How to Answer Questions About Underperforming Co-workers

Many interview guides will tell you to answer the very common "What's your greatest weakness?" question with a positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a perfectionist."

That would be a mistake. Why? Because interviewers have heard these canned answers over and over again.

If you use one of them, it will likely backfire on you. They’l

You’re not being honest about your true weaknesses and are just regurgitating someone’s advice; You feel that expecting others to work hard and striving for perfection (or whatever other disguised positive traits you use) are "weaknesses," which makes you look ignorant, naïve and/or lazy; You don’t know how to do an honest self-assessment; Or you’re delusional and think you don’t have any real weaknesses! So state a true weakness! No one is perfect, so don’t try to convince anyone (especially yourself) that you don’t have any weaknesses. However, I cannot overemphasize the importance of not listing a key element of the position as a weakness! If you do that, you might as well send yourself the rejection letter. Pick a neutral weakness about something that’s not critical to the job. Mention that. Then emphasize what you've done to overcome the weakness. This shows that you are honest, that you recognize areas in which you need to grow, and that you are actively seeking ways to improve yourself. Sample Answers: "I honestly can't think of any weakness that would prevent me from doing an outstanding job for you in THIS position. But in the past, I've had some trouble delegating duties to others. I felt I could do things better and faster myself. This sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time management and effective delegation, and I've managed to overcome this weakness." [NOTE: You would not want to use this example for a supervisory position] "I honestly can't think of any weakness that would prevent me from doing an outstanding job for you in THIS position. But I’m very weak in math and have to rely on a calculator even for basic computations. I always have one with me just in case a calculation is needed." [NOTE: You would not want to use this example for an accounting position or one that requires math skills!] This question really isn't so tricky, once you know what to expect and how to respond find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

Your Most Important Asset

When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what do you think is your most important asset? Your experience? Knowledge? Skill? Talent?  While all of those are advantages that will help you achieve your goals, there's one thing that's more important than all of them combined.  Your attitude!  I attended a board meeting recently. It should've been spelled "bored." Just about everyone's eyes were glazed over or nearly closed with fatigue as one dull presentation after another was foisted upon the board members, staff and audience.

Then something changed.

Someone who had never spoken at a board meeting before got up, went to the lectern, fired up her PowerPoint presentation, and totally blew everyone away!

People perked up in their seats and listened attentively to her every word.

When she was done, people clapped! (If you've ever attended a public agency board meeting before, you'll know how remarkable that is!) The board president said, "I've seen hundreds of presentations. This is the first time I've ever seen one that elicited applause!"

Was this presenter more experienced, more knowledgeable, more skilled or more talented than all the others? Absolutely not. As a fairly new employee, she was actually inferior in all of those areas.

What made the difference? Her attitude.

She was enthusiastic, positive, upbeat, energetic and truly excited about what she was talking about!

It wasn't the quality of her presentation that impressed people, it was how she made them feel. Her enthusiasm was contagious, so the audience greatly enjoyed listening to facts and figures that, presented by someone without her energetic attitude, would've bored them to tears.

Everyone in that room will remember and think very highly of her--not the more experienced, knowledgeable, skilled or talented presenters--because of her attitude.

You know why companies conduct time-consuming, labor-intensive job interviews instead of simply hiring people based on the qualifications presented in their resumes? One of the reasons is to find someone they'll enjoy working with.

This can only be conveyed in person, by your attitude.

Think of your own co-workers. Who do you enjoy working with? The smart guy who has all the answers but acts superior? The woman who has the most experience but whines or complains whenever she's asked to do something in a new way?

Or the person who always smiles, listens to you, stays positive, friendly and supportive no matter what? 

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Five Powerful Tips for Interns

Interning is about more than earning money during summer break. It's a wonderful way to gain work experience and lay the foundation for your future career.

But to get the most out of it, you have to do more than just land the job, show up for work and collect your paycheck. Here are some tips that will help you get the full benefits of interning:

1. Pay Attention. This is more than a job, it's a valuable learning experience. And unlike school, this is the real world -- where you'll be spending the rest of your life after graduation! Your coworkers know you are new to this and will want to help you, but they can't spend all day explaining things to you. So when they answer your questions or show you how to do something, pay attention. Also pay attention to what's going on around you. How do your coworkers talk to each other? How do they treat the boss? What are their goals and concerns? Learn the culture and customs of the work world.

