You’ve sent in the cover letter with your resume and you received a call asking you to come for an interview. The employer sounds impressed with what you sent them on paper and now they want to meet you in person.

Job interviews are your second step to the first impression a company has of you. In the beginning they think they know you on paper but you have to make them comfortable with you as a potential employee.

Whether you are a new graduate or an older worker if you can put your best foot forward in an interview you can grab the job you want. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Brush up on your speaking skills — if you are a person who doesn’t speak well in front of people, it may be a good idea to practice speaking in front of a group. Many job interviews today are group interviews instead of personal ones. In fact, many interviews today have a group discussion as part of the interview process. The more confident you are speaking to a group, the more your personality will get across.
   

2. Check your appearance — no matter what job you are going towards make sure that you have appropriate dress for the interview. Look business, look professional.
   

3. Piercings, Tattoos and other personal statements — in most interviews, it is inappropriate to show piercings and tattoos. Of course this depends on the job interview, but you want to put your best foot forward. Take out piercings and hide tattoos if you can for now.
   

4. Keep extra copies of resumes — even though the employer has your resume, you will want to take several copies with you. There may be other people in the room who also need to see your qualifications. Don’t rely on the employer to do this for you.
   

5. Promote you — when you are in the interview keep your comments specific to the job for which you are applying. Show them how you did similar things in your last job (accomplishments) and create a positive image of who you are in work.
   

6. Do the job interview with confidence — employers like to see confident job seekers. Watch your body language and make sure you are always showing openness to the process. Give a firm handshake in the beginning.
   

7. Make sure you are comfortable — wear comfortable shows, dress comfortably but business like and make sure that you are comfortably seated when you get to the interview. This will add to your self-confidence.
   

A job interview is really a kind of game that we play that allows an employer to look us over before they choose to buy. If you are appalled at that idea think about it more. It is a system where employers ask questions and you are there with the ready answers. How well you answer the questions is how you will obtain the job. If you see it as a game you may relax a little and prepare easier.

So, take heed of these tips and prepare well for your interview. Good luck!

Sharon Alexander

To download your copy of my book Claim That Job and get a free job hunting report, visit www.claimthatjob.com.

Time management and planning in advance for upcoming events, meetings, presentations, business trips and other work related activities can help you stay focused, relaxed and prepared for sudden changes or surprises. When you plan in advance, you are giving yourself extra time to prepare. This can affect the outcome of a presentation, speech or other project you’re working on. A well thought out presentation can help you earn promotions, clients, and give you a reputation as someone who is competent in what they do.

Calendars and other Reminders

If you have the technology available in your workplace that allows you to sync your cell phone with your work calendar, you should do so. This allows you to instantly check your calendar when away from your desk. This can make scheduling meetings, taking on additional projects, or planning vacation time much easier. Another great feature that’s available on your electronic calendar and most cell phones is the reminder option. This option allows you to be notified when a meeting or other important event is approaching. You can be reminded the day before, the morning of the event or an hour or two before so you don’t forget. Being able to look at your work calendar can make planning your week much easier. Make sure to update your calendar as soon as possible so it will always be accurate.

Time Management

Time management is a subject that every busy person is aware of. Even though you can never have total control over the time spent at work, there are ways to make yourself more efficient. Planning ahead is one of these methods. For example, if you’re going to give a presentation to a new client, there are many ways to plan in advance that include:Go over the presentation one last time the day beforeWhen you plan ahead, you will have fewer tasks to complete as the day of the presentation approaches. You can even delegate some of the responsibilities if necessary. Keep in mind that you should try to plan ahead in every project you’re involved in so they can be successful each time.

Additional Benefits to Planning Ahead

In addition, to always being prepared, planning ahead can help you overcome emergency situations. If your presentation needs to be cut due to time constraints, you can easily make these changes last minute or if a meeting needs to be changed, you can access your calendar and choose a new date and time. Being able to accommodate others is a good trait to have in any business setting. Planning ahead allows you to make these changes without disrupting other areas of your job.

Sharon Alexander

To download your copy of my book Claim That Job and get a free job hunting report, visit www.claimthatjob.com.

Hunting for jobs nowadays is a very competitive and sometimes cut-throat affair. Here are a few tips to help you get the edge in searching out and landing the job of your dreams.

The Curriculum Vitae

The CV is the first, and at most times the most important part of applying for a job. Since potential employers have to whittle down practically hundreds of applications to a few valid ones, they will have to base their narrowing down efforts using the CVs they have collected.

Studies have shown that about half of the employers decide to accept or reject job applications based on the related work experience listed in the CV. A third of the employers decide to reject or accept these job applications based on the layout design of these applications.

