India Job Explorer: 4/13/08

Apr 18, 2008

International and Domestic BPO`s.

HI !!!

We have Great Job opportunities in International and Domestic BPO`s.

Choose the option that suits you best and call us or mail us.

1. Domestic - Call centers of Reputed Banks
2. International - Inbound Technical Support
3. International - Collections
4. Salary upto 20k
5. Dayshifts Available

WE HAVE CALL CENTERS FOR INBOUND, OUTBOUND, DAYSHIFTS, CUSTOMER CARE, TELE SALES, TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCESSES.

CANDIDATES MUST POSSESS GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS AS ALL THE OPENINGS ARE FOR VOICE PROCESSES WHERE YOU HAVE TO INTERACT WITH THE CUSTOMERS OVER THE PHONE.

BENEFITS: FIVE DAYS A WEEK, PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES, PERSONAL GROWTH, WORLD CLASS TRAINING, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, MEALS TRANSPORT, MEDICAL, INSURANCE ETC.

YOU CAN BE FROM ANY FIELD

GRADUATE / UNDER GRADUATE / POST GRADUATE / FRESHERS / EXPERIENCED

*CALL GEETA / KAJAL FROM MON – SAT 10 AM – 5 PM FOR A TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW*

*GET OFFER LETTER ON THE SPOT*

*GREAT SALARY AND GOOD WORKING ENVIRONMENT*

*EXCELLENT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRESHERS
AND EXPERIENCED*

*OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH REPUTED BANKS & INTERNATIONAL BPO`S*

hr@mountainheights.com

CONTACT GEETA / KAJAL AT – CALL – 011 – 24508517 – 9213938110 - 011-42770347

REGARDS

RECRUITMENT TEAM

MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS

URGENT OPENING FOR SALES PROFESIONALS

A TOP MOST LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY REQUIRING SALES PROFESSIONALS FOR THERE MANAGERIAL POST.

JOB PROFILE.:

1.      Hiring a team of financial associates and training them, motivating them and advising them to generate maximum business of life insurance products.
2.      The process of making a team of insurance advisers will be done the personal contacts of the Sales Managers.
3.      Proper training will be provided to all Sales Managers and Advisors to increase the number of sales of products and convince the customer in proper format in terms of goodwill of the company and benefits of the products for the customers.

JOB REQUIREMENT.:

•       Any Graduate or post Graduate with excellent communications and personality.
•       Any individual with good experience into direct sales and marketing and a good performance track record in his previous experiences.
•       Any individual with good leadership skills and man management experience.
•       Any individual with good social network and contacts where he has to make his own team on commission basis.
•       Good knowledge of the market and client interaction is plus point.

COMPENSATION.:

•       SALES MANAGER – 2.4 LACs to 4 LACs + Reimbursments and lucrative Incentives.

EXPERIENCE.:

Min - 1 yrs to Max - 8 yrs of experience into marketing and Sales

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE REVERT BACK TO US WITH YOUR UPDATED RESUME OR CALL US AT THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS -

Mr. Nishith Gautam – 9999679392
Mr. Deepak Kumar – 9873394330

Thanks and Regards,

Nishith Gautam
9999679392

Realm HR Solutions
C-257, Govindpuram,
Ghaziabad.

www.realmhr.co.in
jobs.realm@gmail.com

LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY REQUIRES SALES MANAGER

LEADING LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY REQUIRES SALES MANAGER IN YOUR RESPECTIVE CITY(Delhi& Ncr)

PROFILE : -
1. APPOINTING AGENTS AND ADVISORS,
2. HANDLING TEAM OF INSURANCE ADVISORS
3. MOTIVATING THEM FOR BETTER OUTPUT
4. TRAIN THEM TO GENERATE LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS
5. MANAGE THEM TO ACHIEVE THE SPECIFIED TARGETS

PREFFERED CANDIDATES :-
1. PHARMA SALES
2. TELECOM SALES
3. FMCG SALES
4. RETAIL
5. DIRECT SALES ANY DIRECT SALES

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE INTO HARDCORE SALES SHOULD BE 2YRS WITH GOOD LINKS AND NETWORKS.

SALARY – 1.8LAC TO 5LAC + Handsome reimbursments & incentives.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES MAY APPLY ON IMMEDIATE BASIS OR MAY CALL

Sangita-09313970821,01141670533

Email-sangeeta.fpc@gmail.com

Urgent Openings for Team Members - Back-End Operations

Hope this mail finds you in good health and spirit. We are currently recruiting for Bank of America Continuum Solutions Pvt. Ltd. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America, set up under Bank of America's Global delivery model.

Interview Date:- 21-04-2008

Kindly mention your preferred company and your Designation

Openings for Team Member - Back-End Operations
Key highlights of the position:
Excellent work environment.
Office location – Gurgaon/Delhi.

The incumbent should have:
·         Any graduate with reasonably good education record
·         Background in BPO industry would be an added advantage.
·         0 to 18 Months of experience, preferably in a multinational environment.
·         Strong Analytical Skills
·         Good communication skills, and command over spoken/ written English.
·         Typing speed of at least 25-30 Word/Minute with 95%+ accuracy.!
·         Self motivated and willingness to work in shift in a 24X7 environment.

We would therefore request you to mail your updated resume to nirdesh.kumar@careertrack.co.in for further action on the same.
Feel free to call 9999030202
Please mention the following details as well:

Present Salary with all benefits and perks:
Expected Salary:
Joining Time / Notice Period.

We have multiple positions for this profile and would appreciate as many referrals as possible.
Please refer your friends through our referral program on the website.
Hope to hearing from you soon.

Thanks and Regards,
Team CareerTrack. Inc.
9999030202
www.careertrack.co.in

vCustomer Corporation

INTERVIEW CALL -

vCustomer Corporation is a leading U.S. based global provider of Customer Care, Call Center, Relay, Directory Assistance and Technology Support Services to Fortune 1000 companies. Headquartered in Kirkland, WA, USA, the company operates facilities in U.S. and India.

We have openings for the post of Technical Support Engineer and if you feel that your profile can match with our requirements, then you are required to come for the interview

Technical Support Engineer(Voice Profile)

Desired Profile:

BE/B.Tech/BCA/B.Sc./Diploma Holders/GNIIT/CCNA/MCSE/CCNP/BIT/BIS/MSc

Good knowledge in computer networking/operating system

Excellent communication skills

Willing to work in 24x7 rotational shifts

Experience 0 - 2 years

Freshers may also apply

Compensation – 17, 070 Rs. per month + perks

Customer Care Executive

Desired Profile:

Excellent communication skills

Willing to work in 24x7 rotational shifts

Experience 0 - 2 years

Freshers may also apply

Compensation – 14, 070 Rs. per month + perks

You are requested to make yourself available for interview as per the following details,

Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 P.M

Date- 21st April,08 & 22nd april,08.

NOTE: sunday and saturady is an off.

IMP-18Yrs TO 30Yrs are only eligble to apply for these positions.

Venue :

B-1/G3, Mohan Cooperative industrial Estate,

Mathura Road, Delhi

Phone.No.- 011-41678901

Landmark : Near Opel Showroom

Urgent Openings for Process Associate - Banking Back-End Operations

Interview Date:- 21-04-2008

Kindly mention your preferred company and your Designation

Openings for Process Associate - Banking Back-End Operations

Key highlights of the position:
Excellent work environment.
Office location – Gurgaon.

The incumbent should have:

Any graduate with reasonably good education record
Background in BPO industry would be an added advantage.
0 to 2 Year's of experience, preferably in a multinational environment.
Attractive remuneration as per the market standards.
Strong Analytical Skills
Good communication skills, and command over spoken/ written English.
Typing speed of at least 25-30 Word/Minute with 95%+ accuracy.!
Self motivated and willingness to work in shift in a 24X7 environment.

We would therefore request you to mail your updated resume to neha@careertrack.co.in for further action on the same.
Feel free to call 9999004858
Please mention the following details as well:

Present Salary with all benefits and perks:
Expected Salary:
Joining Time / Notice Period.

www.careertrack.co.in

Apr 13, 2008

Job Explorer's Interview Special Edition

Job Explorer's Interview Special Articles to help you find your dream job.

Investorline Services – Diversified Editions

The Game begins NOW – WIN a Gift Voucher from Future Bazaar.

We are pleased to launch our own Mutual Funds NAV system at- mutualfundsnav.blogspot.com where you can access the latest Net Assets Value (NAV) of all Mutual Funds in India (AMC wise).

Its been a short journey since Dec-2007 when we first launched our Life Insurance blog and then slowly moved ahead and launched the below blogs-

India Investor- http://india-investor.blogspot.com/ - Information on Investment Industry in India and helping Investors in making the right Investments decision. Subscribe to Investor

News Alerts- http://india-news-alerts.blogspot.com/ - Latest News happenings from the most reliable and trusted Newspapers and News reporting sites. Subscribe to News Alerts

Investorline Services - http://investorline-india.blogspot.com/ - Mutual Funds and Life Insurance Advisory Services. Deals in Mutual Funds investments and insurance solutions. Subscribe to Investorline performance reports and research & analytical reports from the MF & Insurance

India Insured - http://indiainsured.blogspot.com/- News related to Insurance industry in India and Life Insurance Policy details, research and analysis of all the insurance companies in India. Will help you find the right Insurance policy for you and your Family. Subscribe to Research into Insurance- India Insured.