2. Find a Mentor. Whether it's your supervisor or someone else you work with, find a person who is willing to answer your questions and help you learn. Ask about the job, the company, the career field. Find out what they did to advance in their career, and what advice they have for you. Establish a strong relationship. This person may be able to help you with your career long after you leave this intern job. But be fair and make this a two-way partnership that benefits you both. Don't just take, give. Offer to help your mentor with special projects or other activities that may not be specifically part of your duties. Make yourself as valuable to him/her as your mentor is to you.

3. Accept Reality. You may get stuck with some work that you feel is beneath you, boring, or just plain pointless. You will probably not be included in the important decisions going on around you. But you are, after all, just an intern. The trick is to make the best of it by doing an outstanding job with every task you're assigned. Then ask for more. Take on anything you can and show that you can be counted upon to get it done quickly and accurately. Even if it's something dull like filing paperwork, your efforts will be recognized, appreciated and remembered.

4. Be Professional. Remember, you are in a work setting now and need to act professionally. Don't show up late, chat on your cell phone, take extra-long breaks or bring your personal life to work with you.

5. Evaluate Your Career Goals. One of the best things you can learn from your internship is whether you're pursuing the career path that's right for you. Are you enjoying the work? Is it what you expected? Can you picture yourself doing the same kind of work and being happy with it for the rest of your career? If not, you should re-evaluate your career goals. Discuss your options with your career counseler when you return to school.

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20 Powerful Tips For Advancing Your Career

You don't want to stay in your current position forever... you want to move up! Here are 20 ways to boost your chances of getting that nice promotion:

1. Do more than is expected of you. Prove that you're capable of handing more responsibility. Volunteer for special assignments.

2. Take initiative and do what needs to be done, before being asked. 

3. Learn the skills you'll need to advance. Take advantage of on-the-job training, but don't rely exclusively on that. Consider taking (and paying for) skill-enhancing courses on your own.

4. Be loyal to your boss, your team, and your company. (Yes, you can be loyal without being a "brown-noser.")

5. Be patient and don't expect to be promoted without demonstrating your abilities over time.

6. View the big picture and understand your company's mission. Find ways to help them accomplish it.

7. Save money for your company by identifying ways to boost revenues, reduce expenses, or streamline processes.

8. Offer solutions to the problems you must take to your boss.

9. Show respect to everyone -- superiors, peers, subordinates, and especially customers.

10. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." If you don't know something, say so; don't try to fake it. Find the answers you need.

11. Take responsibility for your actions. If you're at fault, admit it and take the blame. If you're wrong, apologize.

12. Never gossip. Gossip can hurt the careers of two people: the person being talked about, and the person doing the talking.

13. Never say "That's not my job." Don't think you are above anything. Pitch in and set a good example, especially if the job is one that nobody else wants to do. Your willingness to do so will be noticed and appreciated!

14. Share the credit. People who share credit with others make a much better impression than those who take all the credit themselves.

15. Ask for help when you need it. Don't let a difficult task get out of hand. When you need help, ask for it -- before things get worse.

16. Keep your dislike to yourself. If you don't like someone, don't let it show. Never burn bridges or offend others as you move ahead in your career. 

17. Don't hold grudges. Life isn't always fair. If you were passed over for promotion, didn't get the project you wanted, etc., let it go. Be gracious and diplomatic, focus on the future and move on. Harboring grudges won't advance your career.

18. Be humble. When you're right, don't gloat about it. Never say "I told you so!"

19. Make others feel important. Compliment others, emphasize their strengths and contributions, and help them whenever you can. They will enthusiastically help you in return.

20. Join associations and professional organizations related to your career. In addition to helping you learn more about your industry, this can provide invaluable networking opportunities. (Which might come in handy if your employer isn't promoting!)

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Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be overcome by apprehension about what comes next. After all, you're "the new kid on the block," and there's much to learn--about your new job duties and much more. But here are some things you can do to make the process go smoother. 

1. Dress for success. You'll want to look professional. Dress on the conservative side for the first week. Once you've got a good idea of what's appropriate and what isn't, you can adjust your style.

2. Be on time. You never want to start your new job by being late, so make sure you allow plenty of time for your commute. Plan the most direct route, but be aware of alternates in case of an accident or other traffic snarls. 

3. Get to know people. Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet, whether it's the receptionist or the general manager. Introduce yourself, smile and make eye contact. Make a positive first impression. Ask about your coworkers' interests.

4. Ask questions. From "Where's the bathroom?" to "Which tool do I use for this task?" It's OK to ask for help! Your coworkers will feel good about doing whatever they can to assist you. Let them. It's always better to have to ask the right way to do something than to try to figure it out on your own, mess up, and have to do it all over again.

