Office Observations
Preparing for the Interview
Mar 6th
Scoring an interview is only half the battle – you also have to land the job. Here is a list of some of the best ways to be prepared if you want to land your dream job.
Do Your Research
Know the company you are interviewing for inside and out, and be ready to ask questions. A good place to start is the company’s website or their LinkedIn if they have one. Check out the company’s mission, what projects they are pursuing, and be aware of their competitors. Ellen Gordon Reeves, the author of Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?, stresses the importance of research: “you need to know as much as possible about the people you are interviewing with”.
Review Accomplishments from Your Last Job
Spend some time thinking about what you accomplished at your last job, and be ready to talk about your position and what your specific duties were. Especially if you’ve been unemployed, it’s always a good idea to spend some time refreshing your memory. Be sure to come up with a few specific problems you’ve dealt with, in order to be prepared for questions.
Know Why You Want the Job
Yes, you want to be able to pay the rent, but why are you really applying to this job specifically? What are your underlying goals and motivations? What do you know about the industry and what can you bring to the company? There are all questions you should have answers to before you go in for the interview.
Be Prepared to Answer Questions
Don’t bet on spontaneously coming up with great answers to interview questions. Have a friend sit down and be serious about going over potential interview questions . It will feel awkward at first, but practice is the best way to ensure that your answers come naturally.
Employers generally want to get a good sense of the following:
- Your background, experiences, education, and overall qualifications
- Your knowledge of the job,, their company, and the industry.
- Your personality, work style and social style.
- Your skills
- Your future goals, career aspirations and how motivated you will be in the position.
Be able to talk about this list of things, and you should be able to answer most questions you are given in an interview.
If you’d like a list of common interview questions, you can find them broken down into categories here:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/practice/a/practice-interview-questions.htm.
Be Prepared with Questions for the Interviewer
You should come to every interview with at least three good questions to ask your interviewer. If you’ve done your research on the company, coming up with some questions shouldn’t be hard. Here are some examples of solid questions:
-What performance expectations do you have for a successful employee in this position?
-Tell me about some of the company ( or department’s) successes in the past few years.
-Can you explain a typical project that I would be working on? What does a day in this position look like?
Look the Part
Don’t feel like you need to go out and buy an expensive outfit, but do make sure you plan an outfit ahead of time so will look put together. For a first interview it is always best to look more conservative than not, even if the company turns out to have a more business casual environment.
Bring Your Resume
It seems obvious, but can be easy to forget. Always have three copies.
Good luck!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 6, 2013 at 6:14 pm, and is filed under Job Search, Office Observations, 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. |
Influence and Persuasion in the Office
Oct 16th
“Influence is not really a skill, although it requires skill. Influence is who you are and how you are perceived by others. It is vital to be skilled at communicating in an influential way, to understand how others think, how to connect with them and how to persuade them.” ~ Suzanne Bates, Author of Discover your CEO Brand.
This couldn’t be better said. You might be thinking influence and persuasion are only for the leaders, but this is not true. It is an essential skill we all must have for career growth. Before you can persuade, you must be well prepared for others to be influenced by you. The best approach to influencing others is to use a combination of sincerity, authenticity, persistence and communication skills. In order to accomplish these attributes you must first serve as a role model for what you expect from others. For example, if you want work turned in on time, turn your work in ahead of time.
Strive to understand before trying to be understood. You need to have a reason(s) and have established credibility as to why someone should listen to you. Once you’ve accomplished all of this you must be able to communicate effectively, otherwise all is lost. Remember, practice makes perfect. Practice by yourself what you want to communicate to others before going out there. Other tactics include planning events and activities with your coworkers. If people look forward to hearing from you then your ability to persuade becomes that much easier.
Do not fall victim of too much information (TMI). It is important to be a good listener, but don’t share confidential information or gossip about coworkers. Getting along with coworkers is a skill that must be learned and not taken for granted. Above all, LISTEN! You absolutely must know what your audience in order of hoping to influence and persuade.
For more ways to influence people at work, click here.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on October 16, 2012 at 2:45 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Office Observations. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Calling Out Rich
Mar 30th
As you may or may not know, the Mega Million is $640 million dollars.
Of course, PCG has pooled some extra cash together to buy more than a few tickets. “Hey, you never know.”
As we made photocopies of all our tickets we asked:
“What if we won? Would we quit our job?
Some of us said that we would request to work part time or remotely. Then there were the scared “Of course not” and the uncertain, “I’ll tell you when I win.”
What would you do if you won the lottery tonight? Would you call out rich on Monday? Leave your comments here…
Have a great weekend and GOOD LUCK!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 30, 2012 at 8:04 pm, and is filed under Office Observations. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Push The Envelope
Mar 9th
Happy Friday! As the week comes to an end we reflect on the week and go over what we’ve accomplished. At the end of the day on Friday, we write down what we have planned for next week. We find this makes us productive and more likely to stay on path. However, veering off your everyday work agenda might work in your favor.
Do some brainstorming and present innovative ideas to challenge the responsibilities of your job.
What happens when your ideas get rejected? Move on to the next bright idea and keep going!
Let the criticism motivate you to continue to be inventive and risky in your creativity.
In the end, one idea will work and you will have added new specs to your job. Not only will this keep you challenged in your current role but it will build your resume at the same time.
Do something different next week. Get inspired.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 9, 2012 at 4:28 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. |
New Space – New Attitude
Mar 1st
The inspiration for this post comes from Pyramid Consulting Group’s newest move. We just moved our office down the street but this change makes all the difference.
Check out our space!
