Job Etiquette: Award Season

At this time of year, we are treated to multiple award shows: the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, People’s Choice, the Grammys and the Oscars. Later in the year, we’ll see the Academy Awards, the Tonys and Country Music and American Music Awards. Don’t forget Nickelodeon and MTV! Do we need any more? Job Etiquette says YES! This year, I will be adding the Jobby Awards and this will be the first year for my blog presentation!

The Award for BEST Job Posting:

The one that gets you an interview!

The Award for BEST Internship and/or Volunteer job:

The one that gave you experience and maybe a full-time job.

The Award for BEST Resume:

Yours, if it attracts attention and interest in you.

The Award for BEST Handshake:

The dry, strong and natural one.

The Award for BEST Interview:

The time everything worked for you and you moved forward in the process.

The Award for BEST Reference:

The person you chose to validate how perfect you will fit the open position!

The AWARD for BEST Employer:

Your new one, or your current one that gives you a chance, a job, benefits, a career path and values you.

The Award for Best JOB:

Yours or the won you hope to land soon!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE WINNERS!

Would love to hear from all of you with your acceptance speeches!

Talk soon!

Job Etiquette: How Loud Should You “ROAR”?

First Impressions:

There’s a fine line between showcasing your talents and skills or bragging and aggressively pointing out your personality traits. Your own personality is a factor, the way you communicate is a factor and your goal should be for attention — but at what cost? If you are Katy Perry, you can “Roar” and people will listen like her millions of fans. If you are on an interview or at a career fair, you should think about how you present yourself. Just like the handshake styles I recently wrote about (Job Etiquette: Hands Free), the handshake that hurts will be remembered but your other skills may not. The same goes for your in person “selfie“. It’s a snapshot that remains with the interviewer. There is only one chance for this opportunity, so make it great.

What to consider:

Consider the job, industry, and interviewer:

• Dress appropriately
• Answer in a manner that you think the interviewer will relate to (judgment call for you)

Consider styles of self promotion:

• Give examples of your successes
• Connect your strengths or key skills with the company or position.

Consider being as personable as you can, smile, be pleasant.

• Show your enthusiasm (in your voice or your attitude).
• Speak with the interviewer, not at the interviewer.
• Believe in yourself and be confident, not overly confident (if you know what I mean).
• Be proactive but in a manner that is not brash, loud or annoying in any way.
• Remember, self confidence is different from self centered.
• Don’t be overbearing.
• Make sure not to invade “body space” while speaking to another.

BAD MOVES:

• Don’t ever tell the interviewer that the company would make a mistake not hiring you.
• If you know the employer from a past search, do not tell the interviewer it was a mistake not to hire you the first time.
• Don’t appear to be bored or arrogant.

Sincerity and enthusiasm along with a smile are ingredients to a good first impression. When you emphasize what you can do and where you would like to fit, try to connect with the particular workplace or organization; that means be prepared.  When you portray yourself as desperate or the best candidate for any open position, it can backfire.  Be honest and straight forward, not sarcastic or egotistical; those traits are not endearing to an employer. Be memorable in a positive way, and as Katy would say,”I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar“. Just make sure you’re in tune with the employer!

Good Luck.

Please leave your comments below.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Hands Free

It’s that time again! Job fairs, college fairs, meetings and interviews. Having attended a few career fairs recently, I am here to offer you advice on using your hands especially when greeting an interviewer. It becomes a piece of the first impression and it lasts.

• The interviewer should not need an orthopedist after the handshake.
• The three finger handshake is out.
• No “High Fives” PLEASE!
• No Fist bumps either!
• The interviewer should not have to run for a towel or handy wipe.
• Don’t cough or sneeze and then extend your hand.

I know these tips sound simple, but they are there for a good reason. People are sometimes nervous and exhibit these actions. I can tell you from experience that when I shake a hand that is wet, it throws off the interaction. Carry a tissue or something dry and make sure your hands are not wet. A firm grasp is okay, but don’t injure the interviewer; they will remember it! If you are ill, don’t offer your hand, especially if you have been sneezing or coughing. I would much prefer an honest explanation than the handshake. Also, if you physically are unable, please know interviewers understand.

Other hints:

• Don’t ask what the company does.
• You should do your research; at least use your phone to Google it while you are waiting.
• Make the most of the time you have with the employer.
• Don’t ask for an explanation of the duties of a specific job. Tell why you would fit the job.
• After the job fair, send an e-mail with your resume attached.
• Try to make a connection with the employer so they will remember you (industry, school, volunteer work, etc.)
• If you make a connection, remind the employer in your e-mail.
• Be personable and smile.

Remember, you may be waiting in a line and it certainly can be frustrating but try to remain calm. When it’s your turn, make your best attempt to showcase yourself and your interest.  Clean and dry hands and a smile along with a positive attitude always make a good impression.

Remember you want a handshake in return, not a hands off! Good Luck!

