Wednesday, December 26, 2012

8 Job Interview Tips To Put You Ahead Of The Pack


Job interviews are nerve-racking and an interview that goes badly can turn even the most confident person into a sobbing mess. Hopefully, these 16 tips will help put your mind at ease, and make your next job interview bearable, perhaps maybe even an enjoyable experience!

1. Be Confident.

It may seem obvious but confidence is definitely key. Even if your insides are like jello and you feel like you may throw up at any second, appear confident. Try not to look down at your lap, use too many ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’, or answer questions with only one word, such as ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

2. Do your research.

You need the employer to think that you really want this job, and by bothering to do some background research on the company, it shows that you do. The employer is bound to ask you something along the lines of ‘So what do you know about us?’, and having a depth of knowledge will really make you stand out from the other candidates.

3. Dress appropriately.

Even if you have the most outstanding resume, and are the best person for the job, if you don’t look the part, you won’t have a chance to prove this to the employer. People make their judgments about you in the first few seconds of meeting you, and if you show too much leg or cleavage, chances are that your impressive resume won’t even get read. Also, even if the job is in a casual environment, it is always better to overdress, than under-dress, so although it might to appropriate to wear sweats or jeans once you get the job, it is not for the interview.

4. Be on time.

If the interview is at 10am, make sure you get there ten minutes before. If necessary, take a trial trip the day before so you are certain of how long it will take you to get there. It is a really bad look, to be late for an interview, but if something happens, and it is unavoidable, at least call the workplace and let them know.

5. Turn off your cellphone.

And definitely do not answer it if you have left it on and it rings. Even if you’re out in the waiting room. The employer should not hear you talking to your best friend, boyfriend, mother etc, about last night’s antics and how drunk you got. Ever!

6. Don’t chew gum.

This is purely a manners thing. It is really distracting trying to talk to someone who is chewing gum, and is unprofessional in the workplace anyway

7. Ask questions.

Come prepared with a few questions that you would like to know from the employer, which shows that you are serious about the position and your career. Some examples are; ‘What advancement opportunities exist in the company, and in what time frame?’, and ‘What would you like done differently by the next person to hold the position?’.

8. Bring a notepad.

Most people do not, and it is a very easy and subtle way to make you stand out, and it also shows that you’re serious about the job. But, make sure that you actually write notes in it.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Career Tips for Teenagers

The teenage years are an extremely important time in a person's life. Teenagers have an opportunity to build upon what they learn in school and apply it to life either in the work force or as part of their post-secondary education. It is also extremely important for teens to start planning about their future, including their career goals.

Finish High School

Nearly every job requires some communication and problem solving skills. Compared to those with post-secondary education, high school drop outs have difficulty getting and keeping jobs. They also earn much less throughout their lifetime.

Plan your career

Seek out information about careers that interest you and have favourable prospects, high earnings and will afford you the type of life style you seek. Having a solid career plan can have a huge impact on your future job prospects.

Research career information

Start thinking about the various industries and companies that may interest you. A small investment of your time could pay huge dividends in the future as there are hundreds of occupations and choosing the right one and planning a career is a complex task.

Consider college or university

The more education you get, the more you will learn, the more you will be able to contribute to an employer and the more you will be able to earn. Post secondary education includes vocational training for those wishing to take up a specific trade.

Develop computer skills

Basic computer skills are absolutely essential in today's technology driven world. Take advantage of every available opportunity while at school or through local organizations to acquire computer proficiency.

Create a resume

You will have to market yourself and your skills to employers - one way of doing this is with a resume. Learning about resume preparation and job search techniques will help you now and in the future.

Gain work experience

Be on the lookout for a job, be it part-time, an internship or as a volunteer early on in life. Working is the best way to learn and the hands on experience is greatly sought by all employers.

Continue learning

It is important to continue learning, even when you have finished your studies and have a job. The average worker has eight jobs before age 32 so you have to be ready for change and learning is the only way to ensure that you are upgrading your skills and are ready to adapt you career.