5. Remember your place. You may feel "qualified" to tell your new coworkers that there's a better way to do something, but be patient. Every workplace has its own way of doing things. Never say "That's not how we did it at my old company!" (You're coworkers may invite you to return to your old company!) Be patient and become an accepted member of the team before you make suggestions for improvements.

6. Be careful about office politics. Pay attention to the grapevine, but don't contribute to it. Do not accept at face value what one employee says about another; form your own opinions based on your own interactions and judgment. Never complain about anyone at your old job or your new one. Figure out who has the real authority to give you work to do, and who is trying to take advantage of your newness.

Above all, keep a positive attitude, do your work to the best of your ability, and keep an open mind. Before you know it, you'll be climbing the career ladder and giving advice to newcomers!

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Presentation

Soon a presentation? Your thesis presentation / defense? Sweaty hands and knees? A presentation is often perceived as a stressful and nerve-racking task. Many people can greatly dread holding a presentation. Why? And why many people do not like to present? And how is a presentation a success? This article will present you can find answers to these questions. You can also find several tips for successful presentation.

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee
Presentation
During a presentation, you give an oral presentation on your research and the derived results. During the presentation you can use different attachments such as PowerPoint or overhead projector.Why do many people at present?
When does a presentation for a group of people, then the attention you get during your presentation of the group, seem very uncomfortable. The silence during the presentation, the sound of your voice, all eyes are on you and you feel your body respond differently than normal. In short, you feel insecure, and furthermore, you're all alone. At least, that seems so. During a presentation to the audience exactly what you want to hear them say. Otherwise they were not present in your presentation. A presentation, you so nice and interesting to tell and nerves are hereby entirely unnecessary and also lead just wondering.
Another reason for nerves during a presentation can be found in test anxiety. Some people feel insecure about their performance and will therefore present here in the face. Furthermore, a presentation usually seen as a test in which the speaker feels that everything depends on this single presentation. Fear of failure for a presentation you can fix. Often find by following a simple course quickly remedied.Presentation Preparation
To be successful presenting is an essential preparation for your presentation. Just because you really can see from the presentations, the chances are that your presentation (and preparation) until the last minute delays. This is not a good presentation and it will certainly not benefit. Especially not when you have done your presentation, you will find that your nerves are more affected by it during your presentation. How do you prepare for a presentation? By carefully thinking about your topic. Make sure the subject well in your head. Do you remember enough about the subject you are about to present? Read Up. For example, no longer know how to research your thesis had just broken? Read this section is equally well. Once you know enough about the topic, you must ask yourself what your listeners want to tell your presentation. Try this out of your head and just write key words on this. The full launch of a presentation is certainly not a good idea. The main goal is to create a story where you make a chronological format. Make sure that the story in your head right and you can play the story in mind. This can thrive when you're in the shower or the dog walking. This way you learn the story you want to present in your head. Case is that you, the focus on the main hold. If you want eight cases treated during your presentation, make sure you have in mind these eight cases and that you can explain during your presentation. The exact details of this you do not have to scoop. But then you look for yourself the order of eight things to have in your head down. If you do a presentation in this manner are well in your head, your preparation for your successful presentation!The presentation
There you are. For the group, the moment of silence falls and you will begin your presentation. Many sleepless nights might have preceded. And now it's come: you must be present. You have your presentation well prepared, so you have no fear. You start talking and you notice that everyone looks at you. You tell a funny story and you find that the public good pick. Your nerves are cut off. You come back to consciousness and let your nerves. How should you go? Here are some tips for each item that you hold in your presentation can keep.Eye contact during presentation
The most important during your presentation is to maintain eye contact. Over the crowd watching is no longer an option. It can be intimidating, but eye contact during your presentation is a confirmation of your audience's attention. So go do not avoid eye contact. Try as much as possible from person to person about to jump and not too long someone right in his / her eyes to see during your presentation. When someone asks a question during your presentation, make eye contact with the person first and give him / her the floor. Take your time for. The idea is that you start answering the question correctly, so you should fully understand the question. Eye contact is important.Hands
Hold objects, such as a pen or a piece of paper, during a presentation are not recommended. Avoid this as much as possible. If you're nervous, you give through your fumbling with a pen here demonstrate. Do not do it. During a presentation it is just that good to make gestures with your hands. To make the presentation more lively. Do this also in moderation. Beware, lest your hands the key role to play during your presentation.Visual aids to support your presentation
During your presentation, it is advisable to use visual aids SUPPORT. Do not use too much text and be economical with pictures and figures. Be aware that not everyone jumping frog in your PowerPoint presentation just like it. Do you use visual aids during your presentation, make sure that people see your resources. In other words, do not stand for. It sounds very obvious, but it's a common mistake during the presentation. It is positive if during your presentation when you refer to your device, the audience asks if anyone can see it and whether it is legible.

