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As a resource to all current and prospective students, Allied Schools, Inc. has developed this blog to bring relevant information into your lives. Use this blog as your "career guide," turning to Allied Schools Career News for industry updates, career trends, and job search advice. We thank you for visiting!
You've completed a successful job interview. What's the next step? You send a "thank you" letter thanking the interviewer for his or her time. This simple act can give you an edge over other interviewees. It's a common courtesy that allows you the opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job and keep your name in front of an interviewer.
Some tips for creating an effective "thank you" letter:
* Make sure to send your note within 24 hours of your interview.
* You can either handwrite or type your thank you letter. Tailor it to fit the company's culture. Decide if it's more appropriate to send a formal typed letter or a personal handwritten note.
* If you choose to e-mail your letter, you should send a hardcopy too. E-mail is a fast way to get your letter in front of the right people, but a mailed letter is the best choice.
* Your writing reflects you - make sure it is error free. Check the letter for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
* Make the note personal. Don't just copy your note from an old letter you have on file. Reference specific things you talked about in the interview.
* If you interview with a few people, send a note to each one. Although you can use the same letter for each, try to tailor a sentence or two to that specific person
* If you expect a decision soon, find a way to get your note in the interviewer's hands fast - consider using e-mail, fax, or hand-delivery.
A "thank you" letter can send an important message about you. It shows that you are truly interested in the job and want to project a positive image. It is the perfect opportunity to remind your potential employer of your qualifications and how you would fit in with the company. It also gives you the chance to correct any mistakes you might have made or add anything you might have missed.Labels: Career Guide, evaluate resume, Job Success, thank you letter
It may come as a surprise, but most small-business owners say that attitude is more important than a solid set of job skills when it comes to looking for new employees. They're not saying that they don't consider job skills important; however, first and foremost, they want their employees to have positive attitudes.
You can probably relate. Nobody wants to be around someone that is negative or complaining all of the time. This ideal incorporates into the workplace. A positive attitude fosters a positive work environment. An upbeat employee is more likely to be productive, motivated and well liked.
How can you project a positive attitude?
Put on a happy face - You can't help but feel good when you smile. It is also contagious. When you smile, your co-workers will smile and so on. There will be positive energy in the office.
Focus on the task at hand - Don't think about what went wrong yesterday. We all make mistakes. If you give your work 100% of your attention, you will have the concentration to do a good job.
Stop the complaining - We all experience things that we do not agree with or do not like. However, instead of lingering on the negative, choose to forget about it and move on. A positive front will go further to advance your career.
Create an inviting work space - You can create a positive work environment by keeping things organized. Clutter often leads to frustration and missed deadlines. Also, add a favorite photo or keepsake.
Keep a positive outlook - Look at each day as a new challenge. By focusing on the positive, you will be more likely to get excited about work. Think of all the possibilities the day has to offer.
A positive attitude is important, but it isn't everything. There are many qualities that add up to a successful employee. Remember to practice good work habits, follow directions, and use competent communication skills. It is also essential to dress suitably, use appropriate behavior, and demonstrate good job skills and knowledge of work operations.
Remember that a good attitude can get you ahead, while a bad one might stifle your chances for success.Labels: Career Builder, Career Guide, Job Success
Are you being adequately compensated by your employer? Believe it or not, more than 50% of Americans believe that they are underpaid. Salary is one of the most important factors to consider when accepting a job. Whether you already have a job or are seeking a new position, you can make sure that you get a salary that fairly represents what you are worth.
You can prepare yourself by:
Getting the right experience -- Do you have the right training and credentials? Make sure that you are qualified for the position that you want. You can support your claim for a higher salary by being a well qualified candidate. Get the skills that will give you an extra edge.
Conducting market research -- Do you know the appropriate salary range? It is extremely important to do your homework, so you know what other people in similar occupations earn. Use the Internet and resource books to research the salaries by professions and geographic regions. You will be prepared when asking for a raise or receiving a job offer.
Knowing what you want -- Do you have a specific salary in mind? It is important to have a firm idea of the salary you want to earn. Use the research you get to determine a suitable and fair salary based on your experience, skills, geographic area, etc.
Negotiating the right salary -- Did you know you have some bargaining power when it comes to your salary? You don't always have to accept the first offer. If you feel that you are entitled to a higher compensation, you should negotiate your salary with your current or future employer. Sometimes it is helpful to start with a higher salary, so that you can be sure to get what you want when the negotiating begins.
