Archive for February, 2012
10 Creative Business Card Ideas
Feb 29th
A huge thank you to Joanna Goddard for showing us these very creative business card ideas. Just goes to show – if you think outside the box you can really make an impact!
This is one of our favorites:
Click on the image above to see the other nine!
Do you have a creative business card? Yes!? Send an image to sbellow(at)pyramid(dot)cg.com and maybe we’ll post it on our blog!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 29, 2012 at 6:05 pm, and is filed under Inspiration. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Feb 28th
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 28, 2012 at 7:13 pm, and is filed under Inspiration. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Listen, are you listening?
Feb 27th
Monday Mentionings…
In an article posted by Forbes.com, Lisa Quast writes about how to earn respect at work. One of her bullet points made us talk less and listen more.
“Use active listening skills – really listen and hear what people are saying.”
We understand that you may work with people who like to hear themselves speak. On the opposite side of the talking vs. listening spectrum, there are people who tend to zone out when you’re speaking to them.
In a work environment it is important to listen because you:
- May have a boss that doesn’t like to repeat themselves
- Have a strong desire to do it right the first time
- Want to be the person that co-workers trust and confide in
How can you make sure you are really listening?
- As soon as the person starts speaking, turn off your mind and focus
- Ask questions that pertain to what they’re saying. Often times you might have something else on your mind that you’ve been meaning to ask them, hold those questions for later
Do you find that you have trouble focusing while people are talking to you? Do you want to give them your undivided attention? Comment on our Facebook page – we’d be happy to help you!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 27, 2012 at 9:04 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Office Observations, On The Job. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
When Being Late Is Not An Option
Feb 24th
Do you find that you’re always running late? Have you come to terms with this or have you tried a number of anecdotes to cure the spell of tardiness?
Unfortunately, all hiring managers and recruiters do not accept late candidates. Of course there are extenuating circumstances, but that is only in rare cases.
In an effort to help you land a job and subtract being late as one of the reasons you bomb the interview, here are some tips to help you in the future.
- An obvious solution would be to set an alarm. Even if you have to set an alarm to remind yourself to set an alarm – do whatever it takes to remind yourself to not be late!
- Stop trying to squeeze in other things. If you scheduled a time to leave, leave at that time. Always factor in obstacles along the way.
- If you’re a visual person, write it down. A schedule and calendar should keep you in check.
- If you are worried about being too early, don’t worry! You can always bring a book, camp out at a coffee shop, or if it’s a nice day, do some laps around the block.
There really is no excuse when it comes to being late. What are some tactics you utilize to make sure you’re always on time? Please post your comments on our Facebook page.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 24, 2012 at 8:07 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Interview, On The Job. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
No Voice In My Mail
Feb 20th
Here’s a tricky question.
What do you do when you receive a voicemail from a recruiter or hiring manager and you can’t hear their name in their message? They want to interview you, you heard the number and want to call back but you don’t know the name of the contact. What do you do?
This is especially troubling when you call a number where an operator answers asking where you’d like to be directed.
What to do?
- You can ask to be transferred to the Human Resources department
- Explain to whomever answers, that you received a call regarding ________ position and couldn’t hear the name on the phone. Make sure you express your interest in the position
Never say:
- I’m not sure who called me but I’m returning their call
- Oh, hi, someone called me regarding a position
In this case being honest and genuine about the mashed up voicemail works best.
Remember, receptionists are the eyes and ears of the company. The way you act and speak to them is the same as doing so with your recruiter.
If you have a special case and would like to ask our advice please comment on our Facebook page.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 20, 2012 at 7:37 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Interview, Interview With The Interviewer. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Hello? It’s Your Future Boss Calling…
Feb 17th
When you are actively looking for a job, your resume is most likely posted on various job boards. Due to the easy accessibility of your contact information, you must be aware of how, when, and where you answer all private and unrecognizable phone numbers. You never know, it could be your future boss on the line.
Below are some tips on how to answer these calls and make the most of the time you have to speak.
HOW
- Be professional. Do not answer your phone with a “Yo” or a “Hey.” Something more along the lines of, “Hello, this is insert name.” Make sure you have a pen, paper, and your agenda – in case you’re asked to schedule an interview. Take down the person’s name, number, and email address. Do not hang up without this information. If you feel awkward asking for it, simply say:
“What is the best way to contact you if I have further questions?”
WHERE
- If you are not in a quiet and calm place, do not answer the phone. Find somewhere enclosed, where you know you won’t be disturbed, answer or call back.
WHEN
- Do not answer these calls when you’re in your office or with current co-workers. If you see a private number on your phone step out and answer in a quiet place.
Do you have more questions about how to handle incoming calls from hiring managers? Please post on our wall. Have a great weekend!
Photo by: Inside Job Productions
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 17, 2012 at 5:17 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Interview, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
LinkedIn Musts
Feb 14th
If you’re actively seeking new job opportunities then it’s safe to assume that you have created a LinkedIn profile. Having a profile not only allows you to search for a new job but also makes you, the candidate, searchable by hiring managers.
However, having a profile is not enough. Don’t be startled; you have taken the first step and now you have to optimize your profile so it’s complete and ready to be found.
Here are our top five ways to make sure you are using LinkedIn to its full potential.