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Hot Tips for Projecting Professionalism at Your Next Job Interview

By Sara Parent

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

A job interview can be a stressful experience if you don't know what to do, or if you aren't used to being in that situation. But there are some things you can do to help you interact with your interviewer more professionally. A successful interview has as much to do with how you present yourself as the skills you bring to a company.

When meeting someone for the first time, there are some simple rules to remember. We went to Anne Sowden of Here's Looking At You, a Toronto-based image consulting firm, for some suggestions on how job seekers can project a professional image.

She offers these tips for your next interview:

• Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back. This makes a huge difference when making a first impression AND you'll feel better.
• If you're not sure how to shake hands properly, get someone to help you. There's nothing worse than a bad handshake.
• When shaking hands, stand up, make eye contact and smile. Smiling conveys an accepting attitude towards others.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer but look away at regular intervals to make sure you aren't staring.
• If you're concerned about clammy hands. Keep a tissue in your pocket and gently squeeze it before shaking hands.
• When receiving someone's business card, leave it on the desk/table in front of you and look at it during the meeting. It's one way to make sure you get the person's name correct.
• When sitting, don't slouch. This sends a message that you don't care about being with someone.
• Be prepared. Whether it's an interview, meeting or networking. Have a plan of what you want to accomplish and do it.
• Practice introducing yourself. Get a friend to help you.

Remember that, for better or worse, first opinions are formed very quickly. Sowden says that the image you project can affect your ability to inspire trust and confidence. She adds that it also gives others information by which they judge our credibility and professionalism.

Knowing how to act and presenting yourself professionally through your attire are critical image builders. Sowden offers these tips on dressing for business:

• Buy the best you can afford in classic styles.
• The more skin you show, the less professional you look.
• Err on the side of caution-dress up rather than down; dress conservatively.
• Research the dress code, the position you're interviewing for and the person you will be meeting.
• To project expertise, wear a jacket.
• Wear clothing that is comfortable and makes you feel good.
• Focus on basics-jackets, skirts, slacks in a neutral colour. Black, navy and charcoal project power and authority.
• Check skirt lengths. A skirt around knee length is flattering for most women and looks professional. It also doesn't expose too much leg when sitting down. If your skirt has a split, check how much leg you expose when sitting down.
• Avoid plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, and clinging knits. Knits cling and find body fat even if you think you don't have any.
• Keep jewellery simple. No clanging, dangling or jangling items.
• Carry either a briefcase or a purse, not both. No knapsack.

Always Wanted to be a Police Officer?

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

You've decided this is the path you want to take. You've watched enough NYPD Blue and COPS to know this is the life for you. What do you do now?

Dig In:

Call your local police force or your local RCMP detachment. Ask to go on a ride-along. This will give you a better understanding of the job. What you don't see on NYPD Blue you might get to experience on your ride-along. 

Talk To Those on the Job:

Get to know your local police officers. Make some contacts at the station by telling them you're interested in the job and in pursuing a career in it. Ask them what they like about, what they dislike, what skills they needed, how they got into it, what skills they think you should have, and anything else you can come up with.

Decide on Which Force to Join:

If you are interested in local police in your town or municipality, check their websites or give them a call to see what qualifications you need to work as a police officer for your town or city. Ask them how many officers they have hired lately and how they see their needs in the future. Education requirements differ from city to city. Some will require you to have a policing course completed. Some hire you first and send you to a police college. As well, many colleges and universities offer preparatory courses to help you get into policing. Ask the force what they are looking for as this could save you a lot of time and money.

If you are interested in joining the RCMP, they have a detailed requirement of what they need. First, you must attend a training session. They are held throughout the country. Contact your local detachment for information on the next available training session. Then you must write the RCMP Police Aptitude Test, do the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (called PARE, which is used by most police agencies in Canada), then a series of tests, investigations, and evaluations are performed. If you are successful, you will be selected to enroll in the cadet training program at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

Get Ready:

The process to join a police force can be intense. You've got to be prepared to deal with physical fitness testing, personality and aptitude testing, background checks, and lots of paperwork.

Policing can be a satifying and rewarding career. A little research now will help you prepare yourself and get you closer to fulfilling your goal.