Indian Capital Market Basics - http://indian-capital-market-basics.blogspot.com/ - Want to learn and invest in the market but don't know where to go, then come here. It will provide you some of most basics concepts for beginners and advanced strategies for the veteran markets analysts. Its subscriber base includes analysts and employees from some of the best known banks and investment groups. Subscribe to Capital Markets Knowledge Center

Mutual Funds NAV - http://mutualfundsnav.blogspot.com/ - Get the Latest NAV report on all the Mutual funds in India daily. Subscribe to Latest NAV Reports.

Me-Outsourced - http://me-outsourced.blogspot.com/ - Anything that relates to society, Country, or People, you or me with the content topics that ranges from anything to everything for all the age groups across all the countries on earth. Subscribe to Me-Outsourced

Forwarded Emails - http://email-forward.blogspot.com/ - Some Funny stuff (sometimes learning based) – A collection of some of the best mails ever forwarded across the colleges, offices, countries, friends, enemies, kids, people, boss to the employees and to you and me. Subscribe to Forwarded Emails

India Job Explorer - http://indiajobexplorer.blogspot.com/ - A center stage for all the job portals, we will post the job postings from all this sites with the detailed information for that vacancy. (Still Under construction). Subscribe to Job Explorer.

World Festivals - http://world-festivals.blogspot.com/ - A cultural and religious stuff. Will include some basics information & the interesting facts and resources to some of the festivals celebrated across the globe. Subscribe to World Festivals

We would appreciate if you could provide us valuable feedback so that we can improve the quality of our posts and serve you better. We would also like to invite the articles from you for all the blogs listed above. The Best article will win Rs 500/- gift Vouchers from Future Bazaar (Future Group Company). The Game begins NOW.

Last date of entry- 10 May, 2008.

Email us at- Indiainsured@gmail.com

Write Subject as: Contest – 4408 – Launchpad Step-1

Do not forget to mention your Name, Email, contact address, and phone.

The winning post will be posted on our blog and will be sent to all our subscribers across all the blogs.

Thanks & Regards,

Investorline Services

For Mutual Funds Investments contact us at rajesh@investorline.co.in

PS- Please send only original articles, failing which you will be disqualified from the contest.

E-Books Collection

--
Posted By India Insured to me outsourced at 4/14/2008 12:53:00 AM

Danger: Bad Job Ahead

Danger: Bad Job Ahead

Robert Half International

For job seekers, especially those who have been looking for work for a while, receiving an employment offer is cause for serious celebration. So it's not surprising that many accept a new position with little hesitation.

But before signing on the dotted line, step back and consider if the opportunity is right for you. While in some cases a pressing need for quick cash may outweigh any potential drawbacks to a new role, if you are in a position to be selective, it can be wise to consider every angle. After all, a position with a company isn't a short-term affair.

Following are some warning signs to watch out for to help ensure the job offer you've been dreaming of doesn't lead to a nightmare work experience:

No written job offer

If you are accepting a professional position with a fairly large firm, a written offer is important because it ensures that you and the employer are on the same wavelength when it comes to pay, responsibilities and other important details about the job. Warning sign no. 1 is if you aren't given an offer letter at all or any concrete details of the position and pay.

Ideally, you want to get the following in writing:

# Your job title

# The names of the people you will be reporting to

# Your starting salary or wage

# Any special requirements or agreements, such as details regarding moving costs, a signing-on fee or the fact that your position requires extensive travel

If the written offer differs in any way from what you discussed with the recruiting manager, notify the person so he or she can issue you an updated statement. If the information is still not what you expected and the potential employer doesn't take steps to correct it, it could mean that what you were promised during the interview process won't become reality.

You're pressured to make a decision

Taking on a new job is a potentially life-changing decision. As such, an organisation should give you adequate time – usually a few days – to mull things over. If you're pressured to accept an offer on the spot, ask yourself why the company is in such a rush. Is the firm in desperate need of somebody – anybody – to fill the vacant job? Is the recruiting manager hoping you accept an offer below your true worth? Once on board, will you be pressured to make other decisions without being given the opportunity to weigh the options? Proceed with caution.

The process takes far too long

You first job interview with a potential employer was four months ago. Since then, you've been called back for a number of follow-up meetings, each of which you think went really well. But with no job offer in the offing, you're starting to wonder what more you have to prove – and how much longer you'll have to wait.

Finding the right person for an open position takes time, especially for higher-level roles. In fact, research conducted by Robert Half International indicates that companies interview an average of six job candidates for each vacant position. Given the deliberate approach many firms are taking, it shouldn't be surprising that you aren't asked to join the organisation within a few days of submitting your C.V.

However, if the process drags on for months without sufficient explanation from the recruiting manager, consider it a warning sign. The company may still be in the process drawing up a job description for the position, meaning the end result could be very different to what you applied for. Or the firm may be unsure of its ability to pay for another full-time employee.

You and your colleagues don't mix

During the interview process, you probably met with a few potential colleagues, including your future boss. Getting along with the people you work with is crucial to not only your daily satisfaction but also your professional future. Minor variations in work style are manageable, but fundamental differences could mean turbulence once you're on the job. Take heed if you had trouble creating a rapport with these individuals or sense the potential for conflict.

The corporate culture is questionable

Corporate culture varies widely from one place of employment to the next, and if your personality is not compatible with your future firm's, then the chances are the job will not go smoothly. For example, you may be used to a boisterous work environment and be uncomfortable at the new firm, where employees can practically hear a pin drop. Or you may prefer to keep your professional and personal lives separate, leading to awkward situations if your new colleagues socialise frequently after work.

Remember that once you accept a job offer, whether verbally or in writing, it's hard to change your mind. Backing out of the deal could significantly harm your professional reputation and burn any bridges you have with that employer. So, before saying yes, look at the entire package – from salary and benefits to colleagues and corporate culture – and make sure there are no warning signs that the job is not for you.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialised staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Use the Friend System for Your Job Search: Five Tips

Use the Friend System for Your Job Search: Five Tips

CareerBuilder.co.uk

A lot of situations in life are easier when you have a friend at your side. Take, for example, losing weight. Many people who have tried for years to shed pounds are more successful once they start working with a friend. Programs like Weight Watchers have a support system to keep members going, offer words of encouragement and provide a helping hand when the going gets tough.

Now imagine what a similar support network could do for your job search. Utilising a "friend system" where you and a friend team up to look for new jobs may yield similar success. Here are a few ideas to get your own friend system started:

1. Find a friend in a similar situation.

You're probably not alone in your search for employment. Ask a friend or neighbour who is in a similar situation to team up with you. This will work best if you and your friend are not vying for the same jobs, so seek out someone who is in a different field. Make sure you join forces with someone you can count on and who is equally motivated to get a job.

2. Set ground rules.

If you were training for a marathon together, you would sit down and come up with a training plan, decide on the number of days and distance you would run together, and hold each other accountable. You and your job search friend need to do the same thing. Talk about your goals and what you expect from the other person. Schedule a weekly "check-in" to share ideas and report on your progress. Your partnership could also include sharing of leads and contacts. Keep an eye out for opportunities that the other person would be interested in.

3. Develop your plan of attack.

Next, figure out how the two of you will approach the search. Will you share and critique each other's C.V.s and cover letters? What about rehearsing interview questions? Consider attending job fairs together. Share online job search and company research results. Brainstorm contacts in your respective networks and swap names and information. Go shopping together for the perfect interview suit.

4. Tag team at networking events.

Networking events can be less intimidating and more manageable if you attend with a friend. Split up at events and agree to look out for the other person's interests as well as your own. Let's say, for example, that you are looking for a marketing position and your friend is interested in graphic design. You are likely to find contacts for both at the same events, so agree to introduce each other and speak on each other's behalf.

5. Practice, share ideas and support each other in challenges.

One of the best things about searching with a friend is having a confidante you can talk to. You and your friend can grill each other before interviews, discuss company facts, and debrief after each screening and interview. You can remind one another to follow up on leads and send thank-you notes in a timely manner. You can also bounce ideas off each other like salary negotiation tactics and money-saving tips to keep expenses down while out of work. Your friend can also offer a shoulder to cry on if you don't get your dream job and need a consoling ear.

There are many more things you and your friend can help each other with, from critiquing your personal sales pitch to offering honest opinions on companies and offers. The bottom line is that two heads -- and groups of contacts -- are always better than one. Working with a friend will double your resources and put another person in your corner to support you, no matter what.

Six Ways to Get Back in the Job Market

Six Ways to Get Back in the Job Market

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins

If you have been out of the job market for a while, you may feel intimidated by a job search. But don't be. Whether you have been comfortable in your current job for a long period and want a new challenge or even change career, or you are retuning to work after spending time away raising a family, you can make a smooth transition back into the into the job market.

Here are some tips and tricks that will prepare you to look beyond the obvious when searching for a new job.

1. Have a plan

The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true today as it has ever been. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your career plans and ambitions.

If you are just embarking on your career it is important to join an organisation noted for its training. Some organisations have built up reputations as excellent training providers or promoting from within, for example, and are industry-recognised as leaders in their field.

2. Become Internet savvy

Most online job boards, such as CareerBuilder.co.uk, offer job seekers the opportunity to register their details and CVs onto a database that can searched by potential employers, recruitment consultancies and head-hunting firms.

