Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Techie Job Hunting With an Old School Twist

Surely, you can wait to step out of college and dive into the “real world.” You’re tired of your early morning classes, your boring professors, or the bullies at school. You’re itching to get a job, earn hard cash, and party like a rock star. You daydream of having a fabulous career that can get you cars, houses, blings, and all sorts of glamorous trappings, like what you see on TV.

So you muster all your tech know-how to search for jobs online and post your resume from the convenience of your home. But now, you find yourself spending too much time on the computer, racking up internet connection and electricity bills by the minute, just to find a career match. You’ve tried every career engine and have sent your resume to more companies than you can count—but nothing, no calls, no results. Well, don’t fret! You’re not alone!

In a time of economic hardship and global competition for jobs, finding one can be really tough. What do you do when the jobs you want don’t come to you? Go after those jobs! Leave the computer, get out of your house, and do job hunting the old school style!

Take time to drop by companies or organizations that you can picture yourself working for. Be polite and ask the receptionist if she can direct you to the human resource department. From there, you’ll know if there are any vacancies. If there are no vacant positions, ask them if you can leave for your resume as an active file. This is an effective way to convey the message, “I really want to work for you.”

Keep in mind to be courteous always; leave a good impression. Chances are, you’ll be remembered as the likable applicant who had the initiative and perseverance to get what he or she wants. You can instantly get a call when there’s a vacant position.

And while waiting for a call from the companies you applied to, prepare yourself for the day that you’ll be offered a job. Read self-help articles and books for career advice. They can help you hone your employee skills and boost your confidence. They can also give you more information on alternative jobs that you may consider going into, just in case there would be no vacancies for a long time.

To increase your chances of landing your dream job—and turn your daydream into reality—why not bolster your techie job search with old school techniques? In a cutthroat competition, those who win are often those who cover all the bases.

Click here for more career advice!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

May: A Month to Create your Office Nest

You work eight hours for at least five days a week. You do the same work everyday: check your email, write proposals, do finances, talk to clients, attend meetings, etc. When stress gets to you, you might begin to see your office space as a precinct--you become imprisoned within the same routine and confines of your work.

Liven up! You can still transform your workspace into a personal comfort zone. Even if you have a small cubicle with only a computer and telephone at your side, you can make it your own space.
This month of May, focus on yourself and create your own office nest. Follow these easy steps and make your small workspace your personal haven:Tidy Up!
It's hard to work when there are too many things on top of your desk. There should only be your computer, phone and other essential equipment, plus indispensable office supplies and documents on your desk. Avoid paper clutter: banish from your desk any office documents dating from two months ago. Find a folder and collate these documents for future reference. Neatly stack them on your desk or file them in your drawer, so they'd still be accessible without being distracting.

A Corkboard Helps.
Keep your company's policy permits and list of rules visible to serve as reminders in your daily work. You can also post in your work area a small calendar to help you keep track of your deadlines. Tack these on a personalized cork board. You can scribble your name or post your favorite motto like: Seize the day. This can turn your desk into your "own zone" at work.


Spice Up Your Space with Photos.
Pictures of your family, friends, and even your pet can instantly put you at ease even in frantic times. These images can also inspire you to work even harder. Just remember not to display vulgar or large photos because they can distract your and your colleagues' attention from work. Try to keep the picture/s as simple (and small) as possible.


Add Color to Your Work.
Include the color green or blue in your office nest. David Johnson of Infoplease.com says that the color blue makes the body produce chemicals that make people feel peaceful and composed. The color green is also a calming and tranquil color that aids vision in the human eye. Use green in your office nest when your job requires you to use the computer the whole day. You don't need to change the color of the walls of your cubicle; you can just put the color blue or green on your screensaver.

Choose office-friendly decorations for your nest. Be as creative and imaginative as you can in decorating your work space, but keep in mind that you're still in the office.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Dress for Success!

