Interview Attire - Dress up Profesionally

Possessing an MBA or PhD and working experience are very important to bring along during an interview. But the initial criterion that HR people or interview will look at is your first impression. The first look will determine the success of your interview. The criterion that I mean is your attire for interview. Even though the attire may differ for different job, here are basic tips of do’s and don’ts that you should practice in your interviewing phase especially for business or corporate purposes.

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What you should wear for interview.

A solid color (preferably dark) conservative suit and bring along a portfolio or briefcase.

For Ladies, a matched blouse, modest shoes, not too much jewelry, neat professional hair, tan or light hosiery, thin perfume and makeup and manicured nails.

For Men, a white or fair long sleeve shirt with a conventional tie, dark or black socks with dark or black professional shoes, limited or zero jewelry, well trim, professional hairstyle, well shaved and neatly well cut nail.

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What you should NOT wear.

Jeans, shorts, too short skirts, tight pants, low cut blouse that could show your belly, show of under garments (bras, bra straps, boxers, thongs and others), strong perfume and thick make up and do not expose your tattoos.

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Whatever you wear, make sure they are suitable with the type of job interview that you are attending.

Popularity: 4% [?]

How They Recruit (Google, Microsoft, FedEx, Starbucks)

Google – It’s Show Time

Managing such a well known company, without excellent back bone will not be an easy task. To get such ‘the best worker’ is not easy. The first step of hiring a worker, recruiting, is the platform to get the best potential candidate.

Here is the secret of how Google recruit their regiment.

It is believe that at its offices all over the world, Google holds audition designed to assist the company connect with local talent. One, targeted at math and computer specialists, is called a Code Jam. According to its Hiring Director Arnnon Geshuri, “We invite a bunch of people to participate in a 3 to 4 hour coding competition, & they sit in a big room together, so you can see how people approach questions. The top 100 finishers are invited back to apply for a job.”

In India, Google sponsored an essay competition that attracted candidates from around the country. In addition to connections with creative thinkers, the gesture generated plenty of positive publicity. “We’re not really about job fairs. We try to come up with interesting environments where people can be their best.” Geshuri says.

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Microsoft – What can you show us my dear Crystal ball?

Microsoft, being an established company believes that people with futuristic character will best perform under their company. The company invites candidates to deliberate the future as an alternative to find people who really understand the strategic challenges the company may confronts. Its Recruiting General Manager, Scott Pitasky said, “One of our online media businesses asked candidates what they thought the future of online music looked like, and how teens would be using the Net ten years from now,”

Other questions that may be asked is to name companies that the candidates consider best at customer experience, and what Microsoft could learn from them.

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FedEx – Let the Machine do all the work

In modern day, many large companies that employ on a regular basis now use clever online software that screens and filters candidates before scheduling interviews. FedEx has launched a career center on its website that allows applicants to post their resume and receive pointers to the jobs that best match their experience and skills. According to its Recruitment Director, John Leech, “It’s all about providing the communication, understanding, and education applicants need—just like we would for our customers.”

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Starbucks Coffee – Taste it, then love it.

Being one of the caffeine companies, at Starbucks Coffee’s headquarters in Seattle, candidates will not have to agonize about being adequately caffeinated, but it helps to have a coffee palate. According to its Staffing Manager for Global Strategic, Carmen Hudson, “We often conduct brief coffee tasting. It enables candidates to experience a bit of Starbucks traditions, stressing our core product, and provides a break for candidates between interviews.” Even though not every company sells coffee, but the point to be taken is to place the candidate in direct contact with the brand or product to gauge their levels of awareness and comfort.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Tips on how to Master Office Politics

Being in an office environment, it is best for him/her to win over the politicians there. One needs to be very good in winning friends and influencing people. Different tactics serve different reasons when we are facing such politics in office. Here are some of the tips of how to encounter such politics scenario.

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1. The Cluster

The cluster is best suit whenever we wanted to gain on a bond or facing an important issue in a more stress-free atmosphere.