This puts your details in the public domain and increases your visibility in your chosen marketplace. And, most job boards will allow you to block your current company from seeing your details, so you don't have to worry if your boss discovers that you are actively looking for another job.

Create your own blog. Writing a blog gives you the opportunity to become a leading authority on your business. It also gives potential employers an insight into your character and -- if you keep it updated -- dedication.

Blogs can act as a personal PR tool too because you can link your blog to other blogs to create a network and this will further enhance your credibility and profile.

3. Become an expert in your field

One of the most effective ways of getting noticed quickly is by attracting media attention.

I am not suggesting that you have to go the extremes of appearing on "60 Minutes" or "Newsnight." But, writing articles for your trade publications or running seminars and presentations to business leaders will position you as a leading authority. The media will know you and so will potential employers.

4. Put it about and open some doors

The power of networking cannot be underestimated. Think of it like speed dating for workers -- self-promotion to impress a potential suitor (employer). Admittedly not everyone is comfortable schmoozzing with a room full of strangers.

But, networking can enable you to gain access to the hidden job market and it can take place at industry functions, breakfast meetings, online or even at the bus stop.

From a self-marketing point of view, networking can increase your chances of getting your next job by as much as 33 per cent, according to Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute?"

Keep your conversations short to give yourself the opportunity to speak to as many people in the room as possible. The more business cards and contacts you make the better.

5. Ask questions

If you are considering changing your career, ask someone who does the job that you want how they got where they are. People love to talk about themselves, it's human nature. And, the more people that you talk to, the more you will identify the key traits needed to achieve your ambition - and know what pitfalls to avoid.

6. Phone a friend

Personal recommendation and word of mouth are one of the most effective forms of advertising. Some career analysts suggest that 80 per cent of vacancies are not advertised.

After Y2K, a new school of marketing thought emerged that questioned the effectiveness of advertising in the modern age -- when did you last see Starbuck's advertising? They don't. But everyone has heard of Starbuck's.

So, contact ex-colleagues to unearth potential opportunities, and get client testimonials to add to your CV. And, increase your chances of being found by posting your CV on the CareerBuilder.co.uk database and let potential employers find you.

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins spent several years working within the online recruitment media. He is now a freelance writer specialising in all issues regarding careers, workplace issues, recruitment, interviews, and hiring trends.

Six Job Hunter Horror Stories

Six Job Hunter Horror Stories

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.co.uk Editor

Job hunting can be a scary endeavour. The following true stories will raise the hair on the neck of even the bravest job seekers. You can learn from their hard-earned lessons. (Names have been changed to protect the traumatised.)

Horror Story No. 1: The Invisible Man

"I'd been looking for a different job for several months and after much searching I was finally offered a new position," Julie N., an administrative assistant, says. "Of course I accepted, but days after I'd given notice to my current employer, my new employer called and told me they had re-evaluated their financial situation. They were rescinding their offer!

"Panicked, I tucked my tail between my legs and went looking for my current boss to tell her I wouldn't be resigning after all. I made every effort, but she was tied up in meetings all day. The following morning, during a staff meeting she made reference to my upcoming departure. I was stuck. I had no choice but to reveal my predicament and ask for my old job back – in front of the entire office staff. She gave me two months to find a new job."

Lesson: Always confirm a new job offer before you resign from the old one.

Horror Story No. 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street

"I once called regarding an ad for a 'marketing rep.' The interview consisted of walking door to door (in coat and tie) with another employee as we tried to sell car servicing vouchers," Phil G., an account executive, remembers. "He would try to make a sale, and then ask me to try one as part of the interviewing process. In between, my interviewer would ask me questions about my career goals and dreams.

We stopped for lunch at a McDonald's and he had to borrow money from me so he could eat! The final stage of the interview included a closed-door motivation session with all of the current marketing reps. They sang songs, clapped, and chanted the company motto (which I don't recall). I had to think fast. It was raining that day. I told my coach/interviewer that I had left my car window open. I got up, ran out and never looked back."

Lesson: When scheduling an interview, inquire about the role and location.

Horror Story No. 3: Friday the 13th

"One of my first jobs as a supervisor was to interview candidates for an administrative assistant position," John S. recalls. "We scheduled a full day of initial interviews. Following a very wet and rainy night, some areas of our office roof were leaking and maintenance had a couple of buckets in the hallway. Not a great first impression, but well, it was a quaint old office building.

"Each applicant had to complete a battery of written tests. As one candidate dutifully sat at a desk outside my office, I heard a 'crack,' a 'swoosh' and then a huge splash. The ceiling tile just above the candidate had collapsed under the weight of the rain water and drenched her. Wet but unharmed, the experience clearly dampened her spirits and her expensive interview suit. She immediately informed me that she was no longer interested in the job."

Lesson: Prepare for a rainy day and bring an umbrella.

Horror Story No. 4: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"Looking to escape the policies, procedures and politics of a big company, I sent my C.V. to a small, privately-owned manufacturing company that was looking for a top executive. I received an invitation from the owner of the company to come to an interview. His office had a fireplace, very comfortable-looking sofas and looked more like a living-room than an office. The interview went well and I was excited about the flexibility of the job, the tremendous earning potential and the opportunity to travel around the world to visit clients," Patrick L., a top financial executive says.

"That is, until the owner asked if my wife would be willing to travel with me. I explained that wasn't possible as she too was a professional and had her own full-time career. He then asked if I would be comfortable travelling with an escort as many of their international clients expected to be entertained and treated to lavish dinners with their significant others! Having invested an equal number of years in both my marriage and my career, I decided I wasn't willing to put either at risk, even if this sounded like my dream job."

Lesson: Don't lose sight of what really matters.

Horror Story No. 5: House of Wax

"I drove 300 miles each way at my own expense to interview for a position at a particular company," Matthew H., a marketing manager, says. "When I sat down for the interview, the interviewer (an assistant manager) only asked me ONE question, "Can you tell me about yourself?" After I gave a brief 90 second introduction, she indicated that was all the questions she had and asked if I had any questions for her."

"Somewhat baffled, I proceeded to INTERVIEW HER -- on her background and skills, her position, her department, the company, company culture, etc. With such a complacent and unenergetic attitude to recruiting qualified employees, I left that interview and the company unimpressed."

Lesson: Thoroughly research a company and prepare a list of questions before heading out to an interview.

Horror Story No. 6: Psycho

"I had been looking for an opportunity to relocate to the North-East from London and move into sales management, when I received a call from a company in Liverpool about a position as a regional sales manager. They offered to fly me in for an interview with two of their senior sales managers. I had heard industry rumours that the company wasn't doing too well and that their technology wasn't exactly keeping pace with the competition. But I was impressed that they were going to pay for me to fly in from London, and was flattered that they were interested in me," Tricia C., a national sales manager, recalls.

"When I arrived, I discovered that the address they provided was not a company office, but instead it was a low-budget B&B close to John Lennon airport. The room number they gave me was for a guest room, not a meeting room. I was greeted by two old seemingly unwashed guys in badly-fitting suits who had spread a number of company brochures out on the bed. The rumours were obviously true!"

Lesson: Trust your instincts and first impressions.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, recruitment trends and workplace issues.

10 Steps to Improve Your Job Chances

10 Steps to Improve Your Job Chances

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins

You have decided to look for a new job. But, in the haste to land your new job, you need to make sure that you have covered all the bases and approach your job search in a patient and professional manner.

These 10 tips will make sure that your job chances stay on the right track.

1. Develop a job search plan

The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true now as it has ever been. If you know where you want to be and the job you want, it is easier to get there. Therefore, split your job search into short- and long-term goals and identify the actions you need to take in order to reach them.

For example, will you need to develop new skills or gain a new professional qualification? What methods are you going to use to find a job: The Internet? Newspapers?

The more you know about your goals and the more ways you search for your next job, the greater your chances of finding your ideal job.

2. List your achievements

Employers want to know if you have the skills and experience they are looking for because they need to determine "What can this person do for my business?" They want to see evidence of jobs you have done that went above and beyond the basic requirements of your job role.

Look back over the last 12 months and pick out any notable successes or special projects that you were involved in -- this can then be used to show an employer when you are at interview stage. After all, if you have a trumpet to blow then blow it.

3. Revamp your CV

Your CV is designed to do just one thing: to get you an interview. The average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at a CV which means that you need to make an impression quickly and sell yourself.

Acting as your personal shop window, your CV enables buyers (employers) to see what you have to offer and good presentation is key to attracting their interest.

Writing a winning CV can be a challenge. But, by putting the mileage, in you will have a document that will make potential employers take action and invite you for an interview.

4. Decide the type of company you want to work for

You spend almost 70 per cent of your time at work during the course of a year, so it is important that you work in an environment and culture that you can enjoy and thrive. And, that means targeting organisations that match your goals and career values.

Luckily, many of the advertised jobs on CareerBuilder feature a link to the recruiting company's profile which will enable you to get an insight into their working environment.

After all, you don't want to find yourself embarking on the same exercise again this time next year because you made a decision in haste.

5. Use the Web

OK, so you are already on the Web but are you really using it to your advantage as a tool to help you get your next job? No? Then post your CV online, create your own personal account on different job boards and keep up to date with developments in your chosen field by reading the online community pages which will also give information about working in different sectors within your industry. Knowledge is power, they say.

