Job Etiquette: “Jobnado” – Coming To A City Near You?

Jobnado II Coming soon?

Imagine a new disaster film coming to a theater near you!  Perhaps that hurricane swooping up jobs isn’t far away. It may be a surprise you never saw coming… or did you?

Extreme storm warnings in the “Jobnado” area include:

• Mergers
• Acquisitions
• Restructuring
• Closings
• Poor Performance

When companies merge there is always the chance that redundant jobs disappear. That is not always the case but it could be a reason to be on storm alert. Sometimes the job is not swooped away but the location of the position changes to another state or city. The same can be said about an acquisition but this will sometimes depend on whether or not you are an employee of the company acquired, or are you an employee of the acquirer.  Typically the acquirer will retain it’s employees but again that is not always the case. There may be relocation of employees as well.

When a company restructures for financial purposes, depending on the change in the business goals, jobs may be affected. Sometimes entire departments will no longer be needed for the new company focus or directions. This can result in lay-offs. Sometimes because of unmet goals, competition or severe financial losses, companies close.  The only threat you have a chance in redirecting is your own performance in a job. If you have been warned by your supervisor informally or in a formal manner, you have the choice to ask for help and try to turn around.   Heed warnings seriously if you care about the job and staying employed.

How can you prepare for the “Jobnado” disaster?

• Make sure your resume is current
• If you are able, consider a relocation
• Think about how your skills might fit into the newly (merged/acquired) company and let the employer know.
• Take your job seriously.
• Take a course or attend seminars that will keep you current in your job or one that you would like.
• Let your employer know you are contributing to it’s success by what you accomplish (large or small).
• Take advantage of out placement services.
• Keep networking.
• Buy extra water and clean your basement, just because those are good things to do!!

You never know, maybe the next Jobnado will help you turn a disaster into an opportunity!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Job Description – King

I guess I am as caught up in the royal baby news as my UK colleagues and friends. It is exciting and the traditions are so interesting. It got me to thinking about the Prince of Cambridge and the fact that he will never have to prepare a resume, read postings or interview. His job will be waiting for him albeit it may be a while until it becomes full time!  Wonder what that would be like?

Job options:

• After schooling and college, he might have a military career, which is an option for any job seeker as well.
• He will become affiliated with several charity organizations, which is another option for any job seeker.
• He may do some work related travel; other jobs require travel as well.
• He will have public appearances representing his family and heritage; employees represent their companies and do public relations work too.
• Sounds quite glamorous, but not a lot of privacy; other job seekers do have personal lives.

Skills required:

• Excellent communications and listening skills
• Presentations skills
• “Royal” team-player
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Professional demeanor

If you think about it, the skills required for his royal responsibilities can also help you with your job search. That includes having good connections! It also can include military options, public relations, making presentations, working on a team and representing your employer! Loyalty helps as well. Volunteering for organizations and working for non-profit organizations can also be an option for you.  Just leave the crown at home for the interview!!

My very best wishes to William and Katherine and their son and to all of my job seekers who glance at this blog! Cheers!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Temp to Perm As An Employment Option

What is a Temp to Perm Job?

Sometimes an employer is looking for an applicant to fill a temporary need in the organization. It could be a “long term temp” (usually more than 3 months) or “short term” (up to a month). An employer may post this position or sometimes an employer may use an external resource such as a staffing agency specializing in temporary assignments.  If the employer posts directly, you are paid as part of the company payroll. If  an agency or staffing firm is utilized, the employer is charged a fee which includes services by the agency and salary for you; in other words, you are paid by the agency, not the employer. You submit an hourly time sheet as a record for your salary. Sometimes it starts as a temporary position which may lead to full time employment.

Why should you consider this type of employment?

• It is a job
• You will receive a paycheck
• It is experience to record on your resume
• You may learn new skills
• You learn about the particular company and company culture
• You have a chance to showcase your expertise and hard work to a potential employer
• You make many new connections

Will you get a permanent job?

When you take a Temporary or Temp to Perm position there is always a chance it can become a full time job in the future. There is also the chance that a new position opens up and since you are there, you can apply. Your hard work and contributions make cause the employer to realize this should be full time or during budgeting season it may turn up as a budgeted open position. If  the job search is tough, this is a great way to gain experience and possibly a job. Others in the organization might also help you with your search.

If you are working through a staffing agency and do well, they will use you again for another position. These agencies receive various requests and like to build a solid reputation with hardworking and reliable temporary employees. The next assignment may turn into a job, so don’t be anxious to try this out. It may just get you that job! You might also find that you like the variety so that you can find an environment and job that you enjoy. Always look at options!

Good luck!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: References That Aren’t In The Library

Congratulations! You made it to having the employer ask you for references!  Some of you already have a reference sheet prepared and some of you will e-mail them to the employer.  Some applicants send reference letters with a resume when they apply for the job. I can’t speak for all employers but I personally do not like that approach.  I like to speak to references after the interview process. Sometimes I speak with a few and the supervisor does as well.

