A Positive Reputation Builds a Successful Career

By Denisa | Published: May 14, 2012

Managing your reputation is one of the most important jobs you will have throughout the duration of your career. When people hear your name, what do they think of? The achievements and accomplishments that you demonstrate on your resume should support your brand and back-up your good name. Reputation can help build strong careers and, as some have learned the hard way, can also break them.

New grads and people trying to break into an industry may be tempted to stretch the truth on a resume; however, these not so harmless embellishments can end up ruining reputations and careers. As a former Yahoo! CEO recently discovered, the truth has a way of being found out. Many employers and recruiters are very much aware of the increasing rate of resume fraud and as such, conduct extensive background and reference checks on prospective employees. Furthermore, companies or employment agencies are likely to red flag a candidate that was caught lying; thereby damaging long-term career prospects. Therefore, you should never make a claim that you can’t back. When in doubt, just leave the information out.

Instead of making bogus claims or exaggerating credentials, focus on the skills you do have in order to land that dream job. Be confident in what you have to offer. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else? Also, make sure to have realistic expectations about your career prospects. For example, if you are a new grad, don’t expect to start at the top. Be prepared to put in some hard work in order to move up the corporate ladder.

Be aware that when you are online, your network is global. What you publish online creates a picture and develops a perception of you, even if people have not met you. Be proactive about managing your reputation and consider how what you post will be perceived. You may want to, as part of your personal career plan, undertake a search online for your own name so you that you know what people will find if they google your name. Also take the time to go through your privacy settings. Facebook and LinkedIn give you various levels of privacy in relation to who sees the content that you post, while Twitter on the other hand only allows your account to be either public or private.

Building a positive reputation takes time, whereas a negative reputation can happen overnight. Once your professional reputation is tarnished, it can be difficult, impossible even, to repair the damage. Fortunately, you can control what your reputation is by making certain that you are seen by your coworkers, clients, customers, and other professionals within your field as someone who thinks and acts in an ethical manner and who exhibits appropriate values. The key to ensuring that people see you as an ethical professional is to act in a manner that makes it impossible for them to perceive you otherwise.

Photo Credit: thesjsucareercenter

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Managing the Job Hunt While You’re Employed

By Denisa | Published: May 9, 2012

It’s easier to get a job if you already have a job. However, as your time is limited because you have a job, you need to remain organized and focused.  Finding new employment is like taking on a second part-time job. In order to manage this juggling act you must develop a plan, keep detailed records and make active career management a permanent practice in your professional life.

Dedicate specific time for the job hunt. This ensures you don’t neglect existing responsibilities at work or home. Give yourself enough time for cover letter and resume preparation, as well as time spent following up with recruiters or hiring managers. Do research on your own time from your home computer and make all phone calls during lunch from your cell phone in a private location.

Stay organized. Create a spreadsheet or similar system to track jobs to which you’ve applied. Catalog key details such as the hiring manager’s name, information about the position and company in this spreadsheet.

Use tools to streamline your job search. Track relevant Twitter hashtags, subscribe to email updates or RSS feeds of niche job boards. A good source for organizing and carrying out your networking efforts is LinkedIn. Many employers will check your LinkedIn profile even before asking you for an interview. Some will also Google your name to see what you have posted, and where. If you haven’t already done so, you may want to Google your own name to see what a potential employer may find.

Schedule interviews wisely. You may need to get creative with your paid time off or vacation days. Try to schedule interviews before or after work or during lunch. But when that’s not possible, take a vacation day.  Most interviewers will understand the restrictions posed by your job and will appreciate the respect shown to your current employer.

Never talk about your job search with coworkers. As soon as one person knows, you might as well assume everyone else does too, including your boss. You don’t want to have an uncomfortable conversation with your boss before you’re ready. Also be careful about posting your resume on job boards and websites, as it’s quite possible that someone from your current organization will see it.

