Archive for October, 2010

HAPPY HALLOWEEN – RESUME MAKEOVER CONTEST!

Happy Halloween everyone! Check out our creepy cupcakes…

 

In honor of this festive and fun holiday we are having another RESUME MAKEOVER CONTEST!

All you have to do is follow us on Facebook or Twitter and send a picture of yourself all dressed up for Halloween.

The best costume will win a resume makeover!

Please email all submissions to pyramidtemp (at) gmail (dot) com.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Don’t Mention It – Faulty Excuses

 

I remember a time when my little brother took my mother’s lipstick and drew all over her white bedroom walls. While babysitting the little brat it was my responsibility to make sure he was well behaved and didn’t wreak havoc through the house.  

Of course I didn’t take the lipstick and draw red scribbles all over the place but I was supposed to be watching him. My mother was furious and all I could say was

It’s not my fault!

 Some people tend to use this excuse daily at work. You forgot to follow up? It’s not your fault you had a lot going on. You forgot to forward an important email? You swear you did. You thought you paid that invoice? Well you didn’t and there really isn’t anything to say except

I’m sorry. I will take care of that right now.

That is really the only exceptional answer when you’ve made a mistake at work. Correct it and move on.

Making excuses is inexcusable. Blaming an intern, assistant, or your absent mind is taking the easy way out. Take responsibility for your actions.

Chronicles For Candidates – Retail Rescuer

If you are a fan of Pyramid Consulting Group and you aren’t aware of our fantastic “Retail Rescue” program we would like to introduce you to a retail superstar, *Sarah. (Names have been changed to protect the rescuer from further recruitment.)

 

PCG placed Sarah last year during the holiday season.  We were swamped with job orders from our high-end and luxury retail clients throughout New York and Sarah was one of the hundreds of candidates we sent out on an assignment as a seasonal sales associate.

 

To gain a better knowledge of what “Retail Rescue” is all about please read on for a Q&A with Sarah.

 

PCG: Hi Sarah! Thank you for being part of The Job Pyramid! Can you tell us how you found out about “Retail Rescue” and why you applied?

 

Sarah: I saw an ad on Craigslist titled “Searching for Seasonal Sales Support.” I had experience at a high-end boutique as a cashier one summer between semesters. It was a great way for me to make extra money while school was out.

 

PCG:  Was this your first time working with a recruiting firm?

 

Sarah: No. I was a little skeptical because I had worked with other recruiting firms before for temporary work. I usually never received a call in response to my follow ups and resume submissions.  My PCG recruiter was great with getting back to me and always called me with jobs that matched my experience.

 

PCG:  When you got in touch with us regarding these open seasonal support positions, what was your first step in meeting with us?

 

Sarah: First, I scheduled a meeting with my assigned recruiter. I was told to bring a hard copy of my resume and dress professionally. After meeting with my recruiter I was called back later the same day with an interview at the shop of my dreams!! My recruiter scheduled the interview and was sure to prep me with all information, how to present myself, and some key points of mention.

 

One of the best things about working with Pyramid was the information they provided me with about the hiring manager. Since they have relationships with the hiring managers they know their personality and what they’re looking for. I went in confidently and had all the right answers. I got the job.

 

PCG: We decided to interview you for this post because you are working with us again this holiday season. What are you looking forward to the most?

 

Sarah: I am looking forward to working with my fantastic recruiter again! Place me somewhere great – you know where I want to be!

 

Thank you Sarah, for your contribution. We look forward to making all your seasonal wishes come true!

On The Job – Critically Acclaimed

As a college graduate I remember a certain type of confidence that came with a diploma and brand new job straight out of cap and gown.  I was on top of the world.

The minute I sat down on my first day of work I was shocked. Almost everything I did was wrong. The criticism, judgment, and break down of my abilities were fierce.

What I didn’t realize was that there are various ways of learning, teaching, and growing. Breaking someone down and building them back up is one method. Working on a project and receiving constructive criticism to make it better is another way of teaching.

 

Have you encountered various situations where you felt completely broken down at work?

Like we’ve stated in previous posts, don’t take it personally. Take the criticism, apply it, and move on to the next project.

Being able to handle this disparagement is like answering “What are some of your weaknesses?” in an interview. Recognize that you are not perfect and your work, especially when you are new, is moldable and easily adjusted to fit into an original company standard.

As a creative myself it was hard for me, at first, to take corrections, edits, and suggestions. As I grew I realized that these comments were helping my work and allowed me to grow.

Your boss can tell if you cannot take these criticisms well and this is indicative of the following:

 

  • You are not a team player
  • You are close minded
  • Have a negative attitude
  • Are not serious about learning the company culture

 

Remember, a prideful worker does not make progress but an open-minded colleague will encounter success!