The phone rings and you get an unexpected call. You’re scheduled for a job interview the next morning! So you got your resume ready and you’ve researched on the typical job interview questions to help you give smart answers. Now, you need to ask yourself “What should I wear?”
“Dress for success,” might be one of the overused phrases in job hunting. But this still holds true. Remember, first impressions in job hunting are critical. You’re marketing yourself so you can be part of company that you applied to.

The safest route in dressing for a job interview is to dress conservatively. Wear simple yet comfortable clothes. For men, a solid colored (gray or navy blue) suit is a must. Your long sleeve shirt should be coordinated with your suit, or just be safe and wear white.

For women, a suit is also ideal for a job interview. Use a solid colored blazer matched with a skirt to show sophistication and professionalism. Use a coordinated blouse as an inner shirt to complete the “business” attire. Make sure the skirt you’ll be using is long enough so you can sit down comfortably and not expose too much skin. Avoid wearing too much jewelry and make-up because they might make you look too flashy or even cheap.
After choosing the right apparel, remember to polish your shoes, trim your nails, and have a professional and neat hairstyle. Dressing properly in a job interview will not guarantee your acceptance but it certainly gives you a competitive edge and a good first impression.
Finding the appropriate attire for your job interview doesn’t have to be expensive. Now as you rummage through your closet, keep these tips in mind. Just dress conservatively and you will look professional.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Bag the MVP Medal at Work

The old catchphrase, “There is no ‘I’ in team,” still holds true for any group. To achieve the goal of winning, teamwork is pivotal in any sports team, in a company or association, or even between friends.
Major companies constantly look for a candidate who upholds teamwork and camaraderie. Top executives from Robert Half International, the first and largest staffing firm in the world, stated that team play is crucial in an organization. It enables the employees to meet deadlines, avoid office politics, and sets a positive office vibe.

Now, if you already have technical skills at hand, follow these tips to help you earn you Most Valuable Player medal. It might even make you indispensable to your company:
Focus, focus, focus.
The ability to multitask is a good skill, but make sure that you can focus on your priority tasks. Everyday, you face overwhelming and urgent demands at work, each of which screams for your attention. But don’t let the first thing labeled “urgent” that falls on your desk distract you from accomplishing your more important tasks, such as making a phone call to your client to seal a deal. Remember, an urgent task may not necessarily be a priority task.
Take time to talk to your colleagues and superiors. Get to know your priority tasks, deliverables, and deadlines. This will help you to keep your eye on the ball.

Stop politicking.
Given the varied and sometimes conflicting personalities of employees, gossip and politics are inevitable in the workplace. But don’t use this as an excuse for joining rumor sessions and becoming a gossip-monger. It may help to be aware of political episodes in the office, but be discreet about it, and don’t add fuel to the fire. Having a long tongue makes you unprofessional. Make it a point to practice diplomacy and open and respectful communication with your colleagues.
Don’t join the blame game.
When a colleague makes a mistake, don’t start or join in a blame game. Instead, think of ways to help solve the problem. This will help the entire team go forward. If you made a mistake, be accountable for your actions. This doesn’t make you cocky. Recognizing your mistake makes you mature.

Give public kudos.
Being singled out for a job well done by your manager is a very good boost to your career. But more often than not, you work with a team and you were able to accomplish your task and exceed your manager’s expectations because of the effort put in by your colleagues. So remember to give credit where it is due. Share the kudos and the spotlight with your teammates. Sharing the company’s glory builds an excellent rapport between colleagues within an organization.
If you have time, try to do more for the team. When you see a coworker having a difficult time with his task, offer a hand. Have a can-do attitude and show your will to go the extra mile. It can give you extra points that can definitely earn you the MVP medal, even the congeniality award!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

How to Outwit Non-Traditional Job Interviews

Job interviews have changed dramatically, thanks to advanced technology. It is now possible to hold virtual or online job fairs and conduct job interviews through video-conferences, phone, and chat. are also becoming more common these days. Never has it been easier, faster, and more convenient for companies to connect with jobseekers.