Careers : Top 10 Hot Jobs Among All Internet Sources

By Patty Inglish, MS

Jobs Indonesia,  Careers,  Indonesia Vacancy

In February 2010, 3,000,000 job listings were gathered by Indeed.com. Among them, these ten positions were most frequently listed on the job trending sites SImplyHired.com and Indeed.com.

1. Physical Therapists
2. Sales Associates and Sales Representatives
3. Assistant Managers - Includes Retail and Restaurant.
4. Store Managers - Retail, Finance, and Restaurant/Food Service.
5. Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physicians
6. Occupational Therapists
7. Tax Preparers and Census Takers (tied)
8. Sales Managers
9. Registered Nurses (RNs)
10. Project Managers - Domestic and International Business, private, government, and government contractor. 

Quirky Ways to Get Your Resume Read

By Bruno Deshayes

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy  

Unless you want a quirky job you probably don't want to go quirky about your job application. Do you want to be paid with real money or monopoly currency?
The first pitfall to avoid is putting a photograph of yourself. Leave that to your facebook page if they want to check it out. Unless you are applying for a role as an actor or performing arts where a whole press-book is required a photo of yourself can be detrimental. People will hire you for your skills and your brains - not for your good looks. Remember more and more women sit on recruitment panels and your sex appeal might not cut it with them...
Next pitfall are unsubstantiated claims. Trust, honesty and loyalty are in short supply in our confused world. What you say about yourself need to be corroborated by circumstantial evidence. Don't say you are the fastest, the tallest, the quickest, etc... simply state the challenge you faced, the action you took and the result it produced. That's all an employer is interested in and they just want to know if you can do it again for them - simple, huh?
Next pitfall - going wild with fonts and colours. Your application might be passed around to various people on the recruitment committee, emailed to an iPhone, a Blackberry or an android smartphone. How mangled you will look through a not-so-perfect email program on those devices? If you want your layout and composition to remain unaffected then stick to the PDF format. Recruitment agencies hate it because their databases can't scan it for keywords.
Next pitfall - confusing your resume for an essay or a monologue. Unless you apply for a role as a writer and are asked to submit samples of your prose, you should not bore your audience with your introverted view of the world since you became unemployed. Employers are not interested in your moods, your political or religious views - all they want to know is if you can be productive from day one without any need for training or induction.
Next pitfall - ignoring your industry lingo. The best way to be rejected is to show a lack of grasp for your industry values. New lobby groups are forcing employers to comply with more and more regulations and standards. What is best practice in your field? Do you use due diligence? What about occupational health and safety? What about anti-discrimination laws?

Top 10 Super Job Interview Tips

By Kathi MacNaughton

Careers , Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

It’s a tough job market out there today. And getting the job you want requires more than just a killer resume. In other words, you can’t just sell yourself on paper. You’ve also got to be able to do it in person--in a face-to-face job interview.

Here are a few interview tips to help you make a great impression on the person who interviews you.

1. Market your skills and related experience in the field that you are applying for. Be sure to do it in a way that is positive, but not cocky or aggressive.

2. Research the company before your interview. It’s a great way to know where you would fit into the organization. It also lets the employer know that you really want to be a part of the company.

3. Prepare answers to common interview questions ahead of time, and practice saying them, so you aren’t stumped during the interview.

4. Dress for success, in the manner you would dress for the position you’re seeking.

5. Bring a list of your own questions with you in a folder with the company’s name on it, so that you don’t forget them. You should keep your extra resumes in there too.

6. Be a good listener and focus. Some job seekers talk too much during interviews.

7. Be prepared to describe your weaknesses as strengths. For example, saying that you are overenthusiastic about performing at your best.

8. Make eye contact with your interviewer.

9. Don’t volunteer your personal opinions to your interviewer about any subjects unless you are asked.

10. Try to establish a good rapport with your interviewer. Be casual but professional, and most importantly BE YOURSELF! Take the time to implement these interview tips before your next job hunt. It'll give you a leg up on your competition!

9 Job Search Tips for New Graduates

By Kathy Kristof

Careers , Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

College graduation season is set to launch millions of youthful job seekers into an already depressed employment market. If you’re among the masses, realize that preparation is key. Here’s what you need to do to get hired.

1. Edit your profile. Those drunken party photos might have impressed your Facebook friends, but now they could dissuade a prospective employer from hiring you, says Stephen Miles, vice chairman of executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles and co-author of Your Career Game. Recruiters do extensive web searches on people they intend to hire, including checking social media sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. If you’ve posted compromising photos or a stupid status update (i.e. Nice day. I think I’ll call in sick and go to the beach…) it could cost you a job. Get rid of it.