6. Network

Talk to friends, call old work colleagues and attend industry trade shows or networking events. Networking may sound daunting but the more events you attend the easier it becomes. And, the higher up the corporate ladder you move the more and more everybody knows everybody else and a referral from one of your contact could help your career.

7. Customise your CV and covering letter

It may seem tempting to simply cut and paste the same CV and covering letter to several employers, but it could cost you in the long run. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying and only include relevant information that will demonstrate how your experience links to the advertised position.

For instance, if you are applying for a marketing role, make sure that your CV has a marketing bias highlighting your experience in this field.

8. Dress to impress

Shakespeare once said: "Apparel oft proclaims the man." Your image is the outer reflection of your inner self allowing people to judge and make assumptions of your personality and attitudes. Dressing successfully (or unsuccessfully) can make or break your interview.

Dress for the job you want not the job you already have.

9. Stay positive and avoid neg-heads

Job seeking is never easy and there will be times when you will want to give up and resign yourself to staying in your current job. But don't give up.

Experts estimate that the average job search can last anywhere from two to 10 months. So be patient and have the belief that you will find your dream job just around the corner. As Henry Ford said: "If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right."

10. Be good to yourself

Searching for a job is a job in itself and, unless you take a break away from it, you could start to feel exhausted and burnt out. Don't allow it to consume your every waking moment.

Allow time to relax with friends, listen to your iPod or go to the gym and participate in activities that you enjoy. Clearing your mind and replenishing your energy will enable you to resume your job search feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

25 Words That Can Hurt Your C.V.'s Chance of Success

25 Words That Can Hurt Your C.V.'s Chance of Success

CareerBuilder.co.uk

So, you're experienced? Before you advertise this in your C.V., be sure you can prove it.

Often, when job seekers try to sell themselves to potential employers, they load their C.V.s with vague claims that are transparent to recruiting managers, according to Scott Bennett, author of "The Elements of Resume Style" (published by AMACOM). By contrast, the most successful job seekers avoid these vague phrases on their C.V.s in favour of accomplishments.

Instead of making empty claims to demonstrate your work ethic, use brief, specific examples to demonstrate your skills. In other words, show, don't tell.

Bennett offers these examples:

Instead of... "Experience working in fast-paced environment"

Try... "Registered 120+ third-shift accident and emergency patients per night"

Instead of... "Excellent written communication skills"

Try... "Wrote jargon-free User Guide for 11,000 users"

Instead of... "Team player with cross-functional awareness"

Try... "Collaborated with clients, the Accounts Receivable Department and Sales to increase speed of receivables and prevent interruption of service to clients."

Instead of... "Demonstrated success in analysing client needs"

Try... "Created and implemented comprehensive needs assessment mechanism to help forecast demand for services and staffing."

The worst offenders

It's good to be hard-working and ambitious, right? The recruiting manager won't be convinced if you can't provide solid examples to back up your claims. Bennett suggests being extremely careful before using these nice-sounding but empty words in your C.V.

# Aggressive

# Ambitious

# Competent

# Creative

# Detail-oriented

# Determined

# Efficient

# Experienced

# Flexible

# Goal-oriented

# Hard-working

# Independent

# Innovative

# Knowledgeable

# Logical

# Motivated

# Meticulous

# People person

# Professional

# Reliable

# Resourceful

# Self-motivated

# Successful

# Team player

# Well-organised

Simple Steps to Get Your C.V. Into Shape

Simple Steps to Get Your C.V. Into Shape

Robert Half International

Writing a C.V. is a lot like going to the gym: it requires initiative, energy and dedication, and, at times, it can be daunting. In the long run, however, the hard work pays off and allows you to put your best foot forward with prospective employers.

This autumn, try out an exercise routine that will improve your career prospects: a five-step C.V.-writing workout. You may not have the muscle tone to show for it, but you'll have an impressive tool to use in your job search. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to your field, you can follow the same simple regimen.

Step 1: Establish an objective.

While the main goal of exercise may be to lose a little weight, a job seeker's ultimate aim is to be recruited. Start by including an objective on your C.V. It should spell out your career goals and your qualifications for the role. Although it is an optional element, an objective allows you to tailor your C.V. to the job vacancy. Make sure what you include in this section is targeted to the company and the job for which you are applying. Your objective might look something like this: "An entry-level position at a magazine that gives me an opportunity to apply my background in English and my three years' experience as editor of my university newspaper."

Step 2: Shift into high gear.

If you expect to see results, whether you're working on your calves or on your C.V., sooner or later, you've got to pick up the pace. Since the work history section is the most important element of your C.V., it's the best section to work hard on. Most employers prefer that applicants list their work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with their most recent jobs. Be sure to include the position, company, location and dates of employment. Use action words to describe your accomplishments and specifically demonstrate how you made a positive impact on the company. For example, it's not enough to say, "Grew territory revenue in excess of corporate goal." A statement such as, "Grew territory revenues 25% in less than six months, exceeding established goal of 15%," will impress employers more.

Remember that one size does not fit all on your C.V. If you're applying for a variety of roles, what you highlight should relate specifically to each unique job vacancy.

If you have been out of the workforce for some time or are looking to make a career change, consider grouping your work history under functional categories instead of chronologically.

Step 3: Eliminate extraneous activities.

Even the strongest athletes run out of steam when they overexert themselves. Avoid exhausting yourself, and the C.V. reader, by weeding out information that does not directly relate to the job at hand. For example, if you are currently in a finance role and a big fan of the circus, there's no point in mentioning your affinity for the flying trapeze. Or if you want to show off a particular skill that isn't included in the work history section, such as familiarity with a certain software application, list the training courses you've taken or certifications you've received. Just don't go into detail about personal hobbies that don't directly relate to the job.

Step 4: Don't forget the final stretch.

Feeling the burn of lactic acid build-up while exercising is one thing, but waking up in pain is another. Smart athletes know it's important to conclude their exercise routines with some final stretches. After you've written your C.V., you should give it one last look for grammar and punctuation errors, misspelled words and typos. Format the document so it's easy to read and appealing to the eye. Use boldface type for section headings, employer names and jobs titles, and leave ample white space so it doesn't look cluttered.

If you submit your application via e-mail, prepare the file as a plain-text document so it can be read on any computer system. Remove all formatting enhancements, such as underlining or boldface, and replace bullets with asterisks or dashes.

Step 5: Request a quick once-over.

If you've worked hard to develop well-defined abs, you shouldn't be afraid to show them off. Similarly, before submitting your C.V., show it to a few friends or professionals in the field and ask if they think it successfully highlights your background and skills. A pair of fresh eyes also can spot any errors that you've overlooked.

Writing a C.V. can be challenging, but it shouldn't make you break out in a sweat. Approach the task like you would a workout: Break it down into small steps, take your time and give each one your all. With a little effort and willpower, you're bound to strengthen your chances of landing the job you seek.

10 Questions to Dazzle a Future Employer

10 Questions to Dazzle a Future Employer

CareerBuilder

Your suit is crisp – you look impressive. Your C.V. is flawless – you seem great on paper. Now, for the last piece of the successful job search puzzle – carrying off the job interview with flying colours.

How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas in which you shine.

To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly dry-cleaned suit, try these 10 questions on for size:

1. "What type of salary growth and promotion opportunities does this position and the company offer?"

This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for any old job; you're looking to secure a career.

2. "How do you see me benefiting the company?"

Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for you to be recruited.

3. "What would my first project be if I'm recruited?"

This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being recruited. It also can give you a rough idea as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.

4. "Are continuing education and professional training stressed?"

This shows your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges or initiatives. Adaptability is very important in today's fickle economy and could be key to retaining your job in a reorganisation.

5. "Why did you choose this company?"

Hearing why a current employee opted to work at the firm can give you some insight into some of the strengths and opportunities within the organisation.

6. "What is the organisation's culture?"

This will reveal those "intangibles" of a company that have nothing to do with professional experience or required education. If you need a traditional office environment to stay focused and get the job done, a more creativity-driven workplace which allows music streaming from computers, very casual dress, and ultra-flexible schedules may not be conducive to your productivity.

7. "Who will carry out my appraisals if I'm recruited?"

Ask this question, and you'll discern the company and departmental structure under which you will be working. For instance, will you report directly to the company's chairman or will there be a succession of middle managers between you?

8. "What exactly are the job responsibilities?"

Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out that you're responsible for handing out the post.

9. "When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?"

Knowing this helps you determine the timing of your interview follow-up activities.

10. "May I contact you if I have other questions?"

It's always good to finish up an interview with this question. It keeps the door open for further communication, giving you one last chance to make your case.

Laura Morsch is a writer for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Source

Is Workplace Romance Really Taboo?

Is Workplace Romance Really Taboo?

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder Editor

You might have heard the warnings "don't dip your pen in the company ink," "don't go fishing off the company pier," in the U.S., and "don't mix business with pleasure," but for today's worker, that advice is considered outdated. With more time spent on the job, an emphasis on group collaboration and increased socialising with colleagues, today's workplace fosters more personal relationships among employees.

These days, more and more people have been involved in a romantic relationship with a colleague at some point in their career. CareerBuilder's "Office Romance" survey found that more than 55 percent of workers have gone out with someone who worked in the same company.

Vault.com reported similar findings in 2003, when 47 percent of workers admitted to having been involved in an office romance and an additional 19 percent said they would be willing to participate if the opportunity arose.