If you want to shine in these non-traditional job interview settings, read on!

Phone Interview
Remember to minimize distractions. Make sure to have a quiet and private spot for your phone interview. You can’t impress the employer if he hears your caterwauling pet, a blaring stereo, or the local TV soap in the background. Use the landline because its signal is more stable compared to mobile phones. You wouldn’t want to get disconnected in the middle of your interview.

During the phone interview, speak up. Since the interviewer can’t see your facial expression and body language, you will be only judged by how you verbalize your thoughts. Talk with confidence and enthusiasm. People who can articulate their thoughts will leave a lasting expression.

Also, make sure your resume is within reach. This can help you to remember your work experience, skills, and accomplishments, especially when you feel a bit jittery. Keep a pen and paper handy for taking notes as well.

Video conference
Being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking. Ask your friend to do mock interviews with you using a video camera. The recorded interview can help you study areas that you need to work on. Focus on your posture, speech, and confidence. Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse. This way, you’ll be ready during show time.

Also, wearing an outfit that you would wear for an on-site visit or interview can help put you in the right mood. This will help you look professional even if you never left home for the video conference.

Virtual Interview
Second Life is a popular online community that holds virtual job fairs. If you are keen in joining this community, make sure to display professionalism. Use an appropriate avatar: Choose one that precisely depicts your character. Don’t use vampires, space alien or animal icons. You joined this virtual job fair to find a JOB! And don’t forget: always send messages with care, because you won’t be able to take them back!

And since you’re only communicating through instant messaging, refrain from using cyber slang. Emoticons can be cute and liven up conversations with your friends, but they can be a distraction when you’re trying to convey a professional image. Also, always proofread your messages. Focus on accuracy, spelling, and grammar to impress potential employers.

After your interview (and whether you got hired or not), show your class by sending a thank-you note to your interviewers. In this age of technological sophistication, a handwritten, personal note is still highly appreciated.

More career advice? Click here!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Five Things You Can Do to Beat Stress at Work


Stress is part of our lives, and undeniably, one of the primary sources of stress is work. Our body’s natural response to stress, which is to pump more adrenalin into our system, may give us enough energy to meet deadlines, hit our targets, deal with a demanding boss, and remain on top of our game. However, there’s only so much that adrenalin can do. Constant stress can cause our body to break down, exposing us to greater health hazards like cardiovascular diseases.

How do we continue to be effective employees without risking too much of our health? Follow the tips below to beat stress at work:


1. Participate in Stress Management Activities.
Large American corporations have been using Employee Assistance Programs or EAPs to help its workers cope with stress brought about by personal problems or work-related issues. An EAP is a confidential program that provides activities like counseling, workshops, and legal and financial assistance. If your company doesn’t have one, suggest it to the management.

2. Improve Communication with Management and Colleagues.
Share information with your colleagues. When you feel uncertain about your workload, discuss it over your supervisor. It’s your supervisor’s job to help you. Be sure to make your communication friendly yet professional. Avoid whining and don’t be too crabby.

In need of more career advice? Click here.

3. Help Create a Friendly and Conducive Work Environment.
You may not like how your co-worker dresses or speaks, but instead of making an issue of it, why not let it slide and concentrate on how both of you can accomplish this week’s report? A friendly and positive environment can help everyone in your office work effectively. When you interact more with your colleagues and bosses, they get to know you better and learn to trust you. This makes it easier for you to relay issues with your boss or colleagues. You can also ask for help when your work is getting too tough for you to handle.

4. Foster a Positive Vibe at Work.
Have a positive attitude. Smile more. Share a funny story a joke when things get too serious. We all know laughter can reduce stress. Remember, negativity sucks your energy and motivation in any situation.

5. Set Realistic Expectations.
Make sure that your goals and expectations can be achieved. Don’t kill yourself trying to finish tons of work in just one day. Don’t waste time worry on things that you can’t change or are above your reach. Unrealistic expectations often lead to failure and so much stress.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Get the Salary You Deserve!

