Although office experience and software knowledge are necessary to excel in the workplace, your personality and ability to get along with others is equally important.
For Employers
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:
- 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.
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.
Continue reading “Managing Your Time In and Out of the Office”
Staffing agencies are a great resource to utilize when searching for work. Agencies tend to have experience with the local job market and know what employers are looking for. They get to know you, and then they are able to market your skills to their clients for permanent and temporary positions.
If you’re not working currently, it is a great idea to do temporary work while searching for a permanent job. Temping allows you to earn a little money, gain additional experience, test out a new field, and, most importantly, network with local business people. Temporary positions give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and show employers that you are a hard worker. Once the employer sees how capable you are, he/she is apt to crate a position for you, keep you in mind for future positions, or refer you to business acquaintances.
Once you land that dream job, you have to work hard to keep it! Here are a few good tips to follow once you start your new job. Remember, it is critical to make a lasting good impression.
Don’t spend time making personal calls, surfing the Internet or sending and receiving excessive emails or text messages. It is a good rule of thumb to refrain from personal business during work hours unless it is your lunch break.
What if you are temping? The above rules still apply. A temporary job today could lead to a permanent job tomorrow. Employers note whether you are serious and focused on your work. So, no matter what your duties are, stay professional and excel at every assignment given to you!
It is becoming common practice for employers to perform background or investigatory checks on potential candidates before extending formal job offers. Typically Human Resources will inform you of this background check and have you sign a release form that authorizes them to proceed. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a background check:
Continue reading “Preparing for Background/Investigatory Reference Checks”
