Dynamic Career Solutions – Issue 4 – February 15 – February 28, 2011 2
Contents Feature Article Top Interview Secrets
Pg 4
Know the right questions to ask
Expert Career Tips and Advice 5 Tiny turn offs that sabotage your image
Pg 6
Don’t sweat your cover letter
Pg 8
Seeking employment?
Pg 10
Successful Job Search Networking
Pg 12
Happy or not-you will always be judged There’s a good chance it won’t be read
Send a thank you note to seal the deal
How to Use Job Search Networking to Find a Job
Resume profile/summary/objective
Pg 14
What to include?
Just for fun Humor in the Workplace
Pg 16
Get serious about laughter
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Top Interview Secrets: Know the Right Questions To Ask By: Deborah Walker Most interview preparation books are filled with sample questions that you’ll have to answer during an interview. While it’s certainly important to know how to answer tough interview questions, it’s equally important to know how to ASK questions in an interview. There are three good reasons to be prepared to ask great questions during interviews. To uncover the interviewer’s hiring motives. To demonstrate your interest and intelligence. To uncover any unspoken concerns or “red flags.” Let’s look at each of these points: 1. To uncover the interviewer’s hiring motives. A big mistake candidates make going into a job interview is to assume that they know the hiring motives of the interviewer based solely on the job description. But the reality is that each person within an organization will have a slightly different idea of the perfect person for the job. It’s up to you to find out the hiring motives of each person you interview within any one organization. Ask a simple question and you’ll know what your interviewer is looking for. Such as: What do you see as the most significant challenges for this position? What qualities do you look for to fill this position? Then just listen closely. He/She will tell you just what you need to know in order to tailor your answers to his/her desires. 2. To demonstrate your interest and intelligence. Nothing works better than a well thought out question to convince your interviewer of the sincerity and interest. Additionally, a good question is the simplest, yet most effective way of impressing them with your intelligence. The main thing is that you want your question(s) to be specific to the organization you are interviewing with. Avoid generic questions such as “Where do you see your company going in five years?” The interviewer is going to realize you just asked the last five companies that same question. A more targeted and specific question will win you points Dynamic Career Solutions – Issue 4 – February 15 – February 28, 2011 4
in the interview, and may tip the scale in your favor when they’re discussing which candidate to hire. 3. To uncover any unspoken concerns or “red flags.” Before you walk out of your interview, find out any concerns that may eliminate you as a candidate. This is your best chance to defend your candidacy. This is also your second chance to undo an interview error, or provide vital information. Ask a question something like: “What concerns do you have that would prevent you from calling me back for the next interview?” Spoken concerns can be answered with new information on how you’ve overcome challenges, learned new skills, or adjusted to new industries quickly. Remember, if you don’t ask, they will not tell you, and you’ll always wonder why they didn’t call you back. When it comes to interviews, there is no such thing as over preparation. A resume will get your foot in the door, but the interview will seal the deal. Make sure you’re ready to win the job by asking the right interview questions.
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5 Tiny Turn-offs that Sabotage Your Professional Image By:
Kimberly
Law,
AICI
CIP
Happy about it or not, you will always be judged by others within the first few seconds of meeting them. And because you are presenting a whole package, everything has an impact – and anything distracting or out of place can sabotage your professional image. So it isn’t only what you wear that matters; alone or together, those little details make a big statement as well. Although it is great to dress in a way that reflects your personality, some people take it to the extreme and don't consider the occasion or their objective at the time. This can affect how you are perceived. Others may feel uncomfortable around you if you don't fit their expectations. So, even though your personality is important, you need to take the purpose of the occasion into consideration. If you are unsure of the appropriate way to dress for the occasion, consider your goals first and dress accordingly, or follow the lead of others; then add a few finishing touches that reflect your personality. A good fit is also crucial. It doesn’t matter how gorgeous or well-made a garment is: if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t look good. You are not going to
look well put-together; and you are definitely not going to look credible. If it almost fits, consider having it altered. Minor alterations will make an outfit look more expensive. Even changing the buttons on a jacket can make a big difference. Alterations can make your clothing look more expensive and make you look more successful. The condition of your clothing and accessories is also very important. Often we will throw things on without checking if they are wrinkled or faded, if the hem is being held up by safety pins, or if the shoes are scuffed. These are all things that can send a negative message about your image and you. If you are sloppy about the way you dress and the way you take care of your clothing, you may be perceived as being sloppy about the way you do your work and how you handle other things in your life, as well. Condition is very important. Hygiene and Grooming are other things that are very important, and that are always noticed when neglected. Poor hygiene, or perceived poor hygiene, will immediately influence peoples’ impression about you, and can hold your social and business interactions back. Hygiene includes anything to do with cleanliness such as body odor, teeth, breath, skin condition, dandruff, etc.
