Blog EntriesCareers: How to Describe Yourself in an Interview and Seal the Deal
It helps if you come to grips with the fact that this question will be asked and you prepare for it ahead of time, but be careful that you don't some off sounding like you memorized a script the night before. When getting ready to describe yourself in an interview you should consider the following:
•Don't tell them what they already know: Don't start out with your name and age, they have that on the application and repeating it sort of makes you sound silly. Instead of saying where you went to school -also on the application- tell the interviewer what you got out of your schooling or who influenced you along the way. Get into any activities or hobbies you have that may not be listed on the application. This is your time to let the interviewer know everything about you that is not on the application already.
•Give your strengths AND your weaknesses: First off all when giving your strengths, never come off too cocky. Be proud, but be careful not to toot your own horn too loudly as this can be a major turn-off to the interviewer. Besides giving what your strengths are, also mention your weaknesses, but do it in a way that makes you look good. 'I have no patience for those that do not want to go the extra mile to help a co-worker,' or 'A big fault of mine is that I tend to pay too much attention to detail when it may not be needed.' Statements such as those show the interviewer that you don't think you are perfect, but that your faults are good ones to have.
•Be honest: This is most important of all. If you are not being honest many prospective employers can see right through your bologna and besides, you are who you are. If the job isn't meant to be, then that is life. Never pretend to be somebody you are not.
•Speak clearly and don't stammer: This goes back to the whole practice thing. If you are constantly stammering or saying 'uh' then you give off the impression that you are searching for words to say. This gives a bad vibe off because if you don't know who you are, then who really does?
While there are no magic words to speak that will guarantee you a job, you should be prepared to adequately describe yourself at an interview. Again, you know the question is coming, so you may as well prepare for it. A good trick is to stand in front of the mirror and interview yourself. Ask yourself the question and answer the question. Would you hire yourself? If the answer is no, then chances are neither will the prospective employer, so keep practicing until the answer is yes.
About the Author:
Jason Kay recommends reading resume service reviews before choosing a resume writing service.
Careers: Take Your IT Professional Career to the Next Level with Online Training
CompTIA and Security Plus are considered to be the best certifications that you can obtain to ensure that you will find and keep a great job in the IT community. This type of certification is best suited to the candidate who has at least two years of experience in the information technology field although it can also prove useful to the entry level professional as well.
If you are wishing to advance in your current career but do not have the time to attend training courses at an off-site training center, then you will benefit greatly by taking security+ training online. Online training is very advantageous as you will be able to work on the coursework in your free time after work and on the weekends and you will also be able to work at your own pace to ensure that you fully grasp all of the information in the course.
As you very well know, computer technology is never simply created and finished. Inevitably there are imminent changes being made and transformations constantly being planned with improvements being made virtually around the clock. This notion of continuous progress carries over into the IT industry and requires that IT professionals must keep up with the changes and keep themselves educated and trained in order to compete in the very competitive internet technology world. Today, IT workers, in order to remain competitive must have a core of required skills and knowledge.
CompTIA certification validates that a candidate possesses the latest skills that are in demand in the realm of computer support. This certification is internationally recognized by all of the world's major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. One of the easiest ways to become certified is by taking CompTia training online. Working online has its obvious benefits and once certified you will show that you have the ability to install, configure, diagnosis and maintain basic computer networks. Today, the role of the IT worker has grown considerably and it is now expected that an entry-level technician has skills beyond basic technical aptitude capabilities.
CompTia training online will provide you, the IT professional with all of the theory, exam prep tests and interactive training that you will need to earn your CompTia certification so that you can apply your knowledge in the workplace. Whether you are looking to enter the IT field at the ground level or if you are already in the industry and want to validate your knowledge, training online will give you the flexibility to obtain the knowledge you need to succeed.
About the Author:
Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. If you are wishing to advance in your current career but do not have the time to attend training courses at an off-site training center, then you will benefit greatly by taking security+ training online. One of the easiest ways to become certified is by taking CompTia training online.
Careers: Telecommuting Phone Interview Tips
In an onsite job, the interview will be done in a face to face manner. You, as the prospective employee, would dress to impress them and keep your body language in check to make sure you're presenting yourself in a professional manner. Telecommuting positions have a different process, however.
While some local jobs will require you to come in for a face to face interview; most telecommuting companies choose to perform the interview over the phone. A phone interview doesn't offer you the chance to present yourself as a professional in the same way as a face to face one does.
But, you can still show yourself as a qualified applicant. Here are some tips that can help you the next time you are set up to have a phone interview:
Have your resume handy- Some of their questions will be based off what they see on your resume. If you have it handy during the interview, then it will help you answer their questions easier, since sometimes one's nerves can get the best of them.
Go ahead and Dress Up and Smile- Okay, some people might think that this would be pointless since the employer won't see what you're wearing over the phone or notice whether you're smiling or not. Getting dressed up for the interview helps you more than it does them. You will have more confidence and that will show when you talk to the interviewer. Same with smiling. When you smile it helps to relax you and your nerves won't be quite as bad for you.
Give yourself plenty of time before interview- Have at least 30 min. to yourself, before the phone call, to practice some relaxing techniques and go over some things you may want to ask the interviewer or add during the interview. Have a light snack to ensure a grumbling stomach doesn't take your attention away from the interview.
Set aside plenty of time for the interview- Most interviews can last around 30 minutes. Some could go longer than that. Set aside at least an hour just in case the interview does go longer than normal. It's not too professional to cut an interview short because you have to run off for an errand 20 minutes after it started.
Offer brief, but informative answers- Avoid giving short yes/no answers. Offer enough information to answer their questions, but don't take up too much of their time giving them stories. A sentence or two usually works well.
Even though your job interview will more than likely be done over the phone, there isn't any reason why you can't still present yourself in a good way. Most employers who do these kinds of interviews look for things like confidence and ability to answer questions and take directions.
They are aware that any employee, no matter who they are, will have some degree of nervousness. So, there's no reason to worry about being nervous. Just try and keep yourself relaxed as much as you can and you'll do just fine.
Author: Nell Taliercio
Nell Taliercio has been working at home full time since 2004. She's worked as a telecommuter, virtual assistant and affiliate marketer. In 5 years she's discovered many secrets to finding legitimate work at home jobs and securing them. You can find work at home job information and tips at: http://www.justonlinejobs.com
Careers: How to Follow-Up on a Job Application Via Email
Not receiving a response for a job application can be a pensive situation. This is especially so if the phone isn't ringing after an interview. If, at least, a week has passed with no word on your prospective employment, it may be time to send a follow-up letter to confirm your status.