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2. The Reversal Power

This tactics is very crucial when others has already revealed conflict to the thought the manager are supporting.

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3. The Laissez-faire

Giving opportunity or let others decide is best suit for team projects which needs extra task and divergence interest.

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4. The Alternative

Giving others a choice to generate their own idea and process is sometimes proven to be best towards a team.

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5. The Hushed

Sometimes, being quiet is critical to avoid such conflict, yet result a better performance over the task.

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6. The Decisive Point

Making decision at the critical moment most of the time will grant you a big name even though the issue maybe less important than other issues.

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7. The Meeting

This is the last resort of how to get communicate with others. Try to get them to a meeting and discuss over it. You can always start it, and let others discuss over it.

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How to Conduct a Job Interview

To an interviewer, asking questions maybe not a problem at all. But selecting the best candidates for the job really relies on the interview itself. So, it is not easy job after all. Every single question and decision is very important. Many tips could be obtained from the web, so here are some of them for the interviewer to start with.

1. Do your Homework Beforehand – to minimize the back-story and maximize the time you spend with the candidate.

2. Beware of the 3-Minute Judgment – remember that the interview is for choosing the best candidate for the job and not to find your best friend

3. Try to Ask Lots of Behavioral Questions – stick with practical, job-related skills and information.

4. Throw Them a Curveball – try to get the candidates to think on their feet

5. Maintain Consistency Across the Process – create a system where enabling you to quantify and analyze the information you collect.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Types of Bosses and How to Deal with Them

The Old-Timer Boss

This type of boss has been in the industry for quite some time and really knows what it takes to be in the business. He/she almost at the peak of his/her career. The good thing about him/her is they are easy going especially if close to retirement. The not so good part is we will easily get bored of his/her thousands of tales. When you are dealing with this type of boss, maintain strong patience, keep on smiling as though you are listening and being with him, instead take that precious time dreaming of something else and plan your future undertaking or maybe dream of your wife, husband, kids, girlfriend or boyfriend.

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The Tyrant Boss

This type of boss thinks that empowerment means allowing management to give instruction. The normally have that thought that they are the one alone controller of the organization. The good thing about this boss is they have no problem in making decision, but the not so good part is, the decision made is often wrong. This type of boss will not listen much of what you want to give or suggest, so the best thing when dealing of such boss, keep quiet and just do your job.

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The Pen Pusher Boss

This type of boss believes that the world would fall apart if there are no rules and regulations. The good thing about this boss is that he/she is highly expected and this makes you easier to manipulate. The not so good part is that you will not be able to show your fullest creativity. When you are with this kind of boss, keep all actions within the framework of what is been done in the history. And document everything and share it with everyone.

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The Over Rated Boss

This type of boss is normally got over-promoted and has no thought of what to do next. This type of boss normally gets others to make decision and tend to agrees with it without much solid ground over it. The good thing about this boss is he/she will probably get downgraded or fired soon and will eventually create an opportunity for you. The not so good thing is he/she will remain in his/her place if you assist him/her out too much. If dealing with such boss, the best thing to do is do your own job and prepare your project proposal in advance, try to leap him/her to get approval of it. Sooner or later he/she will realize how ‘not so good’ him/her and will eventually give you way.

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The Futurist Boss

This type of boss generates a reality-distortion ground that resulting people consider the doubtful and usually originated in high-tech and biotech surroundings. The good thing of him/her is he/she can be highly inspirational, especially if we have got founder’s stock. The not so good thing is shouting at people who are not with him/her. If you have this type of boss, definitely you will not have a life. If you are ready to commit your life for it, this is the best boss for you.

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The Mountaineer Boss

This type of boss often desperately wants to get to the top. The good think about him/her is that you may have the opportunity to get promoted when he is upgraded. The not so good is that you are nothing less than being a rung on his hierarchy to triumph. You should not try to make him look bad, or else… Try to make sure that the boss knows you understand your role in making him look good.

