Achieve Job Success
“Gone are the days of simply climbing the ladder: In this economy, it’s hard to even know which way is up. But if you’re on the hunt for a new job, these 15 tips will be even more essential.”
Online Networking
“Use resources like Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. Just be sure to keep the unprofessional aspects of your personal life out of your profile. And remember that social networking is like a cocktail party: If you talk only about yourself and your accomplishments, you’ll bore people. Start a dialogue.”
Networking in Person
“Shy? Don’t be defeated by networking. Set goals for yourself at networking events, and your skills will improve with time. Fortunately for you, being a good listener is an asset in networking, so make your introverted personality your advantage.”
Stand out
“An important question to keep in mind as you write your résumé is “What did I accomplish in this job that someone else wouldn’t have?†Thinking about the answer to that will give you some great talking points for your interview, as well.”
Be Discreet
“If you’re looking for a job while you’re already working, let recruiters know that discretion is key. You can use an offer to negotiate within your own company, but be prepared: Some employers do not take kindly to your interviewing with another company, and you could lose your current job.”
Beware of Blunders
“The most common pitfalls in résumé-writing: not being specific about accomplishments, being too wordy, including a generic objective statement, and keeping college accomplishments on your résumé for too long. And watch the small stuff, like typos in your correspondence with the hiring manager. Tiny mistakes can mean the difference between an interview and a rejection.”
Phone Prep
“If your interview will be conducted over the phone, keep your résumé and a list of talking points in front of you and a pen and paper handy to take notes. To make your voice clear and strong, stand up and smile while you speak. Some people find it helps to look at themselves in the mirror while they speak, but practice with a friend first to see what is best for you.”
Interview Info
“Do your research on the company beforehand, and come prepped with a few questions. Ask for the name of your interviewer, and research his or her background online. Then, when the interview is over, send a thank-you note immediately.”
Straight Talk
“When asked about your weaknesses, don’t pretend you have none or that your biggest weakness is “perfectionism.†It’s a good way to get an eye roll from your interviewer. Think about your weaknesses before the interview, and how you are able to overcome them, so you’re prepared for this common interview question.”
Keep Anxiety at Bay
“The wait to find out if you got the job can be interminable, and it’s tempting to call and E-mail the hiring manager to check in. But a single thank-you note, and patience, are recommended instead.”
Accept the Job with Class
“If you get the job, it’s tempting to celebrate your new move, but now is not the time to burn your bridges. Leave your current job with grace, and you’ll be able to keep your old coworkers in your network. Give notice according to your company policy, and volunteer to help find and train your replacement. Finish your projects, and organize all of your loose ends so your coworkers can take over with ease. Work up until your last day.”
Negotiate Your Benefits and Pay
“Not sure what you’re worth? Check websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary Scout to find out the salaries of comparable jobs, and use that information to negotiate your starting salary.”
Get Off To a Good Start
“For your first week of work, be sure to ask questions and pay careful attention to the company culture. Get an outline of your boss’s expectations for your first month in the job. And remember these four tips to make you an invaluable asset to your company: Be überreliable, outer directed, common-sensical, and bottom-line oriented. Thinking about the big picture will help you move ahead.”
Post Prudently
“If you have a personal blog, tread carefully. First rule: Never write about work. You also shouldn’t use work time to blog. Consider password-protecting your blog so that only your selected audience can see it.”
Play Nice
“When you get frustrated with your boss or coworkers, look inward. Changing your own behavior can stop a boss from micromanaging, and showing more appreciation can soften a difficult coworker. Share credit when a project goes well, but don’t avoid the blame when a project ends poorly.”
Climb the Ladder
“Before you ask for a raise, ask for more work—even the work no one else wants to do. It shows your employer that you can handle greater responsibility. Then, overperform. ”
Originally posted by US News and can be found at:Â Â http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshows/15-essential-tips-for-job-success
