Keeping yourself engaged at work can be a challenge. The day in and day out repetitiveness of work can start to wear you down. Perhaps you’re not ready to leave your current company, but something’s got to change. Here are tips for getting more enjoyment out of the job you already have.
C’mon, Get Happy
1. Think positively.
Negative thinking will get you nowhere. Focus on the aspects of your work that you enjoy, such as a nice view or an engaging project.
2. Make friends.
Being a loner at work is no fun. It can make anyone self-conscious and lonely. Offer to take a coworker out to lunch, stop by to say hello or share a funny email. Having friends at work will make your day go by in a hurry. At the very least, find someone that will commiserate about how obnoxious Linda the Sales Assistant is.
3. Join the softball team.
Build better relationships with your coworkers by sweating it out and having fun with no deadlines in sight. Stick around to enjoy some adult beverages afterwards.
4. Walk to save the world.
Accomplish something with your coworkers that doesn’t involve pushing paper. Start or join a team to participate in fundraisers like Walk America and Race for the Cure.
5. Get a gym buddy.
Pump up your endorphins and your mood with a trip to the gym after work. If you already have a membership, check to see if you can get an affordable friends and family pass.
6. Listen to music.
Don’t let the phones, clacking keyboards and loud talkers bring you down. Come to work prepared with earphones and some tunes.
7. Stay away from Negative Ned.
That guy who complains about the coffee, the carpet, the customers and your boss is not the person you want to make friends with. Nothing will ever make him happy, and you can bet that he wants you to feel the same way, too.
8. Make Friends With Your Boss8. Ask your boss for feedback.
Perhaps you’re feeling underappreciated or looked over. Schedule some time with your supervisor to discuss where you stand. Find out how he or she feels about your quality of work and what they’d like to see from you in the future. This can provide some positive affirmation and guidance about your role within the organization.
9. Ask for a raise.
Don’t be afraid to ask for your fair share. Consider your overall impact on the company and what you’ve done that merits more pay. Perhaps you’ve absorbed some accounts or developed a more efficient work process. Point out how your actions have benefited the company with effort and money saved.
Too Much Work and Not Enough Day
10. Check your work processes.
Are there unnecessary or inefficient steps? We live in a world of technology that makes our work more efficient every day. Are you using available technology to its fullest? Instead of printing out 100 page instruction manuals and mailing them to the customer, just send them a CD with the files. Better yet, email them.
11. Overworked? Ask for help.
If you have entirely too much on your plate, you need to unload. Don’t hold on to too much work just because of silly pride. Ask coworkers to lend a hand. Remember, this works both ways. Be prepared to pitch in when it’s time to return the favor.
12. Avoid over-committing yourself.
At some point, you have to say no to work. You can politely offer to do the work at a later date or recommend a colleague that may be able to lend a hand. It’s okay to try to make everyone happy-just remember that the happiness you should care about most about is yours.
13. Prioritize.
When you have so much work to do, you should at least figure out where to start. Determine the importance of your tasks by asking yourself a few questions. Does this task have a deadline? Is this task important to me or to someone else? What will happen if I put this off or don’t do it at all?
14. Do what you like.
If you’re busy past the point of prioritizing, just take care of the items that you would like to do the most. Accept that we aren’t all superheroes and that work sometimes just doesn’t get finished. If you do the work you feel like doing, at least you’ll be happy about what you were able to complete.
Too Much Day at the End of Your Work
15. Speak up.
Running out of work can be almost as stressful as having too much work. Don’t be shy about it. Talk to your boss and coworkers about what they might need help with. Ask for new projects or create your own.
16. Get on a committee.
Planning awards and company functions can be very work-intensive. Help the company with by using your extra time on the committees that run them..
17. Plan an event.
Are you not connecting with customers? Invite them to your facility for an industry get-together and have a chance to put in lots of face time. Does your team need a morale boost? Work on putting together a company outing to help everyone blow off some steam.
Miracle Grow
18. Take a class.
Invest in yourself. Education, whether it’s just one class or an advanced degree, can open up new doors. A new MBA could mean finally getting promoted above middle management. At the same time, a refresher sales course can keep you at the top of your game.