A follow-up letter is use to remind or ask the company about your application status and therefore, it is said to be a follow-up application letter. However, a lot of people looking for work are apprehensive about sending follow-up letters. Afraid they'll come across as being too eager or pushy, they'd rather spend the time waiting, all while wracking their nerves about what the real status might be.
The thing is, follow-up letters don't need to be pushy. A subtle one can get you all the answers you need, without pushing the wrong buttons with your employer. If you do it respectfully and sincerely, chances are good that they'll take kindly to it. How are you going to start a follow-up letter? If you are not sure, then these tips might help you improve your letter without being so pushy your employer:
Use an appropriate tone. Before sitting down to write, make sure you use an appropriate tone. This means formal and businesslike, apart from being respectful (imagine yourself in the position of an employee). You can use a writing software and a grammar checker to help you if you need assistance shaping your letter and checking your grammar and spellings in this way.
Restate your application. Inform them of the position you applied for, when you sent your resume and the details of your past interviews with them (dates, interviewer). This will help them recall your previous application with the company or with your employer. Another advantage of this is that, what if your previous application was lost and they can't find any possible ways to contact you? That is why, you should also include a copy of your previous application together with your follow-up letter.
Mention the deadline. If you were given a date to wait to hear from the company, state it in your letter. If no date was given, just inform them of how long you have been waiting for a response.
State other applications. If you need to know your status because you have pending applications with other companies, let them know. Give them details (even if you do not mention the actual names) - any offers already on the table, when you expect to hear from them and such.
Request for action. Respectfully ask that you be informed of your pending application's status. State your reasons for asking clearly (e.g. "I'm planning to take an offer with another company").
Find out how to write perfect English letters, reports and emails by writing less. See Grammar Checker Software in action! Read more
Author: Mary Simmers
Careers: Resume Tips: Improving Your Resume
Your resume is going to be the single most effective tool that you have at your disposal when you set out to get a new job. The resume that you submit is going to be the very first impression that potential employers will have of you and for this reason, you will want to do everything in your power to make your resume as strong as possible. A weak resume will more likely than not be ignored and in a corporate climate where the best professional presentation is usually the one recognized, you need to make sure that your own resume can live up to these standards.
Watch Your Choice Of Words
The way that you describe yourself within your resume will be one of the most important factors on whether you will appear interesting enough to call back for a job. Employers want to hire people who have the skills and qualities necessary to become a valuable member of the team and who can fulfill all of the duties that the job dictates. The words that you choose to do this in your resume are going to be very important.
In your prior work experience, you will want to take care to describe the jobs which gave you the greatest relevance to the position that you are applying for. Describe your personal accomplishments within that job. When you are detailing your personal skills and attributes that make you a suitable candidate for the current position, make sure that you consider how they will fit into the overall picture of the company's success. Using eye-grabbing keywords around these accomplishments and skills can help make you even more attractive to the hiring employer, as they can indicate that you know how to command their attention and use it to your benefit.
Be Aware Of How The Resume Looks As Well
The actual appearance of your resume is going to be another important quality for your success. Make sure to carefully proofread your resume, looking for spelling and grammar errors. Take the time to also carefully check all of the facts that you have listed, as you will want to be fully accurate with everything you are describing. This indicates a strong work ethic and shows that you are professional and that you do pay very close attention to all of the details.
You can also make a great impression with the professionalism of your resume itself. Make sure that it is printed on clean white paper of a good stock. Cheap paper will result in a cheap printing quality which can make your resume smudge or appear weak. The font selection will be important as well. You want to show personality in your resume while still being professional. Choose a classy font which is clear to read but can still give an indication of who you are as a worker. Do all of your printing in black ink. This can help you put together a resume, which looks great and has a better chance of being noticed.
Careers: Online Job Boards Can Help You Define and Find Your Perfect Job
No matter where you live, finding meaningful employment can be a job in itself. In many American cities jobs are still scarce, but that doesn't mean you should give up looking for your dream job. There are plenty of companies hiring if you know how to look.
Savvy job-seekers know that simply relying on a local newspaper or word of mouth is no longer enough. You'll need to use all your available resources if you want to have your pick of job listings. If you live in a major metropolitan area, then one of the best ways to find jobs is to take advantage of technology. Websites can help your target your search and maximize your chance of finding the best job listings.
1. Access More Information By Searching Online
A big advantage of using the Internet is that you can do more research about prospective companies. Most job sites provide a link to the hiring company's website. Use this valuable link to learn more about the company culture and work environment. Websites also provide a more detailed job description than the few lines available in the local classifieds. This can help you decide if the job description really matches your career goals.
Not only will researching the company culture and job description help you narrow down which jobs to apply for, this extra knowledge will be an asset when you get the interviewing stage. Potential employers will be impressed that you took the time to "do your homework."
2. Define Your Search with the Right Keywords
Online, there are many different careers to choose from with pages of search results in each category. It's important that you have a clear idea of what you're looking for. Your search will be more efficient if you only apply for positions that really match your needs and skills. Make a list of your skills or special training, then use them as your keywords when searching for jobs online.
This doesn't mean that you need to completely avoid employment opportunities that fall outside of your skill set. If you're looking to change careers, then focus more on finding a company that matches your goals rather than your current skill level. In this case, your list will include a description of the type of office environment you want to be in, the skills you'd like to learn, or specific benefits your new company should offer. As you browse the job listings, keep this list handy so you can see how potential companies measure up to your goals.
3. Sort Potential Jobs by Location or Skill Set
Even if you narrow your job search to match your specific education or training, sorting through all the employment options can be time-consuming. Happily, searching online also makes it easy to bookmark your favorite jobs. You can even sort your bookmarks according to region or career -- Long Beach jobs in one folder and Los Angeles jobs in another or graphic design jobs in one folder and writing jobs in another.
Being organized will help you stay on track as you go through the application process and make it easier to follow up on leads later.
4. Be Persistent
The perfect job may be hard to find, but there are many ways to use technology to increase your luck. Evaluate your career goals and then target your search to just the job listings that match your objective. Whether you live in Long Beach or Long Island, by effectively using technology you'll see that finding a career you are passionate about can be a rewarding experience that pays off both professionally and personally. Take the time to do your research and you may just find that your next job is your best job.