1. Make Your CV Stand Out

When preparing your CV, make sure your CV stands out among the rest. It should be the type that is appealing to the eyes, making the evaluating personnel want to read the CV. Step two is for you to make sure your CV lists the related work experience you have had in relation to the job you are applying for.

2. Make Your CV Concise and Relevant

Avoid making your CVs too long. It may make it irrelevant to the evaluator. Remember that the employer is a person to whom time is important. If your CV shows that you value his/her time while showing the most relevant information in the least amount of time, you will have won one important battle.

3. Always tailor your CV to the job

You may have had previous experience that may not be related to the job you are applying for. Some people keep many different versions of their CV for different job opening purposes. Make sure your CV is appropriate for the job. A one-size-fits-all CV may not be the best way to go since the employer will have the impression that your previous efforts have not been focused enough to produce any specialization on your part.

4. Write about your achievements

You may add your achievements, but make your statements factual and relevant. It does not do harm to advertise yourself, but make your advertisement matter-of-fact and not just hot air. You may want to skip on listing your weak points as the CV is not the avenue for such discussions.

5. Polish Your CV

Your employer will know if you have put enough time producing your CV. If he/she sees that you have put sufficient and thorough effort into your CV, he/she will assume that you will do the same in your work. This is a big plus for you. It is not uncommon for some people to spend days or even weeks polishing and buffing their CVs.

For more information on how to write a killer cv or resume, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of Claim That Job - The Ultimate Career Management Guide. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

The second step in getting a job is having an interview with a potential employer. The first step was sending your application and after careful review by the company, you are seen as candidate for the vacant position. 

The employer got this information through an ad that was placed in the paper, referred by someone in the company or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application via the company’s website.

The first impression employers always look at is your resume. Given the many that apply, this usually takes about 30 seconds and so with the limited words, one must be sure that the resume is well written and grammatically correct. 

During the interview, most employers want to know more about person since the resume only gives certain information such as the person’s name, age, address, contact number,  social security number, past and current employment. 

The employer will likely ask about the experiences, lessons and accomplishments one has done and learned working for another employer. This will usually include how the person handled a situation in the company, the challenges of the job and the relationship with coworkers. 

Another question will be the relationship between the applicant and family members. This shows character with how the person interacts with people who are close and those that know the person for a long time. 

The employer will usually ask why the person applied in the company and where you would like to be in 5 to 10 years. Long term questions such as this will show if there is dedication for the job at hand and if the company can provide something beneficial for both the applicant and the employer. 

Companies follow a certain budget in hiring qualified personnel which is why the interviewer will ask how much one desires to get for the job. If what is being asked is too high, the employer will usually ask if the salary is open to negotiation. 

After the employer asks questions, room is usually given for the applicant to ask questions in return. This is the best time to know a little bit more the company one might be working in and to get a feel of the potential company. 

If there are no more questions, the interviewer will then end the meeting and call the applicant back if the person has passed the initial interview so that the next phase of the application process can begin.

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of my book Claim That Job. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

In today’s competitive life, employers are more inclined to find people who can contribute to the growth of the company and not just boost its productivity. 

Hence, most employers tend to look for people who are endowed with the most desirable job skills in order to match the expectations and necessities of the company. 

Therefore, for people who wish to make it to the jobs that they have long been dreaming of, it is important to know the most sought after job skills of most employers. 

Here’s a list of the important job skills a job seeker must have in order to land a good job and keep it. 

1. The ability to research 

Job seekers should possess the ability to research not because they wanted to land a job in a research company but in order to do simple searches on the data needed by a particular activity. 

2. Logical thinking 

Most employers need people who are able to produce effective solutions and to make sensible solutions regarding a proposal or a probable activity. 

3. Technologically literate 

With the advent of information technology, most job openings require people who are computer literate or know how to operate different machines and office equipments. 

Most employers do not necessarily need people who are technological graduates. The simple fact that job seekers know the basic principles of technology is already enough. 

4. Communication skills 

People who are able to land a good job are mostly those who are adept in speaking and writing. Employers hire people who are able to express their thoughts efficiently through verbal and written communications. 

5. Organizational skills 

No employer would like to hire somebody who is disorganized. Organization is extremely important to maintain a harmonious working relationship in the company. Hence, most employers find people who know how to arrange scheme and methods that would maintain the orderliness in the area. 

6. Interpersonal skills 

Because the working environment consists of various kinds of personalities, it is necessary, therefore, to acquire the skill to communicate to people form different walks of life. 

7. Professional Growth 

Employers hire people who are able to create a plan that will generate personal career growth. This means that the person is willing to improve him or herself professionally by learning new things he or she still does not know. 

These are just some of the most wanted job skills by most employers. Hence, it is important for the job seekers to take note of these assets in order to be successful in every endeavor they make.