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The Socialist Boss

This type of boss thinks of the corporate environment as a community of stakeholders. They often see things at non-profits way and will also aim for healthcare everywhere. The good thing about this boss is that they are pleasant and friendly. The not so good thing is that they will try to avoid committing or making decision that might create conflicts. This type of boss may become grouchy when under pressure. In dealing with such boss, you have to build peace & harmony. Make sure everyone is with you before making any step and the main criteria is always be good to him/her.

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The Propeller-head Boss

This type of Boss used to be a top performer in engineering sector. He/she prefers to interact via email and try to avoid face to face. He/she will have that thought that others are not as good as him/her or can be considered as an idiot. This type of boss will try to relate everything with technological environment. The tips is become and expert in high complicated technology and show to him/her that you are in the same direction with him/her.

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The Chopper Boss

This type of boss is normally hired to downsize your organization. They will try to fire or make them resign as much as possible, as soon as possible. There is nothing much good thing for employee but for the company, who knows. The not so good thing is that this type of boss is really good of what he is hired to do. So, when dealing with this type of boss, the best thing that you should do is start updating your resume as chances of you being out is very high.

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The Hero of the Day Boss

This type of Boss is so capable and conversant, yet easy to work with. They will try to help staff to learn and grow an actually have thought that manager is exist to guide the staff to be successful. But, this type of boss normally gets easily promoted and will leave you very soon. The best thing to do when dealing with this type of boss is enjoy it while you can and try to prove that you are actually have that same or almost same quality that he/she posses, and pray that he/she bring you along when he/she gets better job or promotion.

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What to Say & What NOT to Say during an Interview

Interview is an easy process for those who are very good in answering questions. But be very careful with what you will say. Every single word that comes out from your mouth will judge whether you are suitable for the job or not. Not all things should be revealed during your interview. Some things are better to be kept by yourself.

Here are some of the famous questions that an interviewer might ask you during an interview. In addition, few tips of what to say and what not to say during the interview are given.

1. Why do you want to work for us?

Tips: Before attending the interview, you should first get as much info as possible about the company, and one of the sources would be in Website. Give a stunning answer of why actually you are interested with the job.

What to say: Your Company is such a well known company with best practice in Trade area. It is an honor for me to be a part of such success company.

What not to say: I am currently unemployed and very desperate to get a job. No one would employ me.

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2. Why are you looking for a new job?

Tips: Try to be in positive side & never say negative things about others. Explain clearly where you are heading to and not where you are trying to be away of.

What to say: My current employer does give me opportunity to grow but I believe with your company current status, a new challenge will be more suitable for me to use all my skills and knowledge to help the business grow even better.

What not to say: My current boss is a jerk and never helps me to grow. The customers also do not give much cooperation to me.

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3. Why have you had so many jobs before this?

Tips: Try to give a reasonable reason of why you have move a lot, for example changes in personal goals. In addition, give a solid assurance that you are ready to take a permanent position now which you are currently seeking.

What to say: Before this, I have decided to experiment variety of careers, in order to find the best suitable job that I should be in. Now, I have found what I am looking for and that is why I am here right now.

What not to say: I tend to get bored easily.

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4. What are your current strengths?

Tips: Try to give unique strengths that you posses, preferably three to four, together with how they helped you completing your task.

What to say: I have the ability of thinking fast in most of the situation. My prompt action using this strength has helped my current employer in trouble shooting most of the problem that have incurred, even if it is not related to my job scope. I am very happy if I could apply the same to your company if I were to be among of your employee.

What not to say: I am very good in pretending and able to disguise mistakes when dealing with customers. They will always trust me even if lied to them.

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5. What is your biggest mistake during your employment?

Tips: Try not to reveal your biggest error or clumsiness. Go for a minor weakness and also explain to them on how you are currently in process of overcome it.