While the office tryst was once viewed as a no-no, society no longer frowns upon a romance that blooms between colleagues. 75 percent of workers surveyed told CareerBuilder that workers should be able to go out with anyone at work without repercussions. And only 7 percent of workers told Vault that office romances are always unacceptable.

"Not surprisingly, work turns out to be a good place to find someone who shares your interests, aims and ambitions," writes Margaret Heffernan in her book The Naked Truth. "The workplace is full of people who are exceptionally compatible with who we are: they have chosen the same area of work, they share many of our interests, they're often a similar age and driven by similar hopes and goals. And we're spending eight hours a day with these people! It's little wonder, then, that office affairs and marriages are so common."

Are these really one-time flings or are they legitimate couplings? Of those who told Vault they were involved in an office romance, 20 percent said it developed into a long-term relationship. And, in a survey of managers who dated someone from work by the American Management Association, 44 percent of respondents said their relationships led to marriage, 23 percent had a long-term relationship and 33 percent had short-term relationships. Studies show between 50 percent and 80 percent of companies do not have written policies on employees going out with one another.

Be careful: approach any office relationship with caution and check your employee manual to see if your company has a stated policy about employee relationships. At the first sign of flirtation, be discreet and think through the consequences if things don't work out.

It's critical to remember that people talk, warns relationship columnist April Masini. "People talk. No matter how friendly your colleagues are, or how tight-lipped the object of your affection seems, secrets are almost always shared with someone, whether accidentally or intentionally," she says. On other words say nothing and do nothing that you don't want everyone else to know about.

Almost half of those who told CareerBuilder.com they were involved with a colleague said they tried to keep it under wraps. Some diversionary tactics included flat out denial, laughing it off and even staging arguments. Author and radio presenter Debbie Mandel says although the taboo has lost its stigma, there are some things to keep in mind if you do become involved in a romance at work.

# Do your job efficiently and creatively. You cannot let your work ethic be compromised.

# Be a team player and readily available to help others. Don't give people a reason to think you are only working with your sweetheart.

# Stay clear of public displays of affection. Don't be demonstrative in public; leave that to lunch breaks or after work.

# Remember that people do break up. Make sure you remain professional and don't burn bridges.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, recruitment trends and workplace issues. Source

15 Excuses for Calling in Sick

15 Excuses for Calling in Sick

Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.co.uk

It's 6 a.m. and you are about to throw the alarm clock out the window. It's too cold out, you're tired, you had one too many in the pub last night, you've really got to clean your flat, and, most importantly, you haven't had much time to watch Richard and Judy recently.

"Just throw a sickie," you tell yourself. "They can get by for one day without me."

So, in your best sick voice, you leave a near-death sounding message for your boss and throw in a cough just to make it believable. Rory Bremner eat your heart out!

The art of deception

CareerBuilder.com recently took a look at employees who call in sick with bogus excuses. 43 percent of workers said they called in sick when they felt well at least once during the last year, up from 35 percent in the 2004 survey.

The most popular reason for missing work: good, old-fashioned rest. Almost 23 percent of workers said they just wanted to relax and catch up on sleep. 17 percent said they just didn't feel like going in, 16 percent attributed it to a doctor's appointment, and 9 percent said they had to catch up on housework and look after personal matters.

Three-day weekend or mid-week break?

38 percent of workers said they viewed sick days as being equivalent to holiday days. The most popular day for calling in sick when feeling well was Wednesday, with 27 percent of workers getting over the mid-week blues by fabricating an excuse. While extended weekend absences were also popular, with 26 percent of workers calling in sick on Monday and 14 percent on Friday, those partaking may have put themselves at more risk of scrutiny.

Your boss is no fool.

63 percent of recruiting managers said they are more suspicious of employees calling in sick on a Monday or Friday. The survey also revealed that some recruiting managers were less tolerant of workers pulling a sickie, with almost a quarter stating they fired an employee for missing work without a legitimate reason. While the definition of a sick day has evolved, with more employers including mental health and special circumstances in the description, workers should be mindful of company policies and their responsibilities as an employee.

"I was abducted by aliens..."

When asked to share the most unusual excuses workers gave for missing work, recruiting managers shared some of their favourite examples:

# "I'm too drunk to drive to work."

# "I accidentally flushed my keys down the toilet."

# "I had to help deliver a baby on my way to work." (Employee was not in the medical profession.)

# "I accidentally drove through the automatic garage door before it opened."

# "My boyfriend's snake escaped from its cage and I'm afraid to leave the bedroom until he gets home."

# "I'm too fat to get into my work outfit."

# "God didn't wake me." (Employee didn't believe in alarm clocks and thought a higher power would wake her when she was ready.)

# "I cut my fingernails too short, they're bleeding and I have to go to the doctor."

# "The ghosts in my house kept me up all night."

# "I forgot I was getting married today."

# "My cow bit me."

# "My son accidentally fell asleep next to wet cement in our garden. His foot fell in and we can't get it out."

# "I was walking down the street watching road works being done, fell in the hole and hurt myself."

# "I was walking my dog and slipped on a toad in my driveway and hurt my back."

# "My house lock jammed, and I'm locked in."

Rosemary Haefner is the Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com. She is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behavior, workplace issues, employee attitudes and HR initiatives. Source

Are You Sabotaging Your Career? Six Signs

Are You Sabotaging Your Career? Six Signs

Robert Half International

Stealing office supplies and not going to staff meetings will undoubtedly diminish your chances of securing the biggest and best office. But besides these faux pas, there are other, less-obvious activities that can hamper your career prospects. Perpetually missing deadlines – even by only a day or two – for example, also can spell disaster. Here are six additional no-nos that you should avoid on the job:

1. Failing to follow through.

You may be the hardest worker in the company, but if your boss and colleagues cannot rely on you to deliver results as promised, you may be passed over for plum assignments. Build their confidence by arriving at meetings on time and keeping them informed if you're unable to meet project deadlines. More importantly, execute your tasks with enthusiasm and attention to detail. In order to garner greater responsibilities or a more coveted role in the organisation, you must produce quality work in addition to sticking to the schedule.

2. Refusing to admit your mistakes.

Creating an excuse to justify poor performance is dishonest and unprofessional. Plus, chances are your ploy won't stand the test of time. If you make a mistake, own up to it, then devise a plan for both correcting and avoiding similar incidents in the future. Employees who accept responsibility demonstrate professional maturity and confidence.

3. Becoming complacent.

Enthusiastic employees who are not afraid to take calculated risks and assume new responsibilities find themselves in a prime position for a promotion or raise. Conversely, those who simply serve their time often get lost in the organisation. If you are serious about moving ahead, always go the extra mile. In addition, take steps to keep your skills up to date. The more talents you put to work for the company, the more valuable you are to it.

4. Running on empty.

Working on overdrive can be just as dangerous to your career as simply getting by. While taking on new projects and responsibilities is a great way to expand your skill set, too much of a good thing can lead to burnout. If you're spending excessive hours on the job, you may want to speak to your manager about delegating less important tasks to colleagues or adjusting your workload. It's also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day. Just a few minutes spent on a break each hour can help you recharge your batteries and work more productively.

5. Being too modest.

While no one enjoys working with someone who has an overly inflated ego, it's alright to blow your own trumpet in the office once in a while. Not receiving the credit you rightfully deserve – either through oversight or confusion about who actually performed the work – may not only cause hurt feelings but also can hinder your career growth. If you've successfully completed a major project or received great feedback from a client, don't be afraid to bring it to your manager's attention. One way is to track your accomplishments in a weekly activity report to help keep your boss informed of your performance.

6. Damaging team spirit.

Despite your best efforts, you won't always get along with everyone on your team. But that doesn't mean you should be a killjoy or take every opportunity to vent your frustrations. You'll likely work with members of the group again and need their assistance, so keep relationships friendly. Positive attitudes are contagious, as are negative ones.

A major mistake isn't the only thing that can damage a promising career. Sometimes more subtle mistakes can compromise your professional standing. Avoiding these six career killers will keep your professional reputation out of harm's way and may even put you on the fast track to promotion.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. Source

Are You Too Sexy For Your Job?

Are You Too Sexy For Your Job?

CareerBuilder

Warning: Too much cleavage can be hazardous to your career. This past year brought us two high-profile cases involving women who were deemed too sexy for their jobs.

In the U.S., Harvard librarian Desiree Goodwin, who holds two post-graduate degrees from Cornell University, claimed that she was passed over for promotion sixteen times because of the way she dressed and her physical attractiveness. Goodwin claimed the jobs she sought were given to women with less experience and education and that a supervisor told her she was perceived as a "pretty girl" who wore "sexy outfits."

Meanwhile, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Caterina Bonci, a Roman Catholic religion teacher, said she was fired from her job at a state-run school for being too sexy. (The school principal said both parents and teachers complained about her short skirts and extensive cleavage.)

"In the 14 years I had this job, I have always been attacked by my female colleagues and the rest of the staff because of my attractiveness," Bonci was quoted saying in the Italian media.

"And if you consider that at our parent-teacher meetings it was always the fathers who came to see me, one can see why I have so often been at the centre of attention and a target of gossip."

Bonci failed to win her job back; Goodwin not only lost her civil law case, but also had to foot the bill for Harvard's legal costs.