19. Find a mentor.
A mentor can be a great resource at work. They know the company’s terrain well and can guide you on a path to success. Ideally, you should choose a mentor who has achieved success you’d like to emulate. Schedule a standing lunch date with them each month and find out what made them so successful.
Ready, Set, Goal20. Develop goals.
Sure, you’d like a promotion, but to what position? Do you want to retire with this company? Or would you rather gather experience and leave? To know what you should do today, consider what you want for tomorrow.
21. Celebrate small milestones.
Once you’ve set your goals, you have to follow through. When you’ve achieved milestones like finishing a large project or negotiating for more retirement stock options, celebrate. It will encourage you to carry on with the rest of your goal.
Focus
22. Reorganize your work space.
Papers, binders and folders have a nasty way of taking over your desk and sanity at the same time. Tame them by reorganizing your space. Use files and trays to keep everything in its place. A clean desk will do wonders for lessening anxiety.
23. Concentrate on the task at hand.
Avoid distractions whenever possible. Close your email, hang a do not disturb sign and let your calls go to voicemail.
24. Don’t worry about the kids and dinner.
When you’re at work, commit yourself to it. Don’t let responsibilities from home invade work and vice versa.
Feeling Lethargic
25. Treat work like a game.
If you’re stuck doing repetitive tasks all day, treat them like a game. Time yourself and try to beat your personal best. This will both challenge and entertain.
26. Get excited about something.
We all need something to look forward to. Think about the promotion you’ve been working for or the sunny vacation you’ll have in two weeks. It will help you stay motivated.
Be Healthy
27. Stay away from the junk food.
Avoid foods that are loaded with carbohydrates or sugars. Sure, they taste great, but they will bring down your energy level. Opt for more complex carbohydrates which will sustain your energy.
28. Don’t just sit there.
Get up and stretch your legs every now and then to help maintain your energy. Take a lap around the office and say hello to your friends. Take the time to hand-deliver a document. Use every opportunity to get up and get some exercise.
29. Drink water.
Dehydration can cause headaches and leave you feeling lethargic. Staying hydrated will help you feel better and fight fatigue.
Balancing Act
30. Explore a flexible schedule.
Traffic, classes and your child’s events can all interfere with your work schedule. If you think it would be great to come in a few hours early in exchange for leaving early, this might be for you. Speak with your boss about exploring a flexible schedule.
31. Leave the office at the door.
Don’t let a failed project bring you down at home. Do your best to keep your work and home life separate. Remember that a large motivation for working is to provide the means to enjoy life outside of work. Allow yourself to relax and disconnect from the daily grind.
32. Don’t take your mobile device to bed.
Staying connected is great, but at some point you have to let go. Establish boundaries for when you will check messages while not at work. Otherwise, you may feel like you’ve never left. Keep your devices charging in a different room if it’s necessary.
33. Get some sleep.
You need quality sleep time to do your best at work and play. Don’t sabotage tomorrow by pulling an all-nighter tonight.
Exploring Other Options
34. Make a lateral move.
If you have a difficult boss or coworkers, but love what you do, it can be hard to justify getting a new position. However, you may be able to find a welcome change of pace in a lateral move. Try doing your same job for a different team or location and see if your outlook changes.
35. Swap assignments with a coworker.
Perhaps you feel like your friend Gary in your team gets all the plum assignments, but he feels the same way about you. The grass always looks greener on the other side-check it out and see. Try your coworker’s job on for size and see if it is better suited for you.
36. Shop around.
If you’re still feeling unsatisfied by work, go ahead and look. Compare what you have to what you might be able to get. You may find that you are being grossly underpaid or overworked, or you might realize just how fortunate you are to have your job. Either way, a job comparison can provide motivation for a job upgrade or a new appreciation for what you have.
37. Find a new job.
Finally, consider the possibility that the job you have just doesn’t fit anymore. If you’re feeling unchallenged, have no growth opportunities, or are on a sinking ship, perhaps it’s time to leave. Sometimes you’ve just exhausted the possibilities. Don’t be afraid to move on to a new company that can provide you with something better.