Careers: Beating the Competition at Work
Beating the Competition at Work
Are you someone who is interested in rising in your career or in finding out how your career is going to move forward? If so, you will discover that it is time for you to think about how you are going to be able to beat the competition. The competition that you are looking at is going to be fairly endemic, and it starts during your job search and it will continue after you get your job unless you are able to figure some things out. The truth of the matter is that competition is something that you will keep on facing, and at the end of the day, you are going to need to learn how you can get the right kind of result from your work.
In the first place, you need to be someone who is proactive. It is currently not enough for you to simply turn in your resume and to expect to get many calls to service. The market place is currently very much in favor of the employers right now and there are many qualified and overqualified people are looking for work. Take some time and look at how you are going about getting the jobs that you want. Are you in a place where you are going to be able to move forward and to get the right kind of position? How are you going to stand out from all the people out there and what can you do to get the job done?
After you have sent in the resume, remember to give the place a call a week later. Ask them how the processing is going and essentially just remind them that you exist. This is something that many people do not do, and then they are surprised when they never get a call back. You need to let them know that you are interested in them. Sometimes, this works even if there are no job openings! Take some time and think about what your options are going to be and how you can make contact with the people at the place where you want to work. If you want to beat out the competition, this is definitely a part of what you want to do.
Also, make sure that you are willing to do contract work, especially if they are not quite ready to hire yet. Contract work often frightens people because of the perceived impermanence, but you should also remember that just because you are a contract worker now does not mean that you are going to be one forever! Take some time and think about what your options are going to be and how you can get your foot in the door. Be ready to deal with your competition and to be in a place where you are going to be able to shoot far above them.
Take some time and look into how you are going to be able to move forward no matter what is out there. If you are in a place where you want to get ahead, think about what is out there!
Elizabeth Martinez - Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology. Provides you with a deep level of insight into your career direction and career development.
Careers: Job Interview Guidelines
Guidelines to job interviews help you prepare better for that crucial make or break moment with the employer. Prepare well for your interview.
After searching every job ads pages of every newspaper and every job sites, you are finally called in for an interview. Although securing an employment and not the interview itself is your main goal, passing the interview is a very important phase.
An interview is your opportunity to present yourself, your talents and what you can offer potential employers. You very well know that competition for employment is tough these days. So you have to be well prepared and make the best impression in your job interview. Here are eight guidelines about interview to help you get the job.
Know where the company is. You think this is just a minute detail but it can make a big difference. You do not want to arrive late (and stressed) at your appointment. Prior to the interview, conduct your research and know where the company is exactly located. This important information gives you a rough estimate of your travel time.
Make sure to arrive at the place at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow yourself to freshen up and go to the powder room if you must. Many companies also ask their applicants to fill out application forms prior to the interview proper so the extra time will enable you to accomplish this without pressure.
Your appearance is as significant as your substance. The way you walk, the way you carry yourself and your fashion style speak a lot about you. Researches say that 65% of communication is nonverbal. Image and gestures are powerful factors in a job interview. So you must look decent, confident, poised and smart. Always create an impressive first impression.
Know your talents and potentials. Be confident of yourself and of what you can contribute to the company. Keep in mind your skills, education, working experience and training. Be ready to answer the common job interview questions like, "what makes you the best candidate for the job?" and "what do you have to offer the organization?"
Show a positive manner. This means providing positive responses to seemingly negative-based questions at all times. Never ever give negative criticisms of previous employer/s. You have to keep going even though you made a mistake in some instances. Employers are generally impressed with an optimistic attitude.
Be tactful and honest. Tact and honesty are signs of professionalism and good breeding. Answer all the recruiter's questions tactfully and honestly. Most interviewers are trained and experienced when it comes to assessing people's personality. they will always know if you are being truthful or not. This will greatly affect your chances of getting into the second interview and clinching the position as well.
Keep eye contact. Remember that eyes are powerful. Most recruiters and executives take notice of the body language of a potential worker and this covers posture, mannerisms and eye contact. Avoid looking away when hard questions are thrown into you. Maintain eye contact and smile during hand shakes and introductions, as this shows openness and friendliness.
Keep responses clear, concise and specific. You need not give long, irrelevant details to questions except if you are asked to provide more details. Limit your answers to not more than 3 minutes per question. Be specific and give quantifiable as well as concrete information. Avoid the tendency to over generalize.
Be prepared with your success stories. Do this by creating a list containing your skills and accomplishments. Think back of your previous work experience and choose two or three cases wherein you were able to successfully utilize your skills.
Careers: The Job Functions of a Graphic Designer
The principal roles of a graphic designer (or graphic artist) are to: 1) plan; 2) analyze; and 3) design a visual answer to a communication problem.
Clients rely on graphic designers to parlay a persuasive message; it can either be print, film or some form of electronic media using various different methods. The methods that graphic designers use to convey this message is through: 1) type; 2) photography; 3) animation; 4) illustration; 5) color; and 6) certain print and layout methods.
The graphic designer develops the overall layout and design of magazines, journals, newspapers, corporate brochures or reports, as well as many publications you see today. Some graphic designers also design promotional displays, marketing brochures, packaging, or logos for products and businesses. Some graphic designers produce the credits you see at the beginning and end of movies and television programs.
Today, we have an increasing number of graphic designers who specialize in digital media, which include designing web pages for the Internet, interactive media and multimedia schemes.
As a graphic designer, you have plenty of options and many different ways to use your talents and skills.
Designing any print or digital work is easy. The first step is to determine what the client actually needs. You will need to know what message the client wants to convey so you can portray the message in a way that appeals to the customer or user of the product or service.
When developing a design for your client, you need to look at different factors to plan and execute the design so it smacks the target audience right in the face. Take these following factors into consideration:
1. Cognitive
2. Cultural
3. Physical
4. Social
To produce a piece of work which will do everything that the client requires, you need relevant information regarding the project; and you need to meet with the client, as well as meet with their own creative or art directors (if the company has them). Usually the client will research their target audience and subject matter and relay this information to you.
If you want to excel in the world of graphic design, you need to identify the needs of your clients' consumers. You will discover much of your work will focus on creating a communication strategy for your client, as well as actually doing the designing and layout work.
Many graphic designers -- to produce a design for their client -- will either produce sketches or layouts through a computer or by hand. When creating a design for your client, look at various elements to produce something that the client will like and cause a reaction from their target audience. Use these elements in your design to produce the best effect:
1. Colors
2. Sound (if required)
3. Artwork
4. Photography
5. Animation (if required)
6. The style of type (font) they will use
7. The size of fonts and elements, as well as how different elements look together or separately on the page, or on the screen.