Searching for a job while still employed has its advantages and drawbacks. While you may not have as much time as an unemployed person in job searching, the great advantage is that your skills are current and you are up to date with the industry’s happenings and network. Having a job also provides you with a steady income, putting you in a better position when it comes time to negotiate a job offer.

Photo Credit: CBC.ca

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Getting Beyond the Phone Interview

By Denisa | Published: April 30, 2012

A lot of hiring managers will interview a candidate on the phone first before inviting them to a face-to-face interview. A phone interview is commonly used as a pre-screening technique or as an invaluable way to consider candidates who live far away.

Phone interviews can be nerve-racking, but you have to get through them if you want to get to the next stage of the hiring process. Because the hiring manager can’t see your facial cues and body language, they are judging you based on the tone of your voice, attitude and responses to their questions.

Take the call when you’re ready. If an employer calls and wants to do the interview when you’re not expecting it and you are unprepared, excuse yourself politely and schedule a time to have the phone interview. This will give you a chance to gather your documents and thoughts.

Get rid of distractions. Select a quite place to take the call. Turn off your computer, put away random objects on your desk, etc. The less stuff you have around you to draw your focus, the more focused you’ll be on the interviewer and crafting well-articulated responses.

Surround yourself with the necessities. The only things you need are a copy of your resume, a list of talking points and answers to common interview questions, company research (with relevant information highlighted) and a pen and paper to jot down notes while you talk.

Smile and use your voice to convey enthusiasm. Some people need to stand up and pace around the room, while others talk with their hands, but whatever you need to do, make your personality shine through the phone. Smiling is a great way to instantly convey a positive attitude over the phone.

Don’t talk too fast or too slow. Most people become fast talkers when they’re nervous, so it’s important to pace yourself, breathe, and allow for natural pauses in your speech. Stick to key facts so you don’t get off track or start rambling. It’s also important not to interrupt the hiring manager.

Try to relax. The more relaxed you are, the better the interview will go. Be conversational, ask the interviewer if you’ve answered all of their questions, and be prepared to ask them questions as well.

Always ask about the next steps. At the end of the phone interview, you might be so anxious to get off the phone that you forget to consider happens next. Ask the interviewer what their next steps are, and when you might expect to hear from them. And don’t forget to ask if there’s anything else you can send them.

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Surviving your first day in a new job

By Denisa | Published: April 23, 2012

The length of time it takes you to adjust to a new job varies from person to person, and from job to job. While you may fit in immediately at some jobs, it may take a little longer at others. Here’s how to survive the first day and get off to a great start.

Plan your route: Nothing is more important on that ominous first day than simply making it on time. Although you can count on your own punctuality, often times it seems like every other car on the road is conspiring against you. Make sure you leave with ample time to get there and plan your route in advance. This is valuable time that can be used to get calm and focused, instead of anxiously weaving through traffic.

Dress appropriately. When you’re looking good, you’re feeling good. Even if your company is casual, dressing nice will catch attention in a positive way. Although the interview was a first impression, the first day is even more crucial to show that you are prepared and ready to work. Plan what you’re going to wear the night before so you don’t have to make frenzied and hurried decisions in the morning.

Do your homework. A surefire way to impress your boss on the first day is to show up with a clear understanding of what the company does. Read any literature about your job and the company. Also be sure to go through any materials that may have been left for you by your supervisor or former employees in your position.

Don’t have your cell phone out the first day. Unless you are expecting something that is an emergency, your whole attention should be on your new job. It doesn’t look good to your boss if you have your cell phone out or if your Facebook is up, especially on the first day because it may show that you are distracted easily or not interested in the job.

Smile. Smiles are contagious and can boost morale. You will most likely be taken around for a round of introductions and tour of the place. This is your first chance to meet everyone in your work environment, so be friendly and sociable.

Ask questions. You’re new and it’s better to do something right the first time around than have to do it over. Don’t be afraid to ask a coworker if they can help you with something if they have some extra free time. This will lead to you remembering their name, and an incentive to talk about something.

