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Things to NEVER do at a job interview

8/29/2013

Whether it’s a lack of experience or anxiety about the unknown, many people seem to forget the basics when they are on a job interview. You may think that how to dress and act in this situation goes without saying, but some people find themselves doing some very surprising things that ensure they will NOT get the job.

Here are a few things you should NEVER do on your first (or fiftieth) job interview:

Arrive late
Dress inappropriately – typically you should wear a suit
Send text messages, search the web, or leave your phone on
Chew gum
Cry
Speak poorly about your boss or coworkers
Not know your resume
Come unprepared (research the company, job and interviewer before hand)
Avoid eye contact
Swear
Come without questions
Talk too much or not enough
Ask about pay or vacation days
Forget to send a thank you note or email afterwards

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Setting your business priorities

8/26/2013

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When you own your own company, setting priorities for the business is integral to success. It can be easy, especially in small businesses, to get so bogged down in the details of day to day work that you put off viewing the big picture of what your business is, what it stands for, and what you want to prioritize.

Outlining priorities for the year can help keep you focused as you move forward. Here are some questions to get you started; answering them will help you to de-clutter the possibilities and identify your priorities:

What results are you looking to achieve over the next year?
Is the infrastructure in place to support your business and its growth?
Is your brand hitting the right markets?
How can you evolve your products/services?
Do you know where the opportunities are and are you taking advantage of them?
Do you have the capital you need?
Do you need to drive costs down?
What strategic investments will help put your business in a better financial position?
Should you hire, downsize or perhaps acquire another company to grow yours?
Are you delivering the results you want?
Are your customers happy with you?
How can you strengthen staff morale?
In what better ways can you be using your time?

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Become invaluable at work

8/8/2013

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The job market is tough and competition is fierce. If you leave your position, there are bound to be countless qualified (and overqualified) candidates just waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves. And because many sectors are experiencing job blight, people are willing to take positions for less money, fewer benefits and at a lowered expense to employers. We have seen many businesses downsize their overhead but cutting costs and employees, but something that good managers know is that regardless of your business, your company’s most valuable resource is its employees.

Here are a few quick tips to help you become an indispensable employee in an insecure business environment:

Show up early every day.
Never complain.
Always volunteer.
Show initiative.
Ask for feedback, and take it.
Stay professional.
Let your actions speak for you.
Be flexible.
Establish credibility.
Network.
Know your job… and everyone else’s.
Create a niche for yourself.

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Public speaking

8/2/2013

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Most people dislike getting up in front a crowd and talking. Several executives I know who seem extremely confident have felt the need to go for coaching on presentation techniques before getting up to give a talk. Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:

Arrive a few minutes early so that you can stand at the podium, try out the microphone and get the feel of the room. While doing this, picture yourself giving an amazing presentation.
Look in the mirror – front and back just before the event begins to make sure you are all put together. I know someone who went on stage before a large crowd with the bottom of her skirt tucked into her waistband. You can’t always count on people to let you know when your wardrobe is malfunctioning.
Stand up straight and don’t hang onto the podium. You will look more confident.
Remember to smile – it makes people more relaxed listening to you.
Don’t read your presentation – rehearse your remarks until you feel comfortable speaking about the topic.
Remember that next to hearing their own name, the word “you” is the most effective way to connect with audience members. See how many times you can fit the word “you” into your talk, to make your audience feel like you are speaking directly to them rather than at them.
Breathe – when someone’s voice shakes while speaking it usually means they aren’t breathing correctly.
Look your audience in the eye. Looking down or at the far back of the room gives the impression you aren’t really engaged.
Don’t make a joke at the expense of anyone in the audience. People might laugh, but it’s really embarrassing for the target of the comment.
And finally, don’t run over the time allotted for your talk. Have you ever heard anyone complain that a speech was too short? Leave your audience wanting more.

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Things to NEVER do at a job interview

Setting your business priorities

Become invaluable at work

Public speaking

Anne Saile

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Contact Us:
P: (518) 669-2171
E: info@sailegroup.com

Things to NEVER do at a job interview

Setting your business priorities

Become invaluable at work

Public speaking

Anne Saile

Archives

Categories

﻿Contact Us:﻿P: (518) 669-2171E: info@sailegroup.com

Contact Us:
P: (518) 669-2171
E: info@sailegroup.com