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of my book Claim That Job. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

Nowadays, finding a job can be very tedious. However, some people contend thattrying to keep a job to avoid the risk of losing it is in even harder. This is because they are trying whatever viable means there is, in order not to lose their jobs. 

Unemployment is a devastating condition in the society.  It wrecks dreams and ambitions, and the goal to have a happy and decent life. In fact, unemployment had such an effect in the United States in 1990, where it only recorded 45% of its population working and from here; only 24% are working full time. That is why it is extremely important for a person to find a job and try harder not to lose it. 

Today, the percentage of people who are employed gradually increases and the wage that they earn escalates as well, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The families that only earn from $10,000 to $50,000 in a year are already less common because the others are earning a lot more. 

For people who already have a job and desire not to be jobless again, here are some tips that they must follow in order to stay on track: 

1. Employees should always try their best to improve their performance 

This entails a chain reaction within the work force in the company. The employee should, by all means try harder to do their job well as well as improve their performance in order to increase productivity. 

Once productivity has been improved, the income of the company will grow, meaning there will be more funds for remuneration and more probabilities that the company will adhere to its employees’ cultivation and motivation. 

2. Avoid procrastination 

If a person does not want to lose his or her job, procrastination should be avoided. Making up lame excuses, even if there is the slightest truth in it, will never justify the work undone. 

3. It is better for a person to find a job that he or she truly likes. 

It would be harder to keep a job that a person does not like. This will only result to poor performance and everything. It is better for a person to find a job that would bring meaning to his or her life. 

The main point here is that people should know how to turn failures into success in order to focus on one common goal: never to lose a job again.

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of Claim That Job - The Ultimate Career Management Guide. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

When you are starting work in a new environment, it is important to consider from the very first day. How people perceive you will ultimately define your reality. In the workforce, it is important to build yourself as a solid brand. In a work environment, consider yourself as a brand; the product is YOU. Building a work ethic, establishing an elevator pitch, demonstrating integrity and building a strong personal appearance are important components in creating a personal brand in the workforce. 

Work Ethic

The first step in developing a successful work profile is to establish what sets you apart from others. What is your distinguishing brand characteristic? How do you want others to perceive you? One of the most prominent definitions of a person’s profile in a work environment is their work ethic. Ensure that you are demonstrating from the start that you have a strong work ethic and that you are willing to work hard to achieve targets as they are outlined for you within the organization. If you really want to stand out, be the first one to work and the last one to leave. Sometimes you have to over prove yourself to set yourself apart when you start a new position.

Elevator Pitch

Once you have learned some of the ropes of your position, you will want to develop a powerful elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is a brief description of what you do and it will be something that you will regularly use both inside your workplace and when you are networking outside of the workplace. When someone asks you what you do, you will want to have a well rehearsed, specific statement to respond with. Your elevator pitch should be one line, short, and a powerful description of what your strengths are. Ask others for their feedback to help you develop the best elevator pitch for your role. 

Integrity

In the workforce, integrity is one of the most important personal characteristics that you can possess. One of the definitions of integrity is having consistency between your actions and your words. When you make commitments, set deadlines, and make statements about your work character or your personal character, ensure that your actions are in alignment with your words. Nothing can hurt your brand faster than a lack of integrity. Work hard to maintain it. If you lose it, it is very challenging to regain. 

Personal Appearance

In a world that is dominated by first impressions, your personal appearance is crucial. How your personal appearance is maintained says a great deal about you as a person. When you are well put together and appear as though you have a strong attention to detail, that will show in your work efforts. Develop a professional appearance that is always in alignment with the job that you want, not just the job that you have currently. By maintaining a professional appearance that is characterized for you will be creating a positive and lasting impression.

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of Claim That Job - The Ultimate Career Management Guide. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

Although almost every company will give you an employee handbook that has a long set of rules and how things work in the company there are still more rules and dynamics you will need to learn as you begin your new job. To understand the political culture in your new job you will need to be very observant of how things happen around you. So keep your eyes peeled for anything that might be of interest. 

There are so many things in the political culture that can happen outside of the company’s rulebook. For instances, dealing with a bad boss is difficult but learning to be the best at dealing with him could be the key to having him on your side. If the majority of employees in your department or business dislike the boss, then it means he really doesn’t have a number one employee. Being that number one employee can be a long, hard, uphill battle but it can be done with a little determination. Show this boss that you can do the work that needs to be done; you can meet deadlines and go the extra mile for him when he needs it. Proving yourself while still being a decent person who isn’t talking behind his back could really help you in the long run.

Although companies want you to think that promotions are granted because of the work you complete and the quality of the work you produce, there is usually more to it. Sometimes it isn’t about what you know but rather about whom you know. By expanding your network of people, you can set yourself up for great promotions and be the choice employee when your boss needs something done. To do this you need to rub elbows with people who are ranked higher in the company than you. How can you do this? You can invite them to lunch, talk with them in the elevator, see them in the parking garage and speak instead of running the other way. By bridging the communication gap between you and them it will make things much easier and could open a lot of doors for you in the future.