Ask me your questions (below). I will be happy to respond back.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: The Perfect Interview

From the employer’s point of view:

• The applicant responded to the interview request and confirmed the date and time.
• The applicant is a few minutes early (please not an hour early)
• The applicant has a firm handshake (no broken bones or dampness)
• The applicant is wearing a smile and a professional outfit.
• In conversation, the applicant references something from the company website and relates it to his/her/experience.
• The applicant communicates well and seems very interested in the position and opportunity.
• The applicant asks some good and interesting questions.
• The applicant seemed personable and enthusiastic.
• The applicant asks about benefits, and vacation time isn’t the first question.
• No questions about salary and title and future promotions yet. Good judgment!
• If others on the schedule feel the same way, we will invite him/her back for a second round.
• Nice follow up thank you e-mail.

From the applicant’s point of view:

• So happy my GPS helped me find the company and with a few minutes to spare!
• The receptionist is nice and the atmosphere seems nice so far.
• I am remembering to be pleasant.
• I wiped my hands so I won’t feel sweaty when I shake hands.
• The person walking to me is smiling, I am so nervous.
• Good thing I remembered to clean this outfit!
• This job sounds interesting but I think I should ask a question.
• So glad I reviewed the company website last night.
• Wonder how much the annual salary is?
• I wonder how many weeks of vacation they have!
• Jobettiquettebypaula said to wait on those topics and I will! (Smart person!)
• Hope the rest of the people are nice. I like it here.
• Will make sure to send thank you e-mails about today.
• Hope I get a call back!

We will hope this person gets called back.  This isn’t a perfect world and an interview can be very good or turn sour very quickly. Getting there on time, being personable, doing your research, letting the employer know how much you would like to join the team are great ways to handle the first interview. Please don’t ask about your next title or start salary negotiations before you finish the first interview.    If all goes well you will learn more on the second visit. Remember to be polite to anyone you come across because they all might be asked about their (even brief) impressions of you.

P.S. Don’t forget to turn off all electronic devices (don’t tweet!)

Good luck.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Weekend Update

Overheard at 2013 job fairs:

• My major is neuroscience (by the majority of science students at jobs fairs in MA, CT, RI and NJ).

What ever happened to Biology majors?

• I am going to medical school but taking a few years off to work.

Why does that really mean?

• My major is political science (at a Science job fair).

Seriously?

• My friend couldn’t make it, so I am leaving his/her resume.
• My son/daughter is in class, so I am leaving his/her resume.

Really?

• Why don’t you have any take-away gifts?

We have jobs.

• I take my dog to every job fair.

For company or looking for 2 jobs?

Have a great weekend from Job Etiquette!

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.

Job Etiquette: Fair Play at Career Fairs

Why are you attending a career fair? Is it because you read publicity about it? Are you looking for an internship or job? Do you understand that attending a career event can get you an interview or some attention?

How to prepare:

• Have a goal for the event i.e. I want someone to be interested in my candidacy.
• Remember grooming! No one wants to shake a sweaty hand.
• Be polite. Remember the person at the event has a job; you would like one.
• Be personable.
• Do your research. Know something about the company.
• Articulate the way you think you could fit at the company.
• Make sure to get contact information from the person/s you speak with at the event .
• Try to make a connection with the company, person, school, etc.

What not to do:

• Come in and say you were just passing by and noticed an event; have a purpose.
• Wearing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt shows poor judgement.
• Don’t sneeze or cough in your hand and then extend it.
• Ask what role the person has at the company and pay attention.
• Don’t expect the recruiter to analyze your resume at the event.

Believe it or not, my practical advise comes from experience. Remember if the person at the career event is in Human Resources or Management, they have the potential to walk your resume into the hands of a supervisor. That is why it is important to read a business card or understand who is speaking with you on behalf of the company. They may have the authority to hire! Make sure you follow-up with the representatives from the company. Seriously, a thank you e-mail is a good thing. Employers like them, I know I do!! It keeps the connection moving forward. You can attach your resume to the email.

I’ll have more tips for you soon. Feel free to leave any comments or questions below. Thanks!

Job Etiquette: In The Beginning…

I decided to write a blog that will combine my Human Resources experience and knowledge as an employer to help students and job seekers on how to successfully attend job fairs and interviews and other job related topics. I am hoping you will let me know how I can help you form your own experiences.

My First TIP:

If you are a student attending  your college sponsored job fair, please take the time to learn about the companies in attendance, especially the ones that you are interested in. That means, the summary the college prints for you prior to the event and the website if possible.  Don’t ask the company representative,” what does this XYZ Company do?” Or when asked what brought you to the table, don’t say “I don’t know tell me about the company”.

I am not telling you to read the proxy statement, annual report or the like. Please know the type of research, product or affiliations the company is involved with in their business. It’s a starting point and shows that you did some research.  Employers are typically happy to hear you know something about them and conversely are not there to explain the business. Remember, the person you speak with has the potential to get you an interview or a job. Think about what you say!

Check back for more tips and tell me what questions you have about the job process.