A salary is one of the most important factors when it comes to employment. It's the reason that most of us work in the first place. Equip yourself with the information you need to successfully negotiate the salary or raise you deserve. Remember to research salaries for the career field and the geographic area you're interested in. If you are prepared, you will be able to get the results you want.Labels: Career Counseling, Continuing Education, Job Success
Career Guidance: Multitasking: Friend or Foe?
Multitasking: Friend or Foe?
In today's society, multitasking has become the norm. People are trying to do too many things at once, which has resulted in a juggling act. Work and personal commitments are on the rise, and people are scrambling to get everything done. The thought is that if you can do two things at once, you can save time and take on more responsibility.
Is this a smart way to operate? You might try to talk on the phone, read your e-mail and jot down a few notes all at once. Or you might schedule after-work activities that leave you with no time for yourself. Trying to do it all is a common theme among adults. Today, we are faced with more opportunities, we have higher expectations, and we want everything in an instant.
The truth is, when you are not 100 percent focused on the task at hand, you are more likely to make mistakes.
You can save yourself from having to do things more than once by:
- Concentrating on one task at a time and completing it before moving to the next.
- Finishing a conversation without interruptions or starting another.
- Knowing your limits and learning to say “no.”
- Staying focused and concentrating on the present.
- Plan and prioritize! Not all tasks require immediate attention.
- Set specific goals and pace yourself so that things get done right the first time.
Also, remember to schedule time for yourself. If you are overworked and overtired, you won't have the ability or energy to complete your tasks.Labels: foe, friend, Job Success, MultiTasking
Career Guidance: Recruiters Get the Job Done
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. We’ve spent countless hours pouring over newspapers or searching Internet job boards in an attempt to find the perfect job. With hundreds of other candidates doing the same thing, it’s hard to make yourself stand out.
Recruiters can help by doing the legwork for you. Basically, they market your skills on your behalf. Their job is to get your résumé and qualifications in front of the right people. Think of recruiters as matchmakers. Their goal is to successfully match your needs with the needs of a company. They do this with no out-of-pocket costs (although some recruiters do charge for their services).
The Benefits of Using a Recruiter
- They know the current marketplace and industry trends.
- They have a large database of contacts.
- They have access to unadvertised positions.
- They provide tips on how to strengthen resumes and improve interviewing skills.
The Process
- Doing your own job search takes a lot of time. Recruiters can make the process easier by:
- Evaluating your experience, qualifications and interests.
- Matching your qualifications with a suitable company.
- Scheduling interviews on your behalf.
- Helping you negotiate a salary and benefits package.
Remember to be up front with recruiters about your expectations for a job. By being honest, they will know your likes and dislikes. They will use your job histories, interview answers and references to make a good match for you. They will be informed to make better choices for your future.
How do you find a recruiter? There are recruiter firms and online networks available to everyone. Simply pick up a phone book or source the Internet to locate the one nearest you.Labels: Career Counseling, Job Interviewing, Job Success
Career Guidance: Seven Steps to Job Search Success
During the course of your job hunt, it's difficult not to get discouraged at some point, especially if you've been searching for longer than a few months. Sending out resumes by the truckload and going on countless interviews without any offers can take its toll. When it seems like nothing is working, here are a few steps you can take to get your stalled job search back on track!
Get Organized - Keep a record of your contacts, the companies you've sent your resume to, and notes from your interviews. Set aside an area at home and designate it as your Job Search Headquarters.
Re-Evaluate Your Resume and Cover Letter - If your resume isn't generating phone calls for interviews, then maybe something's wrong. Get an unbiased opinion. Have someone else check for typos and grammatical errors. Perhaps in your cover letter, you're not selling yourself enough. Take a long, hard look at what you send out to companies. First impressions count!
Find Quality Leads - Part of your frustration may stem from sending out too many resumes! Avoid the urge to send out a hundred "blind" resumes a week addressed to Whom It May Concern. Take the time to research the company - get the name of the hiring decision-maker and find out if there are job opportunities within the company. You'll get better results with 10 solid leads, rather than a hundred random resumes.
Practice Interviewing - Try a mock interview with a friend. Anticipate answering tough questions like the dreaded "Tell me about yourself."
Follow-Up - Always send a thank you note after the interview. If possible, call if you haven't heard from the interviewer. Let them know you're still interested in the position!