8. You also may design graphs or charts produced from data provided by the client.
In many cases, a you may need to consult with copywriters to determine the type of text you will use to accompany the visual part of the design. Once you have brought these elements together and you are satisfied with the end result, then you can present the mock-up to your client for final approval.
If you work for either a printing or publishing company, your other job function may include working with the printer to choose the type of ink and paper. Plus, the client may rely on you to review the design to check for any errors prior to publishing.
Many graphic designers today use a wide range of high-end graphics and layout software to produce designs. Certainly, when you design web pages or other interactive media, you will use computer animation and programming software to develop and produce a design for your clients.
Using such software programs is easy to use and provide a lot more flexibility. This added flexibility allows you to explore more alternatives for your designs. It helps to reduce the amount of time it actually takes to produce and present the completed design.
Finally, not only does graphic design software saves time, but it also cuts costs associated with producing designs using the more traditional methods.
Careers: Resume Writing: Tips to Choose the Right Format
Some people tend to think that resume writing follows a very distinct formula. For instance, the resume format should be educational background placed in one specific section of a resume and work experience in another. Then, finally, awards and commendations should be placed at the end. Add your contact information, and your resume is complete.
The reality is, however that resumes can be created in several different formats. Some formats focus the reader's attention on the applicant's history. Other formats simply showcase the applicant's skills. In order to select the format that works is best for your situation you should take the time to understand each of the formats.
• Chronological Format - The chronological format is, by far, the most traditional format. In essence, the chronological format requires applicants to list their previous employers, as well as any achievements earned while working for that employer, based upon the date you help that position. Even students who have only held part-time positions should include their work history in their information. Be sure to list the dates you help each position, your job title, and your achievements in that position.
You would list your most recently-held position first and continue listing positions until you have listed each relevant position. A good rule of thumb is to include your work history for the last fifteen years or so, but you may need to reach a little further into the past if you've been with the same employer for ten or more years.
• Functional Format - Applicants who have a gap in their work history may find that the functional format is better-suited for their resume writing. The functional format requires that the applicant list the skills he offers grouped by their category. Managerial skills, computer systems skills, and communications skills are common categories found in this format.
• Combination Format - Some applicants will opt to use a format that combines the best of each of the above-mentioned formats. The combination format for resume writing encourages job seekers to list each position they have held, as well as the skills that they developed while they were in that position. This style of format is especially useful for applicants who have a substantial work history but are attempting to break into a new field or industry. They are able to emphasize the skills they learned in their previous positions that can be carried over to their new career.
Resume writing doesn't have to be a daunting task if you know how to simplify the process. There are plenty of templates and samples available to make selecting a format relatively simple. Word processing programs like Microsoft's Word make physically creating your resume a breeze. The real key, however, is to gather the appropriate information ahead of time.
How much information do you need? The amount of information required can vary from person to person. A person who has held five job positions will have to pull together more details than the person who has just graduated from college. Regardless of your situation, certain pieces of information are required from everyone.
• Awards and Commendations - If you have had the honor of receiving any awards or commendations in your field, you should definitely include them in your resume writing. Each listing should show the name of the award, the presenting organization, and the year or date of the award. Your resume is the optimal place to crow a little about your achievements.
• Professional Memberships and Certifications - A fund raising executive might be a member of the association for fund raising professionals; a lawyer will be a member of his state's bar association. Whatever professional organization you belong to, be sure to list that membership in your application. Don't forget to include any certifications the association has given you.
When you have chosen your format, be sure to use powerful resume words and accomplishment statements on your resume.
Careers: Training To be An Accountant
Accountancy is open to people of all ages. Total commitment is required along with good time management skills because to become a fully qualified accountant it will take approximately around 3 years (up to 5 depending on entry route) to complete the ACA (Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants).
Accountancy qualifications can be achieved from 6 organisational bodies within the UK, which includes ICAEW ( The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and also the CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy ' recognized Internationally). .Registration with ICAEW is required before being able to take assessments.
It would help to have a degree along with Maths and English. Usually, 2 A Levels or 3 GCSE (or equivalent) are required in order to train as an accountant. Also a candidate with no formal experience can enroll on a full-time NVQ course at a training center run by ICAEW, which are situated throughout the UK. An initial interview is required to ensure the student is literate and numerate. Upon successful completion of the level 2, students' progress to a level 3 (additional fees will be charged).
The ACA consists of different levels. There are a total of 14 exams, (12 professional stage and 2 advanced stage) The qualification involves IPD (Initial Professional Development), work experience (450 days minimum), exams and ethics training along with a training contract ( which is an agreement between the employer and candidate, which is required by ICAEW in order that the student receives practical training).
Employers usually cover the training costs if a student has secured employment based on a training contract (agreement between employer and employee). If the employer is a training company the fees will vary depending on how much the employer is willing to cover and, of course, the tuition provider.
Fees payable at the Professional stage will be around £60 - £80 each. The advanced stage is £155 - £240. On top of this there is the cost for the learning materials which starts at £20 and can go up to £130.
International students who wish to study in the UK will need to make an application for a permit.
Qualifications for accountancy are recognized worldwide because it's one of the oldest professions.
Careers: Making it Work: Balancing Career and Family
Balancing a job and a family has always been a challenge for working parents. During the downturn, however, this has become even more of a juggling act as pay freezes, increased workloads and redundancies pile extra pressure on parents' time and earning capacity.
A common obstacle that parents in the UK face is a lack of flexibility in the workplace. According to a recent CBI study, only 20% of companies in the country have family-friendly policies. The rest, it seems, are focusing on the bottom line instead of the individual needs of their staff.
UK labour law does give certain parents the right to request flexible working, including those with children under the age of six or disabled children under the age of 18. However, employers are not obliged to agree to these requests, but must consider them seriously, reports the BBC.
New maternity and paternity leave laws
In order to provide more support for working parents, the government is introducing new legislation, which will give parents more choice and flexibility as to how they use their leave.
According to Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, mothers will be able to transfer the last six months of their maternity leave to the father, with three months paid.
"This gives families radically more choice and flexibility in how they balance work and care of children, and enables fathers to play a bigger part in bringing up their children," she said.
The scheme is due to start in April 2011. At present, however, statutory maternity and paternity payments are less than the minimum wage, which means a lot of fathers and mothers from low-income households are going back to work sooner than they would like.
Working out of necessity rather than choice
The CBI reports that over 70% of mothers in the UK return to work after taking maternity leave. While it could be said that these working mothers 'have it all', a significant number of them are choosing flexibility over job satisfaction.
