Overcoming the First Day Jitters

March 9th, 2010

You made it through the lengthy interviews, detailed assessments, countless references and tough negotiations. Congratulations. Here you are …the first day at your new job.

Although you may have already landed the job, it doesn’t mean it is time to sit back and kick your feet up. First impressions count especially when it comes to the people you are working with. Here are a few key points to remember for your first day to ensure you are off to a good start.

Be Punctual

Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled shift to ensure you are not late on your first day. Keep in mind that you may have traffic to contend with or parking to find; all which may have been easy during the interview process when you were visiting outside of peak business hours.

Smile

A new environment can be scary. New faces, new surroundings, and new job duties. Introduce yourself. Make an effort to smile and say hello to your colleagues. After all you will be spending a better part of your time at work so takes steps to ensure that it is a positive working environment. 

Take Lots of Notes

No one wants to see a new hire who thinks he or she can memorize all the training material without writing a word. Taking notes demonstrates your interest in your role and desire to do the job right.

Ask Questions

If something does not make sense or you are unsure, ask. Without stepping up and make the query you will never know the right answer. Plus, this demonstrates that you take you role seriously and you want to do a good job. Most will be more than happy to help.

Keep an Open Mind

Although the function of the role may be the same, the processes are likely to be completely different. Don’t let this intimidate you. Most organizations have their own procedures to follow. Keep an open mind and go with the flow. With a positive attitude and willingness to change, you will adapt in no time.

Your first day has come to an end and you are finally at ease. You may not be 100% comfortable with your duties but you have overcome the stress and nervousness associated with starting a new job. Continue to build upon this each day by demonstrating your enthusiasm for your job and you will be climbing the corporate ladder in no time. 

 Follow me @sandragallacher

Tags: ,
Posted in Career advice from Sandra | No Comments »

Employee loyalty = perks and benefits!

February 24th, 2010

By now everyone knows about the fall out at NBC with Conan and Jay, and we all know there are lots of lessons to be learned by corporations on the do’s and don’t’s of proper “HR/employer etiquette”, but there is a flip side to be seen for the employee side of this mess.

I’m not talking about Jay or Conan as the hard-done-by employees and what they can learn from this situation, I’m talking about the employees behind the upper executive employees.  The employees who work for and with Jay and Conan, the ones who support them in their day to day goals to produce a great show, helping solidify new ideas, writing new scripts, researching, editing, revising, etc. etc. The backbone to the success of these leaders of late night!  What about them!?

They learned the value of loyalty.  During the final negotiations with NBC, while winding down his contract, Conan did not forget the people who stood by him day after day, working with him to create a successful show each night.  Conan rewarded this loyalty by making sure that his employees were taken care of even after the show finished.  At the end of his negotiations he ensured that they received severance packages, and the opportunity to work with him again on future projects as they become available, and you know that Conan will work his magic and bring as many of those loyal employees along with him for the next ride.

This is all fine in TVland you say – not so!  This could also be you!  I’ve heard over and over again, about situations where employees have worked with someone who allowed them to learn, provided motivation and encouraged them to be part of the team and in turn, they worked hard to play a part in the development of the goals and success of the company, lead by their bosses’ initiatives.  They supported that person through thick and thin, and when that leader decided to go on to the next big project or company, their support and hard work was rewarded when they were encouraged to move on with their leader to another great company.

As you develop your career, or as you search for that next great company to continue to develop your career, watch out for those great leaders within your organization. The ones that will teach you, motivate you, inspire you and in turn, you work hard for and develop “Loyalty” -  ‘a strong feeling of support or allegiance’. You never know what great opportunities may come of it.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Career advice from Andrea | No Comments »

Temp to…. Job seeking success?

February 11th, 2010

So, you’re looking for a job, but not just any job – THE JOB.  You’ve sent out countless resumes, possibly gone on a few interviews, and now as a lot of people are, you’re starting to feel discouraged.  Search for a job in this economy has proven to be really challenging!

A job search is never anything but a challenge for most people.  It really is like starting a new relationship, full of ups and downs, first and last dates (or interviews), full of potential, but also disappointment.  And as in dating, your friends and family may say… keep your options open, don’t limit yourself to that ’set’ idea.

As in dating, job seeking requires a bit of openness to explore all options.  What about temp?  Temp? Yes, temporary work.  As you work this around in your mind, you may think, who wants ‘temporary’ work, its not long lasting, definitely not fulfilling, and NOT permanent!  Or could it be?

Today’s workforce requires job seekers to be flexible out there.  I know this isn’t always easy but don’t discount the temporary position.  At times temporary opportunities can offer a broader range of options than perm.  Companies are still a little unsure as to what curve ball the economy may throw at them next, and although they may want to hire, they see temporary staffing as a way for them to gauge what their business can handle.

This can also be a great opportunity for you.  You may have just spent the last 5 or so years in a company you really didn’t like, working for bosses’ you may not have admired, or doing tasks that really didn’t suit your abilities.  Temporary positions can offer you a chance to ‘try on’ that new company, ‘check out’ that new boss or even ‘test out’ those new or under-used skills, without the automatic commitment of a perm position.  And best of all, even though it may be called ‘temporary’,  this isn’t always the case.