2. Do your homework. Don’t just figure that you can post a resume on monster.com and find work, says Janice Bryant Howroyd, CEO of staffing company AppleOne. You ought to study all aspects of your chosen field and seek information about the companies doing business in that area. Go to the company web sites and see if they’re posting open positions, too. If you send a resume, tailor it specifically to the job you’re seeking, Howroyd suggests.

3. Prepare to relocate. Live in a city where the job prospects are bleak? You can vastly increase your chance of getting work by seeking employment in other zip codes. The folks at job search site Indeed.com recently came up with a list of the best and worst cities to find work.

4. Think small. Many graduates focus on big, brand-name companies, but it’s the smaller and mid-sized companies that are doing most of the hiring now, Howroyd says. Taking jobs that “no one wants” is often an opportunity that no one else sees, adds Nathan Bennett, professor of management at Georgia Tech and the other co-author of Your Career Game. A first job is an opportunity to get experience. The smaller the company, the thinner the staff, the more likely you are to learn a wide array of skills.

5. Set targets. Set goals every day for either sending out a set number of resumes; filling out a set number of applications or finding a set number of new opportunities. Don’t hit the beach until you’ve hit your goal. You can’t change the job market, but you can determine how hard you try. Trying harder than your peers makes you the one most likely to get work.

6. Be persistent. If you go to an interview and don’t hear from the employer, follow up with a phone call. If they gave the job to another person, don’t be angry — be interested. Politely ask the hiring manager if he or she can tell you whether there was something that the other person did that particularly impressed them or something that you did wrong. If your approach is respectful and aimed at learning (rather than second-guessing their actions), they’re likely to help you better position yourself for the next interview. And if they tell you that you were fine, the other person was just more qualified, don’t be shy about asking them to keep you in mind for the next opportunity. If you don’t have a job in three or four months, call again and see if anything has opened up.

7. Work your network. Ask your friends, your parents, your parents’ friends, if they know of anything that would suit you. Check in with your college career office and attend their alumni functions. When there are hundreds of people applying for a given job, a personal referral can make your application stand out.

8. Be a temp. Some companies may not be willing to hire permanent full-time staff, but need help. You can sign up with a temporary company, like AppleOne, that will send you out on a daily basis to these companies. The benefits: You earn money; you get to know employers and employers get to know you.

9. Don’t despair. It’s a rotten job market, so it could take time to get work. And when you do get work, it may not be the ‘perfect job’ that you envisioned. Keep a good attitude and don’t let it get to you. Every job — even a nightmare job — is experience on your resume and a potential reference for a new employer. Do you best no matter where you end up working, and chances are good that you’ll get a better job in no time.

Nine Tips For Young People Starting Careers

By getrichslowly org



Careers , Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

I asked five managers I’ve known over the years and my favorite workplace expert what behaviors and attitudes in their eyes mark a new recruit as promising and promotion-worthy.

The following attributes will help you succeed:

• Be willing to ask for help, but be able to take charge. Employers like for employees to ask questions. It’s better to admit you need help than to fumble blindly. But once you’ve been pointed in the right direction, take charge. And if you know what you’re doing, be proactive. “One of the biggest mistakes new recruits can make…is to assume that when they have nothing to do that there is nothing to do.”
• Know the boss. Understand what she needs. If you can learn what your boss values, what will help her be successful, then your success will follow. Know how she operates and use this to guide your actions.
• Cultivate good relationships. You can be the best at what you do, but if you’re a jerk, you’re not going to get the promotions. Be easy-going. Be respectful. Be well-groomed. Don’t get involved in office politics.
• Don’t watch the clock. “If you have to stay a little late to meet a deadline or pull some hours on a weekend without being asked, it shows your commitment.” If you go the extra mile, you’ll be noticed.
• Know when to go. Most of the career advice I’ve read says the same thing: stay in a position until you’ve got as much from it as you can. Then make a shift to something new, either in the same company or with a new one. It’s important to continue to grow. When that’s no longer possible, it’s time to move on.

I think this is excellent advice. But as an employer, I think there are additional attributes that can help you get ahead.