In fact, a recent study by WorkingMums.co.uk found that a staggering 88% of mothers who work have opted for roles below their skill level. Around 63% said they were putting their career aspirations on hold and choosing jobs that allow them more flexibility to balance work and family life.
One respondent reported giving up a job as a finance manager after having her third child because she could not afford full-time childcare and her employer allowed no flexibility in her position. She now works for the same company as a part-time administrative assistant.
Others were more fortunate. One said that after taking an 8-year career break to concentrate on being a mum, she found a job in her chosen field that offered flexible hours.
"I have also been approached by a previous employer and have been able to negotiate a 1-day a week equivalent on a consultancy basis," she said.
Family-focused workplaces
As an alternative to flexible working hours, some family-friendly workplaces offer on-site childcare facilities, which allow their employees to follow their careers and still be there for their children.
Vikki Grimes, a training manager at Microsoft, said having her sons at her firm's on-site crèche, which is just 50 yards from her desk, made her life easier.
"They know where you are and if they need you, you can be there in seconds," she explained.
American Express UK is another company with on-site childcare and a family-friendly approach. Around 30% of the company's employees have flexible working arrangements and parents on staff benefit from enhanced pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave. As a result, the firm enjoys a return-to-work rate of almost 90% (up from 75% in 2007), reports HR Magazine.
Today's childcare options
Around 340,000 parents in the UK currently benefit from tax breaks on childcare vouchers, which equate to a 31% saving on the first £243 spent on childcare costs each month for basic rate taxpayers, or 51% for higher rate ones.
However, the government is planning to put an end to this tax relief scheme by 2015. The reason for ending the programme is to use the money to provide 40% of two-year-olds with 10 hours of free childcare a week on a means-tested basis.
The Press Association reports that more than 22,000 parents are calling on the government to abandon this plan.
According to Simon Moore, managing director of Computershare Voucher Services, the UK's largest provider of vouchers, said the outrage expressed by working parents has been "phenomenal".
"These vouchers are a real benefit to hundreds of thousands of hardworking parents... I am not at all surprised that parents are protesting against this cut," he said.
While certain families are set to benefit from this move, the remaining parents will have to reassess their childcare options.
Nanny-share schemes
While most people believe that hiring a nanny is a privilege reserved for an elite few, a growing number of working parents are defying this assumption by entering into nanny share schemes. These involve two or more families pooling the cost of hiring a nanny instead of sending their children to a nursery or giving up work to care for them.
The nannies either share their hours between the families, or bring all the children together in the same house. This means parents pay less for the same amount of childcare hours and nannies benefit from a higher combined income.
According to the Guardian, agencies that specialise in matching nannies to a pair or group of families have seen a boom in business during the downturn.
Nannies are welcoming the trend, too. Lisa Wilkins, a nanny working in South London, said she prefers sharing her time between two families and added that a wider variety of families could now afford her services.
"More people can have the best type of care for their child," she said.
Fiona Jull, a mother who lives in Wandsworth, opted for a nanny-share arrangement when she returned to work.
"I looked at having a nanny but realised it would cost half my salary, so I decided to share. I found a family - through a website - around the corner. I drop my son off two days a week and he's here two days a week," she said.
Are children of working parents at a disadvantage?
Adding to the pressures of being a working parent is the guilt that one's children are not getting a balanced upbringing.
A recent study conducted by Institute of Child Health, found that five-year-olds whose mothers worked part- or full-time were more likely to consume sweetened drinks between meals, watch more television, use their computers more often, and catch a lift to school instead of walking or riding their bikes when compared with those children who had 'stay-at-home moms'.
Professor Catherine Law, who led the study, told the BBC that fathers were not taken into account as their employment levels had not changed, whereas the numbers of working mothers had increased significantly in recent years.
"Our results do not imply that mothers should not work. Rather they highlight the need for policies and programmes to help support parents," she added.
Experts have called for more research on the subject and numerous working mothers insist it is possible to earn a living, feed one's children healthy food and ensure they exercise - all it requires is a healthy attitude.
Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief of fashion magazine Elle, believes that working parents raise well-balanced children.
"I work in an industry populated with young people - many of them the proud produce of working mums. They are smart, ambitious, intelligent and grounded. They are inquisitive and engaged with the world. They are, above all, super-confident... Many of those I work with cite their parents as role models, especially their working mums," she said.
It seems as if a significant number of mothers and fathers in the UK are managing to earn a living and find innovative ways to provide their children with all the care, attention and guidance they need - and these working parents deserve more support from their peers, employers and government.
Careers: Overcoming Interviewing Fears
Most people are pretty nervous when preparing for an interview, whether it's their first or 51st time. However there are some individuals who are beyond nervous when interview time rolls around - they're flat out fearful. They could be a shy person or just be very nervous in a situation where they are scrutinized and judged.
If you fall into the category of being fearful of job interviews, there are a few ways to side step the fear and enter the situation with confidence. If you need some tips for your next interview, here are some that will give you a good start.
Make Sure You're Prepared
One reason that people get nervous before and during interviews is because they're anticipating the unknown - they simply have no idea what will be discussed and fear they won't have the answers. If you are prepared and sure of yourself, the fear will not be so prominent. This means, gathering a list of questions that are often asked on interviews (which can be found all over the Internet) and running through the list everyday from the time you learn of the interview until the actual day.
If you're not sure how you effective going through the list will be for you, you can always have a friend step in and act as an interviewer. The more closely you recreate the interview, the more comfortable you're likely to be in the real thing. You can rehearse the ideas you want to get across, practice confident body language, and even learn how to ad-lib a bit by having your friend throw in questions not on your list.
Wear Your Favorite Outfit
If you have a favorite business outfit that you feel very comfortable in, wear it. You'll be surprised how much this improves your interview success. Don't wear something that causes you discomfort - either mentally or physically.
"Relax, Relate, Release"
You may have heard this phrase from time to time to signify calming down before a stressful situation, but it's something that you should definitely consider before your interview. You need to exude confidence in your interview so taking a few deep breaths may be helpful in calming your mind and body.
Rely On You
Sometimes, job candidates are so desperate to find work that they pretend to be someone they're not just to get the job. This is not a wise thing to do as the interviewers have been through this many times and want someone genuine.You'll be very relieved that you didn't put on an act If you end up getting the job since you can just be yourself. Instead, rely on your own personality since this is who they'll have to know once you're hired.