Whether it's your first job or you've been part of your company for a decade, salary is still a hot topic. Everyone wants and works for a higher salary! But how can you get what you want?

You need to be practical when it comes to compensation. You need to evaluate yourself whether the amount of labor you put in is well compensated for, and of course, you also need to make sure your company gets back fairly what they pay you for.

The following are things you should consider in facing the age-old challenges of work compensation:

Information Helps!
You need to remember that salary, especially for entry-level positions, is based on the whole compensation structure. In this phase in your career, your salary flexibility is limited since your monthly earnings are based on the standards set by the company. What you can do is to monitor where you are now and ask the human resource department about the actions you need to take to take the step up. Be proactive! You might even get promoted and deserve to earn that extra cash!

There's No Harm in Asking.
Every company has its own way of handling compensation, but don't be afraid to ask. You might just receive what you're asking for. Just be careful with how you articulate your claims. Instead of coming across as too obnoxious, make your contributions recognized. Make sure your accomplishments are acknowledged so you have a strong case to initiate and continue negotiating about your compensation.

• It's Not Just About the Cash.
Remember, money isn't everything especially when you've just entered the workforce. If your company cannot accommodate an increase in your salary, try to ask for other additional incentives, such as flexible time, more vacation days, or performance bonuses. Seek trainings you can attend, skills you can acquire, and a network that will help you advance your career.


Need more career advice? Click here!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tips to Bulletproof your Job

Companies in the country are experiencing downsizing. Recession is indeed evitable nowadays. Even Mercer Consulting, one of the three midsize to large U.S. companies, is currently considering freeze hiring or downsizing its employees due to the rising costs of the company’s expenses.

Prevent this reality from having a direct impact on your job. Listed are tips to bulletproof your current job, and keep you off the layoff list:


1. Embrace the Corporate Culture
You need to understand the company’s corporate culture and match it with your actions. Showing that you are professional displays your strong work ethics. Leave your comfy T-shirt and threadbare jeans at home! They may be comfortable but they don’t give you points for being professional.


2. Add Revenue and Practice Parsimony
Unlike jobs that generate money, jobs which involve costs are oftentimes the target of layoffs. Together with your colleagues, brainstorm new ways to increase the revenue stream. Try to come up with creative or practical ways to save your company money. Initiating cost-cutting measures, however small (such as minimizing the use of office supplies), will help make your boss see you as part of the solution, not the problem.

3. Thick Line between Personal and Professional Life
The company’s e-mail, communication, and transportation system are all for company business. Do not use the telephone, e-mail, the company’s car and even office supplies for personal benefits. These resources are easily accessible but it doesn’t mean you get to use it for personal use outside the office.

Also avoid office romance, especially with your boss. It often invites catastrophe. Long hours and close working conditions may lead to romantic entanglements, but think of what will happen if it ends badly? Surely, you can’t work effectively, especially when emotions are too strong.

4. Be Professionally Visible
Always try to be noticed. Do this in a positive way. Come to work on time and try to limit your vacation leaves. When you do solid contributions in the company, make sure your supervisor knows it. Your boss needs to be aware of all your inputs so he or she can consider you as an asset of the company. Remember, those listed on top of the layoff list are the unnoticed ones because of their small contribution. But be careful not to go overboard and be obnoxious about it.


5. Remember: There’s No “I” in TEAM!
Be a team player. You need to have healthy and professional relationships with your colleagues and boss. Be approachable and offer a hand when other employees need help. This will show that you also think about the growth of the entire company, not just your own.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Generation Y in the Workforce

The baby boomer generation is slowly being replaced by the Generation Y or the Nexters. This new generation of the U.S. workforce is described to be confident, sociable, highly diverse and optimistic. They are also knowledgeable with more skills, thanks to the development of education and technology.