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Nobody wants to be around somebody that smells bad or looks dirty. Grooming such as hair care, make-up, and nail care are the finishing touches that complete our look. Some of us forget that clothing and accessory styles change over time. Although it is easy to fall into the trap of continuing to wear a suit that you have had hanging in your closet for five years, it may look dated. Many men and women don't consider the subtle fashion changes that happen over time. The lapels,
silhouettes, or the number of buttons for a modern look may have changed. For women, the jacket lengths or pant leg style may have changed. Business clothing should never be flashy or extremely trendy; but at the same time it should be up-to-date and current. Make the big statement projected by your little details a positive and professional one – it will impact your business dealings, and add to the overall success of your professional image.
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Don’t sweat your cover letter; there’s a good chance it won’t be read By: Marina Gapeenkova Recently I came across a very well written and formatted resume. And the cover letter was extremely detailed. But when I looked at the job description the person was applying for, I knew that, from a recruiter’s perspective, the person would never be considered. Where was the problem? The problem was that the resume was “generic” and the cover letter was tailored. It was the cover letter that had all the important details pertaining to the job description. Unfortunately, since most likely the cover letter was never read, the person was never invited to the interview. There is a lot of advice about tailoring your cover letter, as supposedly it explains your resume. This made sense in the time of snail mail. Think about it. When you first open an envelope, from anyone…naturally, you always read the letter first. Today, you don’t send letters to apply for a job; you submit your application on line. Technology has sped up all the processes. If, say 20 years ago, a recruiter posted a job, it would take him or her, by regular mail, a few days, if not
weeks, to receive applications from many candidates. Today, recruiters can receive hundreds of resumes in a matter of days. I know I did. Recruiters have only short time to screen all applicants. That’s why they go directly to the source of candidates’ skills and experience. Which is your resume. And the logic goes like this… If the person does not have the required skills, why bother reading their cover letter. If they do have the skills…I don’t need to read the cover letter. These days, the cover letter has simply turned into a polite gesture. It certainly should be well written, in case someone reads it. But don’t focus on it too much. Double check that it is properly dated and addressed and that it mentions the right position and company. But the actual content can be relatively formal and generic. In 3 paragraphs explain why you are suitable for the position and highlight some key strengths. But it will not make it or break it your chances for getting an interview in the corporate world.
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On the other hand, if your RESUME does not list what the recruiter is looking for, THAT will break your chances of getting invited to an interview. Even if you have a beautifully detailed cover letter. So what should you do now? When you apply on line, if you are in a rush, don’t worry about the cover letter. If you want to include a personal note, it’s better to write a quick email accompanying your resume attachment. If you are applying on-line, you can paste the same note into the cover letter
window. Keep it short and sweet. The most important thing in your job application is your resume, not the cover letter. It’s the same thing as a “must have” and “nice to have”. Make sure that your “must have” (your resume) stands out. (Of course, I am speaking mostly of the corporate world. If you’re applying to a job in academia, or the medical or legal field, or anywhere where the hiring is done by committee, the cover letter plays a much larger role.)
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Seeking Employment? Send A Thank You Note That Seals The Deal! By: Barbara Patinkin Thanking people is very important! Everyone likes to be thanked. Always, send thank you notes or letters within 24 hours after an interview. Also, send thank you notes to those who have given you leads or have helped you in any way with your job search. Your thoughtfulness ill be remembered now and in the future, and maybe the final thing that allows an employer to decide on you instead of another candidate.
Howe ver, handwritten notes are more personal and show a little extra effort.
When you complete the interview, thank the interviewer for giving you the:
2. Keep your note short. Write about something specific that was discussed in the interview which makes you unique and qualified for the position.
