The Use of Objectives on a Resume

Incorporating an objective into a resume can sometimes limit job opportunities for several reasons. An employer may view an objective statement as inflexibility within a potential employee. It may also be that the company has several job openings in various areas and the objective limits the individual to just one of the positions. Although an objective is a great goal to keep in mind and work towards, it is not always necessary to put it on a resume.

Asking Questions at the Interview

Asking questions in an interview will definitely enhance your prospects of obtaining a job. Many people get so nervous in the interview setting that they do not ask questions. Others may feel that by the end of the interview, the employer has answered all of the questions. It is essential that you ask questions! This shows the employer that you have researched the job and that you are interested in the company.

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Succeeding in a New Work Environment

When entering a new work environment, it is important to make a good impression by going above and beyond expectations. However, if your efforts are heading in the wrong direction, it may hinder instead of help. Organizations appreciate employees that get behind the company’s goals, so it is important to first identify your new company’s needs and priorities, and focus on filling them. Here are some tips on what to listen and look for in order to best fit into and succeed in a new work environment:

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Effective Networking Strategies

    • Keep in touch with contacts – Following up is important. After you’ve made connections with other professionals, show your interest by staying connected. Keep the contact’s business card and make notes on the back each time you contact them.
    • Maintain a positive online persona – Your profile online should reflect a positive and responsible image.  Make sure your links are professional and in good taste.  Many employers are now using social networking links when screening for candidates.
    • Make a good impression – A positive first impression speaks volumes. Know your abilities and market yourself with those in mind.
    • Listen and observe Focus in on the people that you meet by listening to what they are saying and keeping mental notes on important information. Be a good listener.

Three Quick Interviewing Tips

Three things to keep in mind when interviewing:

  1. Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. This tells the employer that you are listening and paying attention to what they are saying.
  1. Be Positive: Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and able to meet and deal with challenges. Make sure to avoid negative comments about past employers.
  1. Adapt: Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general décor, which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.

References

When you are going on an interview, it is important that you have a list of references ready. Ideally, an accurate reference sheet will consist of previous supervisors from your three most recent jobs. It will include the full name of each supervisor, title, company, current phone number and email address. It is helpful to get permission from each reference prior to your interview to ensure that he or she is available and willing to be a reference for you. A prepared list of references will show your potential employer that you are organized and responsible.

Be Yourself.

While it is important to appear professional and well-trained during job interviews, remember that the best thing you can be is yourself.

Imagine you are getting together for lunch with a favorite high school teacher whom you haven’t seen in years. If you act like yourself rather than a strange creation of a stressful job hunt, you will be relaxed and poised, and that will go a long way toward making a good impression.

Managing Your Time In and Out of the Office

Juggling work, family and friends can make for stressful times.  The ability to manage one’s time is important both in the workplace as well as out of the office.  There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure a productive day, whether you are working to meet a deadline at work or battling daily routine.

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