and it might make you feel a lot better about yourself. Pride in your work is revealed in many ways.

Your resume can show your work history; however your enthusiasm, work ethic and passion for what you do or where you volunteer appear in your persona, speech, and your smile. Employers enjoy speaking with you and want you to join their team.

I still will miss Walt and I still won’t advise you to choose his vocation, although for him it was successful, but in some ways different what you expected. If you ask me, that is Breaking Bold!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Eat, Pray, Find A Job

Over the past week, I have been observing a religious holiday and attending my house of worship. You are probably wondering how I could make a connection about jobs at this time; I would be too! Several people stopped by to exchange greetings and several with stories about relatives or friends who are looking for a job. It’s a four letter word (JOBS) that makes it’s way in many conversations and settings.  Jokingly or not they said they would “pray” for jobs for their loved ones or friends. That’s what got me to thinking about this.

 In my opinion you should not “pray” for a job.

Pray for confidence in your self and your skills.

Pray for courage to accept decisions from employers (positive or negative).

Pray for strength to read postings, send resumes and wait for responses.

Pray for guidance to make the right choices for yourself.

Pray for support, kindness and love or friendship from your support system.

Find your Job.

You are in charge of finding your job. We have talked about different ways to connect and network. Use all of your resources to find that job, temporary assignment, internship or volunteer work that will enable you to be grateful for having your prayers answered.

Good luck.

Send me your questions or comments below.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Blurry Lines

I admit it. My favorite song this summer is Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”. I didn’t expect it would inspire me for this post. I am also not alone in liking this song! It has topped the charts for many weeks this summer. Whether you’re a fan or not please consider my  employment tips.

Indulge me,

WHAT rhymes with FIRE ME?

You’re right. It’s HIRE ME!

Rehearse your lines.

Make sure your “lines” are clear.  Consider your words very carefully while interviewing or listening to an offer of employment. Show yourself as being flexible but also be firm with what you want or aspire to (for the job and compensation). Some companies have a set “script” for discussing offers. Others can negotiate with more flexibility.  If your lines are blurry or too rigid, you may find that you lose the job or the opportunity.

• Do not overstate your case.
• Do not be bold in requesting a certain title or salary (I must make $$$ or I must have the Manager title).
• Don’t use “Must”
• Be clear about your expectations.
• Make sure your expectations are reasonable (not just what your friends tell you).
• Always maintain your flexibility.

Sometimes (if you are able) you might have to consider a salary or title that is not exactly what you had in mind.  Companies use different titles that may signify the same level of achievement but sound different.  Some companies have strict salary bands with no room for negotiation.  You also have to remember if you take a job and do well, most companies promote from within and titles and salaries do change. Also, most companies have performance reviews and many have merit increases. These are all things to consider when you are in the great position of negotiating an offer or participating in a final interview before the big decision. Remember clear over blurry always improves the chances of the next step in the hiring process.

Blurred Lines did very well in the music industry this summer and you can do well in your own industry too!!

Talk soon.

Copyright  2013

Job Etiquette: Will Powerball End My Job Search?

How many of you thought about this in the past few nights? A few people will actually have this as a reality. If you were not one of the lucky winners, guess what? The search continues. Did you dream about what you wanted to do like paying off debt, travelling, or buying a home?  These goals are shared by the rest of us who did not win the jackpot.  Dreaming is nice but don’t let it halt your search.

Sometime people dream about what that perfect job would look like. Does this sound familiar?

• My supervisor is the best.
• My supervisor is flexible, kind, understanding and a clear communicator.
• My job is a fast commute from my home. I could walk to work!
• I can work from home 4 out of 5 days per week (even though I practically live next door.)
• I have unlimited time off.
• My benefits are all paid for by the company.
• I get along with all of my co-workers.
• My job encompasses everything I want to do in my area of expertise.
• My salary is off the charts (even though it’s the job that is most important to me.)
• I never want to go home, it’s so great.

In order to have it all you will have to win the Powerball lottery! However, you can come close as long as you are realistic in your expectations. Think about what is important to you in terms of compensation, benefits, location and fit. Be prepared to talk about the people you work best with and what type of supervisor or employee you are (from past experience). Be prepared to talk about your interest in the job, field and why the company appeals to you. You might be surprised at how any job can become a dream job if you add the reality factor to your search. That also means be realistic about what you do and what the job specifics are.  If they are not exact or a change, explain why you are applying in  a cover letter and if you get the interview be explicit. Many skills are transferable while others make no sense at all.  Be real about yourself, your expectations, talents and limitations.

Don’t forget to bet on that next huge lottery, after all it’s nice to dream!!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: The Perfect Resume

Indulge me with this brief post. It’s a beautiful day and I have been reading many resumes (200+). Just for a moment (after #230) I decided to think about what the perfect resume would look like today.

     NAME

                                                               Address: I live close to the company site.

                                                                              E- Mail: I work hard.com

Education: I have one.

Experience: The number of years direct and relavant experience that your posting requires.

Industry: The exact same industry as yours.

Skills:  Experience with all the skills at the appropriate levels for your posting.

Availability: Professional two week notice

References: Industry leaders including my prior supervisor (all good).

Can you tell it’s been a long day?

Talk soon.