* Time of the interviewer * Information you received in the interview * Hospitality of the receptionist, interviewer, and others * Consideration of the organization to be hired as an employee * Opportunity to advance in your career Choose a conservative note card, not loud, wild, or unusual (unless you are in a creative field). Stay away from patterns, drawings, and clever decorations. The notes should be on fine quality paper - white, off-white, cream, ivory, or very light gray or blue. Avoid dark or pastel colors since they are not considered businesslike. You may also type a thank you note on quality 8 1/2 x 11 stationery if your handwriting is poor or if you believe the employer would be more receptive.
1. Address the note/letter to Dear Mr. or Ms. rather than using his or her first name, even if the interviewer is a personal friend.
3. Spell everything correctly. One incorrect spelling can ruin your chances. Have a family member or a friend proofread your thank you before you mail it. 4. Put your return address on the envelope. On a small envelope the return address should be on the back. On a business envelope it should be in the upper left corner. 5. Put adequate envelope.
postage
on
the
6. Use an attractive commemorative postage stamp. Studies indicate that eye-catching stamps result in greater sales in direct mail advertising. Do not use a postage meter for personal correspondence. Do not use politically controversial or religious stamps.
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7. Use a good quality pen with dark blue or black ink. 8. Do not oversell yourself by using cliches like... "I am the best person to do this job." 9. Sign the name you were called at the interview when writing a note by hand.
10. Type your formal name, then sign your conversational name, if you are typing a letter. 11. Mail the thank you note within 24 hours after your interview, someone who has given a lead, or assistance of any kind. After you start your new job, you may discover that your thank you note significantly contributed to your selection by your employer!
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Successful Job Search Networking How to Use Job Search Networking to Find a Job By: Alison Doyle Even though job search networking is one of the most successful ways to find a new job, it can sound intimidating and sometimes seems a little bit scary. It doesn't have to be. My father ended up in a conversation on an airplane with someone who was looking for an aeronautical engineering job. My dad happened to be in the same field and ended up assisting the person in getting a new job. Sometimes, that's all it takes. I've been offered jobs on more than one occasion simply because a friend or acquaintance knew my background and skills. Informal Job Search Networking Try job search networking, it really does work. At least 60% - some report even higher statistics - of all jobs are found by networking. Develop contacts - friends, family, neighbors, college alumni, people in associations - anyone who might help generate information and job leads. You can take a direct approach and ask for job leads or try a less formal approach and ask for information and advice. Contact everyone you know. You may be surprised by the people they know. Make yourself pick up the phone and call. It helps to assign yourself a quota of calls to be made each day. The more phone calls you make the easier it will become. Email is a perfectly acceptable way to network as well. Keep your message brief and to the point and be sure to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If you are attending a holiday gathering or any other type of party, it is appropriate to mention in casual conversation that you are seeking employment. Accept all the invitations you receive - you never know where or when you might meet someone who can provide job search assistance! My stepson was not only offered a co-op position by one of my friends that he met at a birthday party at our house, he was also remembered a year later when the company was hiring. Formal Job Search Networking Formal networking works too - try going to a business social or an association meeting or event. You'll find that many of the participants have the same goals you do and will be glad to exchange business cards. If you're shy, volunteer to work at the registration table where you can greet people as they come in or bring a friend to walk around the room with you - there's security in numbers. As well as networking the old fashioned way, use the internet to network. Visit discussion boards like the Job Search Forum to network with career professionals and Dynamic Career Solutions – Issue 4 – February 15 – February 28, 2011 12
other job seekers. Use Vault's message boards or visit one of the sites, like LinkedIn, that focus on online job search and career networking. If you belong to a professional association visit its web site for career assistance. Are you a college alumnus? Contact the Career Services office at your alma mater - many universities have online career networks where you can find alumni who will be thrilled to help you with your job search. Job Search Networking Tips Conduct informational interviews with your contacts and ask for referrals for additional meetings Follow through with referrals, and always thank contacts in writing (email is fine) Create an inventory of your accomplishments, including your educational background and work history, to keep at hand should a chance encounter become a contact Make a list of the assets you will bring as a prospective employee Bring business cards and a pen Write some notes so you'll remember the details on who you have just met on the business cards you collect or in a notebook When networking online, keep track of who you've emailed and where you have posted so you can follow up Finally, if you haven't memorized all your strengths and strong points write them down you'll need to articulate these in your resumes and cover letters well as emphasize them during interviews.
