Would you hire yourself?

By Denisa | Published: March 5, 2012

Before you can convey your value to an employer, you have to be sure of your own worth. If you aren’t certain of your fit and value for a role, there’s no way you will be able to convince an employer. Do some self-reflection so that you are confident in what it is you offer.

Communication is key. Although you may be certain of your fit and value, if you’re not communicating it effectively to a potential employer, they will likely miss it. You may want to tailor your resume to each position you apply for so that the most relevant experience is emphasized. In an interview, it is your responsibility as the job seeker to make sure that the most relevant information is mentioned. Be sure to highlight the experience that best matches the requirements of the job, not just the experience you may be most proud of.

Be the whole package. While experience is important, people get hired based on the entire package they portray. Personality, style, passion and demeanor need to match what is being conveyed. If someone describes themselves as a “go getter”, yet their answers are slow and awkward, it creates a sense of doubt in the hiring manager’s mind. If someone talks about their organization skills and attention to detail, yet looks disheveled and carelessly prepared, it seems inconsistent. While people don’t get hired because the company is targeting a certain look, a level of consistency is expected between what is said and what is presented. Your brand is how you portray yourself as the “whole package” and must be deliberate and consistent.  Furthermore, don’t discount the importance of chemistry. If your experience matches the position, however, you don’t seem to build rapport; it’s not likely to be a match.

Be honest with yourself. Many job seekers are not realistic about the how well their background matches the position they are competing for. They often delude themselves that the rapport with the interviewer was much better than it actually was. They believe they communicated their fit much more effectively than they actually did, or they believe their professional demeanor or appearance was “good enough”. If you find that you’re not getting positions where you were convinced you aced the interview, perhaps you need to make a more honest assessment of your approach.

While you may know your fit well, if you don’t communicate it effectively with others, present yourself well, and assess your performance honestly, you will not likely get the job. Look at yourself from an employer’s perspective and you may start getting better results.

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Interview Etiquette

By Denisa | Published: February 27, 2012

Knowing proper job interview etiquette is an important part of successful interviewing. Everything from how you dress, what you bring to a job interview, how you greet the interviewer, to how you communicate can make a big difference in the outcome of the candidate selection process.  You should try to control every part of process that is controllable.

When you are dressing for a job interview the image you present is really important. Regardless of the type of job you’re interested in, you want that first impression to be a great one. Wear appropriate business attire in neutral colours, avoid anything flashy, and above all, be well groomed.

It’s important to arrive a few minutes early for a job interview. Plan your route ahead of time so you ensure that you’re not late. A few extra minutes will give you an opportunity to catch your breath and calm your nerves. You can also use the extra time to stop in the rest room and freshen up, if need be, to make sure you don’t have any hair, make-up or wardrobe malfunctions. However, do not arrive too early, as you may come off as impolite or desperate.  A good rule of thumb is to arrive five minutes before your interview.

Always come prepared to an interview. Bring extra copies of your resume along with a list of references to offer the interviewer and, if applicable, a portfolio of your best work. Be ready with a handful of well-rehearsed questions to ask the interviewer. Never walk into an interview with a coffee cup, bottle of water or anything else you may want to drink or chew, including gum. Turn your cell phone off and keep it out of sight.

Adopt a business-like persona from the moment you wake up the day of your interview. Whether you are sitting on the bus during your morning commute, or getting coffee at your local Starbucks, you should really be on your best behaviour. It’s a very small world; you could be standing in line behind your future boss. Furthermore, be polite to everyone you come across in the building, as your interviewer may not be the only one judging you. From the building lobby, to the elevator, to the receptionist’s desk, always be sure to present yourself with courtesy and grace. When you finally meet your interviewer, greet them with a firm handshake and formally introduce yourself.

At the end of the interview, thank the hiring manager for their time and express your genuine interest in the position. It is appropriate to ask what the next step in the hiring process will be and when you might expect to hear back. Following up with a thank you note is also on the list of interview etiquette best practices. Taking the time to say ‘thank you’ not only shows that you appreciated the interview, it also gives you an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job and summarize why you are a strong candidate.

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LEGAL: BREAKING IN

By Denisa | Published: February 22, 2012

Breaking into a new career is exciting. But when you are also new to the industry you may feel discouraged or overwhelmed. Though you may be confident in your knowledge and expertise, there is still the fact that you don’t have industry experience to set you apart from others who may have a world of experience backing them.

Be honest. Although you may be tempted to embellish your resume and tell people you aren’t new to the industry, this is not going to do you any good. First of all, you can’t really back it up. And secondly, lies are never a good way to start a business relationship or career – as they are bound to come out at some point.  The legal industry is very small.  Everyone seems to know everyone.