Some of the best placements we’ve had are the ones that have started out as a temporary assignments.  We often get calls later on from these ‘temp’ placements, thanking us for placing them in such great opportunities, most having grown in their careers and now in more senior roles.

So as you continue your job search, keep your options open as you never know what disguise that great opportunity might take on when presenting  itself.

Good luck!

Follow me on Twitter @andrea_duggan

Tags: , ,
Posted in Career advice from Andrea | No Comments »

Looking Beyond Your Resume…

February 2nd, 2010

Resumes on 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper are the norm however with the growing popularity and use of social media venues such as You Tube, LinkedIn and Facebook, companies are looking for other ways to make sure that they are hiring the best person for the role. More and more organizations are visiting these social websites and plugging in a candidate’s name to find out more about the individual. Hiring Managers are using these social websites as screening tools for weeding out potentially undesirable candidates.

With the magic of Google, potential employers are able to get a real view of who you are apart from the embellished resume and glowing reference from your previous Supervisor (who just so happened to be a family friend). Employers are able to access a wealth of information about you with one click of the mouse. Do you know what type of image you portray online?  If not, I suggest you Google yourself to find out what others are seeing. It may be the reason you weren’t chosen for the ‘perfect’ job or why you didn’t get a call back after that interview with the Recruiter.

It is important that as an individual you ensure you maintain a consistent image. That means paying close attention to what type of information (including pictures, and videos) is available about you on the internet – whether you posted it or your friends did, it is your image and your personal brand that’s at stake. So the next time you are posing with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in another, it may be more than just your friends who are viewing those seemingly harmless photos. Other people are paying attention as well. You just never know who’s looking.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Career advice from Sandra | 1 Comment »

Preparing to Make a Great First Impression

January 19th, 2010

A job interview can make your palms sweat and heart race but it doesn’t have to. Making a great first impression is critical; unfortunately most of us make a judgment about someone within the first few minutes. Being prepared is the key to a successful interview and will ensure you make that critical first impression a positive one.

With an uplifting economic outlook and if you are in the market for a new job, chances are you will find yourself preparing for an interview at some point in the near future. Here are a few tips to consider to ensure you don’t bomb that important first impression.

Who’s doing the Hiring?

Research the organization by visiting their website.  There you can find information about their history, product lines, size of the business, and position in the marketplace. This demonstrates your interest in the company and allows you to prepare for potential questions in the interview process.

Know your Role

Gear your answers to the areas covered in the description of the role for which you are applying. For example, if the role calls for a candidate who can handle escalated calls from unsatisfied customers, you might highlight the time you went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your customer was satisfied with the service you provided. Not only will this demonstrate your ability to do the job, it will provide a real life example of your capabilities in this specific role and what the company can expect if they hire you.

Dress the Part

There is nothing worse than someone going to a job interview wearing ripped jeans, and oversized snow boots!  If you are unsure about the dress code of the company, ask the HR Representative who coordinated the interview. When in doubt, dress to the nines as chances are no one will be offended if you are over dress. At the very least dress pants and a sharp shirt will demonstrate that you are confident and are ready to do business.

Be Natural

At the end of the day, if you try to be someone you are not you will fall flat. Hiring Managers are looking for the total package – presentation, technical experience and interpersonal skills. Be yourself. By being prepared you will shed a lot of the stress and nervousness that typically surrounds a job interview. Knowledge is power … the more you know the better of an impression you will deliver. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one!

Tags: ,
Posted in Career advice from Sandra | 3 Comments »

Developing a career path

January 13th, 2010

As someone who is looking to expand their career path, we know you are always interested in learning what you can do to remain relevant, and make sure that your career is taking you down a path of success.

We’re asked time and again, what can I do to further enhance my resume and my overall career path.  Here are few tips to help get you focused in the right direction:

  • Keep your software skills up to date, make sure you know the latest software which is relevant for the type of job you are seeking.
  • If your career path would benefit from a designation, or requires a final written exam after a few years of general work, make sure to look into that requirement – don’t leave it if you’re looking for growth opportunities.
  • Make sure you remain current – if your career enhancement would benefit from you knowing the latest changes in provincial or federal law (such as accounting, human resources, and many others) make sure you are up to date and aware.
  • Find a mentor – someone you know within your business, professional associates, or circle of general contacts, that you know can assist you with your personal development.  Mentors can provide great bits of information on how they have developed their own careers and help direct you on the right path.
  • Above all, don’t be stagnant!  Career development is about what you can learn to make you better!  Take on that extra bit of work, volunteer to further develop skills and confidence, read publications in your industry, or even just keep on top of current newsworthy items that will keep you in the know.

All of these small things will ensure that you are constantly developing and help to guide you down a successful career path.

Good luck!

Tags: ,
Posted in Career advice from Andrea | 1 Comment »

Don’t flunk your next job interview!

