Career Advice: Looking for a Job?

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 cadre of vocabulary.

Dress For Success

Always dress as if you have the job you want and do your homework before arriving for the interview. Learn what the dress code is for the job you want in the business of each interview. Each business and each trade have its own dress code and culture. Ask the human resource department, security people, and other employees about appropriate attire. Aim slightly higher, though, and show them that you are serious by choosing an expect of a higher dress code when interviewing. For example, if “Business Casual” is expected, which could be slacks and a polo shirt, add a jacket.

Visit the organization’s website, Glassdoor.com, Vault.com, and Google/Bing to find out as much information you can about them. Learn their mission statement and their focus before you arrive for your interview. Hone your “elevator speech” to suit this particular company. Of course, you won’t get the interview unless you know how to network.

Your experiences?

More by Rebecca

The Importance of an Elevator Speech

How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image

How to Prepare for Your Interview

Comments

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Dear Rebecca, I've read your comments regarding office gift -giving online. What guidelines apply when gifts are to a departing supervisor? When the departure also causes the termination of others on the supervisor's team, should they also receive gifts? Thanks, Michael Dear Michael , Good question. It is always optional to give gifts , especially in the workplace. So, there is no firm 'guidelines' about giving to departing supervisors. However, if it’s customary to give gifts to those who depart in your workplace, then everyone who is leaving should receive one. It would be expected. The gifts shouldn't be expensive and could be a farewell lunch or office party with a cake and beverages. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function Interview: business meals & ...

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Stealing Lunches, Burning Microwave Popcorn, Hogging the Fridge...Oh My! At work, the lunch or breakroom is often a place to mingle or hide out during breaks. Sometimes, though, it can be a place of crime. Crime in the workplace? Oh yes. As an etiquette consultant, one of the most common workplace complaints I hear concerns the lunch thief. Thievery isn't the only breakroom complaint, however. Therefore, I've developed a few tools to deal with this diverse group of breakroom irritants and offenders. What causes some employees to exhibit such poor behavior? When frustrated with coworkers, many will come to me with their workplace stories and questions. The first question is usually about why their coworkers would steal their lunch or warm smelly fish in the microwave. The answer is simple: Most forget that the workplace is a shared space, so they become too comfortable and forget to use their best manners. ...

Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss?

Dear Rebecca , Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss? Sincerely, Liquor in the workplace. Dear Liquor in the Workplace, Most places of business frown on alcohol. Your gift may be viewed in negatively. Plus, it could appear as apple polishing. If you are remarkably close to your boss, you could give him/her something a bit less questionable, like homemade cookies . Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How to Dress for Business Cruise? When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors Should I bring a hostess gift?

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