Last but not least, is learning to keep some of your unneeded opinions to yourself. Gossip in an office setting can spread like wild fire. You never want to be the person whose opinion reached the head boss, and in reality what you said was in anger over something silly.  If you don’t like someone, or do not like their work performance or people skills, so be it. But keep it to yourself. People do not look highly on others who talk about people behind their backs. Save your opinions and share them with someone outside of the office. 

So to sum it all up, listen, learn, observe others and then try to make connections with people who have a hand in what you do and where you want to go in the company.

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of Claim That Job - The Ultimate Career Management Guide. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

At work, it is inevitable that you will not get along with all of your colleagues. In any work environment, it is likely that the workplace composition will include personalities of all kinds, including those that are difficult to work with. For those employees who learn to manage the differences between co-workers, they will experience not only a more positive work experience, but will experience less workplace conflict.

If you experience workplace conflict or a difficult person, here are some options to consider that will help you resolve the matter effectively:

1. Discuss the differences with the person directly. Rather than keeping your feelings to yourself or engaging in unhealthy office gossip, have the courage to have a rational and open conversation with the other party. By speaking, you will be presenting the opportunity for a positive outcome. Practice your conversation prior to having it and choose a time when you are not upset, as when you are upset, you are more likely to communicate poorly, often making comments that you may regret later.
2. Work harder to let things roll off of your back. While there are certainly situations that you should address in your place of employment, there are some cases where you should just move on without another consideration to a disagreement or a conflict. Choose carefully which situations you should address; situations where a better outcome could arise from confronting the situation should be addressed. If a positive outcome cannot be achieved, move on and focus on something more positive.
3. Ask your supervisor for feedback on how to manage the situation. If possible, role-play with them how you should approach discussing the issue with your colleague. A conversation with your supervisor will give you the answers that you are searching for and the confidence to address and manage the situation.
4. Discover a way that you can work with those that are difficult in the office and not against them. It is human nature often to run away from those who we do not get along with. It is also natural for many people to turn negative when presented or placed into a negative environment. However, in a work environment, we don’t often have the option to select who our team members are. So, work hard to partner with personalities of all types to achieve positive outcomes.
5. If a work situation is simply not improving and you have implemented all other available options, consider speaking to someone in human resources who will be able to offer you assistance.
   

Throughout your career, you will encounter difficult people in the workplace. In most instances, a conversation can work to resolve the differences. If this is not effective, communicate directly with your supervisor. Communication is the key to resolving any issue in the workplace. Without honest, open dialogue, issues will often escalate. If you do not address difficult people and difficult situations in your work environment, it could pose potential problems for your ability to advance and become successful within that particular company or organization.

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of Claim That Job - The Ultimate Career Management Guide. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.

Starting a new job can be challenging for many reasons. Learning new rules, new layouts, new people and a new job can be stressful! But dealing with and getting to know a new manager can be about the hardest part of starting a new job.

With a new manager you have to figure out what kind of manager they are and how you will fit into their needs. If your manager is the kind of manager that doesn’t have much of a personality it can be even more difficult. To deal with a manager who lacks personality it is best to be all business with them until you can read them better. You should avoid trying to joke or get close to them, especially in large doses. You should always be nice, courteous and professional, but for those who do not show much of their personality it is best to not over do it.

If your new job finds you with a fun and very likeable manager, great! These are the type of people who are always great to work with and be around. Be aware though of the limits these managers have. If you push the fun or rules too far you could end up getting yourself into a serious issue.

You might find that your new job has a hard-nosed boss. These are the types of managers who are all about work, and play is meant for after work. While it might seem that these types of managers are not fun to be around you might also find that the business where you work will run smoother with this manager. With a manager who is in control it is easier to get things done.

There is also a chance that you will come across a bad manager at your new job. Although these are the worst managers to deal with, it can be done. A bad manager is one who is very full of themselves because of their position. For some people being put in charge goes straight to their head. Be careful to do your job correctly by dotting all your “I’s” and crossing all your “T’s.” If you just steer clear of these types of managers and focus on your work, things will be fine.

No matter where you work, whether it is an office, a store or even a restaurant there are always going to be great managers and other managers you would rather not deal with. The key is to be able to pick out what kind of manager they are and then figure out how you need to interact and react to them. You can’t like everyone in the world but you can make things easier on yourself by dealing with these people in the correct manner. It takes all kinds of people to make a company and the world work, so toughen up and get that new job started!

For more information on career management, to receive a free job hunting report and download a copy of Claim That Job - The Ultimate Career Management Guide. Visit Claim That Job at www.claimthatjob.com.