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Resume profile/summary/objective: what to include? By: Michael Howard Michael Howard is a professional resume writer based in British Columbia, with clients all over Canada and the United States. www.alternativeresumes.com ________________________________ Resume writing has finally reached the point where almost all professional resume writers, and many job-seekers, realize the futility of old-fashioned objective statements like the following: OBJECTIVE: To secure a full-time position with opportunities for advancement in a nonprofit organization that prides itself on excellent public service. Telling the reader what you want instead of what you have to offer was a failed formula from the start. Now common practice is to use a headline at the top of your resume followed by a profile paragraph. This is a much better approach to introducing your resume, as it projects confidence and provides the reader with a snapshot of what you have to offer. However, not everyone makes the best use of it. Having reviewed thousands of resumes, I have seen summary paragraphs like the following far too often: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Consummate nonprofit executive with an impressive track record of operational and fiscal success and the proven ability to elevate organizations to the next level. Highly visible in the national
nonprofit sector with an established reputation as a dynamic and results-oriented leader who has demonstrated significant expertise in all aspects of nonprofit management. Masterful communicator with a flair for cultivating and managing complex relationships. This type of cotton candy rarely impresses the reader. Employers want to know who you are, not how great you think you are. They want facts, not opinions. A good rule of thumb: If your summary is likely to make the reader think “Sure, prove it!” then you may want to consider a rewrite. Instead, focus on actually summarizing your resume. In this world of smart phones and 140-character tweets, readers want relevant information presented clearly and concisely. Ask yourself - if they had time to read your summary but not the rest of your resume, what do you want them to know? The following attributes can help summarize who you are to a reader, and should be considered for the top of your resume: Job function. What exactly do you do? Are you a well-rounded leader in nonprofit management? Or do you specialize in revenue development, volunteer management, event coordination,
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communications, administration, or something else? Job level. Are you considered an executive or senior manager (in your industry’s opinion, not yours)? Or are you a middle or junior manager? Maybe an analyst or consultant? Years of experience. How long have you worked in your chosen field? Do you have a record of quick advancement? Industry. What industries or sectors have you worked in? What products and services do you have experience with? Remember to consider what is relevant to your targeted employers. Specialty. Have you achieved noteworthy success in one or a few particular areas that are relevant to your job target? Language skills. Fluency in multiple languages may be important enough to include in your summary. Higher education. If you believe your advanced education may set you apart from most candidates, it may be worthwhile to highlight up top. The following summary eliminates the long-winded hyperbole used in the
previous example, and instead focuses on the candidate’s most relevant attributes: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Senior nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of progressive experience in the health and environment sectors, including 11 years as an executive director. Managed both established organizations and small start-ups, with annual budgets of up to $25M. Provided leadership, guidance, and support to teams with up to 45 employees and 120 volunteers. Recruited and trained specialists in revenue development, volunteer coordination, event planning and management, and community relations. Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management. Member of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) since 2000. Fully bilingual; fluent in both English and French. A targeted and fact-based summary like this provides the reader with an effective snapshot of the candidate. Since most resumes don’t get fully read, including a profile such as this at the top will give your resume a far better chance of succeeding.
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Humor in the Workplace: Get Serious About Laughter By: Elaine Ambrose Did you hear the joke about the priest, the prostitute and the politician who walked into the employee break room? Probably not. While there is a time and a place for jokes, it’s a bad idea to attempt to be funny at work with stories featuring religion, sexuality or politics. However, a well-timed anecdote about the befuddled customer who forgot his address can be the perfect icebreaker to dispel tension in a serious staff meeting. While timing should be considered, experts agree that laughter in the workplace can be a real asset to profitability and productivity. After 30 years of working in the superserious, chucklechallenged business world, I know there is one essential truth: A sense of humor will save your job and probably your life. My wicked and warped sense of humor proved to be my best asset in times of terrible trouble. Harmless humorous antics in the workplace are now encouraged by many corporations, including General Electric, IBM and AT&T. Companies of all sizes, services and products are adhering to a philosophy that advocates humor programs to improve morale, relieve stress, build camaraderie, and positively
impact the bottom line. In an attempt to turn the office into a quarterly comedy club, businesses are hiring professional humor consultants who encourage employees to lighten up and get serious about laughing. Modern medical experts agree with the ancient admonition that “Laughter is the best medicine.” A hearty belly laugh can lower blood pressure and laughter exercises the lungs, pumps more oxygen into the bloodstream, and activates endorphins that make people feel good. We were born with the ability to communicate with our emotions, and that includes laughing and smiling. Yet it’s sobering to know that young children laugh or smile more than 400 times a day while adults are lucky to muster up a few daily chuckles. Kids shouldn’t be having all the fun. It’s important to know that humor has a proper time and place. You don’t want to become known as the joke of the company because of tasteless and silly behavior. Before you start wearing a clown nose to work every day, there are some guidelines to remember.