]]>Whether you are trying to find a job, starting a new job, trying to move up the corporate ladder, or interacting with others, it is important to remember that you are always on the clock when it comes to your actions.
ACING THE INTERVIEW
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, particularly during a job interview. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to make this experience a little less intimidating and a lot more successful.
1. Stock up: Be ready to take notes with a pen and paper. Have extra copies of your updated resume, portfolio, and references available to leave behind so that the interviewer can review them later.
2. Practice makes perfect: Practice answering typical interview questions with friends or family. Use a video or tape recorder so that you can assess your performance and make any necessary changes. Come up with specific examples that highlight your skills and successes.
3. Research the company: Find out about the company’s business. A short history, past successes, and your interviewer’s background can provide great information for sparking meaningful conversation.
4. Dress to impress: We all know not to judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, people are going to do it anyway. Be sure that your clothing will give a good impression.
Men: wear a solid-color suit and tie with dark socks, dress shoes, and a belt. Be clean-shaven or neatly trimmed, your nails clipped, and limit your jewelry and cologne. Blue jeans and T-shirts are not acceptable, even if you will be allowed to wear them once hired.
Women: wear a suit with a coordinated blouse and conservative shoes. If the suit has a skirt, it should be long enough to sit in comfortably. Your hairstyle should be professional and pulled back from your face. Limit your makeup and perfume. Avoid short skirts and tight clothes.
5. Location, Location, Location: If you can’t find the place, you’ve already blown the interview. Get accurate directions to your interview location.
6. Be on time: Anticipate traffic conditions. If possible, make a timed test run to the location. Pad your time by planning to arrive early.
7. Fresh start: Make a positive impact on the interviewer by shaking hands, making eye contact, and using their name. Be sure to speak with confidence. Always be positive, resisting the urge to badmouth past employers.
8. Relax: The interviewer will pick up on your body language, so stay calm and focused. Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting and maintain eye contact.
9. Have answers ready: You can count on your prospective employer to ask questions about you and your past enterprises. Don’t be overeager: listen to the entire question before offering an answer. Be ready with complete and precise answers and don’t be afraid to brag on yourself.
10. Have questions ready: After the interviewer has learned all about you, it’s time for you to ask the questions. Have two or three questions about the position and company ready.
11. Send a thank you note: Always follow up an interview with a thank you note to show your appreciation for the company’s time and to reiterate your interest in the position. Send a hand-written note no later than the next day. Email is acceptable if the company plans to make a quick decision.
THE FIRST DAY
Your first day can be overwhelming. You’re in an unfamiliar place filled with unfamiliar people-and they all want to know who the new person is. Here are a few tips on how to survive.
12. What to wear: Plan to dress up. Wear your most conservative outfits until you figure out what attire is acceptable and what is not.
13. Arrive early: Don’t blow it by showing up late.
14. Listen: Pay attention to what everyone tells you. Don’t worry about remembering all of the specifics, but at least get a general idea.
15. Ask questions: If you don’t understand what you are being told or need further explanation, don’t hesitate to ask. Questions show that you’re thinking about the subject and care about getting the best information.
16. Take notes: You will be fed a seemingly endless amount of information on your first day. Taking notes will help you to remember what you need to know at a later date.
17. Learn from co-workers: Your new co-workers can offer a wealth of priceless information. They can guide you through the programs, intricacies, and workflow of the company.
18. Learn the chain of command: It is important to know who you will be working with and reporting to on a daily basis. Take the time to learn the hierarchy of the company – from your co-workers to the CEO – so that you know how their roles affect you.
19. Be friendly: You will be more successful if you’re approachable. Be nice to everyone, and they just might do the same to you.
20. Don’t complain: Avoid complaining about your work, co-workers, boss, or past jobs. Approach your new job with an optimistic mindset.
21. Don’t rush out the door: When your first day is over with, don’t be the first person out the door. Stick around to ask more questions and get acquainted with your new position.