Go to lunch. If your coworkers and/or boss are going to lunch, go with them if they offer. This is a crucial time to get to know your coworkers because you are not busy with work and you are able to talk about something other than what tasks you need to get done. Getting to know your coworker’s outside life will help you build strong bonds in the office.

Have a good attitude. Often in an attempt to make you part of the group, some employees will try and bring you up to speed on all the office gossip. Be professional and try not to engage in this. Often conversations like this come back to haunt you down the line. If asked about your old job, even if you had a really bad experience, pull from the positive – it puts you in a better light and generates far more long-term respect.

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Managing references during your job-hunt

By Denisa | Published: April 11, 2012

When you are busy job-hunting, you may not think about creating a list of people who are willing to provide recommendations for you. Plan ahead and get your references in order, before you need them. It will save time scrambling to put together a list at the last minute.

Always get permission. Before you even think of listing someone as a reference, be sure and ask whether the person would be comfortable serving as a reference for you. Most people will happily serve as a reference. But be prepared for a few people to decline your request. 

Keep your references up-to-date. Let your references know where your job search stands and tell them who might be calling for a reference. Make sure each reference always has a copy of your most current resume, knows your key accomplishments and skills, and is aware of the jobs/positions you are seeking.

Keep an active network. Maintaining your reference network with periodic phone calls or notes to get and give updates is important. LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch with your network. It’s a good idea to have an active network in place because you never know when you might need it.

Be sure to thank your references. Don’t forget to thank your references once your current job search is complete. Some companies never contact any references, some only check the first one or two, and some check all. Regardless, these people were willing to help you, and thanking them is simply a common courtesy.

Reference letters don’t add value. Employers don’t want to read non-personalized letters written in the past. Employers want to be able to contact and communicate with a select group of people who can speak about your strengths and weakness and fit for the job you are seeking. Letters of recommendations don’t offer much credibility because anyone who would write a letter for you would likely say only good things about you.

Choose your references wisely. Former supervisors aren’t necessarily the best references since so many companies have strict reference policies. Excellent references can include individuals with whom you have worked closely, such as former clients, teammates, professors or community leaders. Keep in mind that good references can help you clinch a job offer, so be sure to have a strong list of references who are willing to attest to your capabilities.

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What does your body language say about you?

By Denisa | Published: April 3, 2012

When people are in interviews, and thinking about how to best answer tough questions, they often forget that their body language speaks louder than their words. In fact, non-verbal communication accounts for over 90% of the message the interviewer is receiving.

When the interviewer offers you a seat at the beginning of the job interview, sit upright but not too stiffly in your chair. This indicates that you are comfortable and confident. Hunching down in your chair gives the impression of nervousness and low self-esteem. A sloppy posture indicates a careless attitude and a lack of energy. Sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being nervous or tense. How you position your head also sends a strong message. For example, tilting your head very slightly to one side comes across as friendly and open, while keeping it straight comes across as self-assured and authoritative.

If you are unsure of what to do with your hands, rest them loosely clasped in your lap or on the table. Control your hands by being aware of what you are doing with them. Keep your hands away from your face or hair as it conveys nervousness and anxiety. Folding your arms across your chest suggests a closed and defensive attitude. Waving your hands and arms around can be perceived as uncertainty and a lack of professionalism. The less you move your arms and hands about the more confident and in control you are.

Also be aware of your overall body language. Constant body movement is both distracting and indicates nervousness. Resting one leg or ankle on top of your other knee makes you look too casual and comes across as arrogant. The best way to convey a confident and professional look during an interview is by crossing your legs at the ankles or placing both feet flat on the ground.