- Never give less than your best – make sure your profile is 100% complete. This way it will show up in more searches and will fully disclose your experience and exactly what you’re looking for.
- Connect with intention – some users connect with people just to connect. This is not the best practice when building your contacts. “Linkin” with those that can potentially help you in the future or people who you have been in touch with in the past.
- Update to stay up to date – you can update your status on LinkedIn just like you do on Facebook and Twitter. You can even make it easy on yourself by linking your account to your Facebook and Twitter accounts to update automatically.
- It’s OK to be a follower – be sure to follow the companies that interest you. They update their status as well and may even alert you to a job opening that interests you.
- Reach out for a recommendation – don’t be shy. Reach out to your network of co-workers or professional contacts and ask for a recommendation. This makes your profile stronger and proves you are a viable candidate.
Have you found there are some other ways to use LinkedIn that have helped you find a job? Please share on our Facebook page.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 14, 2012 at 8:23 pm, and is filed under SINC - Source, Interact, Network, Connect, Sites For Seekers, Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How to Love Your Job
Feb 10th
With Valentine’s Day around the corner we start to think about all the love in our lives. Speaking of love, how much do you love your job?
If you don’t love your job, there are ways to see past these obstacles:
- There is little fulfillment in your workplace
- Few promotional opportunities
- Office bullying
- Lack of say
- No work/life balance
One of the first points we would like to stress is to make the most of what you do. If you go to work every day and you feel negative, sluggish, without a daily plan, then there is a good chance your day will start spiraling downward.
But, if you walk into a new day with a positive outlook and a to-do list, things can change. Check off the items on our list and start to feel like you’re accomplishing goals!
You may also want to ask yourself if it’s the job or if it’s you.
If it’s you : Change your attitude and find the good in your job. Find the challenging spots and face them head on. Accomplish and you will see a difference in your attitude.
If it’s the job : Stop making excuses and start searching. You’ll be surprised at how much better just applying for a job makes you feel.
So if you don’t love your job but you are not in the position to make a move, here are some ways you can start to really like and bond with your current job.
- Get motivated
- Stay positive
- Consider the bigger picture
- Remember that you are more than what you do
- Don’t forget to take a break
- Once you leave the office, turn off! Don’t bring a bad day home with you
- Take action at work and find a niche that you love
- Take on more responsibility
- See if you can change departments
- Switch gears in some way where you can find LOVE in what you are doing
- Improve your workspace: plants, flowers, pictures, etc.
- Build relationships with your co-workers
While you’re in the process of falling in love with your job do not socially broadcast this process.
DO NOT:
- Announce on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn that you hate your job, boss, or co-workers. Remember that current and potential employers see your posts.
How do you find the love in your job?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 10, 2012 at 5:21 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, On The Job, SINC - Source, Interact, Network, Connect. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Feb 7th
Have you tried to read your resume as if you were a hiring manager? Did you take the time to personalize your resume and your job experience to compliment the bulleted “job responsibilities” in the job description?
If you’re answers to these questions are “no” then you have not taken the appropriate steps in optimizing your resume to its fullest potential.
Think about your resume as an ad campaign. This piece of paper should be plastered with selling points and past successes demonstrated at your previous and current employers.
Use your resume as a platform to prove all your success. Try and avoid listing responsibilities. Listing doesn’t show the hiring manager that you are capable of executing the skills the job requires. Citing your responsibilities only serves as your own personal job description.
Try and compose your resume as if you are proving you can undertake all responsibilities and qualifications listed in the job description. This way you will be filling in the blanks instead of reiterating what the company already knows they want.
If you have any questions regarding how to make yourself stand out in your resume please comment on our Facebook page.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 7, 2012 at 8:57 pm, and is filed under Right Your Resume. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Is E-mail The New Snail Mail?
Feb 6th
Technology and social media platforms have been growing at a quick pace. Job seekers have shifted from sending hard copies of their resumes to faxing to emailing to applying with a simple click of a button through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Do you remember when classified ads and red pens were your go to search tool when searching for new opportunities?
All of these methods are being tweaked to make us move faster, apply sooner, and land a job quicker.
Once you get the job you seek you may no longer be emailing or talking on the phone with your co-workers.
Behold – social media for the office!
There are two platforms in particular that have sparked our interest: Yammer and Chatter. Both can be used in office for quicker responses, online meetings, and sharing files. These two tools are great for telecommuting co-workers as well.
This social network allows employees within a company to connect and collaborate in teams. You can see your colleague’s current projects and bounce ideas off of each other through this interactive, instantaneous platform.
There are three different membership options:
Basic – Free
Business (Up to 100 users) – $5 per user a month. This plan is customizable with comprehensive security and administrative controls
Enterprise (100+ users to qualify) – “Scalable enterprise social networking that integrates with your existing business systems at a discount for your entire organization.”
See the plans in more detail here.
This specific social media network is the same idea as Yammer without the tiered plan options.
Chatter.com is free. Our favorite feature on the site is “Top 10 Ways to Use Chatter.”
The slide show highlights screen shots giving the customer a visual of how Chatter can work for them and their co-workers.
Both networks have apps available to download on your mobile device: iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android.
Would you consider using these methods of communication in your office setting?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 6, 2012 at 7:48 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Chronicles For Clients, Out and About, SINC - Source, Interact, Network, Connect, Sites For Seekers, Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