Fair or not, courts around the U.S. are upholding employers' rights to ban "sexy" dressing in the workplace. Just how do the courts define "sexy?" According to Eric Matusewitch, deputy director of the New York City Equal Employment Practices Commission, the courts consider "sexy" attire to be clothing that is particularly revealing and of extreme fit, as well as excessive use of make-up.

To those who argue that this discriminates against women, Matusewitch replies, "The code applies equally to both sexes. So, if employers require men to dress conservatively, they can require women to avoid tight, flashy and revealing outfits as well."

But forget legalities. The cases of Goodwin and Bonci illustrate what career experts have always known: dressing provocatively is a sure-fire way to sabotage your credibility at the office.

"If you flaunt your figure in a professional setting, colleagues and clients may question your judgment or make unflattering assumptions about your character," warns Susan RoAne, lecturer, author and business etiquette expert, who adds that several clients have sought her advice on how to inform employees that their revealing attire detracts from the company's image.

"After all, who wants to entrust their child to a teacher who dresses as if she'd rather be clubbing or invest their money with a financial planner who looks like she should be swinging from a strippers' pole?"

With the current "skin is in" fashions and the media full of images that suggest provocative dress is acceptable – even desirable – in the workplace, how can you make sure you don't cross the line? Here are some guidelines:

Skirts: Too little is too much. Skirt lengths should be no more than one hand-width above the knee.

Tops: Make sure there is at least one-inch of room between body and fabric and that it is long enough to conceal your midriff. Stomach, breasts, back and shoulders should be covered. Fabric should not be overly thin and a bra should be worn (with no straps revealed).

Dresses: No halter tops or cleavage-baring necklines. Avoid overly snug fits. Hemlines should hit no more than one hand-width above the knee.

Trousers: Shun overly tight or hip-hugger trousers or jeans that expose the midriff. Stick with neutral colours.

Shoes: Heels should be no higher than two inches; toe should be closed. Avoid shoes with straps, bright colours and patterns.

Hair: Keep your hair sleek and off your face. Avoid the high-maintenance, over-processed look.

Make-up: Keep it clean and natural. Avoid heavy eyeliner or evening lipsticks.

"Clothing and appearance are visual shorthand," RoAne concludes. "The point is to be noticed for your business skills, not your short skirts or push-up bra.

"If you want a job, dress the part. If you want to show off your body... well, that's what your free time is for." Source

Eight Signs Your Job is Doomed

Eight Signs Your Job is Doomed

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.co.uk Editor

Have you been feeling uneasy at work lately? Is your sixth sense telling you that there is some impending doom related to your job? Are colleagues avoiding you or whispering when you walk by? Follow your instincts and watch for these eight signs to find out if your days at work are numbered.

1. You're not being kept informed.

Have you seen your whole team walking out of the conference room after a meeting you were not informed of? Have you become the last to know anything and everything that is going on in your office? In the workplace, knowledge is power. Your company's act of keeping information from you and keeping you in the dark might be one way of preparing for life without you.

2. You are losing responsibilities.

Has your workload become a lot lighter in recent weeks while your colleagues seem to be taking on more? Is your input suddenly not needed in planning sessions for next year's budget? If your projects and past responsibilities have been passed on to others, it is another good sign that the team is making sure your work gets done once you are out the door.

3. Your job title has been changed, and it's not an upward move.

If you have received a new job title or new job description, pay attention to the differences. Is the new job a lateral move? Have you been demoted? The way you want to be moving in an organisation is up – not sideways or down.

4. Times are tough at your company.

Have you noticed several closed-door meetings full of executives with concerned faces? Are the HR managers and the Head of Payroll and working all night some nights? Is your company experiencing mounting losses or declining profits? Has recruitment been suspended? Many companies' first money-saving measure in difficult times is a personnel cut. If your job function is not essential, you might be one of the first for the chop.

5. You are suddenly being supervised very closely.

If you have always had a great deal of autonomy in the past and are now being scrutinised at every turn, there might be a serious reason behind this new form of management. Whether you feel you need your hand held or not, new scrutiny in the workplace can sometimes mean less confidence in your abilities.

6. You have received one or more negative reviews.

Good companies try to help employees recognise and understand ways in which they need to improve. Most have some kind of review system in place to help employees track their progress. If you have received a performance review that is negative, you need to take it to heart and make some changes. If you have multiple bad reviews under your belt and still haven't learned from them, your days probably are numbered. Just as bad, if you've had stellar reviews in the past and suddenly you are no longer regarded as a star performer, watch out!

7. The company is "reorganising."

Mergers, acquisitions and restructuring can all be good for business, but bad for employees. Are there rumours about another company buying your business? Is your company merging with another that has employees who do the same job as you? Pay attention to what you hear in the grapevine regarding the future of the business – it can also have a dramatic effect on your future.

8. You just haven't been performing.

When it comes down to brass tacks, you know your performance better than anyone. You know that you've been surfing the Internet when you should be finishing your reports; that you have spent hours making personal calls; and that your once hour-long lunches have grown increasingly longer. If your heart just has not been in your job lately, your superiors probably have taken notice. Think about it – if you were the boss, would you fire you? If so, you might want to start making plans for your exit strategy. Source

Six Signs That You Should Run -- Not Walk -- from Your New Job

Six Signs That You Should Run -- Not Walk -- from Your New Job

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.co.uk Editor

So you've finally landed a new job and you're thrilled. Hopefully, your new position will be one that provides you with support, great opportunities and plenty of recognition for your successes. Unfortunately, a company that seems like Cinderella during the interview process can end up looking more like an ugly stepsister once you actually join the team. Here are six real-life, obvious signs that it's time to run away and never look back!

1. You ask your new boss for supplies and she hands you a pencil and a small notepad -- and nothing else. While not all companies can afford to outfit employees with state-of-the-art laptops, mobile phones, palmtops and company credit cards, it is important that you are given the tools that you need in order to do your job. If you aren't, or if the company questions you every time you ask for a new pen, it could be an indication of financial stress.

2. You were shown to your desk on your first day at work, given a company manual and haven't been spoken to since. Even if you have years of experience, you should always be given some kind of orientation or training during your first days on a new job. The companies that are known as the best places to work all have substantial training programs and processes in place to make sure new employees feel comfortable and supported right from the start. Be wary if you feel like you have been left to go it alone.

3. Every time you tell someone about your new job with the company they raise their eyebrows and say 'Really? Wow... good luck with that.' A company's reputation isn't always completely accurate, but it does usually stem from legitimate information. Good companies to work for are typically well-known and well-respected in their communities. In fact, you should ask others in your industry and the local business community what their thoughts are about the company when you are doing your initial research. If everyone you ask has a negative tale about your new employer, the chances are that their impressions have some validity.

4. After two weeks on the job, you are already halfway to becoming the employee with the most seniority. One of the biggest issues for human resources professionals today is employee retention. You will notice that most of the country's top companies have employees who have been around for years. Lengthy employee tenure is often a sign that the company is doing something right. 'I joined a firm and learned that the company had seven other employees come and go in the past year,' says Sarah, a public relations executive. 'What's worse is that it was only a five-person operation. That should have been the first sign that the company was not a great place to work.'

5. You answer the phone while the company's secretary is away from her desk and find that the voice at the other end is a debt collection agency calling for the third time that week. While this sounds unbelievable, this actually happened to one worker, who said other employees at the company were eventually instructed to not answer the phones. 'It became a joke with all of us,' she commented. 'We used to run out and cash our pay cheques as soon as we got paid and were always afraid that they were going to bounce!' If you see any signs that your company is in real financial or legal trouble, get your C.V. back out on the market.

6. You notice that every day for the last five days, at least one person has run crying from your boss's office. While not everyone's boss is a bundle of joy, you should expect to be treated with respect in the workplace. If you see signs that the executives running your company make all of the other employees shake with fear, burst into tears or work on edge all the time, look for a greener pasture. There are companies out there that find success without putting employees through the ringer.

You will not know everything about your new company until you put in your time, but if you get a bad feeling right away, there is probably a good reason for it. Trust your instincts when you start a new job, and know what qualities you want to see when you walk into the office. Doing so can keep you from being stuck in a dead-end situation that leaves you frustrated and unfulfilled.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, recruitment trends and workplace issues. Other writers contributed to this article. http://www.careerbuilder.co.in/IN/JobSeeker/CareerAdvice/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=15

Top 10 Reasons They Don't Like You at Work

Top 10 Reasons They Don't Like You at Work

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.co.uk Editor

When you walk into the canteen, do the lively conversations stop? Do the groups quickly disband as everyone scrambles to head back to their offices? Do you think to yourself, "Was everybody's break really over or were they just trying to avoid me?"

If any of the following situations describe you, these might be the reason you feel left out:

1. "The Sky isn't really blue -- it's actually cyan"

Do you incessantly spout unnecessary or obscure information that would make a sad trainspotter jealous? Get rid of the "know-it-all" attitude or you'll make a career of lunching alone.

2. Chains of Love

Are you never around because you're always out on a "smoking break?" Limit your puffs to standard break times.

3. Workaholic Wannabe

Do you stroll in late, take extra long lunches and don't really start to roll-up your sleeves and dig into some serious work until about 2 p.m.? Then, do you make sure everyone sees you working past 5 p.m.? Well you're not impressing anyone; rather you're annoying those who already have put in a full day before you even get warmed up.