• Don’t treat the job like a chore. Many young people in their first real jobs act as if they’re in an adversarial relationship with their employer. This is counterproductive. An “us vs. them” mentality helps nobody. Think “win-win”. If you’re in a shitty job where the corporate culture fosters adversity, then get out. That’s not a career. That’s a life in purgatory.
• Think like your employer. If you were in his place, what would you value in an employee? An excellent way to do this is to skim material he may be reading. You might, for example, read a list of seven characteristics of highly effective employees written for managers looking to make hires, instead of this list of nine skills for employees looking to get hired!
• Behave professionally. Don’t bad-mouth your company to clients. Don’t tell off-color stories. Don’t engage in behavior that’s embarrassing to the company. This is common-sense stuff, but you’d be surprised at how many young people damage their careers by behaving in an unprofessional manner.
• Be flexible — adapt to the demands of the job. There’s nothing more frustrating than employee who grouses, “That’s not my job.” Especially in a small business, your job is whatever your boss asks you to do. Sometimes you’ll need to do tasks that fall outside your job description. Adapt to the situation. Be willing to think outside the box. Employers love this.

Your career is one of your most valuable assets — it’s a regular, reliable source of money. Handle it with care.

Make Better Business Decisions

by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler

Careers , Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

According to leadership experts Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, "Crucial Conversations" are those tough, day-to-day interactions in which the stakes are high, people have conflicting views, and emotions run strong. The surprising thing about these conversations is that they often occur when least expected whether in the boardroom or by the water cooler. Mastering them can transform businesses and careers, strengthen teams, increase productivity, and boost the bottom line.

The two riskiest times in crucial conversations tend to be at the beginning and at the end. The beginning is risky because you have to find a way to create safety or else things go awry. The end is dicey because if you aren’t careful about how you clarify the conclusion and decisions, you can run into violated expectations later on.

When you're considering how to make better business decisions, it helps to have a way of talking about the available options. There are four common ways of making decisions: command, consult, vote, and consensus. These four options represent increasing degrees of involvement. Increased involvement, of course, brings the benefit of increased commitment along with the curse of decreased decision-making efficiency.

Command

Let's start with decisions that are made with no involvement whatsoever. This happens in one of two ways. Either outside forces place demands on us (demands that leave us no wiggle room), or we turn decisions over to others and then follow their lead. We don't care enough to be involved -- let someone else do the work.

In strong teams and great relationships, many decisions are made by turning the final choice over to someone we trust to make a good decision.

Consult

Consulting is a process whereby decision makers invite others to influence them before they make their choice. You can consult with experts, a representative population, or even everyone who wants to offer an opinion.

Vote

Voting is best suited to situations where efficiency is the highest value -- and you're selecting from a number of good options. Voting is a great time saver but should never be used when team members don't agree to support whatever decision is made. In these cases, consensus is required.

Consensus

This method can be both a great blessing and a frustrating curse. Consensus means you talk until everyone honestly agrees to one decision. This method can produce tremendous unity and high-quality decisions. It should only be used with (1) high-stakes and complex issues or (2) issues where everyone absolutely must support the final choice.

When choosing among the four methods of decision making consider the following questions.

1. Who cares? Determine who genuinely wants to be involved in the decision along with those who will be affected. These are your candidates for involvement. Don't involve people who don't care.

2. Who knows? Identify who has the expertise you need to make the best decision. Encourage these people to take part. Try not to involve people who contribute no new information.

3. Who must agree? Think of those whose cooperation you might need in the form of authority or influence in any decisions you might make. It's better to involve these people than to surprise them and then suffer their open resistance.

4. How many people is it worth involving? Your goal should be to involve the fewest number of people while still considering the quality of the decision along with the support that people will give it. Ask: "Do we have enough people to make a good choice? Will others have to be involved to gain their commitment?"

A crucial conversation about your decision-making practices can resolve many frustrating issues.

8 Things I Did to Improve My Current Job

By Rolando Ruiz

Careers , Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

The economy is in a terrible state; a state of which we haven't seen the likes since the Great Depression. Employers are slashing jobs at a record pace and unemployment offices are overcrowded with people now forced to reconfigure their lives. During these tough times we all want to avoid being the one to get the proverbial "pink slip"... easier said than done when you are at the mercy of your employers. Hard work may no longer be enough; it's time to step up your game. You need to show that you are not only worth hanging on to, but that you are a contributing member of the team that will help the company survive. The question on everyone's mind--how?

So what is the right mix, the right solution to stay above water during tough times? They say change is coming. I say change is here. It's time to wake up and cope with change.

This has been my experience:
I left a good job that had long given up on the promise of providing me opportunities for growth in my respective field of information security. I was looking for a challenge; the next stepping stone in my career. I worked as an Information Technology technician for nearly ten years. I had suddenly realized the company's technology strategy didn't fit with my understanding and aspirations around enhancing the discipline of Information Security. In 2007, I accepted an offer from IBM and over the course of the next year plus, I learned a great deal which provided me with broader knowledge and experience. Soon after, I accepted a job offer from a healthcare insurance provider which offered many challenges and a promising future. But it wasn't all as I thought it would be - not right away anyways.