YOUR CLOTHING
Everyday business attire can vary depending on the company and position within the organization. Learning what kind of clothing is acceptable is part of the process of settling in. Take cues from the way your coworkers dress.
Business Attire for Men Be professional and present yourself in a way that conveys confidence.
22. Suit: Choose a quality material in navy, black, or gray. Solid colors or pinstripes work the best.
23. Shirt: A long-sleeved, solid color shirt is ideal. Avoid bright colors and patterns, as they can be distracting.
24. Tie and belt: Go for a simple and subtle silk tie. Avoid large pictures and cartoon characters. Wear a belt that coordinates well with your shoes.
25. Shoes: Clean, well-polished, laced shoes are a necessity. Socks should be calf-length or higher and match your shoes and slacks.
26. Hygiene: Make sure to take a shower, run a comb through your hair, and shave or trim your beard or mustache.
27. Accessories: Keep your jewelry to a minimum. A briefcase or portfolio can enhance a professional look.
Business Attire for Women Remember that you want to be noticed for who you are, not the latest fashion trends.
28. Skirt Suit: A skirt suit provides the most professional look as long as the length is kept around the knees.
29. Pants: Pants should be fitted, not tight. They should break at the top of the foot or the shoe.
30. Blouse: A sensible blouse can add color to an outfit, but avoid wearing anything too revealing.
31. Shoes: Opt for professional low heels over flats or high heels. Accompany them with neutral or flesh-tone stockings if necessary.
32. Makeup: Keep it subtle and simple.
33. Accessories: Simple jewelry is best. One ring per hand, one earring per ear, and a necklace will do.
Business Casual for Men
34. Pants: Neatly pressed khaki, gabardine, or cotton pants are ideal for business casual.
35. Shirt: A long-sleeved, button up shirt in a simple color is professional, but a collared polo shirt will do.
36. Tie: A tie is generally not necessary, but when in doubt, wear one anyway. You can always take it off.
37. Shoes: Save the sandals, tennis shoes, and hiking shoes for your free time. Put on a pair of clean, polished shoes.
38. Hygiene: Be clean-shaven and well groomed.
39. Accessories: Stay simple: stick to your watch and wedding band. Stay on the safe side by removing earrings or other noticeable piercings.
Business Casual for Women
40. Skirt: Avoid tight, short, and revealing skirts. The length can vary from season to season. Always steer clear of extreme trends.
41. Pants: Wear creased and tailored khaki, corduroy, twill, or cotton pants. Be sure to avoid a too-tight fit.
42. Blouse: Tailored shirts, knit sweaters, sweater sets, cardigans, and polo shirts are appropriate.
43. Shoes: Comfortable, clean shoes are important. Loafers and low heels are appropriate. Stockings are generally not needed.
44. Makeup: Keep it subtle and stay away from bright or extreme colors.
45. Accessories: Wear limited jewelry. Carry a tasteful purse.
THE CULTURE
Cultures vary from office to office. Something that may be practiced on a regular basis in one place may be unacceptable in another. Take cues from your coworkers and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
46. People are different: Different people have varying work styles and ideas of how things should work. Focusing on how to utilize each person’s strong points is vital in the business world.
47. Politics: Co-workers can have widely different views on politics. Just don’t go there.
48. Religion: Another taboo when it comes to the office. Any religious views should be kept to yourself.
49. Recognize office dynamics: Just because your last boss let you call him “Maverick” and bought you pizza every Friday doesn’t mean your new boss will. Start off low key and pay attention to experienced employees. They can give you tips on how to approach things like the coffee bar, using the correct printer, and interacting with your boss.
50. Cities are different: A different city is more than a different view. Depending on the size and layout, traffic patterns and public transportation can be one of the biggest adjustments when working in a new city.
51. States are different: On top of getting used to traffic, different states have their own laws and regulations. For example, many states require you to pay a state income tax, but others, like Texas, do not.
52. Countries are different: If you think that the states are different, just wait until you try doing business internationally. Language, culture, customs, currency, and distance are just a few of the differences that need to be understood if one is to be successful.