What to say: I sometimes feel intolerance with my colleague’s behavior which I don’t like. But, currently I have been reading books of how to control my patient and how to negotiate with best interest to all parties. I am trying to give more consideration about their behavior and will do a peace discussion with them in times of misunderstanding.

What not to say: Wow, that’s a hard question as I have so many big mistakes. I have missed deadlines, late coming to work, argue with my colleague, do not pay attention to instruction. Out of that, I think the biggest would be laziness. But I feel better when telling it as at least I am being honest.

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6. Why should I hire you?

Tips: This is the best opportunity to sell yourself by highlighting your skills and knowledge and relate them with the current position that you are applying for. Promote yourself as hard as possible, but remember not to ‘over promoted’ it.

What to say: When I have learned that you are looking for such position, I said to myself that this job really suitable for my skill, knowledge and experience. Now that I have spoken with you and learn more about the job, I am even more confidence that I am the best candidate for the job and eventually will exceed your company expectations.

What not to say: I need money to pay all my debt because of my gambling habit.

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7. What are your short and long terms goals?

Tips: Given such questions, the employers are actually seeking for few reasons. One of them would be to test you whether you are going to be with them for a long time or just using the job for a better jump or market else where. Other, maybe the employer wanted to test you on your ability in planning and future thinking. Your best short term goal should include getting in the right position and long term should be where you want to go in your profession and try to show that you will commit your future with the company.

What to say: For short term, I want to be in a position where I am able to use my knowledge, skills and experience in handling qualitative problem. Being one of the best problem solvers in my current company, I seek for a better method and application which I believe, for a long term I will find it with your company. Moving ahead, with additional proper training and engagement, I believe that I will be among the success problem solver that your company will ever had, using the right combination of my education and experience.

What not to say: With the current situation, it is best for me to get this job and than look for even better job elsewhere.

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The tips and examples given are just samples of how you should answer and not to reveal, hence, do suite it with your current situation. Try to be in the best position you could ever be and do not let them control over you with ‘not so quality’ answer or even a wrong answer. The best advise is be confident with your answer and with such tips and examples, don’t be surprise if the next question that comes out from your interviewers is “When can you start?” or even better “Can you start with our company immediately?”

Popularity: 4% [?]

Tips of Creating a Superior Resume

A resume is the first vital tool that an HR personal will look into, whether to include the candidate to their short list or not. They will normally go for the superior one, which they feel reflects they owner of it. Resume can be in any format, but how do we create a good one. Here are some tips of how to create a desirable resume.

1. Start with a ‘Powerful Statement’
Most of resume writers assume that resume should start with an objective. Not to say that it is not true, but doesn’t it will better if we start it with a power statement that will get the attention of the person who reads it. Here is an example, ‘An Experienced Processor with excellent computer skills and able to work independently.’ Doesn’t it strike the reader’s mind to impatiently find out what is so special about the candidate?

2. Keep it brief and short.
HR personnel normally spend a few seconds (15-20 seconds) on a resume. So we should not expect that they will get the full picture of the candidates. The shorter the resume, the more desirable it will be. Try to write the whole thing in one page.

3. Put the best criteria about you at the upper half of your resume.
If your experience is far better than other criteria, put it on top. If your achievement is the best, put it up and same goes to your academic status. Why is this important? Again, normally the reader does not have much time to read the whole resume. The first part will be the vital part that they will normally go through.

4. Always check your spelling. Make sure that are perfectly correct.
Depending on word auto checker is not enough. You will have to check them manually at least 3 times, and it is better to include an additional reading it backward. Sometimes, this will help to detect error.

5. Try to use as many specific symbols as possible.
The specific symbol means using numbers, figures and percentages when they are required. Try to avoid using spelling of this character when actually you can use a simple symbol.

6. Try to put yourself into Employer’s Shoe.
Try to write what your potential employer want to read, what you can offer for them and eventually they will seek candidates that have potential in solving problems.