January 9th, 2010

Don’t let your nerves get the best of you. When humans get nervous we tend to shut down and put our brains in neutral. It’s all part of our ancient fight or flight reflex. To avoid brain freeze you need to make an unfamiliar experience familiar. Practice is the key; get a friend, spouse, sibling or even the mirror to practice answering questions calmly and effectively. Pick an unfamiliar location to practice; your living room in front of the TV will not do. Remember to smile, make eye contact and be careful with your pronunciation. Have fun but don’t let your guard down; this is a professional interview, not a friendly chat. Finally, use common sense. If the recruiter doesn’t return your call in half an hour, don’t ring his or her mobile phone 15 times; enthusiasm is great, but stalking is bad!

Click here to read a great article entitled “Seven Ways to Flunk a Job Interview”

Tags:
Posted in Career advice from Geoff | 1 Comment »

Jumping Ship in 2010

January 7th, 2010

With the new found optimism for 2010 and a promising economic forecast, are you contemplating whether this is the right time for a career change? Is now the time to jump ship for a better opportunity?

Amidst restructuring and countless layoffs in 2009, employees were thankful to be working. Disengaged and unsatisfied, employees were more likely to suck it up if they felt taken advantage of in their position.  Employees had no choice but to pick up the slack, quite often taking on a heavier workload resulting in a sea of overworked and underpaid workers. Ultimately employees accepted the unpleasant circumstances if it meant they still have a job in a dire economy.

With the tide turning and the economy set to head in a positive direction in 2010, companies have begun to hire again, translating to an increase in opportunities for job seekers. This shift will mean the end to company wide hiring freezes and salary caps that we all came to know in 2009. Employers will be looking to add staff to handle the bounce back in demand and fuel the rebound expected with an increase in business as the economy battles back. 

With new job prospects in 2010, employees will begin to look around and research what other opportunities are out there. Could 2010 be  the year you are finally recognized for your ability to adapt to under less than ideal circumstances in 2009? If not, does this mean you will reconsider your current position and move to a better opportunity in 2010? Will your loyalty be rewarded? Are you prepared to walk away if it isn’t? 

These are questions you need to consider before making your next career move.

Some will play it safe and stick it out to see what the future holds before deciding to test the waters. Others have already used the downtime over the holidays to update their resumes and brush up on their interviewing techniques. It appears that 2010 will bring a calming effect to the harsh economic conditions we came to know in 2009. Optimism is in the air and change is evident. Whatever you decide to do with your career as a result of these changes; ultimately lies in your hands. There are risks with any big decision but there are also potential great rewards; we can help minimize your risk and maximize your reward but it is you who must take the first step. Just remember we’re ready when you’re ready, so think it through and when you’re ready to jump we’re here. Best of luck in 2010!

Posted in Career advice from Sandra | 2 Comments »

Optimism can be a powerful thing!

December 14th, 2009

The Christmas holidays are almost here and like everyone else we’re both gearing down and up at the same time.  For most of us, 2009 has been an interesting year to say the least.  For some, especially for those looking for work, it has been down right miserable.  Don’t lose faith however; there are some positive signs for the economy in 2010.  The recent up turn in full-time work is very encouraging.  No one thinks its gong to be easy street in 2010 but the worst has past.

The rest however is really up to you.  It’s far too easy today to hop on the pessimist band wagon, you know, the one that says the best times are behind us, our kids will be less well-off than us, and the world generally sucks and always will.  Hopping on this wagon can be a dangerous thing, not only is it stressful and unproductive but it makes me think of the old adage “be careful what you wish for”… it just might come true.

No, I choose a more optimistic view point, yes times are tough but life will get better.  The world is full of smart and capable people who are fundamentally good.  Sure we’ve got cheating bankers and crazy politicians, but that’s partially our fault for riding the wagon of pessimism.  Yes people are good and want to do “good”.  Some of us have just forgotten how.  Well, I guess that’s what Christmas is all about, and although we may all be tightening our belts a little more this year perhaps in doing so we’ll open our hearts just a little bit too.

Tags:
Posted in Career advice from Geoff | No Comments »

Times they are a changing!

December 7th, 2009

We’re well into fall now, a time when everything changes!  Kids go back to school, leaves fall from trees, and everyone tries to go back to their normal work routine.

2009 has been a year of change, and we’re starting to see some promising ‘changes’ in the economy; companies beginning to hire slowly, and assess what their needs will be over the next 6 months or so.

Armor has been changing too.  Technology had changed the way we look at recruiting as we move into this new business landscape.  Social networking in places like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social sights are becoming the new places to connect with career minded candidates.  We’ve added a few ‘connect with us’ buttons on the front page of our new website, for you to join in and connect with us.  We encourage you to check in, see what’s new at these sights, as well as on our newly launched website.

Our CareerFindr blog will be updated on a regular basis to keep you in touch with what is going on in the ‘career’ world, so be sure to check back often for updates.

We hope you like our new look, and we look forward to working with you in keeping you ‘connected’ in your job search!

Posted in Career advice from Andrea | No Comments »

« Older Entries