But who are these references? When you choose references to speak on your behalf, be careful and thoughtful. These people will be prepared to sing your praises but the employer will have questions that are important to understanding if you will fit into the organization. Some tips for you:

• Prepare the reference with information about the job.
• Tell the reference about the type of company (large, small, type of industry).
• Choose a former supervisor if you are able.
• Choose a colleague or peer that you worked with (on a project or day to day).
• If you are a consultant, choose clients you have worked successfully with in a similar position (if possible).
• Be careful with friends or family members , they may be overly enthusiastic and not relate to some of the questions they are asked regarding your performance in certain situations.
• Skillful reference checks can uncover information you may not want the interviewer to hear (family stories, unusual examples of you).
• Make sure you let the employer know the name, contact information and how you are connected. This is important and useful to the employer.
• Make sure the reference knows you gave his/her name to a company. A surprise call could be tricky and uncomfortable.
• Remember the reference check is part of the interview process. It means your resume or application showcased you ion a positive light, the interviews (telephone and in person) went well , and this is one more way for the employer to see how others see you. Make sure you understand what they are planning to say!!

Good luck!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Let’s Face It; The Eyes Have It!

Last week, I was reading an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about eye contact. It reminded me of the importance of using your eyes in conversation and when you are interviewing.  The Journal in part discussed how people are distracted by electronic devices that they look at during conversations. but I am referring to a person to person interview sans electronics.  I am also thinking about faces and how they can represent you in a positive light. What does that mean for an interview?

• Remember to look into the eyes of the person you are speaking with.
• Looking down for an extended period of time is awkward and does not exhibit confidence.
• A smile is always welcome.
• Don’t over do make-up and hair styling.
• Don’t exaggerate facial expressions (look of surprise, laughter, displeasure).
• Don’t chew gum or sip on a water bottle (unless the interviewer offers you a beverage).
• Don’t check your telephone for messages and remember to turn off the ringer.
• Speak clearly and listen carefully.
• Sit up straight (how many times has you Mom told you that)? She was right.

Although my next comment doesn’t reference your eyes, it is important. Make sure that if you are wearing a fragrance that you use it in moderation and not apply it liberally. I speak from experience.  On one occasion while interviewing an applicant wearing a very strong scent, I started coughing and actually had to leave the room.  My eyes began to tear and I had a mild allergic reaction to the scent. It’s not good to have the interviewer speechless for the wrong reason!! It can happen.

Good luck! Please comment below with interview stories that are interesting!

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Exit Stage Left

What is an exit interview?

As ominous as it sounds, most companies conduct exit interviews when an employee voluntarily resigns from the company. If there is an involuntary separation, usually the employer and employee have had prior discussions pertaining to the event.  Some companies have a formal interview with a series of questions about your time at the company along with explanation of benefits such as COBRA continuation and other benefits that are portable or need attention from you. Some are less formal but contain similar elements for discussion.

Prior to the exit, the preparation is a written resignation letter (to your supervisor and copied to Human Resources).

• Be professional
• Indicate the effective date of your resignation
• You may say something positive about your experience at the company, or not.
• It is professional to give a two week notice.

As with your initial interview to get the job, prepare for the exit:

• Be on time
• Be professional
• If you are comfortable about talking about your company experiences, please share.
• If not, be polite and wish the company well.
• Ask questions about your benefits if you are not clear.
• Always leave the door open, you may need a reference or you may want to be re-hired down the road.
• Don’t burn bridges, employers remember.

Whether you are looking for a job or resigning from one, the interview is an important means of professional communication.  It is still a showcase for you to prove how you could be an asset to join a company or how you have professionally grown within that company. How you EXIT represents your respect and pride in your work and your thanks to the company that hired you in the first place.

Job Etiquette: ICan’tFindAJob.com

What do e-mail addresses and desperation have in common?

Do people consider their e-mail address may have an impression on a future employer?  Sometimes they can make you stand out in the “crowd” of all the other e-mails but not always in a positive way. If you are using a personal e-mail to contact an employer, think about how it sounds in a professional manner.  Sometimes the ilovetoparty@fun.com does not evoke the reaction you want by the employer. It will also lower your score with regards to judgment. You might want to create an e-mail address to use for resumes and job related e-mails and save your personal e-mail for just that, friends and personal comments. Perhaps something more straightforward like lastname.firstname@provider.com will be more attractive. Just a suggestion.

Although not exactly the same as the creative e-mail address, acting or speaking in terms of desperation is not the professional way to win the heart of the employer. Whether in person or by telephone, saying you will take anything at the company does not always bode well for you. You still have to make a connection with the employer and most employers understand that many people are out of work. Acting or speaking with desperate words instead of enthusiastic words about working again and connecting to the company goals, products, or mission would be a better way to direct the conversation. Don’t use your http://www.iamfeelingdesperate.com to get a job. If you have an interview, it is something to be happy about and it will lead to others if you http://www.playyourcardsright.com!

Talk soon!

Job Etiquette: What’s Love Got To Do With It? (Part II)

Don’t be phony: The telephone interview

Many employers are using the telephone interview as a screening mechanism prior to inviting a candidate to have face to face interviews.  The experience can be unnerving for some applicants. Think of it like the current popular music competition on television. The “interviewers” sit backwards and hear you, they do not see you until after they make choices. It’s a chance to show what you have to offer in an audition for the team. That’s how you can also understand a telephone interview and the preparations for success.