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1. Know your audience: Knowing your audience is the first and most important aspect of using humor at work. First, don’t use humor to insult or offend anyone. Among friends, it may be common to gang up on one friend, joking about an embarrassing memory or funny comment, but that is certainly not appropriate among co-workers. Also, don’t even think about jokes or anecdotes that include sexuality, religion, politics, ethnic background, or someone’s personal appearance. It’s a good idea to avoid gross stuff as well, as the office is not the place for stories that include bodily functions. During a briefing of a company’s new health plan, the male facilitator joked that mammograms would now be conducted at Hooters. The men laughed. The women threatened to sue. 2. Be sure to laugh at yourself: People enjoy self-depreciating humor that’s not too pathetic. A middle-age speaker can win her audience by joking about her age. For example, “I turned 50 years old and decided it was finally time to travel and see the world. Unfortunately, many of the historical sites are younger than I am (pause for smiles).” Or, “I try to wear those tailored business suits, but every time I suck in my gut, my ankles swell.” As a warning, don’t go overboard on the self-depreciation or they’ll start to agree that, yes, you are a loser. 3. Include company anecdotes: It’s always a good idea to joke about the things employees can relate to, including stories about products, competitors, difficult customers, and production goals. Remember, a joke about a co-worker from a different department is not acceptable. However, there are a few occasions that you can incorporate personal stories about an employee. While you would never comment on a worker’s weight gain, you could compliment someone who has lost a significant amount. “Look at Roger. He’s our shinning positive example of corporate downsizing!” 4. Use humor to diffuse tension: The workplace can be a very stressful environment! Humor is a great way to diffuse a high-tension situation and reduce potential personnel problems. Companies often go through times of high stress, especially if quotas are increased and sales are down. You could start a presentation with a mock exaggeration. “The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off due to budget constraints.” However, avoid the temptation to criticize the boss during times of tension. One employee actually told this joke during a heated meeting: “James is a seagull manager. He flies in, make a lot of noise, dumps crap everywhere, and then leaves.” The employee who made the joke was encouraged to take his humor to a different job. 5. Remember…there is still work to do: While everyone deserves his or her daily dose of humor, it’s important to remember that you’re paid to do a job, not to be the class clown. A few daily laughs will make the workload better for everyone, but don’t let jokes distract you from your work. Also, avoid emailing jokes on company time and on company equipment … that’s not in your job description. For example, an employee sent out a blanket email that stated, “Can I trade my job for what’s behind Door #2?” Unfortunately, he inadvertently included his boss in the email distribution. The boss returned the following email. “Yes you can. Door #2 is the Unemployment Line. Good luck.” Dynamic Career Solutions – Issue 4 – February 15 – February 28, 2011 17
The latest business studies indicate there is room in the office for both a work ethic and a sense of humor. Companies that incorporate humor into the workplace experience a notable decrease in staff turnover and absenteeism. Surveys reveal that most employees list a sense of humor as an essential quality for their managers to have and use. To foster healthy humor, employees are encouraged to create tools that promote positive attitudes. Even simple ideas, such as a humor bulletin board or a weekly joke calendar, can boost morale.
You can find more information about humor in the workplace by researching online for related books and articles. Preview national speakers bureaus and speakers associations to find someone suitable for your organization or business. Contact recommended facilitators and inquire about their costs and programs. Then schedule a regular humor session for your office and enjoy the rewards of working with happy people. That’s so much better than working with crabby, stressed-out employees who wouldn’t know a punch line if it hit them on the funny bone.
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