Of course, a job interview can be a scary thing. However, if you make sure you're prepared, have a well-written resume, and are comfortable, calm, and confident in yourself, you'll ace the interview and will likely get a call back in no time.
Careers: Even More Behaviors for a Successful Job Search
In this economy and with many people to choose from, it can be a close call between finalists in awarding the job. Sometimes the final decision on selecting one candidate versus another can sometimes be based upon relatively minor points. One person was a little better and it made the difference between who got the job. Following are some more behaviors that are time-tested and can give you the edge in successfully winning the job search game.
There is value in the details. These days especially, hiring managers are often incredibly busy, which makes for short interviews. Therefore additional importance is placed on maximizing the time available and requires a focus on the more subtle points of the interview, such as giving a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact and practicing good posture. Your nonverbal cues can say a lot about your personality and interest in the position. Seemingly small behaviors can send un-intended messages. Things like body language are important. Examples of body language to avoid include:
' Crossed arms. People with crossed arms are frequently interpreted as being closed, uninterested, and sends the message that you are keeping someone at bay.
' Too animated, over-reacting, exaggerated actions (e.g., nodding hurriedly, arm waving outside the 'TV box). People exhibiting such behaviors are interpreted as being insincere and unprofessional.
' Overly tense facial expressions. Telegraphs that you are nervous, potentially control-oriented, or angry.
Nervous is normal. It is normal to be nervous, and some tension is to be expected. Resist the temptation to beat yourself up over past interview mistakes. Also do not keep reminding yourself how important this interview is. Successful candidates have mastered the ability to drive such thoughts aside and are able to focus on the task at hand.
Beware of the small talk. Small talk plays an important role in the interview by helping to break the ice and put both parties at ease. But be careful: it is easy to make costly mistakes during the informal periods like walking between interviews or at lunch when your guard is down. Strive for a happy medium in your comments. Tell yourself that everything you say and do from when you walk through the front door to leaving the parking lot is potentially part of the interview. Saying too little at lunch when between interviews can make you seem aloof or afraid. Saying too much can alienate, and cause you to come across as obnoxious or worse. If the hiring manager asks whether traffic was heavy or if you had problems with the directions they provided, feel free to offer more than just a "yes" or "no" answer, but be sure not to complain and chatter needlessly. Truth is it does not really matter so just go with the flow.
It should go without saying that this probably is not the time to ask for a date with the administrative assistant who first greeted you. Social interactions must be friendly and professional' period.
Gordon Walter is a professional resume maker / Resume writer with Reliable Resumes. Reliable Resumes is a Resume Service providing resume writing services for Professional Resumes and Executive Resumes. He also provides interview training and articles and information about how to make a resume on his website. The original article is available at: www.reliableresumes.com/blog/2009/09/even-more-behaviors-for-a-successful-job-search
Careers: Become a Consultant - Technical Skills You Need as a Consultant
To become a consultant, you need several sets of skills, not just your subject matter expertise.
Of course, you need to "know your stuff" in your own consulting field. You need to be a subject matter expert. If you're an information technology consultant, you need the technical knowledge and problem-solving savvy to give the client the expected result. Same for other business consultants, such as financial and marketing consultants. Same for consumer consultants, such as image, beauty or health consultants. If you don't know your stuff, you need to learn it at a job, or work with a more experienced consultant until you do.
Some consultants work in professions that are regulated by the law. These include lawyers, architects, and doctors, among many others. Obviously, if you need a license or certificate to do the work that will give the client the expected result, then by all means get it. Other certifications are optional. You take a test from a private company and become a Certified Network Engineer, for example. Certifications often help increase your credibility, and give an independent view of your training and knowledge. In addition, you can network with others who hold that certification.
As a consultant, you also will need interpersonal and communications skills:
* Interpersonal skills in order to close sales, and even to persuade your client to act on your advice!
* Communications skills such as making presentations and writing documents so that you can convey your value and your results to the client, in other words, so that the client can see what they've bought.
The good news is that these skills can be learned. And, you can be yourself. Some consultants are known for being difficult to deal with. That's OK - as long as they bring in the results for the client.
Finally, as a consultant, you need business management skills. You are not tying up funds in inventory or equipment, so in all honesty, the needed business skills are modest. You must keep track of your assets, cash, accounts receivable and bills. Inexpensive and readily available small business accounting and billing software can help you do this.
You need a basic level of organization to deal with a few repetitive tasks (such as getting bills out every month). This can be more complicated if you have several partners or operate in several locations, or if you delegate tasks to a staff. In The E-Myth Revisited, author and business consultant Michael E. Gerber explains how to think of your business like a "franchise" and develop procedures that can be easily applied by your personnel.
Apart from watching your cash, you must plan to focus on marketing. Far too many consultants put too much time into their technical skills and not enough into marketing. Or, even if they do think about marketing, it's haphazard and erratic. To be a real success, that won't work. Your marketing needs to be systematic and repeatable.
Know your subject matter, get needed certifications, develop your interpersonal and communications skills as well as business management, organizational and marketing skills. Master these and you should be well on your way to success in consulting.
Careers: Career Change Tips and Advice
Career Change Tips and Advice
Building a career over years is becoming a rarity in the age of fast forwarded careers. Hardly a decade ago, any bright-eyed, freshly minted graduate had his options cut out for them. You either get into a management school, get into engineering school or med school and pray that you came out in one piece. Choosing was not much of a problem, because your choices were limited, and in more ways than one, you got chosen by your profession. By luck you would find yourself able to tolerate what you do as a job and live on. Today, we have avenues for jobs springing up in places we never imagined. The choices are endless post the IT revolution. People change jobs by the weekend. The tendency to change one's career is on the rise. Sensitivities have changed. Everybody has a reason to change jobs, at least an excuse to convince themselves that they made the right choice.
Changing careers is a common sight today. Most of the people are interested to shift their careers and they have different reasons for it. A. Harrison Barnes, the CEO of job portal Employment Crossing says that there are people who switch careers as soon as they have stepped into their 'chosen' field in the face of fallen expectations. There is also the breed that discovers A. Hidden talent they can put to use in a much better way in a different career in the middle of their present careers. Though the prospect of changing the decision about their career is at times painful, the average person today has the courage to change their careers for they find themselves suitable for a different job than the one they are presently in. Job satisfaction is a crucial factor today, so much to the extent that we find employers changing the office environment to make their employees feel 'happy' coming to work. It is no longer surprising to hear of a person who landed up in a field that had absolutely nothing to do with the choices he made during his/her education or later on, in the beginning of their 'planned' career. Today, the possibilities for a career change at any stage in your present career are endless.