4. Hello Magazine -- Office Edition

You're very good at filing away information -- about everyone in the office! If you want to keep friends, learn to keep a secret.

5. Devil's Advocate

Do you feel compelled to take the other side of every argument just to make a point? Well stop it! Nothing is more exhausting for your colleagues than knowing you're always ready to challenge them no matter what they say.

6. Nattering

Do you go round the office forcing one-way conversations on your innocent victims? If the only response you receive is, "Right, umm, right," then they're not interested in your blather. Now get back to work!

7. Oh my ba-a-aby!

Related to the nattering talker is the baby babbler who incessantly gushes about her children. Only family and close friends should be privy to details about every syllable uttered, step taken or nappy dirtied. It's wonderful that you love your baby, but just keep the bragging brief.

8. Mr. Un-Clean

Leaving dishes in the sink, old food in the fridge, food splattered inside the microwave and crumbs on the break table is a sure-fire way to annoy fellow workers. Clean up your act.

9. What's that on your nose?

Do you constantly follow your boss around, laugh at all her jokes and drop her name in countless conversations? If so, then you are an arse-licker. Working in an office does require a certain amount of "schmoozing" the boss, but you don't have to tie yourself up in knots to impress her -- while alienating everyone else in the office.

10. Big mouth

Are your phone conversations loud enough to be from the speaker phone even though they're not? Dial down the volume to keep the peace.

If you recognise yourself in any of these scenarios, take heed. It's time to change your ways. Of course you can never please everyone, but healthy interoffice relationships are necessary to properly perform your duties and for future advancement in the company. So get rid of some of your annoying habits and you're sure to gain some new friends.

Why You're Always Cold (or Hot) at Work

Why You're Always Cold (or Hot) at Work

CareerBuilder

Is your office too cold, too hot or just right?

As you grab your favourite fleece -- again -- and curse management for banning additional heaters, the answer might be easy ... until you look around. As your teeth chatter uncontrollably, the person sitting right next to you is typing away, comfortable as can be, in short sleeves.

Glenn Friedman, a top executive at Taylor Engineering, a Florida-based mechanical design firm, estimates that 22.2 degrees Celcius (or 72 degrees Farenheit) is a middle-range comfort level for the workplace. A Cornell University study found the optimal office temperature to be about 25 degrees Celcius (or 77 degrees Farenheit).

But even in offices with optimal thermostats, studies have shown that some employees will still be unhappy. "If you take the average office environment and you interview people, you'll find about 80 percent of people in a 'comfort range' are comfortable," Friedman says.

This leaves workers facing a baffling question: How can some people in an office feel too hot, and others too cold, when they're sitting right next to each other?

The science behind temperature

Human brains have a thermostat centre located in the hypothalamus, at the base of the brain where automatic body function and regulation take place, according to Georgianna Donadio, D.C., M.Sc., Ph.D. -- a Boston-based educator and healthcare provider. The thyroid gland regulates our body's metabolism. For example, when it is cold outside, the skin registers the change in temperature and stimulates the hypothalamus and thyroid to increase metabolism and create more heat.

But people do not always regulate body temperature in the same way, Donadio says.

Vicki Rackner, a doctor and author of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Heart Disease,' says some variation in perceived temperature is normal. "Unique biological differences cause every person to have a unique ideal temperature," she says. "We each have an ideal temperature at which we thrive."

Donadio says a multitude of factors can cause an otherwise healthy person to feel warmer or colder than his or her peers. "The reason why a person is cold is very individual and unique to that person," she says.

# Weight -- "The more body fat you have, the more insulation you have, so you tend not to be as cold, generally," Donadio explains.

# Fitness -- Having more dense muscle helps the body regulate temperature more efficiently, Donadio says. "There's no question," she says, "that if you want to enhance the overall regulation of your system -- exercise! It's scientifically proven that it's the single most important thing anyone can do for themselves, ever."

# Diet -- People who do not get enough vitamins, minerals, protein, vegetables and other essential nutrients for a healthy metabolism could find themselves feeling tired and cold because their metabolism is not getting the nutrients it needs to work efficiently, Donadio says.

# Gender -- Women are more prone to hypothyroidism than men are, according to Donadio. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid works too little and causes the patient to feel cold. Women's body temperatures are also prone to irregularity due to their menstrual cycles and menopause, and women generally have less dense muscle mass than men do, which lowers their average body temperature.

# Age -- According to Donadio, as people age, their hormonal systems may begin to function differently. When they do not produce as many hormones as they once did, they may find themselves feeling colder. Likewise, hormonal surges associated with menopause can cause hot flashes.

# Stress -- Being too tense or uptight in the office could reduce your circulation, making you feel colder, Donadio says.

Keeping comfortable at work

If you find your office is unbearably hot or cold, don't immediately head to the doctor, Donadio says. Instead, first try some personal reflection. "If we listen to our bodies, our intuition, we can know why they're not warm or able to adapt to our environment -- and we know what's causing it," she says.

But if there is a very sudden or dramatic change in your body temperature, it may signal something more serious, like a thyroid problem, Vicki Rackner says.

"People who always have to wear more layers, for their whole life, that's probably just who they are," she says. "If they suddenly find they need four more layers, that may mean it's time to go in and see the doctor."

Laura Morsch is a writer for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, recruitment trends and workplace issues.

Get a Salary Rise: Six Tips

Get a Salary Rise: Six Tips

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins

Every day you go to work and you sell your products or services with passion and belief in their abilities. But how well can you sell 'Me Ltd'? If you feel that you are underpaid for the work that you do, would you know how to approach your employer to ask for a raise? Probably not, and most employers are wise to this.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, only a quarter of workers will get a pay rise this year which means that most of us will not get a rise at all.

So, how can you successfully negotiate a salary increase from your employer?

1. Ask for a meeting

Simply ask for a review meeting to discuss your performance but don't mention the main purpose because your boss is more likely to say 'No' there and then. You need to take control of the situation and arrange a meeting which will enable you to make your case and sell your argument.

2. Do your homework

You wouldn't walk into a client meeting unprepared would you? The same rule applies to asking for a pay rise.

Get up to speed with the average salaries in your industry for the role that you do -- look on the Internet, many Web sites have salary checkers that you can use, and look at job adverts to determine your actual worth. This will help you to make a strong argument for the figure you are asking for.

3. Get your timing right

Nobody owes you a job and no boss has to give you a pay rise simply because you want one. So, before you walk into you boss's office demanding that you get a pay increase, take a step back and ask yourself a few things first.

Was your last increase within the last nine months? If yes, ask yourself why you warrant another increase so soon. Has your performance justified asking for more money, have you been consistently achieving your targets? Do you outperform your colleagues?

The best time to negotiate is after a period of consistent performance that makes you the obvious candidate for a pay rise.

And, ask for it on a Friday afternoon because the boss will then have the weekend to worry about whether you are planning to leave the company or not.

4. Negotiate from a position of power

Put yourself in your boss's shoes, see your boss as your client -- he pays you to do a job for him and, if you want to increase your sales [salary], you need to justify the reasons why he should invest more of his annual personnel budget in you.

So, be prepared to sell your strengths and evidence of success. Demonstrate your contribution to revenue, cost-savings, increased revenues for your territory or quality of customer service for the last and next six months.

It is probable that your boss is not the final decision maker so you need to make your argument clear and concise to help get buy-in from the chain of command. Therefore, document it in a presentation format -- your boss may not remember what you have done and facts and figures are more effective when presented than when spoken.

Remember, pay raises are not about being fair; they are a business decision like all other business decisions and your boss will want to know what he will get in return from this extra investment.

5. Have a back-up plan if the answer is 'No'

Sometimes there are genuine reasons why you may not get a pay rise, such as economic conditions in the industry. But, it's not all about the money. Just because your boss has said 'No' to a pay rise doesn't mean that you cannot ask for non-financial benefits as an alternative.

You could ask for more paid time-off, a higher car-allowance or subsidised gym membership to help burn off all the extra calories gained during the festive period.

Perhaps you could ask for training and development that will enhance your skills and, ultimately, marketability - the company are more inclined to pay for this. After all, employees are the companies' biggest assets.

6. Finally, don't burn your bridges

If despite your best efforts you have not been able to successfully negotiate the pay rise that you want, you may decide that you feel undervalued by the organisation. But, at the very least, you should leave the door open for approaching the subject again in six months' time.

Even if you decide to look for another job don't do it with a bitter attitude. Who knows when your paths may cross again in the future.

Five Ways to Beat Workplace Stress

Five Ways to Beat Workplace Stress

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins

"After all the highways, and the trains, and the years, you end up worth more dead than alive," said Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman."

Do you no longer feel that you are getting satisfaction from your job, or are you questioning whether you are in the right job? Are you contemplating looking for a new position? If so, you are probably suffering from burn-out and not necessarily from a bad job.

It is caused by the way that you react to both positive and negative stress in your job. Stress is part and parcel of any job, so it is important to be able to identify the stress -- causing factors and turn them into positive experiences.

Here are some suggestions on ways to eliminate burn-out and stress.

1. Remember the good times

Think of the times when you felt a sense of professional achievement and identify the factors that contributed to that success, such as selling the big deal you had been working on for so long, winning promotion or creating new ideas.

2. Avoid negativity

Henry Ford said: 'If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right'. Using positive language creates an image in our minds that the subconscious soaks up. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania interviewed 350,000 executives and discovered that the top 10 per cent performers held a higher sense of optimism.