Be confident. Effective communication is the key here. Nothing inspires confidence better than a good speaker. To inspire confidence, you should be knowledgeable about your field of work and be able to effectively communicate what you plan to do. In order to convince somebody that you will be a good hire, you must first believe in yourself.

Utilize your network. Networking has always been an effective way to find work. People trust the people they know, and this is why they typically hire someone who has been referred to them. Utilize the network you know, from your former professors/mentors, to your colleagues, and even your friends. These people know what you are capable of, and they can be invaluable in helping you land that first job. Even your social media network can help you reach out to potential employers. LinkedIn, for example, is an excellent professional social networking tool for finding leads and prospects. You can join groups related to your industry, answer questions to show off your expertise, and follow companies. The connections you form there may be the ones who will introduce you to your future employer.

Join an association or group. Joining groups that are related to your industry is a great way to expand your network. Attend events, be helpful, answer questions, and contribute to the discussions. By doing so you will be able to meet new people, build relationships, and hopefully earn some recommendations.

Starting out can be tricky. But if you’re honest and inspire confidence in your potential employer, then they just might be willing to give you a chance. Remember to utilize your connections through your various networks, be active in your industry community, and don’t be afraid to ask people you know to recommend you.

And most importantly – be referable. As long as you deliver on what you promise, then people will recommend you. In the end, it doesn’t really matter whether you are new to the industry, or you have years of experience to back you up, as long as you do the work well.

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Conversation Skills for Career Success

By Denisa | Published: February 14, 2012

An employee with technical skills, expertise and experience is considered valuable, whereas an employee with additional talents in conversation skills can be an invaluable asset to an organization. It is simply not enough in today’s job market to be good at what you do, you must also be able to communicate well and possess necessary skills in order to move forward in your career. In fact, a person with less experience and fewer technical skills but who is an excellent communicator has a better chance of getting hired or landing a job promotion.

Communication, especially in verbal conversation, is an up close and personal endeavor. In order to become a dynamic communicator, you need to develop three skills: conversation, writing and presenting. Effective communication skills can be difficult to master, but with a little practice and determination, one can develop the skill. Good communication habits stem from the ability to properly construct phrases or sentences that are straight to the point. Be engaged and show the person you are speaking to that you are interested by listening, asking questions, maintaining eye contact, and not monopolizing the entire conversation.

Having good conversation skills is not just admirable; it is also contagious especially with people you interact with on a regular basis. If you are a catalyst to having good conversation skills at work, you may find that your colleagues and consequently, your entire company, will follow suit. By cultivating yourself to attain good conversation skills, you will meet more interesting people who match your conversation skills and facilitate your growth, both personally and professionally.

Be aware of your body language and tone. No one wants to converse at any length, much less have a meaningful conversation with someone who looks grumpy, irritated, arrogant, or distracted. Always keep positivism in mind. Remember that even if you aren’t thinking bad thoughts your resting face might not be very approachable. You can practice at home by talking to yourself in the mirror with a smile on your face. You will be surprised how well this method works in making you a more pleasant person to talk to.

There is a great deal of value in working with a person who listens well, processes information and expresses themselves in a clear and articulate manner. Since conversation and language are the base means by which we all communicate, having excellent communication practices is a must for professionals in any industry.

Image Credit: Flickr

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First Impressions 101

By Denisa | Published: February 7, 2012

Whether you are networking, interviewing for a position, or starting a new job, making a strong first impression is key to career success.

You really only have one chance at making a positive first impression, as most people will judge you within the first few minutes of meeting you and their opinion will likely never change. So put your best foot forward and portray yourself as a team player, someone who will get along with and work well with co-workers and as someone who is just an all-around good worker to have on staff. Doing all of this can be challenging, but there are a few tips that can help you achieve a lasting impression.

Have a goal in mind. This is especially important before any kind of big event where you would be meeting a lot of new people. Think about what kind of people you want to meet and what kind of interactions you want to have. This allows you to strategically focus on what kind of energy you want to have for your event or meeting.

Polish your presentation. Let’s face it; people will make initial judgments about you based on your clothing, accessories and how well you are put together. Many men do not realize that their watch can say a lot about them. For women, purses and large earrings or jewelry can be distracting or send the wrong message. Make sure that what you are wearing and how you do your hair or make-up says what you want it to say to the people you are meeting for the first time. You want people to remember you for your intellect and personality and not for your shiny pink pumps.

Consider your body language. Be conscious of your posture, how you carry yourself, and the way you’re positioning your body. Simply being aware of your body language can result in immediate improvements. Subconscious cues to keep in mind include noticing where you point your feet, the position of your shoulders, and the way you shake hands with others.

Leave negativity at the door. If you are feeling angry, sad or anxious, others will pick up on this from your facial expressions, comments and body language. If you’re having a bad day find a way to snap yourself out of your bad mood.

And finally, when meeting people for the first time approach them with genuine interest. This is often contagious and results in great conversations, deeper connections, and will have positive impact on other’s perception of you.