No matter how you want to write your resume, do remember the power of sincerity and do not ‘over express them’.

Popularity: 4% [?]

DOs and DONTs in Winning Your Next Promotion

Before you ever want a promotion, you got to think things more widely. It is not only being technical smarts or subject matter specialist. The scope is much broader than we could ever think of. You will face wide development agenda, which include general management issues, developing social and political skills, finding a personal leadership style and more.

Well, if you are willing to face these environments, here are some of the areas you should focus on.

1. Develop Good Interpersonal Skills.

2. Meet Business Objectives

3. Build and Lead Teams

4. Learn to Manage Change and Transition

5. Build an Effective Network of Champions or Sponsors

At the same time, there are a few practices that you should avoid. Here are some of them:

1. Irritating People Who Could Help You

2. Not willing to Change

3. Ignoring Team Members

Whatever you are trying to do, make sure they are done with full hearted and honesty. Maybe not today, who knows, next month, next quarter or next year you will be rewarded of such promotion. Meanwhile, keep up the good work and may all be success in their arena.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Understanding Yourself in Winning Your Next Promotion

To win your next promotion, firstly, you need to nurture a deep understanding of yourself, both your strengths and weaknesses. You have to develop on how you learn, how you work with others, what your values are, and where you can make the greatest contribution.

Here are some questions and answers often asked by those who want to increase the chances of winning the next promotion.

1. I’d like to get promoted and have done a lot to be ready for the next assignment. But there are so many others doing the same thing. How do I increase my chances of getting noticed?

Advertising that you want to be promoted is usually inappropriate, but being clear about what you want and why you deserve to be promoted is very important, but a delicate approach can also reap rewards. Some of the ways that are more appropriate are finding a mentor or sponsor in the organization with which you can work, approaching your line manager and discuss your development plan in the light of your assurance that you have more to offer the business and observing those who have been promoted and ask yourself if you have similar attitudes and behaviors. Try to become more noticeable by assuring that you take the opportunity to mix with decision makers and by sharing stories of your success at proper times. Do not overselling too much of your achievements or you may turn off the very people you need to court.

2. No matter how hard I work, I feel that I’m buried in my organization in terms of getting visibility. How can I change this?

Over and over again, your organizational visibility goes up when you increase your visibility in other arenas. You can try to issue articles in trade or professional magazines or agree to invitations or volunteers to talk at conferences. If you want to raise your visibility more rapidly to home to reveal your dedication to the community, you may want to get involved in local politics. Ask yourself what you can do to gain praise in your profession.

3. My organization has dropped from a dozen levels to just a few. Should I forget about becoming a manager here?

It seems that you are working in a flat group, where there are fewer levels in the hierarchy, or maybe in a matrix organization, where the business is structured based on common actions rather than discrete business units. Project teams are often made up of specialists across a business. In such cases, promotion can take on a new sense as there is often no longer an obvious succession path as the person who can most successfully lead a team stands out as management material when the time comes to name a new manager. Learning to lead teams well is your best path to winning a management job.

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Tips on how to MANAGE your Boss

Success in job is not only depends on your capability, desire & determination. Your own effort is actually half of what success means. The other half is your boss decisions. It is how you manage your boss. Your increment, bonuses and promotion depends on it. It is ‘ok’ when your boss does not give you warning, but even worst if you boss does not realize that you are actually exist. Here’s the catch. Do your jobs well, & at the same time, make sure your boss knows the determination that you have put into. Here are some tips of how you can actually ‘manage’ your boss.

1) Always keep your Boss in the Loop – reassuring your boss that you know what you are doing.

2) Create a core message for your Boss – Make sure your Boss knows how valuable you are.

3) Influence others around your Boss – making them spread how important you to the company.

4) Learn everything you can about your Boss – know what to expect from him/her

5)Try to influence the Boss with your interest – making him/her think how good spirit you are.

Try this and you will see the results are in your way. But, remember NOT to ‘over do it’.

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