A career change has its bounties and benefits, but there is always the risk factor of losing your way if you do not keep your head straight. Though a career change does involve risk, according to A. Harrison Barnes, you will not know unless you take the risk. A career change also allows you to experience different jobs and provide you with enough knowledge about the day-to-day processes involved in a particular profession. It provides them avenues to learn more and more capabilities and areas where they can excel.
Every individual has his or her own reason to change careers says A. Harrison Barnes. Some may have problems dealing with their colleagues or the seniors with whom they spend the whole day at office. In the present scenario, where the average person has a fairly high degree of sensitivity, uncomfortable peer interaction could easily be a factor that governs a career shift. It is seen that in most cases of resignation from a particular organization, the individual leaves his immediate supervisor and not the organization. Another reason for the shift could be the frequent change in tasks or even in rules that are not allowing you to perform.
Another culprit of a career shift is the lack of concentration or dwindling interest in routine chores at work. It is a possibility that one can lose focus of the big picture and thus fail to perform up to the desired mark. This change in attitude can put the individual in situations where he is pointed out to be incapable of handling his job efficiently and eventually a burden to his working environment. This could easily provoke a job shift. Though this could result in an immediate shift to a different organization in the same field, it is highly likely that such an individual can face a similar pattern of situations, wherever he or she goes, which may eventually result in verifying the decision to embark on this career and the probability of a different career option.
Changing careers is never an easy job. You need to look at all the facts and take them into perspective before you take the plunge. The few aspects that you need to consider are shared with you below by A. Harrison Barnes.
Have a Well Developed Plan
However bright your prospects may appear to be, you need to have a plan chalked out before you take any step towards a career change. You have to make an effective career change strategy that ensures your success in your new career. This plan could consist of managing finances, current qualifications, prospects of improving upon your qualifications while on the job, the learning curve at your new job, and research on recent market trends. This is of course a time consuming process, but time well spent. You need to remember that it is a decision that will change your career and your life completely and thus cannot take it lightly. Patience is a virtue you need to develop if you don't already have it, suggests A. Harrison Barnes.
Your Personal Assessment
At this juncture, it is imperative that you analyze the skills, the talents, the strengths, the passions and the experience that you have accumulated till date. Your complete and honest self assessment will help you decide on the career that you can choose for your future step. You have to make a complete list of things that you can do to push yourself in the right direction to a career you can move ahead in swiftly. The result of this analysis will help you get the right career for yourself says A. Harrison Barnes.
Different Career Alternatives
You can know about other career alternatives through career libraries and through online resources. The job search websites online have the career advice section where you can gain the necessary information. Here you can compare the different fields of work that you have an interest in.
Salary Suiting the Lifestyle
Every person has a unique angle on the lifestyle that he or she wishes to have. Your choice of lifestyle can make you travel to different parts of the world or keep you close to the people you have always wished to live with. You need to be stern in setting your priorities and ensure that your new career will help you maintain these priorities. This is never easy. This is because a new career always tends to set new parameters in your day-to-day life. Adapting to these changes, keeping focus of what you need to achieve ultimately and working towards it will keep you motivated in such a situation.
Apart from these you can take career advice from many resources. You can ask for information from the people who have already made career changes in their lives. A. Harrison Barnes says that they are the best guide for you.
A. Harrison Barnes is the founder and CEO of CareerMission, the parent company of more than 120 job-search websites, employment services, recruiting firms and student loan companies. CareerMission (originally Juriscape) employs several hundred employees in 14 offices throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. These companies were literally started from Harrison's garage several years ago after Harrison quit his job.
Career: How To Get Your Boss To Appreciate You
You may be seeking something big like a promotion or something small like a better cubicle with a view, but whatever it is you want your boss to appreciate you. So what might you do to get him or her to notice you more?
Look at yourself. Are you coming in on time? Taking long lunches? Finding reasons to leave early? Meeting deadlines or procrastinating? You will need to take a good long look at yourself to see what you have done to make your boss want to appreciate you. You can do this by going through your files looking for reminders of your accomplishments.
Ask co-workers what they think of your contributions to get some idea of what your boss may think of you. Sometimes co-workers will mention what the boss has said about you. Hopefully, their words will give you the confidence you need to help you plead your case when you're ready to ask for that bonus, free class, or other incentive.
Observe how your boss has been acting toward you lately. If he or she seems to be pleasant, arrange to meet with him or her. If not, put it off until everything works in your favor.
Prior to the meeting, be prepared by having a neat, clean folder that holds copies of the things you have accomplished within the past six months. This will remind your boss of some things you have done that he or she may have forgotten about. In order to be appreciated, at times you will have to toot your own horn!
Be open to what your boss says no matter how much you disagree. Sometimes the boss will say things just to watch your reaction. This could very well be a test to see if you are ready for whatever he or she has in mind for you. Don't blow it by having a negative disposition.
Don't discuss any disappointments with co-workers or brag about anything the boss has proposed during your meeting with him or her. It is better that some things are left private.
If the news wasn't what you wanted to hear, make plans to prove your worth next time around and do a better job in whatever areas you need to improve upon. However, if your situation is one that year after year you tell your boss what you need and he or she seems like they are making excuses not to appreciate you, then you know what time it is, dust off that resume and start looking for a new job. Headhunters can be an exceptional help to you if you have been out of the job search scene for awhile.
Co-workers aren't your friends they are workers. Anything you say may be held against you later, so don't ever share details about a meeting with your boss to them. Be vague if they should ask, "Well what did he or she say?"
Now that you have all the information you need to get your boss to appreciate you, it's time to put it to good use! To your success!
Careers: Tips to Make Training and Development Effective
Tips to Make Training and Development Effective
When it comes to training employees on new procedures or customer service techniques, some managers, supervisors and trainers find it to be a little difficult. It is not that the employees are not able to learn and put into practice the new career skills that you expect from them. If you want them to accept the same rate of pay for the employment that they already had but with all kinds of new rules and techniques, you have to make sure that you are getting through to them. Depending on the group of people that you are working with, this can prove to be a little difficult. There are things you can do though to make the whole process easier.
First, make sure that you are not wasting money by training on employment skills that are not revelent to the employees. The training that they receive should be geared towards the job that they have. Also, make sure that the objectives you give the employees are measurable and are able to be obtained. If you set standards too high, to where no one can achieve them, you are only asking for the whole process to backfire on you. The job morale will decrease and when that happens productivity is not that far behind.