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Dealing with work related stress

By Denisa | Published: January 30, 2012

Whether it’s due to a tight deadline, an uncertain job climate, or a demanding boss, work related stress is a common ailment in the workplace. For many, it has become harder than ever to cope with workplace anxiety regardless of occupation, seniority, or salary level. While some stress is an accepted part of work and can be a good motivator, excessive pressure can lead to unproductive stress — which will undermine your performance and potentially make you sick.

It is important to recognize that it is impossible to escape from pressure at work altogether as there will always be certain pressures on you in the workplace. The key to dealing with stress is how you manage the pressures that you face. The ability to manage stress in the workplace can improve your physical and emotional health, and can also make the difference between success and failure on the job.

Deal with problems as soon as possible. Putting off dealing with a problem will prevent you from getting on with other tasks efficiently, and could potentially lead to a build-up of other problems — which will only cause you more anxiety.

Manage your time effectively. Prioritize your tasks, delegate work when possible, and make sure you don’t take on more than you can handle. Completing one task before going on to the next one will allow you to forget about the task you’ve completed and move onto the next thing with a clearer, focused mind.

Take a time out. Taking frequent breaks will help you to focus better. Use these short breaks to do some simple stretching exercises to prevent your muscles from getting tired. Also, going for a short walk at lunchtime, for example, can help take your mind off work. Some people make the mistake when under pressure at work of skipping breaks because they’re trying to catch up — when in fact simply having a break would be of more benefit.

Seek help. Asking for help can be hard. But if you don’t ask then people may not realize the amount of stress you are under. Seeking help can range from getting practical help in the workplace from another colleague to discussing problems or concerns with your employer. Confiding in trusted work colleagues, friends and relatives is a useful way of ridding yourself of stressful feelings. Other people can give you a different perspective on problems and help you to find potential solutions.

Consider changes to your lifestyle. Not only can stress cause insomnia, but a lack of sleep can leave you vulnerable to even more stress. When you’re well rested, it’s much easier to keep your emotional balance. Be sure to make smart food choices that keep you going strong. Low blood sugar can make you feel anxious and irritable, while eating too much can make you lethargic. By eating small but frequent meals throughout the day, you can help your body maintain an even level of blood sugar and avoid these swings in mood. Also, keep active with aerobic exercise. Activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat is an effective way to lift your mood, increase energy, sharpen focus, and relax both the mind and body.

Celebrate your achievements. Avoid spending too much time thinking about what you didn’t get done today and what you have to do in the future. Instead, think about all those things that you did achieve and give yourself a pat on the back. Take each working day as it comes and celebrate the good things that you are responsible for doing and achieving.

Image Credit: Briody Fitness Health

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When is the best time to look for work?

By Denisa | Published: January 23, 2012

Most job seekers are convinced that looking for a job over the winter holidays is a waste of time. But, if you buy into this myth about holiday job searching, you are losing out on one of the better job searching opportunities of the year. During the holidays you are actually at an advantage due to reduced competition for jobs, easier access to decision makers who are in the office and an abundance of valuable networking opportunities at social gatherings.

Typically employers have ambitious goals in place for the New Year and are eager to find people who can help them get a jump-start on their accomplishments. In fact, many organizations interview in December for positions starting in January. Therefore, it is a good idea to begin your job search early—before all the competition hits the market.

Another “quiet” time of year to look for a new job is during the summer months, particularly in July. During this time of year there are fewer job seekers in the market, but not fewer job ads. While other candidates are basking in the sun or backpacking through Europe, you can once again enjoy reduced competition in the job market and increased access to the jobs you actually want. Be aware that the competition heats up again fast in September because people are back to reality and motivated by their vacation resolutions to move forward in their careers.

The legal job market tends to be pretty consistent in volume throughout the year.  However, statistically the most career movement occurs between January and February and then again between September and October. Highest job search traffic means maximum job competition for you. So the key here is to time your search effectively and plan for it well in advance, if you can. Job searching is not just about sending out resumes and getting interviews. Job searching is something you prepare and network for your entire career.

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E-mail Best Practices

By Denisa | Published: January 17, 2012

E-mail provides a convenient and efficient way to send messages. Whether it is used privately or in business communication, it is important to know how to write an e-mail that is appropriate, effective, and clear. To help get you started on your way to better communication habits, here is our e-mail best practices guide.

Be courteous. Use formal modes of address unless you are absolutely certain that informality is acceptable. Don’t expect an immediate answer as many people only read their e-mail periodically. Use appropriate language and don’t forget basic manners such as please and thank you.

Focus your e-mail message to one topic. There is nothing more distracting than long-winded paragraphs. Aim for clarity, as a clear and concise subject is more meaningful and easily understood.