Nexters thus became flexible when it comes to careers. To cater to the demand for specialized professions, academic institutions constantly create new programs and curriculums. For instance, the traditional medical course only produces nurses, therapists, and doctors. However, due to the advancement of science, other degrees such as medical transcription, laboratory technicians, and medical assistants have been made available.


Specialization on various fields became easier to achieve with the birth of the Internet. Well-tailored programs on top careers can be accessed through online courses. You, therefore, have the liberty to choose a degree that aptly suits your chosen career.


Try exploring top careers in medical and healthcare industry, information technology, and education. These fields are identified by the Federal Bureau of Labor and Statistics to have largest job growth until 2012. In the IT industry alone, network systems and data communication analyst will be demanding 402,000 employees, to join its workforce. A 53.4 percent employment growth is expected in the coming years.


Take advantage of the perks of your generation. Combine your degree with your strong work ethics. Companies are in dire need of young, versatile and technologically sophisticated workers, such as you. You can be a viable asset to any company once you enter the workforce.








Friday, April 11, 2008

Typical Job Interview Questions

Going to a job interview can be very nerve-wracking. But you should not treat interviews as interrogations. Granted that the interview may very well spell the difference between receiving a job offer or walking out the door in disappointment - but nothing beats pre-interview preparation to get that sense of confidence you need.

Know beforehand the usual types of questions being asked:

1. Being asked to say something about yourself
The person on the other side of the desk asking you questions is gauging your capacities, so focus on emphasizing your skills and strengths that would be a good match to the job you are applying for.

2. Questions answerable by yes or no
An interviewer may ask these questions to get a run-down of what you know or don’t know about. But never think that you can bluff your way through these “yes” or “no” questions. Later inquiries may be asked in such a way that you will need to expound on issues you earlier mentioned you knew something about.

3. Hypothetical questions
You may be asked what you would do in “what if” situations just to assess whether or not you are competent in making quick but rational decisions.

4. Multi-barreled questions
These are a series of questions that lead to the same topic, and it can become perplexing. In such cases, you may gain some control of the situation by asking the interviewer to either repeat or rephrase the question. Some interviewers use this tactic to test your logical thinking.

5. Behavior-focused questions
Relate significant experiences that honed or improved your skills or personality. This will enable the interviewer to assess how you would respond emotionally to different crisis situations. In essence, be straight to the point and confident.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Hot Health Care Support Jobs

Great advances in medical technology have created a whole new class of health care professionals, so you don't have to limit yourself to being a doctor or a nurse. Plenty of new jobs in this field await you.

The health care industry has been identified to be the largest industry in 2006, providing 14 million jobs. Further, it is projected that the health care industry is one of the top ten growing occupations in the United States.

If you are seeking a job involved in providing quality health care to patients, the following are hot jobs in the industry:


1. Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists are responsible for the constant update of medical researchers conducted by doctors and other medical experts. This is one of the fastest-growing health care related careers. Medical experts hire transcriptionists to put into writing all their findings in order to become reliable and useful references for other medical studies.

2. Medical Equipment Technicians

These are people who are in-charge of maintenance and repair of medical equipment. There is a great demand for this employment because of the urgency of continuous maintenance and update of machines to ensure its efficiency in delivering medical results.


3. Medical Assistants

They are normally assigned to do administrative work such as handling medical records, prescriptions, and other paperwork inside the medical office.

4. Laboratory Assistants

They are primarily in-charge of the preparation of specimen samples and equipment to be used for laboratory tests or examinations. Their work also involves maintaining cleanliness and safety of the laboratory.

Joining the emerging health care workforce can be a breeze. One does not need to finish 4 years of college education; there are available short courses to be eligible in applying for health care support jobs.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Take charge, be self-employed!

You are exhausted with your routine at work. You seek the excitement, drive and motivation you seem to have lost because of your long years in the corporate world. If you are among these people, perhaps you need to have a drastic career change.