Some people fear change, but this type of change brings about fresh new ideas, projects, and even a little motivation. The trick here is that just because you feel you are in a slump at your desk, doesn’t mean it’s time to encourage the boss to move locations.
You can make simple changes in your personal workspace to encourage your mind to stay fresh and eager.
Now you’re asking yourself what you can do differently to spice up your space…
- Have you thought about spring cleaning? It’s about that time. Take an hour to go through your junk drawers and files and purge all that you don’t need. Have a feng shui moment and just trash it!
- Rearrange the contents of your desk. You’ll find that this creates a small obstacle for your mind. It’s like switching up a routine – it challenges your mind and keeps you focused and alert.
- Bring some life into your space. Add some small plants.
- Need something inspiring to look at? Print some of your favorite quotes, scenes, and/or pictures and frame them. Find a place for them on your desk and look to them for a smile and motivation.
How do you spice up your office space?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 1, 2012 at 4:25 pm, and is filed under Inspiration, Office Observations, On The Job, Out and About. 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. |
What Motivates You At Work
Nov 30th
Aside from bonuses, raises, and promotions there are other motivators that encourage employees to work hard and feel good about doing so.
In a recent article on INC.com, Ilya Prozin makes some great points, listing nine ways to inspire.
Ideas like positive reinforcement, small rewards, team projects, and company parties are all on our list of great ways to bring a team of employees together.
What are some ways you are motivated and encouraged at work?
Please share!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on November 30, 2011 at 6:41 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Office Observations, Sites For Seekers. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Insight To Our Client Relationships
Nov 21st
Happy Monday Mentionings!
In a recent post by Todd Vician at Recruiting Blogs, he describes how candidates who back out of accepted job offers affect business relationships beyond that of candidate and recruiter.
On the inside, a side that candidates don’t usually experience, recruiters interact with their clients on the candidate’s behalf. These client relationships have been built and nurtured overtime.
As you may have learned, interviewing is a long and involved process. Relationships are formed, networking is done, and maintaining a good reputation should be top priority. It’s hard to continue working with a candidate who has lied, let you down, or backed out of an opportunity that they already accepted.
Like Vician explains to his candidate who went MIA after accepting a job offer with one of his clients:
“I gently reminded him of all the concerns he had expressed about his current company, the opportunity for a fresh start, how our role was more aligned to his stated future goals…etc. But, he was unswayed and he reneged his acceptance with us. So, I wished him well but also candidly shared with him that I didn’t expect we could ever come to terms again given that we now had to try to backfill the role we had sold him into with our client and might lose the work and client as a result. I impressed upon him that it wasn’t a personal issue but that his decision resulted in a very negative experience on our business and in our client relationship. I also commented that if he had any cold feet, he should have notified us sooner as a courtesy.”
When working with a multitude of parties in your job search be sure to always follow up and keep your recruiter updated. Even if you’ve received a counter offer and dread the inevitable awkward conversation – it’s better to let your recruiter know what is going on so they can follow up on their end with the client.
Think about:
- The other professionals involved in the process
- How quickly you are responding to questions, offers, etc. Take time to think long and hard about your decisions before acting irrationally or rashly
- Ask questions and follow up
If you find yourself in a bind regarding a job search, counter offer, or interview conundrum – please feel free to email sbellow(at)pyramidcg(dot)com with any questions.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on November 21, 2011 at 9:25 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Mentionings, Office Observations. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Aug 17th
Photo c/o Chicago Now
Do not let the excitement of a new job derail your manners. Saying goodbye to your current employer, no matter the relationship, sweet or sour, is hard.
Burning bridges in your career is not the best way to make progress and build solid, lasting relationships. Here are some ways to break the news lightly and professionally.
1. Give Notice
- Make sure you complete all projects and tasks that were assigned. If there is a deadline that comes after your end date, train and prepare the person taking your place. Or, if you are leaving before that person is set to start, draft detailed instructions to help them in their new role.
2. Face It
- There is no other option. Face your hiring manager/boss and tell them, up front, that you are giving your notice.
3. No Filters
- Be honest about why you are leaving – whether it’s for a higher salary, a more challenging role, or changing the path of your career.
4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T
- Like we said in the beginning, do not let the excitement of your new opportunity show through arrogantly. You may feel that you’re moving on to “better things” but leave that for your own personal celebration. Give thanks for the opportunity provided to you and end on a good note. The more references you have the better!
5. In Short
- We have found that dragging the explanation along only leaves room for you to ramble and maybe say things you don’t mean in order to fill the silence. Keep it short and to the point.
How have you broken up with your past jobs? Did you find that it was easy, hard, complicated?
Pleas share!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on August 17, 2011 at 3:46 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Human Resource, 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. |
The End Is Just The Beginning
Jun 17th
Congratulations! You are interviewing with the company you have been longing to work for.
The pressure is on. The hardest part is almost over. You’ve got your foot in the door and now you have to ACE the interview.
After you’ve answered all the tough and probing questions the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Be sure to ask them one or two.
Once the questions are answered and you and the hiring manager are winding down…make a statement.
Imagine this is your one chance to sell yourself and possibly solidify a position that will bring all your career cravings to life!
Your statement could sound something like this:
“I just want to thank you again for your time. I would like to leave you with a couple of reasons why I would be a great fit for this position. (Insert two to three reasons why you would be a great addition to this team/company.) Again, I appreciate your consideration and opportunity to learn more about the company’s history and future goals. I hope to hear from you regarding the next steps in the process.”
Your goal is to leave an impression. Don’t allow room for the hiring manager to forget you. You are an asset.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on June 17, 2011 at 2:51 pm, and is filed under Human Resource, Interview With The Interviewer, Office Observations, 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. |