Eye contact is essential interview body language to establish rapport with your interviewer. If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are engaged, you need to initiate direct eye contact and maintain it. Avoid appearing as if you are staring aggressively by blinking at regular intervals and moving your head every now and then. However, overusing direct eye contact when you are speaking can come across as lecturing or challenging to the interviewer. Be sure not to look downwards unless you are referencing information in front of you, as you may appear submissive.

No matter how well you may have prepared to answer those tricky interview questions, your body language is responsible for a great deal of the impression you make. Practice interviews with someone that will give you honest feedback or in front of a mirror. Consider your posture and your movements during your interview, and you will make a more positive impression.

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Standing Out in the Job Search

By Denisa | Published: March 26, 2012

When applying for that dream job, it’s important to distinguish yourself from the dozens of other applicants competing for the same role. Every time you apply for a job you have the chance to be a standout, but it’s up to you to give yourself that advantage.

Tailor your resume specifically to each job. Cut back on the number of resumes you send out a week or a month. Sending out a few carefully crafted resumes and cover letters that connect the dots will open more doors than sending out hundreds of carbon copies. Use language that expresses a specific interest in the position you are applying for.

Identify traits that impress. Some will be written right into the job posting itself, while others may be in your future employer’s core values or mission statement. You can also look for keywords in company profiles or blog posts. Look at industry trends and best practices, too. If any of the traits apply to you, be sure to use them in your cover letter and resume, or when describing yourself to the interviewer.

Look for the right fit. Select positions carefully. You aren’t just looking for a job, but rather, the best match for your skill set and experience. When preparing for preliminary interviews, ask questions that will help assess whether you and the company are a good fit, so that you can better tailor the search to your wants and needs.

Establish Next Steps. A common mistake many job seekers make is leaving an interview without knowing what’s next. Before it’s over, ask specific questions such as: When will a final decision be made? Applicants should also find out when an appropriate time would be to follow-up. This will help manage expectations and eliminate any ambiguity in the hiring process.

Be accessible. Respond quickly to emails and phone calls. Someone who does not respond for two or three days may imply that they are less energetic and engaged or not very interested in the job.

Know your stuff. When the hiring manager calls you for an interview, try to schedule it 48 hours in advance. Use this time to research the company and the job you’re seeking. Take time to envision the job and what it entails. Ask yourself: What is the company trying to achieve here? That way your questions to the interviewer will be more in-depth and your impact better.

Stay in touch. Be sure to obtain contact information for everyone you interviewed with. Send individual thank-you notes reiterating your qualifications and highlighting key points discussed during the interview. You should also mention any additional information that will reinforce why you are the ideal candidate for the role. Do not overstep your bounds, as you do not want to appear desperate.

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Improving Coworker Relations

By Denisa | Published: March 19, 2012

When you take a job, you are instantly thrown into an environment where you are surrounded by a group of people you probably don’t know. You, of course, had no say in picking these people. Just like your family, you don’t get to pick your coworkers. And unlike your family, you can’t simply stop talking to your coworkers or move across the country to be far away from them either. In short, you’re stuck with them, whether you like it or not.

Knowing how to effectively communicate with your coworkers is very important. Most of us have heard stories about people forced to work with individuals they dislike. One way of dealing with this situation is to find a new job, but that isn’t a practical solution. If you are stuck with a coworker that you dislike, you will need to develop some sort of strategy. While you don’t have to be friends with your coworkers, you do need to be friendly and coexist.

Start with a good attitude. Get into the habit of smiling and greeting your colleagues as you arrive in the morning. It’s really amazing how fast this little courtesy can thaw chilly workplace relations. Spread your good cheer by performing random acts of kindness or complimenting coworkers on their achievements, both personal and professional.

Participate in small talk. Ask your coworkers about their interests — their favorite music, movies, and books, as well as their hobbies. Showing a genuine interest in them will make them feel more comfortable around you. You may also want to take advantage of company social events to get to know your colleagues better on a more personal level.

