Ever wonder what a potential boss wants to hear in an interview? What exactly can you say that will increase your chances of receiving a job offer?
I recently heard some great advice that lined up with my previous experience as a human resources manager, and so I thought I would share this great advice with you! Here are five things to communicate during an interview that will convince the employer you're a great hire...
1. You Will Never Have To Tell Me What To Do Twice
Every employer wants to know they can give you instructions once and you'll get the job done. I guarantee you that no employer wants to micromanage or ask an employee more than once to do somethingâno matter what it is.
2. I Will Complete The Job/Assignment You Give Me With Excellence
The employer wants to hear that, no matter what, you are going to make it happenâthat you're going to get the job done and do it to the best of your ability.
3. I Am An Agreeable Person
The employer wants to know that no matter what situation you are put in, you're going to be a team playerâand that you're not going to create confusion, conflict, problems, or challenge their authority.
4. I Am Easy To Correct And Instruct; I Am Teachable
If there is something that's not getting done, or if you're not doing it correctly, the employer wants to know that they can approach you to discuss the situation and that you're not going to fly off the handle or think you're superior.
5. I Am A Loyal Employee
I will not talk poorly about you. I will do everything I can to promote you and help promote this business. While I am working for you, I will always be the best employeeâwhether for one year or 10 years. And, should I leave, I will be rehireable, and I will leave in an amicable and responsible manner.
Prospective employers nowadays understand that asking employees to make a commitment to stay for 10, or even 25 years, just isn't realistic. Loyalty isn't about longevity. It's about being a committed and responsible employee while you're with that company.
These five points are essentially what every employer wants to hear from a potential employee. Of course, this isn't an end-all, be-all of an interview. But if you can communicate these very important points to a prospective employer during an interview, you will stand out among the other job candidates, and it will help the interviewer believe that you would be an asset to the organization.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
I struggle to write about this subject because it might suggest that there are special strategies to keep your job during a recession. There is no guarantee anyone will keep their job during a recession. But there are some things you can do to increase your chances, some things that are in your control.
I personally believe an excellent work ethic helps you keep your job during an economic downturn. This very strategy will also help you move up the corporate ladder in good times.
Regardless of the economic climate, one should always practice a good work ethic. There are other things you need to do too, though.
Here's how to keep your job during a recession...
1. Be Nice
It feels funny to even remind people of this common courtesy. But in a recession where jobs are threatened, we all can guess who will be put on the chopping list between two employees of equal caliber.
If you have been nasty to co-workers, perhaps it is time to reflect and start changing. Smile more often, compliment your colleagues, and offer words of encouragement, kindness, and wisdom.
2. Be A Competitive Advantage
Ideally, you are already a competitive advantage to your team. It's never too late to start if you have never thought about this. What is it that you can uniquely offer to your team that others cannot? Do you have a specific skill set? Are you knowledgeable in a certain area of business? How do you show your value at work?
If you are a competitive advantage to your team, you have a better chance of keeping your job during a recession.
3. Work Hard
Working hard implies a few things. It says you are willing to sacrifice. It says you enjoy your job. It also says you add more value to the company because you are churning out more than an average employee.
During a recession when everyone is expected to work with limited resources, the one who can work harder will likely triumph.
4. Do More & Talk Less
If your mom has told you to "do more and talk less," heed that advice now. If you are someone who complains, blames, and gossips, you had better stop now. No one will tolerate a terrible co-worker, a complainer, or someone who casts blame or spends too much time gossiping in good times, much less during a recession. How will all these help in keeping and maintaining your job?
Take personal responsibility for your own actions and stop blaming others. If it can be fixed, stop complaining. If it cannot be fixed, no amount of complaining will fix it. Offer a solution instead. Be a valuable, helpful employeeânot a negative, counterproductive one.
5. Increase Revenue And/Or Cut Costs
This will be a constant theme among companies and you should make that your mantra, too. You are a business-of-one. How you justify your employment, especially during a recession, is by your ability to either make or save your employer money.
Think about how you can positively contribute to the company's bottom line, and start working towards that goal now. This, if nothing else, will help you keep your job.
During a recession, be thankful and happy that you have a job. But, also don't take it for granted. Be nice to your co-workers, work hard, and genuinely contribute to the company's vision and bottom line, always thinking about how you can save or make your employer money. If you do these things, you'll increase your chances of keeping your job during a recession.
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You're looking for a career boost. You're possibly past your first-year mark at work. You've learned the ropes of your position, but you feel like you're slowing down. What are some ways you can get ahead at work?
There are many positive things you can do that can help you get ahead at work. In fact, the value of these tasks is they make you more motivatedâtherefore, giving you the career boost you need.
Show Enthusiasm For Your Work
I know. How can you ever feel enthusiastic about work, especially when you already feel sluggish with the same work after a few years? It is precisely this reason I ask you to be enthusiastic. To be enthusiastic at work is about a mental state. You need to make the decision to be enthusiastic. Start by saying, "I will be an eager participant in this project or task."
Attack your task with energy. Do not drag your feet. The more you tell yourself, "This is so boring," or whatever the excuse may be, the worse you will feel. Get interested in the work, and the energy will come naturally. Then, decide to be eagerly involved. You cannot get ahead at work without energy.
Be Efficient In The Workplace
Strive to be the most efficient worker on your team. According to Webster's Universal College Dictionary, to be efficient means "performing or functioning effectively with the least waste of time and effort." When you are effective, you're producing the intended result. When you are efficient, you do it with the least waste of time and effort. That means you are capable and competent.
If you constantly strive to be the most efficient worker, then you will eventually get ahead in your career. You will get a career boost because you are the most capable and competent on the team.
Strive For Excellence While Working
Of the five things you can do to get ahead in the workplace, this one probably calls for you to give yourself some pressure. A little pressure is good since it makes you push yourself harder. Strive for excellence in everything you do. Do not be content with good. Go for great.
Exceed expectations by knowing good is sometimes not good enough. Give everything your utmost best. You will naturally see how this becomes your career booster. When you strive for excellence in everything you do, you naturally surpass others in your work.
Show Up To Work Early
Have you ever thought that showing up to work early can get you ahead at work? It can, especially when your workplace practices flextime. Many people take flextime for granted. They stroll in and out at their own pace, not knowing they have probably wasted productive time.
Start early at work. Some of my most productive days are those I start early before the phone rings and before my staff walks in with questions. Clear your emails from last night and craft that important email when there are no disturbances.
Be Someone Your Co-Workers WANT To Work With Every Day
Make every effort to be the easiest person to work with in the office. Now, I am not saying compromise your need for excellence. For example, this means don't complain and grumble each time there is a team meeting. No one likes to work with someone who nags all the time.
When you are easy to work with, you make working enjoyable for your co-workers too. An upbeat workplace is welcomed everywhere, and you give yourself a competitive edge. That competitive edge is your career booster.
Want to know how your interact with your co-workers, and how it impacts your work? This FREE quiz will tell you your workplace strengths and how to use them to your advantage.
There is no need for complicated plans to get a career boost. Doing these simple things can help you get you ahead at work.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.