TECHNOLOGY
There seems to be some kind of new technology popping up every day. Of course, fancy new gadgets and features come with greater responsibility.
Work Phones
53. Answer your phone: Don’t make someone wonder where you are. Answer all incoming phone calls in a timely manner.
54. Identify yourself: Always say your name and your company’s name so that the person on the other end knows that they have called the right place.
55. Can you hold please? If you need to put a caller on hold, keep checking back with them so that they know you are attending to their call.
56. Don’t mumble: Speak up! Speak clearly, slowly, and with confidence.
57. Be nice: Always handle yourself in a professional, helpful manner and never be rude, even when faced with a challenging person.
58. State your purpose: When calling another business, always include your name and the name of the company that you represent.
59. Oops: If you happen to call a wrong number always apologize to the person on the other line before you hang up.
60. Sorry, I’m not in right now: When leaving a message, be concise and always leave your name, company, phone number, and reason for calling.
Cell Phones
61. Good Vibrations: Turn off your ringer. No one cares about the new tone you just downloaded.
62. Limit personal calls: Only use your cell phone at work for important calls. Health issues and family emergencies qualify. Last night’s football game or Johnny and Suzie’s breakup do not.
63. Let it be: No matter how tempting it might be to answer, if you know that the call is not important, let it go to voice mail and take care of it later.
64. Keep it to yourself: If you need to make or take a personal call, excuse yourself to a private area so that others don’t have to listen to your conversation.
65. At least be quiet: If you are unable to find a private place, keep your voice low.
66. Be discreet: Watch your language and be careful about what information you divulge within earshot of others.
67. Leave it at your desk: Don’t bring your phone into a business meeting.
68. Flush in peace: Don’t bring your phone into the bathroom. Not only is it rude to the person on the other end, but it’s also rude to whoever else might be in there.
Internet
69. Know the company policy: Although the company may not have a written policy, they might still frown upon recreational web browsing.
70. Limit surf time: Even if someone keeps outbidding you for that autographed football on eBay, remember that you are being paid to work, not shop.
71. Surf smart: Be careful about the sites that you frequent at the office. If you’d be embarrassed to show the site to your boss, don’t go there.
72. Don’t look for another job: Unless you want to get fired preemptively, look for a job on your home computer.
73. Limit personal e-mail: Don’t spend all day writing back and forth with your Aunt Sally-you have work to do!
74. Watch what you say: When you are writing an e-mail, always assume that everyone in the office can read what you are saying. Save the complaining for happy hour.
75. What do you want? Always include a subject line so that the recipient knows what you want to discuss.
76. Get personal: Start every e-mail with a greeting of some sort so that you come across as warm, not cold.
77. Watch your tone: It is difficult to convey tone in an e-mail, so make sure that you use the right wording to communicate your message effectively. Sarcasm may be taken the wrong way.
78. Back to the basics: Double-check your spelling and grammar so that people don’t start to question your caliber of work.
79. Keep it short: Leave the novel writing to Stephen King. E-mail is meant to be concise and to the point. Say what you need to say and then send it.
80. Be careful what you forward: Get permission before you decide to forward an e-mail. There might be sensitive information not meant for others to see.
81. Who is this? Don’t forget to put your name and contact information at the end of each e-mail. Someone may want to contact you via phone or snail mail.
82. Be patient: The beauty of e-mail is its convenience. Not everybody is sitting in front of their computer waiting for you to e-mail them, so don’t expect an instant response.
83. Size does matter: Before you send someone an attachment, consider the size. Large attachments may cause your email to fail or hog space in your recipient’s inbox. Make sure that they can handle what is coming.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is one of the most important aspects of business, so sending the right message is essential to a successful career.
84. Language barriers: This can be a touchy subject these days, but it is usually best if everyone speaks the same language while in the office. A few people talking to each other in a language that nobody else can understand has the potential to make co-workers uncomfortable and suspicious.
