The cubicle world is in a universe of its own, it has rules, regulations and oddities that are strictly unique to it. You'd think that each cubicle job would be different, but no, this isn't so. Having worked in the cubicle world for many years, I am here to tell you, they are all the same. One BIG cubicle world for all.
But, let this not scare you, because it actually can be a benefit. Knowing the key issues of working in the cubicle world, you will be at an advantage in any cubicle job you may land in.
Following are 10 things to know about the cubicle world that will help you understand the strange universe you have entered.
1. Cubicles are like rooms in a community house. Your cubicle is accessible and visible to everyone, it's your private space, but anyone can walk into it and see what you are doing. A good idea is to arrange it so that when people come to visit' they don't see your computer screen. We all know that at some point in the day you'll be doing some inevitable web surfing or shopping.
2. Some cubicle worlds don't allow eating at your desk, or may equate eating a snack to taking a break. So you might want to set a little space that's hidden from passers by where you can place that little snack you're going to have mid-morning.
3. You get to decorate your cubicle however you like. Up to a point, of course. Forget about hanging posters of things like the We love Blood and Guts' heavy metal band. You can also leave behind the decorative hanging piece your kid made at school using metal cans and wooden sticks. Your place should reflect your character, but there are limits and you should appear somewhat professional.
4. That said the cubicle world never seems to run short of the workers who will stretch their decorative allowance to the limit. They will fill it with as much stuff as possible. On the other hand, though, there are those who are happy as clams with just one lone wooden figurine on a corner of their desk.
5. Just as cubicles are like rooms, your cubicle mates are your neighbors. The number of cubicle neighbor types is very large, however there are some kinds that just seem to be ever present in the cubicle world. The loud mouth, for example is one that you can always count on to reside in a cubicle near you. Even if not so near, his or her volume puts anyone within 50 feet as way too close.
6. Cubicle placement is the luck of the draw in most cases. The supervisors will usually set the seating arrangements for the cubicle workers. But, if you are lucky enough to choose yours, a better option than a window cubicle is the proximity to and view of your boss's desk or office. Being out of sight from the boss will facilitate your ability to leave your desk often throughout the day and also to come in late unnoticed in the morning or after lunch.
7. Just about every office in the cubicle world has a chatterbox'. This is a worker who cannot stop yakking; it's in their nature. Every comment you make is a chance for them to go off on a 10-20 minute explanation of last night's shopping outing with the spouse. Make sure to steer clear when they return from a trip, or they will be in your cubicle for at least an hour's worth of vacation fun.
8. Smells are a big concern in the cubicle world. While many workers may think it's safe to pass wind silently, it will not go unnoticed when the fumes spread from one cubicle to the next. The same goes for those who believe a few extra drops of perfume will delight others. What this does is force all the cubicle members to suffocate in their overpowering smell.
9. In the same way the smell travels over the cubicles, so does any diminutive noise you make. Cubicle walls are hollow and anything can be heard through them. So think twice before you make that phone call to set up an interview to work in another cubicle job that you think is better than your current one.
10. Offices in the cubicle world tend to have occasional breakfasts provided by the company. Be sure to take part in those; not only can you eat for free, but you will have an excuse for not returning that phone call to the annoying sales guy. Yes, you will have to mingle with everyone and appear enthusiastic at 9 in the morning, but you will leave a good impression and be less likely to be scrutinized as an office outcast.
There are so many more things to know in the cubicle world, but these should cover the overall spectrum of daily office items and occurances. Knowing these and using them to your advantage should make your life the cubicle world more passable and less torturous.
Be happy that you are employed, but don't give up your dreams of someday being able to leave this world and enter a less confined one. Self-employed world doesn't sound too bad, does it? But if you can't find that one, maybe the private office world can be a happier place for you. For a while, anyway.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Difficult Interveiw Questions and How to Answer Them
Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms of nervousness. In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to prepare yourself mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know what may be coming. Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an unknown. Take the time to understand some of the standards when it comes to interviewing questions.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as Tell me about yourselfbut these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.
Others are classic interview questions, such as What is your greatest weakness? Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the greatest weakness question is to provide a veiled positive such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.