Try to incorporate the possibility of bonuses, raises or advancements within the company if at all possible. You have to make sure that you give the employees a reason to want to perfect their skills. If you are not willing to fire them because they aren't the best customer service rep out there, you have to find a way to motivate them. Little things go a long way. Free gas gift cards for top performers are always a great motivation tool. Compared to the amount of money you make because of better employees, the cost of a few gasoline gift cards is certainly worth it.
Make sure that management is fully trained on the skills that you will be training to the staff. There is nothing worse than training employees on something that management does not even know how to do. When the employees leave the training, they still may have questions and will turn to their supervisor or manager for help. If the supervisor or manager is unable to assist, you have just lost all credibility. When this happens, the employees will begin to feel as though the skills you were trying to teach them are really not all that important, after all, management doesn't even understand it.
Training the employees from time to time on skills that you want them to develop is important. You will have to remember though that you may never have the well-oiled machine of a company that you have always envisions. There are always going to be delays, problems, kinks, and a few employees here and there that make you wonder why you even bother in the first place. This is just part of the routine of running a business and acting as a trainer for a company.
A. Harrison Barnes is the founder and CEO of CareerMission, the parent company of more than 90 job-search websites, employment services, recruiting firms and student loan companies. CareerMission (originally Juriscape) employs several hundred employees in 14 offices throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. These companies were literally started from Harrison's garage several years ago after Harrison quit his job.
Careers: Still More Behaviors for a Successful Job Search
I have conducted hundreds of employment interviews for positions ranging from manufacturing shop floor to the executive level. After awhile you begin to notice that successful candidates did certain things that contributed to their positive outcome. Likewise, unsuccessful candidates had certain other actions in common which led to their not being chosen or did not help them.
Hiring managers tell me they can see if someone is right for the organization minutes after the handshake. In a recent Robert Half survey, executives polled said they typically form an opinion of a candidate within the first ten minutes of an employment interview. With such a short amount of time to interact with a hiring manager, what can the candidate do to achieve a positive response?
The most macho of people can be daunted and undone when it comes to facing a job interview. Like public speaking, many have interviewing on their list of their top five most dreaded things to experience. Is it possible to embrace or almost enjoy job interviews? Answer: yes. Following are some behaviors to keep in mind that should help maximize your potential for a successful outcome:
Be cool. A great way to make a good first impression in an interview is to master the interview butterflies. I agree, this can be very hard, but you must try. Feeling stress is a natural response to the interviewing process, and most candidates experience it at some level. The trick is not to show it.
Leverage. Though most aspects of the interview are outside a candidate's control, it is important to leverage the things that are in your power. One example: give yourself a time cushion, and plan to arrive at the interview destination 10-15 minutes early. The consequences of arriving late to an interview are huge. Even if only a few minutes late, you will arrive breathless and already on the defensive. Your goal for the interview is to appear confident and in control, and the need to give excuses for tardiness is inconsistent with that goal. Planning for some extra time in case you get lost or find unexpected traffic travel conditions also allows you to compose yourself and relax a little. Sweaty palms also do not help achieve your goal of a confident persona. Practice at getting yourself to gear down through use of long, slow breathing and other time-tested relaxation techniques.
Anticipate questions. Another thing successful job candidates do is to anticipate questions they are likely to be asked, and give pre-thought to the answers. This bit of preparation will be a confidence booster and stress reliever. Whether any or all of those specific questions are asked, many of the answers often prove useful with respect to other questions. The more pre-work you do for the interview, the more it calms nerves.
No matter what your career experience, doing these behaviors will help you get an edge over the competition for that new job.
Gordon Walter is a professional resume maker / Resume writer with Reliable Resumes. Reliable Resumes is a Resume Service providing resume writing services for Professional Resumes and Executive Resumes. He also provides interview training and articles and information about how to make a resume on his website. The original article is available at: www.reliableresumes.com/blog/2009/09/still-more-behaviors-for-a-successful-job-search
Careers: More Behaviors for a Successful Job Search
Even for the coolest of people, looking for a job in the current economic conditions can be scary. You can easily feel like 'just a number' out there with many others. What can you do to set yourself apart from the crowd? Following are some behaviors to keep in mind that can give you an edge in landing a new position. This article is the second in a series reviewing 'must do' behaviors to be mastered in the interview process.
Clean-up your act. This is a controversial area, but like it or not, a good part of the impression an interviewer first forms of you depends on how you're dressed. All protests aside about not 'judging a book by its cover,' or comments about personal freedom to express yourself, appearance still counts in an interview. Wear a nice suit or whatever is considered better than normally appropriate dress for that job or business. Even if you know the work place to be a casual environment, I believe it is OK to dress-up anyway for interviews. By wearing clothes that are coordinated, clean and pressed, it is one more way for you to show interest and that you want the job. Would you send Professional resumes printed on a wrinkled old sheet of paper? Many job candidates believe they are not being true to themselves if they dress differently at an interview versus any other day. But if the way you dress improves your odds of being hired, then why not?
Hair. Another long-time area of conflict is facial hair. Though beards are popular and more accepted on men of all ages, I still see surveys of hiring managers indicating a bias toward the clean shaven.
Body art. And though tattoos and various body piercing are now mainstream and at the height of popularity, they too can be a point of bias on the part of interviewers. Therefore, my recommendation is that all body art should be covered and all visible body piercing removed (with the exception of earrings on women). One caveat on earrings on women is that they should be restricted to one per ear. If the position requires you to represent the company to customers and/or the general public, the hiring company has a right to set policy regarding display of these things post-hire anyway.
Meet and greet. Next, treat everyone you encounter as a potential interviewer. Many hiring managers (self included), have asked everyone interacting with a candidate, from the administrative staff to members of their department, for feedback on a prospective employee. So smile, and be pleasant toward all of those you meet and curb the tendency to focus only on those who are perceived to be the hiring managers. You never know whether a seemingly small event outside of the interview will be noticed and reported and potentially make the difference (examples: loudly using cell phone in waiting area versus quietly using the time to prepare or relax).
Put your best foot forward in the interview, and "dress for success." You will be glad you did.
Gordon Walter is a professional resume maker / Resume writer with Reliable Resumes. Reliable Resumes is an Resume Service providing resume writing services for Professional Resumes and Executive Resumes. He also provides interview training and articles and information about how to make a resume on his website. The original article is available at: www.reliableresumes.com/blog/2009/08/more-behaviors-for-a-successful-job-search