85. Avoid hateful slurs: You may not intend to be offensive, but a loose tongue and can get you into a lot of trouble.
86. Seven dirty words: You are at work, not hanging out at the bar with your friends. Avoid the sailor talk – unless, of course, you are a sailor.
87. Say what you mean: Good communication is a key factor in efficiency so be clear and concise with your boss, co-workers, and clients.
88. Sit up straight: A large part of communicating is in body language. Good posture and a smile will make you appear confident.
89. Keep the bird in the cage: Nothing good can come from rude or obscene gesturing, so it’s best to keep your frustrations to yourself.
90. This one time, at band camp …: That joke you heard the other night may be hilarious, but it can also land you into an uncomfortable discussion with Human Resources.
BUSINESS PARTIES
A business party is an opportunity to get to know your co-workers, managers, and, most importantly, your boss outside of an active working atmosphere. Keep in mind that what happens at a business party can stick with you for a long time. It’s vital that you conduct yourself in a professional manner. Don’t go dancing on the table topless and barefoot.
91. Show up: An office party should be considered part of your job. You may not consider this type of thing fun, but nonetheless, you are expected to attend.
92. Know the audience: Find out who else has been invited so that you are prepared to interact with other attendees.
93. Should I stay or should I go? Stay long enough to talk to as many people as you can – especially your boss. If you are having fun, stick around, but don’t close down the bar. Don’t stay any longer than the time that was stated on the invitation.
94. What to wear: Unless stated otherwise, business casual is usually a safe bet.
95. Who to bring: If your family or friends have not been specifically invited, leave them at home.
96. Do a little schmoozing: Parties are meant to provide a comfortable atmosphere so that you can get to know the people that you work with. Have a chat with your boss and expand your acquaintances.
97. I’d like to thank …: In the event that you are being recognized with an award or certificate, be prepared to make a speech.
98. To drink or not to drink: If successful employees, managers, and executives are having a drink, then you have the green light. However, if you feel uncomfortable or a recovering alcoholic, steer clear of the bar.
99. When should I stop? Know your tolerance and how alcohol effects you. If you can’t remember what happened last night after one beer, then you should probably not drink at all. Know your threshold and stay well below it.
100. Say thank you: Make sure you thank whoever was involved in organizing the party. They probably put a lot of effort into that good time you had. It’s not only a nice thing to do, but it will also make you stand apart from those who weren’t so thoughtful.
REFERENCES
1. About – To Drink or Not to Drink (Human Resources)
2. About – Job Interview Guide, Business and Business Casual Attire (Job Searching)
3. About – Starting a New Job, Top 6 Rules for Using Cell Phones at Work, Surfing the Net on Your Boss’s Time (Career Planning)
4. Wikipedia – Social aspects of clothing
5. Young Money – Surviving The First Day At Work
6. essortment – First Day At Work, Telephone etiquette tips
7. University of Missouri (Columbia) – What is Business Casual (College of Business)
8. Sideroad – Proper Business Attire, Business e-mail Etiquette: Maintaining a Professional Image, Office Party Etiquette
9. Monster – Office Holiday Party Etiquette
]]>It’s important to have a game plan before you actually start interviewing. If you don’t have a clear vision of what kind of person you’re looking for, you may not even realize it when you find the perfect candidate. What’s more, it’s vital to determine exactly what information you want to get from the interview. Otherwise, you may end up discovering afterwards that you haven’t received enough usable information from the candidate to make a qualified decision. Here are some steps to take before the interview even starts.
Write a job description: The ultimate goal for the job interview is to determine which candidate will be the best fit for your position, so it’s important that you know exactly what your needs are. If you haven’t already, come up with a clear definition of the position’s duties and goals, then have a copy to review with the person you’re interviewing. This way, you can judge each candidate fairly based on the requirements of the position.
Do your homework: Consider each candidate individually and come up with a few questions that are specific to them. Take a look at their resume and cover letter, then make note of any items that you’d like clarification or elaboration on. For example, if they’ve got work experience that’s relevant to your position, ask for more information on their role in that organization.
