Etiquette Now! Insights

  Looking for a job is full-time work best begun with a great resume.  This used to be a difficult task, but today, many websites offer free templates and advice, one of which is resume-help.org/. A great resume is only the start, we need help with our job search to connect with employers. Luckily, there are even websites for this. Three of my favorites are:  Indeed.com Glassdoor.com Careerbuilder.com Each offer excellent advice and job listings.  But don't just stick with these.  Many sites offer videos and other advice about preparing for the interview.  Many are free to those ready to spend the time searching for it. Polish Communication Skills Since communication skills often get us the job, research current buzzwords to use them effectively.  It's also beneficial to polish your vocabulary by doing crossword puzzles and becoming a member of a word-of-the-day site. Communication skills also include nonverbals, more specificall...

  Treating others respect and assisting when needed is in our nature.  However, assuming others want our assistance, even if they appear to be disabled, is not polite.  It is polite, though, to offer.  If they accept, we should find out exactly how we may assist.   Always talk directly to the disabled and not only to a companion, as it is dismissive behavior. Shake hands, if safe, fist or elbow bump with those we meet is most polite , and the disability doesn't change this fact—even if he/she has a prosthetic hand.  Consider, in all cases, how you would wish to be treated if you had a disability. The Blind or Visually Impaired Introduce yourself and anyone else accompanying you, ensuring the person knows you are talking to him.  Don’t yell or raise your voice.  Blindness doesn't imply hearing loss.   It is not insulting to prevent a possible injury.  Speak up if you see a blind person walking into traffic or into an o...

You lost your job?  Unfortunately, you are in good company.  To help you on your reemployment journey, check out a few free resources to help you prepare for the job search and connect with employers like:  monster.com ,  careerbuilder.com , and   usa.gov/job-search . In mining the Internet, you can find even more than just print advice.  Many sites include videos detailing advice for preparing for the interview.  All of this is free advice and available to all who have the time to search.   However, don’t just lock yourself up in your home office. Get out and meet others in our business/career of interest.  Call companies of interest to request a meeting. Visit career centers, especially from your alma mater. And don’t forget your friends and family.  Let them know about your job search and ask for job leads.   When laid off try to view it as an opportunity to reach for the job you might not have consid...

Tell Me it's Not True While interviewing people for my last article, "Are you ready for Valentine's Day?" article, I was a bit surprised at how similar dating etiquette is to business etiquette. Surprising, isn't it?  Well, let's take a closer look and you can judge for yourself. Fun Most of us agree that we want our dates to be fun. Why go out if not? The same is true for our workday. In fact, those businesses listed on the Fortune 500's list of "The Best Companies To Work For" focus on fun. These businesses include the iconic Trader Joe’s and the behemoth Google. These two businesses couldn't be farther apart in size and by function, but one thing in common they have is "fun."      Communication Communication is imperative in the workplace to create and maintain our internal and external customer relationships. It is no less important on dates. If a successful and enjoyable date – relationships as well – is our goal...

Employers Want “Turnkey” Employees With the damaged economy due to Covid-19—among other things—it is even more important to find the perfect employee. It is too expensive not to.  Interviewing and training take time which equates to money that could be spent elsewhere.  And, if the newly employed is the wrong fit, more cash is spent in the firing process. Communication Skills = Great Impressions Today, it is even more important to “ show them that you are serious !”  Show employers that you are the employee they have been waiting for.   So, build those communications skills and vocabulary for the interview.   Our communication skills are probably the most important skill of any in our relationships, which becomes obvious in the interview.  Research the current “buzz” words for the specific career field and be able to use them effectively.  Perhaps use some of your new free time to try your hand at crossword puzzles to add to your...

Having Goals Makes Us More Productive Most who have followed me for years, know how much I love to present workshops.  However, those who know me very well, know that I love writing even more.  So, when I was wasting time doing puzzles during the pandemic sheltering-in-place, I decided this next year I will return to what I love.  Here it is, my New Year's goal.   My New Year’s goal is to devote at least three hours each day to writing. Within the first few days of the new year, I've rewritten 40 articles and two chapters of a new children’s mystery book.   By the end of the year, my goal is to spend at least five hours each day writing. To stay on track, I'll critique my schedule on the first day of each month.  What is your short and long-term goal this year? More by Rebecca Finally Hired! Now What? How-To Become a Valuable Employee & Wow the Boss How To Keep Your Current Job, While Preparing for the Next

  Tools for the Workplace When interviewing those working in a shared environment—dubbed a cubicle prison—most long for coworkers to follow one golden rule: Thou shall not disturb the peace.  The disruption of peace comes in various disguises, but we all recognize those irritating ripples in our calm.  What follows are our most irritating offenses and ‘cubicle rules of peace.’ Doing Everything Loudly It seems like there’s at least one cubicle resident who loudly shares all his experiences like: Blowing his nose Clicking a pen Talking on the phone , etc.   Golden Rule : Thou shall own your noises; be quiet and respectful.  Sharing an Illness It’s understandable that some would want to save their sick leave to pad their retirement—if allowed—or for an unexpected emergency.  But that was then and now we have a deadly virus which just may be the first of many.  Golden Rule : Thou shall stay at home a...

  Eating messy food at a mixer Whether attending a business or social cocktail event, polished social skills are valued.  Many of these events include food, some of which are difficult to eat. Here are some guidelines: Food that Sprays Fresh cherry tomatoes are delish; however, they can be messy when bitten into.  Pricking the skin helps keep the juices from spraying and dripping.  If that isn’t possible, only choose tomatoes that can be eaten in one bite.   Foods we Dip Dip once if the sauce is shared.  Place your napkin under your chin to catch drips.  Still, it is best not to apply too much sauce.  If plates are available, add a spoonful of sauce onto your plate and dip away.  Shrimp with Tails Using the same procedure mentioned above, hold the shrimp by the tail to dip into the sauce.  Discard the shell onto the plate or into your napkin. Foods with Pits If the food is small, pop the entire item into your mout...