Avoid sending confidential information. As a rule of thumb never discuss delicate matters or include credit card numbers or other financial details, as others may be able to access it. E-mail is not a secure form of communication.

Use abbreviations and emoticons sparingly. As a replacement for body language, smiley faces and other “emoticons” can be a useful tool for communication, but they should be limited to informal or personal e-mail messages. Avoid using too many capital letters because they are hard to read and come across unprofessional.

Retain the original e-mail message thread. When replying to e-mails, it is courteous to include the original text, as it keeps the message in context. Also, beware of the auto-fill function when typing out e-mail addresses and use the “reply all” button carefully. Make sure that you only reply to the people you want on the distribution list.

Review before sending. Fine-tuning your e-mail helps create a more effective message. Editing your message will avoid misunderstandings, unnecessary comments, and typos. Be sure to use the rules of proper letter writing with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Respond to messages promptly and if at all possible, within the same working day. If it is not possible to do so, acknowledge the sender with a brief e-mail saying you’ll get back to them soon.

With less people picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face, it is necessary to master e-mail etiquette as a skill in order to be an effective communicator in the business world.

 

Photo Credit: Flickr: RambergMediaImages

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HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE AT WORK

By Denisa | Published: January 10, 2012

Whether it’s a demanding boss who micro-manages everything you do, an aggressive co-worker who challenges you with power struggles, a toxic colleague who spews charged emotions, or a negative employee who gossips about everyone in the office, working with difficult people is draining, frustrating and time consuming. Here are a few suggestions that will help you deal with difficult people in the workplace, so that you can love your job again.

Stay calm. Losing your temper in the midst of conflict will only escalate the situation.  Someone who is calm is seen as being in control, centered and more respectable. Would you prefer to work with someone who is calm or someone who is always on edge? When the person you are dealing with sees that you have control over your emotions, they will likely respond in the same manner.

Set boundaries. Be clear about how you deserve to be treated and how you want to treat others. Listen to your intuition and if you feel uncomfortable about something, try to address it. Be confident in yourself and demonstrate that you are someone worth treating with respect. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart, so look out for yourself and stand up for what you deserve.

Be assertive. If you find that you are getting to the point where you need to take action, try dealing with the person directly rather than talking behind their back. While it may be easier to talk to other people about an issue, if you don’t actually deal with the issue head on, the other person won’t be any the wiser. We all make mistakes and have upset others inadvertently at one time or the other so give the person a chance to know what you find difficult and the opportunity to set it straight.

Be in their shoes. As cliché as this may sound, we tend to forget that we become blind-sided in the situation. Try putting yourself in their position and consider how you may have hurt their feelings. This understanding will give you a new perspective on becoming rational again, and may also help you develop compassion for the other person.

Don’t take it personally. Just because someone is behaving in a certain manner, doesn’t mean anything about you. Try to disassociate their behaviour from how you feel about yourself. This can be tricky, but learning to develop a thick skin is an invaluable skill in any area of life. Get on with your daily tasks and try limiting your interactions with the person.

Get Help. Sometimes you can try everything to resolve a situation and nothing seems to work. If this is the case, please don’t suffer in silence. If a relationship with a colleague is causing you anxiety or affecting your work, it’s time to ask for support. There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. Speak to a manager or a human resources representative that you trust. However, be sure you have exhausted all other means before you take this step.

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New Year Career Resolutions

By Denisa | Published: January 4, 2012

Start off the New Year right by creating resolutions that will help you prepare for the next stages in your career. Creating career resolutions are a critical component for your success, and a new year brings new opportunities. Follow these steps to position yourself for career success in 2012 and beyond.

Expand your professional network. Reconnect with old school friends, prior employers and others in your profession. You can also join professional organizations where you can meet people in your field. Attend get-togethers and be sure to hand out your business card.

Update your resume. This should be a yearly practice. If your resume is weak in particular areas, set goals for the coming year on how to improve. Inventory your skills, interests, and areas for improvement. Ask yourself: do you use all of your abilities and talents in your current position? If not, think about what you would like to learn in your job in 2012; where you see yourself in the future; and what changes you need to make now to accomplish those tasks.

Set clear goals. Write down the steps it will take to reach the goals that you’ve just set. Make sure that each step is realistic. Remember, even small steps can move you a long way toward your ultimate career objectives. Consider setting a daily list of priorities to help you stay on track.

Boost work relationships. Identify at least one person in the office that you don’t know well, and make an effort to get to know them better. Good relationships with colleagues can help your career—by making the office a place where you enjoy spending time, boosting productivity, and strengthening connections that could be important in the future.

Be prepared. If you plan on searching for a new job this year, practice answering interview questions. Get your message down to a few concise sentences and make sure that you can convey it with ease. Prepare yourself further by writing down your achievements from 2011. Be very specific as this information will be invaluable in interviews.

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