During my first year of employment my job felt like a waste of my time. I was not contributing, not because I didn't want to or couldn't, but because in my opinion things happened slowly and very little interest was given to my expertise and purpose. I tried my best to stay busy and contribute even when the rewards were small and few and far between. As work began to come our way and much was expected of us, we needed a plan, we needed a strategic plan to handle information security. However, a plan was never fully developed and a vision didn't immediately flourish. Work became an everyday frustration of "putting out fires" and we were never put in a position to show value and results. One of the toughest things to do in the industry of information security and assurance is show ROI and we simply didn't put ourselves in a position to do so. I saw this as a problem and raised the issue. I raised the issue again and again until it got me in trouble. I didn't get in trouble because I was pointing out the obvious, but perhaps because of complex politics and because I didn't fully understand how the organization worked. Despite all that, I felt it was my obligation to my employer to raise issues of concern since this is why I was hired. So I backed off and went into frustration and unmotivated mode. What a terrible way to work. Everyday I looked forward to being late to work and leaving early although I never acted on it. I remained strong to my commitment to my employer. My job became a burden on me however, and to top that off, the economy started to hit us, big time.
For the first time in years this strong performing company was faced with the tough decision of lay offs. This scared me, or at least got me thinking. I asked myself: "If I was asked by an executive to describe my contributions to the company, what would I say? How can management justify my job?" Wow! Wake up call!

1. I realized that I would, like everyone else, likely struggle to find work if I lost my job. Not because of my ability or marketability, but because there's a lot of competition out there and finding a better job would be really tough. So I decided to change my current attitude and focus to fit my style - the turning point.

2. I wrote down what benefits my job offered. When I say benefits I mean what challenges, learning opportunities, chance to get involved, opportunities to develop my professional status and knowledge. I wrote down the things that I can find at work that would show results for my employer.

3. I looked for areas or projects where my past experience could be of use in an effective manner to help others while helping myself establish a better reputation and improve my brand within the company. This was important to me because in every job I've ever held, I have always been involved in rewarding projects and activities and I wanted to maintain that.

4. I developed plans on how I would contribute to these projects. I didn't want to only contribute, I wanted to stand out and be noticed. So I had to develop ways that I could be productive and be a leader. I thought out my ideas and put them on paper so that when I presented them, they would make sense and gain stakeholders' interest.

5. I took charge. I became a marketing genius of my own work and myself. I sought out people that would be on my side and back my ideas. In many cases I gained people's input on my plans before I presented them. Input from people that have an established reputation in the company is an undervalued asset. If you can find allies, go get 'em.

6. Positive attitude. My attitude changed drastically. I have always been a pretty optimistic and positive person but for a while my attitude was down the toilet. How did I remain positive you ask? Simple, I just stayed true to myself and to my strengths. I figured, if I get laid off, I didn't want to walk away thinking I could have done better. I'm at my best when I am true to myself and when I maximize my strengths and abilities. Find them, we all have them. That's why you were hired in the first place.

7. Get noticed. There is nothing wrong with letting people know that you did something right. You're expected to own up to your mistakes so why not take credit for your good work? I began walking into my boss's office 3-4 times a day to let him know what I've accomplished thus far. I kept him informed of every detail of my work and how it was being received by other departments.

8. Finally, I made my boss look good. When you do good work in cross-functional activities and teams, your ability will shine and everyone will know your worth. But it is your boss that holds your success and job status in his or her hands. If you make your boss look good, he or she will want to retain you because your work actually provides him with job security as well; you're part of his or her vision and helping achieve that. Eventually you will outgrow your job and possibly look to leave, unless you're content where you are and with the growth you've achieved, but while you're at your job, making your boss look good will get you more projects to work on, and more opportunities to shine and develop yourself professionally. Make your boss your ally.

So after all that, where am I today? Today, I'm leading two of the company's most critical information security activities. I'm developing the company's Information Security Incident Management and I'm also heading the information security risk assessment for a high priority project. My boss and others, have shown great appreciation for my work and every day now my work has major rewards with those rewards coming more often. The money is the same, but my life is simpler and my job is a happier place. My positive attitude seems to be contagious as others look forward to working with me and participating in my meetings. I usually stand by the conference room door as people leave my meetings so that I can get feedback. Positive feedback is great food for self confidence.

In all, I feel that I have further solidified my job status and most importantly, I have engaged myself in promising activities that will have great rewards in the future. Information Security has a promising future, so this will only enhance my chances to grow professionally.