You may want to consider being self-employed in order to be your own boss and make your passion your own livelihood. A great number of people share the same sentiment, as justified by a recent survey in the United States. Over 71% of the respondents prefer to be self-employed than to get stuck with their current jobs. Still, only a few people become self-employed because they think it’s too risky. Some want to don’t want to lose their health benefits from the company and others are just afraid to step out of their comfort zone or leave their accustomed workload.

Do you want to make the change now? Find help here.

However, there are numerous advantages that outweigh such risks in becoming self-employed. One is you can escape the politicking and even the bureaucratic hierarchy in the office. Further, you have the ability to take matters to your own hands. This instantly provides self-fulfillment. You can become highly independent, especially in decision-making, by being a CEO of your own company. Being self-employed also gives you an opportunity to directly apply your strengths and talents to make your company work the way you want it to.

Be your own boss now and follow your heart. You have the opportunity to expand your personal growth and earning potential. Online degrees are accessible to aid your pursuit of changing your career, and be self-employed.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Juggling Between School and Credit Card Payments? Here's Some Help.

Stumbled upon an interesting video:



It's called debt consolidation and it's an effective way for you to regain control over your finances. Seek the help of expert debt consolidators to negotiate lower payments on your bills. Spend more time in your studies, and less on those nagging phone calls from collection agents. You deserve some peace of mind.

Here's how.

Learning to Love the Job You Hate

You didn’t land your dream job. Rather, your mortal enemy got it. Your boss gives you a truckload of tasks everyday, you easily get bored with the paper work, and your officemates don’t like you. Simply put, you hate your job. The first thing that comes to your mind is to quit. But have you thought of other ideas on how to make your life much easier while you’re still employed in that office?

Here are some suggestions that you can start doing on your next day at work:

1. Decorate your cubicle with the things you love.

Place a photo of your crush, your significant other, your loved ones, or even your own photo on your desk. Include things that may inspire you at work: stuffed toys, toy cars, candles, and other favorite personal items that you can bring to work. Seeing these things can put a smile on your face, and remind you as well to do your best wherever you may be. Some offices however don't like desks cluttered with too much personal stuff, so just place enough pieces that could make you smile.

2. Recite a mantra before going to work.

Before leaving home, take a final look at the mirror and remind yourself how good-looking you are. You must keep this look until you finish your shift. You can’t afford to frown, can you? Also, keep in mind that in order to look good you must do good. You can also place a mirror on your desk. This morning starter usually lasts throughout the day.

Make your dream career find you. Find out how.


3. Think of your work as an adventure.

Treat your tasks as challenges in a video game, where you have to overcome each obstacle in order to advance to the next level. Once you do, you’d be surprised that at the end of the day, you would have already accomplished all of your tasks without noticing!

4. Treat your officemates to a candy or two.

Sweets never fail to make people smile, so why not give your officemates a piece of candy or chocolate every once in a while? This would change the way they think about you, and eventually they’d think of you as a good friend.

So why not learn to love the job you hate? It’s not an overnight process, but learning to like your job can open doors to all kinds of success.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Bored at Work? Create an Office Playground!

Doing things at a regular, everyday basis can be utterly boring, but that’s normal. We all experience that every once in a while. However, getting bored at work lessens your motivation bit by bit, until you eventually find yourself unhappy with your job. So, here are some quirky ideas you can do to create a more energetic, enthusiastic working environment, and inspire as well your work mates who are feeling bored like you.

1. Suggest a “Freaky Friday” Dress Code.

It’s doesn’t mean totally “freaky,” but at least try to impose a wacky dress code once a week. You and your officemates can come up with a weekly theme, such as hippie outfits, beach wear, or something ‘80s inspired. This allows the employees to come up with creative styles and do some catwalk as a form of fun. Your work mates also get to know more about each other, since it’s not everyday that all of you show your artsy-fancy side.

2. Play “Catch”.

With a help of a soft rubber ball, try to initiate a game of catch during the most boring hours at work. This helps relieve your officemates of the stress they feel while doing their scheduled tasks, as well as wake up their stamina for they are required to catch the ball. A little action would keep all of you from feeling sleepy.