Avoid gossip. You don’t want anyone talking about you behind your back, right? So return the favor. When a coworker tries to share gossip with you change the subject or get back to work. When you don’t respond, the gossiper will move on and you’ll retain the trust and respect of your colleagues.

Return calls and e-mails promptly. To win friends at work, start with basics: good office etiquette. There’s nothing more frustrating to busy coworkers than to have their emails and phone messages ignored. Your silence doesn’t just make their jobs harder; it also conveys an unpleasant message: You’re unimportant to me.

Be a team player. Embrace the attitude that we all win together, and let others know when a colleague has done something above and beyond on a project. Don’t withhold credit and praise from deserving coworkers. You’ll alienate them, and they won’t be there for you when you need them. Also, if someone incorrectly gives you credit and praise, acknowledge the coworker who deserves the accolades.

Dealing with Crotchety Aunt Edna.  Let’s admit it, there is one in every family.  The unpredictable, abrasive, irrational, and volatile person that can jump down your throat at any family function.  She is your Aunt and you just have to take it with a smile on your face.  Unfortunately you may have to work with an Aunt Edna at a certain point in your career.  You aren’t there to change or even like them.  You just need to find a way to work along side Crotchety Aunt Edna.  It will take more effort than you had bargained for but in the end the satisfaction from the work YOU do, may be worth it.

Reaching out to your colleagues by openly communicating with them, asking their opinions or, if need be, extending an olive branch, can make your work environment a much nicer place in which to spend your day. Like all relationships, it takes discipline and effort to make office relationships thrive.

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Contest Winners!

By Denisa | Published: March 16, 2012

 

A big congratulations to our newsletter contest winners Suzanne Barnes (1st place) and Jennifer Turner (2nd place)!  Read their winning stories about what inspired them to pursue legal careers in our next issue. Suzanne won two tickets to a Canucks game and Jennifer won dinner at The BoatHouse Restaurant and two tickets to Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest. Selecting a winning story was very difficult because we received hundreds of heart warming and inspiring entries. Stay tuned for future contests!

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Employee Basics 101

By Denisa | Published: March 13, 2012

So you’ve found a job. Now what?

Becoming a valuable employee isn’t just about keeping your job safe and staying employed, it’s about long-term career success. Learning how to keep your job safe can lead to getting a promotion or earning a raise. Improving your work performance requires more than doing your job right, getting to work on time, and working as part of a team.   In other words, more than doing just the bare minimum.

Keep your skills polished. Assess your job skills, education, and accomplishments. Is your job training current, your skills valuable in today’s job market, and your performance effective? If your career or job requires regular skills updates or job training, stay on top of it. If your biggest qualification for your job is that you’ve been doing it for years, consider expanding your job skills to broaden your horizons.

Know who’s hiring in your field. It’s important to know your options. What skills, education, and job training are employers looking for? If you were unemployed, could you apply for the open positions?

Track trends. To improve your work performance, stay current on industry events, changes and news. Read newspapers, journals, trade magazines, because the more you know, the more value you add to your employer.

Be positive about your long-term career success. Avoid slandering your coworkers or gossiping about your supervisors. Be slow to criticize your clients, employees, or consultants. Maintaining a positive attitude will not only shine in your work, but can also lead to future career prospects.

Hone your networking skills. Whether you’re planning to stay with your current employer, negotiating a raise or promotion, or looking for a new job, keep networking. You’ll learn valuable information, both professionally and personally, if you stay tuned in with the people in your field.

Keep your resume updated. Even if you’re not actively looking for work, update your resume on a regular basis. Add your new responsibilities, changes in job title, professional associations, volunteer work, etc.

Dress professionally. Take pride in your appearance; if you’re not into the current fashion, ask your partner or a salesperson to make sure you’re well dressed. Even if you’re in an entry-level job, make sure you look presentable and professional.

Practice the basics. Get to work, meetings, and workshops on time. Do your job well. Be reliable, consistent, and trustworthy. If you can’t meet deadlines, get support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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