The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Dont disappoint them!
1.Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why youre the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what youve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.
2.Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.
3.What is your long-range objective?
Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing to prepare myself . . .
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.
4.How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.
5.Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.
6.Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.
7.What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, Im now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
8.If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
9.What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.
10.If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship… …then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.
In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as Tell me about yourselfbut these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.
Others are classic interview questions, such as What is your greatest weakness? Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the greatest weakness question is to provide a veiled positive such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.
The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Dont disappoint them!
1.Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why youre the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what youve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.
2.Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.
3.What is your long-range objective?
Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing to prepare myself . . .
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.
4.How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.
5.Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.
6.Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.
7.What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, Im now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
8.If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
9.What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.
10.If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship… …then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.
In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Hey Hiring Manager!!! Read my email!!
Often these days resumes are sent exclusively by email. I advise against this – whenever possible, send a paper copy by snail mail as well. But I realize that often, it’s only email.
Which means that you need to get your emails opened and read, even when they’re one of a thousand new emails received by the person you’re sending to.
So how do you stand out?
Well, this is a problem that marketers and copy writers have been dealing with for a long time, and there are three main ingredients to writing headlines that get read (including email headlines):
1 – They need to be question-based, rather than statement-based.
2 – They need to be problem-based, rather than solution-based.
3 – They need to evoke curiosity, rather than giving it all away.
Sean D’Souza, over at Psychotactics, has written a great free report explaining each of these three steps. Get it here: http://www.psychotactics.com/why-headlines-fail
Which means that you need to get your emails opened and read, even when they’re one of a thousand new emails received by the person you’re sending to.
So how do you stand out?
Well, this is a problem that marketers and copy writers have been dealing with for a long time, and there are three main ingredients to writing headlines that get read (including email headlines):
1 – They need to be question-based, rather than statement-based.
2 – They need to be problem-based, rather than solution-based.
3 – They need to evoke curiosity, rather than giving it all away.
Sean D’Souza, over at Psychotactics, has written a great free report explaining each of these three steps. Get it here: http://www.psychotactics.com/why-headlines-fail
Monday, July 12, 2010
Using LinkedIn for networking can seem daunting, but it shouldn't be!
Using LinkedIn for networking can seem daunting. It shouldn't be. Getting started using LinkedIn is as easy as picking a password. You'll truly see the power of using LinkedIn once you build your list of connections.
Effectively using LinkedIn requires you to observe some basic courtesies such as not spamming strangers and doing your homework before making a career contact. If you approach it right, you can use LinkedIn to network your way to a new job, build your business know-how or stay networked during a career lull.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
The first and most important step in using LinkedIn is to create a complete and self-promotional profile of your career.
This is not the time to be modest! If you have a current resume, simply cut and paste your most impressive accomplishments into the appropriate LinkedIn fields.
If your resume is a few years out of date, make a list of the achievements that made you most proud. Use active verbs like "led," "created," "mobilized" and "sold." Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments rather than simply describing them.
Make sure to include keywords that a recruiter or hiring manager might be searching for to find someone with your expertise. If you're at a loss for what skills to emphasize, get inspired by looking at profiles of people in the kind of position you would like to achieve.
Claim Your LinkedIn Name
Next, claim your name on LinkedIn. This way your online resume can easily be found by headhunters and hiring managers who search for your first and last name.
Click on Profile and then scroll down to where it says Public Profile. If you click Edit, you can change from a random string of characters to your name.
If your name has already been taken, try simply reversing the order of first and last names. If that's already in use, you may have to insert a middle initial or even use a nickname.
Start Building Your LinkedIn Network
LinkedIn will automatically search your email account for people you may want to invite to connect on LinkedIn. You also can manually enter email addresses or search for specific people with whom you may have lost touch.
Feel free to cast a wide net, but its best only to connect with people you know fairly well and trust. Remember that you are judged by the company you keep -- even virtually.
Request and Make Recommendations
You tooted your own horn when building your profile. Now you can let your colleagues and friends speak on your behalf.