Generate smiles at the workplace! Learn more how.

3. Play some happy music.

Music generates a warmer, more enthusiastic atmosphere, especially in a boring workplace. There are kinds of music that help boost up one’s motivation at work, such as feel-good instrumentals. Hearing your officemates hum at the tunes means that they have become inspired to work, thanks to the music.

These are just a few ideas on how to relieve stress and boredom at the office. Not only do they make you and your work mates feel good, they also generate more socialization, and eventually, a stronger bond among the different personalities working on a common environment.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

What Makes a Happy, Satisfied Employee?

Let's say you've already started working for a company. You've gotten over the thrill and excitement of your first day at the office and the routine work is starting to bore you. You begin to see yourself as a toy soldier doing the same set of scheduled tasks everyday. In short, you're no longer happy with your job.

Meanwhile, your neighbor, Mr. Wilson, has been working as a janitor for thirty years and is about to retire. One hot afternoon the two of you had the chance to finish a couple of beers and he started telling you about how much he would miss his job once he retires. He shared with you all the fun times he experienced at work, and he loved his job as a janitor. He admits he didn't earn that much, but you could see that he is contented with the way his job went. Now you ask, what makes an employee happy, just like Mr. Wilson?

It's not really all about the salary, but there are also other important factors that make up a satisfied worker, such as the following:

1. A safe working environment. Employees are motivated to work at their best in a place that meets their needs. Depending on the nature of their job, employees must be assured that the workplace should keep them safe and secure from any harm, and that proper facilities should be provided for them to use.

2. An employer who addresses his employees needs. It is important for the employer to respond to the complaints, demands and other needs of his employees because it shows that he cares and wants only the best for their welfare. This can be done by constant communication between the employer and his employees.

In need of more career advice? Click here.

3. Ample consideration for certain privileges. Apart from the leave privileges mandated by law, employees are also entitled to some time adjustments especially when these have to do with their family. These adjustments can now be practiced through Flexi-time and similar time schedule schemes.

4. Camaraderie among workmates. Social interaction among other employees is an integral part of employee satisfaction, for it develops their teamwork and mutual respect for each other. Through this employees will be more enthusiastic at work because it also the place where they spend time with their friends.

Compensation doesn't always make an employee truly happy, contrary to what most people think. If you haven't achieved the above-mentioned factors yet, chances are you find yourself constantly changing jobs.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Get Noticed During Your Job Application

In every job search, there stands a tough competition among applicants. Each of them possesses a unique set of talents and skills which they believe would make them qualified for the position they're eyeing for. Because of this tight race it is important to grab your employer's attention in order for you to be noticed. Thus, here are some good ways on how you can make your employer choose you even at first glance. Remember, the first impressions always last.

1. Submit a straightforward cover letter.

Make a frank, point-blank application letter expressing your strong intentions in being part of the company you are applying for. This is way your employer would immediately feel that you possess the energy, endurance and confidence he is looking for in an employee.

2. Feel Smart. Look Smart.

Try your best to look smart at all times, especially during your job interview. Prepare for this by getting enough sleep the night before your scheduled appointment. Don't let your anxieties eat you. Reciting a mantra that can boost your confidence helps a lot. Most of all, project an energetic image once you get up close and personal with your employer. He would think you're a highly dependable employee.

Need career advice? Find out more.

3. Make friends with your co-applicants

This is a good trick as being friends with other applicants is a way of soliciting admiration. Show them that you're smart but at the same time friendly and low-profile. This also lowers their confidence since they can see that you're way better than them.

4. Appreciate the workplace

Sidebar comments can be quite annoying, but compliments do not. Try to open a lighter conversation with your employer and talk about how you like the workplace. Make it sound as if the office would bring out your best qualities. It would then be inevitable for your employer not to feel that you're the ONE he is looking for.