Do Something, Anything! - If you're unemployed, try temping or volunteering part-time. You can gain valuable experience working for temp agencies or non-profit organizations. Add it to your resume!
Maintain a Positive Attitude - This is by far the most important step. You've read those articles that tell you to "keep your chin up", but the bottom line is, most interviewers can smell desperation a mile away! If you walk into an interview thinking "they won't hire me", chances are you'll be right.Labels: Career Builder, Job Interviewing, Job Success
Career Guidance: The Four P's of Job Success Professionalism - Personality - Punctuality - People
People in the marketing field know the four P's of marketing: product, price, promotion and place. Today I share with you the four P's of job success. I'm sure it's not a surprise to anyone that a person's job success depends on many different factors. Some of these factors we cannot control, but many of them we can. If we have the ability to help ourselves and take charge in our career, why not do so?
Professionalism: Be proud of who you are and present that image to your employer.
During the initial interview, your interviewer will be looking for certain characteristics. He or she will note how you talk, how you hold yourself. Do you have a firm handshake or do you constantly avoid eye contact? These may be of little significance to you, but to a future employer these signs show who you are and what your work ethic is. Professionalism spans beyond the quality of work you produce. It plays an integral part in your interactions with other employees and customers. Remember, who would you want representing you?
Personality: Having a good personality doesn't mean we have to be the class clown or prom queen (or king).
Personality is your key to winning people over. Having a genuine love of people will help you build relationships with your customers and coworkers. Be kind, courteous, friendly, and patient with those around you. If you are a new hire at a company, don't walk into your workplace with an air of arrogance. Humble yourself in front of others and be willing to learn from those who have years of experience. Likewise, if you have been an employee of a company for many years, be willing to adjust to new people and new trends. No one likes to work with the office grump!
Punctuality:This is very simple.
No matter what your schedule is like, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, BE ON TIME. There is no excuse to be late. It looks bad and it shows a lack of respect for all parties involved.
People:Learn to like people even if you don't.
Nothing in this world can be achieved without the help of others. You will learn to depend on others in your personal and professional life, and every one of the P's mentioned in this article will assist you in working well with others. Starting a new job requires integrating your own personality with the personality of your coworkers. If you are still in the interviewing process, show your future employer that you appreciate the chance to work one-on-one with others. People skills sell! Labels: Career Builder, Career Guide, Job Success
Feng Shui is the Chinese art of positioning objects in homes and offices to create positive energy flow.
Recently, Feng Shui has gained popularity among many homeowners nationwide and as a result, the practices of Feng Shui have found their way into the workplace. More and more building managers and office workers are considering Feng Shui practices and beliefs when arranging work areas and office space.
Below is a list of a few simple Feng Shui practices that anyone can utilize to create positive energy flow in their work space. Use them in your office and see if you notice a change.
Reduce Clutter Clutter creates chaos. Chaos in the workplace is never a positive state of being. To reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace, free your space of clutter. This involves clearing unnecessary items off your desk and keeping your area clean of dirt and dust. This will help create a positive energy flow and reduce the chaos and anxiety at work.
Never Let Files Pile Up Having piles of files and folders on your desk blocks the energy flow of your work space. File away as many folders as you can. If you must have piles of paperwork and folders on your desk, place them to sides of your work area. It’s important to keep the space immediately in front of you clear. By doing so, you will improve the energy flow in your work space.
Leave the Cactus at Home As decorative as they may be, having a cactus on or around your desk actually directs negative energy to your work area. The needles of a cactus act as tiny arrows that allow negative energy to flow and build up in your environment. To reduce negative energy, do not place a cactus in or around your work space.
Bring a Black Briefcase According to the beliefs of Feng Shui, black symbolizes money and income. Using a black briefcase for work will harness financial gain and promote financial prosperity. Also, choose a black briefcase with metal clasps. In the beliefs of Feng Shui, the combination of black and metal is harmonious and will bring positive energy your way.
Sit with Your Back to the Wall Having a wall behind you creates a feeling of support, and supportive energy is very important in the office. Sitting with your back to a wall will help you focus on your work and avoid office politics.
Creating a positive work environment is beneficial to the success of your career. Practicing Feng Shui in the office creates a harmonious work space and helps you harness positive energy. Even if you are a bit skeptical about Feng Shui, try the tips above and see if your office life is affected. You never know how Feng Shui will change your life.Labels: Career Guide, feng shui, Job Success
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