Scroll down to the Experience section and click "Request Recommendations." Make sure to write an individualized request and feel free to suggest which skills or achievements you'd like highlighted.
"It virally lets your network know and other people's networks know you're a good resource and a valued professional in your field," said Krista Canfield, public relations manager for LinkedIn. "You have the opportunity to have more than three references speaking on your behalf."
Use LinkedIn to Make New Connections
Now, you're ready to get LinkedIn to work for you!
If you're interested in exploring a new job, you can research a specific organization by clicking on the Companies tab. Then you can search for people in the department you'd like to work, or in human resources, and see if you're connected to anyone they know.
Before you contact someone, read through her profile and look for commonalities that might ignite a conversation if you end up in an interview. And mind your manners - don't do anything you wouldn't do in a business lunch.
"LinkedIn is a global business lunch," Canfield said. "You'd never go into a business lunch saying, 'Who wants to buy my software?' "
You can search for open jobs by clicking on the Jobs tab. Simply forward your profile to any opportunities that appeal to you.
If you're happy in your current position, you still can use LinkedIn to find business opportunities for your employer. Or, you can connect with other people in a similar role and learn how they do their job and perhaps improve your own performance.
Article Courtesy of WorkingMoms.com
Effectively using LinkedIn requires you to observe some basic courtesies such as not spamming strangers and doing your homework before making a career contact. If you approach it right, you can use LinkedIn to network your way to a new job, build your business know-how or stay networked during a career lull.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
The first and most important step in using LinkedIn is to create a complete and self-promotional profile of your career.
This is not the time to be modest! If you have a current resume, simply cut and paste your most impressive accomplishments into the appropriate LinkedIn fields.
If your resume is a few years out of date, make a list of the achievements that made you most proud. Use active verbs like "led," "created," "mobilized" and "sold." Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments rather than simply describing them.
Make sure to include keywords that a recruiter or hiring manager might be searching for to find someone with your expertise. If you're at a loss for what skills to emphasize, get inspired by looking at profiles of people in the kind of position you would like to achieve.
Claim Your LinkedIn Name
Next, claim your name on LinkedIn. This way your online resume can easily be found by headhunters and hiring managers who search for your first and last name.
Click on Profile and then scroll down to where it says Public Profile. If you click Edit, you can change from a random string of characters to your name.
If your name has already been taken, try simply reversing the order of first and last names. If that's already in use, you may have to insert a middle initial or even use a nickname.
Start Building Your LinkedIn Network
LinkedIn will automatically search your email account for people you may want to invite to connect on LinkedIn. You also can manually enter email addresses or search for specific people with whom you may have lost touch.
Feel free to cast a wide net, but its best only to connect with people you know fairly well and trust. Remember that you are judged by the company you keep -- even virtually.
Request and Make Recommendations
You tooted your own horn when building your profile. Now you can let your colleagues and friends speak on your behalf.
Scroll down to the Experience section and click "Request Recommendations." Make sure to write an individualized request and feel free to suggest which skills or achievements you'd like highlighted.
"It virally lets your network know and other people's networks know you're a good resource and a valued professional in your field," said Krista Canfield, public relations manager for LinkedIn. "You have the opportunity to have more than three references speaking on your behalf."
Use LinkedIn to Make New Connections
Now, you're ready to get LinkedIn to work for you!
If you're interested in exploring a new job, you can research a specific organization by clicking on the Companies tab. Then you can search for people in the department you'd like to work, or in human resources, and see if you're connected to anyone they know.
Before you contact someone, read through her profile and look for commonalities that might ignite a conversation if you end up in an interview. And mind your manners - don't do anything you wouldn't do in a business lunch.
"LinkedIn is a global business lunch," Canfield said. "You'd never go into a business lunch saying, 'Who wants to buy my software?' "
You can search for open jobs by clicking on the Jobs tab. Simply forward your profile to any opportunities that appeal to you.
If you're happy in your current position, you still can use LinkedIn to find business opportunities for your employer. Or, you can connect with other people in a similar role and learn how they do their job and perhaps improve your own performance.
Article Courtesy of WorkingMoms.com
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