Be prepared: In addition to discussions that are individually tailored, have a list of questions that you will ask of each candidate. It’s all right to let the discussion go beyond these set questions; however, having a standard set will better allow you to compare candidates after the interview as well as make sure you’ve covered every point you wish to.
You’ve laid the groundwork and you’re ready to go. Now make sure that you get the most out of your face to face meeting with the candidate. You’ll need to create a setting that helps you get a good idea of how your interviewee will perform once hired, so be sure to keep jitters and small talk from interfering. It’s easy to get wrapped up in conversation, but it’s important to not let things get so far off track that you miss out on or forget to keep track of vital information. Take these steps to make sure your meeting goes off without a hitch.
Make the candidate comfortable: Lots of people get interview jitters. It’s normal, but it doesn’t make for a good discussion. Do your best to keep the interview friendly and casual so that your candidate feels that they can open up to you. Consider creating an icebreaker, such as a trip to the coffee bar or a short tour of your facilities so that you can interact before the formal interview starts.
Take notes: If you’re conducting a series of interviews, don’t trust your memory to remember each candidate individually. At some point, they’ll all start to blend in together and you may forget key details from your meeting. Instead, jot down notes on a pad or their resume while you talk. Take it one step further and print out your pre-determined questions, then fill in the blank with their response. Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to transcribe everything the candidate says. Simply jot down a few words that will jog your memory when it’s time to make a decision.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues: A good discussion is key, but listen to your instincts when it comes to the behavior of your interviewee. Body language can give away dishonesty or a lack of confidence. Look for candidates that sit up straight and look directly at you while you converse.
Make a good impression: The interview is not just about choosing the right person for the job; it’s a chance for candidate to consider how they feel about your company, too. Be polite and positive about your organization. Otherwise, your dream candidate may get a bad impression and decide to turn down your job offer.
Questions: they’re the meat and potatoes of an interview. You’ll want to ask questions that give you a clear picture of the candidate’s work ethic and ability, but what exactly are they? Most interviewers like to begin with a few general questions to get started, then work into more detailed questions that give a clear picture of the candidate’s ability to handle workload and specific situations. Here are a few examples.
The Standards: You’ll want to get a general feel for your candidate, so ask a few simple, broad questions. These can include:
In these questions, you’re looking for information concerning the candidate’s background as well as a genuine interest in your company.
Behavioral and situational questions: To get an idea of how your job prospect will perform if they are hired, ask questions that require specific examples. Doing so will help you understand their thought process and the way they handle themselves in situations pertinent to the position. For example, an interview for a customer service position might include questions like these:
Be sure to get detailed actions and examples from the candidate. You should be able to get a situation, action and result for each answer. If you don’t, prompt them with a follow-up question.
Asking the wrong question during an interview can land your organization in hot water. It’s important to avoid discrimination when hiring, but you may not even realize that your questions or actions could be seen as inappropriate. Follow these guidelines for a fair, legal interview process.
Ask yourself, is this relevant to the position? If you can’t remember anything else, keep this in mind as a rule of thumb. Everything you discuss with the candidate should center on their ability to do the job. Anything else is off limits. For example, asking a woman if she has adequate child care is inappropriate. She may not have kids, or she may have an arrangement already worked out. Either way, it’s not relevant to the position. It is, however, relevant to ask a candidate if they will be able to adhere to your organization’s business hours.
Questions you should absolutely not ask:
So, what if they volunteer this information? It would be rude not to acknowledge something that the candidate says, but you can’t discuss illegal subjects, even if you’re not the one to bring it up. Simply move on from the subject as quickly as you can. Avoid making any note of it and do not take the information into consideration when making your decision. If necessary, inform the candidate that you just can’t talk about the subject, then move on.
We’ll call you… Inform candidates of the next step. It’s simply not fair to leave them hanging for weeks at a time. If you’re interested, tell them your intentions for the rest of the process. Discuss when you plan to make a decision and when they can expect to hear from you, then follow through with your promise. If you know a candidate is not a good fit, be frank with them. If you can’t bring yourself to let them down in person, send an email or give them a call in a timely manner.
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