You have to showcase yourself without an interviewer looking at you. How can you prepare for this “job” audition?

• Set the stage by finding a place to speak that is comfortable and private.
• Clear the area of distractions (crying children, pet noises, people arguing in the background, etc.)
• If you are outside your office, remember ambulances, buses, trains, wind, rain and other outside noises can distract you and the employer.
• Speak clearly and listen carefully.
• Sound professional and personable.
• Don’t answer calls coming in and don’t put the employer on hold.
• Be prepared to “walk through your resume” and explain choices you have made along the way.
• Remember, if your resume shows new ventures or a temporary position while you are searching for a job reflects your motivation, initiative and transferable skills.
• Be positive.
• Smile! It will show through during your conversation.

True example: Many years ago, a trusted advisor told me to keep a mirror close by and look into it and smile when talking to potential clients. It sounded crazy and vain to me, but I tried it. It worked! You don’t have to use the mirror routine, I don’t anymore, but think about smiling while you are talking.  You will have to experience it to understand. Trust me!

Remember the goal of this telephone interview is like the singing competition. You want the employer to choose “you” for their team or least to the next step, the interview. It’s a chance to shine while your fate is on the line.  Think about having the employer press the button that says “I want you“. Confidence is amazing.

Try the “smile technique” and comment on how you feel. Happy to answer your questions.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: What’s Love Got To Do With It? (Part I)

Is looking for a job or interviewing for a job like dating?

Although dating styles, events and activities change with whatever is trending, there are certain universal truths connected to making a match. With the popularity of social media, on-line dating sites, and speed dating events  individuals have many choices and novel ways to meet others. The goal is usually looking to make a connection.

Sometimes people have common interests, sometimes people have instant rapport: it is difficult to predict. What most have in common is attempting to create interest or attraction that will hopefully lead to another date. Online you may see a photo and information about a persons likes and interests. Speed dating affords you a chance to meet many with a time limit on conversations. Finding that match can be a difficult process involving many factors.

You look at a job posting and see a snapshot of a job and facts about it. You need to connect your skills, interests and qualifications with the posting. You may apply for the job online, but be very careful when applying. Some people still read resumes, usually for certain at small and midsized companies. Larger companies may have keyword searches. Then you have to be precise with your words (like speed dating). Again, no predictions, but things for you to think about.

When you apply online to one of the large online job services make sure you understand how your resume will appear to the employer. Sometimes by the time the employer sees it, the format is choppy and difficult to read. TIP: Attach a word-formatted resume. I often make this request when a resume is difficult to read, other employers will not and go on to the next resume. Your resume should be clear, professional and not too busy. This document is like your photo on the dating site with likes and interests. You want to create interest with this and your cover letter so it will lead to a telephone interview or personal interview. That connection we talked about earlier. It’s your job to create interest for the employer.

If you receive an e-mail from the employer regarding an interview make sure your response is timely and polite.  Use spell check and make sure names are spelled correctly. Employers don’t like it when you incorrectly spell their names or the name of the company. Remember, the e-mail and tone of the e-mail are important. If the employer requests your availability, make sure to give options (days and times). If the employer calls, don’t put them on hold; you are creating an impression and the wrong one might result in no interview.

Can you guess what comes next? In Part II, I will discuss the interviews, telephone and in person. Please let me know if this helps or comment below. Talk soon!

Job Etiquette: On the Edge

The recent disappointing employment numbers along with continued staff reductions, acquisitions and mergers resulting in layoffs or site closings, continue to leave thousands of people looking for jobs.  Whether you are a new grad, a seasoned professional or high school student, the opportunities remain few and some are temporary contracts. What surprises me in this current market are job candidates who interview with an edgy manner. They come in and dictate their expectations and don’t always listen as well as they should when an offer may be imminent.

Let me explain to you what I have heard recently during interviews (face to face or by telephone) Most are in response to the question “Do you have any questions”?

• The amount of vacation time and when it starts.
• In my last job (whenever it was) I worked from home and that is my preference.
• I don’t want to commute.
• I think the job title should be different.
• The responsibilities of the job do not seem to be in line with your salary range.
• I would like a week or two before I start this job (from those who are currently unemployed)
• Money isn’t important to me.
• At my former company, I had more paid holidays/sick time/vacation days; I want this company to match that amount.

Why do people want to set limitations for themselves? Why do they challenge the employer?  Usually on an interview, you are trying to present your best self. When employers are challenged early in the game, they will most likely predict issues could arise if this person is an employee. What can we expect?  Why don’t applicants think before they speak?

HINT: During an interview, don’t refer to what you had at your former company, because you are not there anymore. Focus on the job offer, title and understand the opportunities it will provide for you professionally, financially and on your resume as a current position.

Have you as an employer ever heard these comments before or similar ones?  Have you as a job seeker made these comments and lost an opportunity. Please comment below or ask me questions.   I would be glad to help you.