So, instead of looking at your new sales target and saying, "That's unrealistic." It is better to say, "If I break this down into manageable, smaller targets I can see how I will achieve this."

Backbiting colleagues, gossips and office politics can, given time, have a negative effect on you. Counteract negativity by focusing on the positives aspects of your work -- the "neg-heads" will soon realise that you won't entertain their bemoaning.

3. Get out more

Allow time to get out of the office and go out for lunch or coffee instead of sitting at the desk where you spend so much of your day. Turn off your phone, Blackberry and laptop and take some "me-time" away from work. These may seem like frivolous acts but you will return to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

4. Change your daily routine

The monotony of performing the same tasks daily can be frustrating. Take a different route to work, reorganise your desk or ask your boss for a new challenge -- perhaps taking on the responsibility of running the next team meeting or training new starters.

5. Finally, ask for help

There is no shame in asking for help, we are all human beings not human doings. All of us go through tough periods and you will earn the respect of your managers and peers if you ask for their advice and support. In my experience, what comes around goes around -- one day you may be the one that someone turns to for help.

To use a cliché, knowledge is power. Now you know what you can do when you are burnt-out and avoid letting things slip out of control like Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. It is not the situation that you are in now that matters; it's what you do about it.

Is Your C.V. a Lie?

Is Your C.V. a Lie?

CareerBuilder.com.

A C.V. is a marketing tool – it should showcase your experience and qualifications in the most succinct and relevant way possible. And that often means being selective in the kind of information that you include or being crafty in your wording.

But that doesn't mean you should lie. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 96% of HR professionals always conduct reference checks on job candidates, and more than half say they sometimes find inconsistencies.

Recruiters get so annoyed by misleading information on C.V.s that "lying or misleading information" ranked as one of the top recruiter pet hates in a survey by C.V.doctor.com.

According to the survey, the most common misleading statements put on C.V.s are:

# Inflated titles

# Inaccurate dates to cover up job frequent changes of job or gaps in employment

# Half-finished degrees, inflated education or "purchased" degrees that do not mean anything

# Inflated salaries

# Inflated accomplishments

# Out and out lies in regards to specific roles and duties

But what if your job is equivalent to a Senior Technology Manager and your job title is "Senior Project Leader"? Is changing your job title on your C.V. to reflect your responsibilities lying?

The crucial line between marketing and lying on a C.V. isn't always clearly drawn. But for those wondering how much exaggeration on your C.V. is too much, heed these tips from 25-year HR opinion leader and workplace commentator Liz Ryan:

1. You CANNOT change your dates of employment.

Were you a contract person recruited full time after a period of time in the job? Say so on your C.V. You can also mention you did contract or consulting work after leaving the company's regular payroll. But the dates must match your actual employment dates.

2. You CAN, to a limited degree, change the titles on your C.V.

Ryan suggests that if your company used odd job titles, it's okay to use an equivalent title that most people would recognise. However this does not mean it's acceptable to inflate your job title to imply you had more responsibility that you actually did.

"You cannot turn yourself from an Assistant Manager to a Manager with a wave of a magic wand," Ryan says. Likewise, if you worked in the purchasing department, you can't write that you were in marketing.

3. You CANNOT mess around with academic credentials.

If you didn't quite pass the final year of a degree course, say so on your C.V. A professional-development course at a university is not the same thing as an actual academic course – and should not be treated as such. And you cannot change your degree from Chemistry to Business – that is just as serious a crime as inventing a degree, because that's what you're essentially doing.

4. You CAN leave out irrelevant jobs.

If you are willing to explain a three-month gap in between jobs, you don't have to mention that you took a horrible job at a call centre and resigned right away. You also don't need to list every job you've had for the last 25 years. Stick with the most recent and relevant experience.

5. You CANNOT get away with lying if your company went under.

Some candidates feel that they can take major liberties with their C.V.s when they companies they've worked for not longer exist. But thanks to websites such as LinkedIn.com in the U.S., employers can talk to people who worked at your long-gone company and check the facts.

Weirdest Job Seeker Stunts

Weirdest Job Seeker Stunts

Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.co.uk

What would you do to get your dream job? Bribe the employer with food or gifts? Chat up the recruiting manager? Become a stalker?

Job seekers will do almost anything to stand out among the competition. There is no length a candidate won't go to and no line someone won't cross in order to get a job.

Recruiting managers in the United States shared the most unconventional methods job seekers used to grab their attention in CareerBuilder.com's latest survey "How to Get in the Front Door."

While some candidates' efforts were impressive – like giving Power Point presentations, distributing portfolios on CD-ROM and working for a day to demonstrate talents – others' were complete fiascos.

One candidate called incessantly for weeks before and after the position was filled. Another clueless candidate asked for another interview after being told that the job was filled. One job seeker brought coffee for the entire office, while another asked the interviewer out to dinner. If you think that's weird, here are some of the most bizarre things job seekers did to get noticed:

# Wore a tuxedo.

# Used a celebrity official fan site as one of their portfolio accomplishments.

# Brought a baby gift to the interviewer who was pregnant.

# Sat next to the recruiting manager in a church pew.

# Left Man. United tickets for the interviewer.

# Sent a nude photo of himself to the recruiting manager.

# Tried to do a stand-up comedy routine.

# Waited for the recruiting manager at his car.

# Came dressed as a cat.

# Said they "smiled on command."

Multiple people are vying for the same open positions in most situations. Trying something out of the ordinary to market your skills and accomplishments can give you an edge over other applicants. The key to executing effectively and making yourself memorable for the right reasons is coupling creativity with professionalism and persistence.

Rosemary Haefner is CareerBuilder.com's Vice President of Human Resources and Senior Career Adviser. She is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behaviour, workplace issues, employee attitudes and HR initiatives.

Making Your C.V. E-Friendly: 10 Steps

Source- Career Builder

From 'The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book' Michael Farr, Career and Job Search Author

It is important to provide a short, clear and concise electronic C.V.! Some scanning systems and databases stop reading C.V.s after a certain number of lines, often after about one and a half pages, so be sure that your most important information appears early in your C.V.

You can easily take your existing C.V. and reformat it for electronic submission. Here are some quick guidelines to do so:

1. Open your standard C.V. file on your computer and select the Save As command on your toolbar, usually located under the file menu. Select Text Only, Plain Text or ASCII as the type.

2. Close the file and then reopen it to make sure you are working from the new text-only version. You'll see that most graphic elements such as lines, images and bullet point symbols have now been eliminated. But if they haven't, go ahead and delete them. You may use equal signs in place of lines or borders and replace bullet points with plus symbols(+), asterisks (*) or hyphens (-).

3. Limit your margins to no more than 65 characters wide.

4. Use an easy-to-scan sans-serif type font, such as Courier, Arial or Helvetica.

5. Eliminate bold, italics and underlining if any remain after saving as text-only.

6. Introduce major sections with all words in capital letters, rather than in bold, italics or underlining.

7. Keep all text aligned to the left.

8. Instead of using bullets, use a standard keyboard character, such as an asterisk.

9. Instead of using the Tab key or paragraph indents, use the space key to indent.

10. When done, click Save or OK. Then reopen the file to see how it looks. Make any additional format changes as needed.

Now test your electronic C.V. by e-mailing it to a friend who uses a different Internet Service Provider. For example, if you use BT, send it to a friend who uses NTL or Hotmail. Also try sending it to someone who works in a large company to see how it transmits via their I.T. system as the body of the e-mail rather than sending it as an attachment. That way, they will be able to tell you how it looks when it shows up in their e-mail system and whether it is legible. After getting their feedback, make any adjustments necessary to fix it.

An extract from: 'The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book' by Michael Farr. Reprinted with permission from Jist Publishing.

Answering Six Common Interview Questions

Answering Six Common Interview Questions

Source- CareerBuilder.co.uk

While you'll never be able to anticipate every question you might be asked in an interview, you can get a head start by developing strong, concise answers to commonly used questions. Most interviewers will ask similar questions like these to gain knowledge about a candidate's abilities and qualifications and compatibility with the job and the company.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your years of experience and skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job – experience, proven results and desire to contribute.

2. Why should we recruit you?

The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. "Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit," says Linda, a teacher in Sheffield. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Linda says she would point out her achievements and accomplishments throughout her career that are relevant to the open position, as well as her experience in dealing with different types of students and teaching situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.

3. Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?

Peter, a G.P. in Edinburgh, says that research is important in answering these questions. "I would use this opportunity to show off what I know about the company and, more importantly, how I would fit in." Susan, a H.R. Manager in Manchester, says that she would address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of her knowledge. "I usually talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business and how my experience relates to that," she says. "I would point out things I have done in similar companies that could address their problems."

4. What are your weaknesses?

The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. "I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," says Tara, a lawyer. "For example, if my weaknesses include my lack of patience I would then state that because of this, I have learned to take special measures to ensure that I remain calm and attentive." Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.

5. What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?

You need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. "I would never criticise my former company, the boss, or my former colleagues," Tara says. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to be sailing in the Caribbean or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Susan, a P.R. Manager at a major car rental company, says she would keep her answer specific to her field, such as stating that she sees herself as being responsible for corporate communications.

Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind – whatever the question is – that the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.

The Ten Worst Job Interview Questions Ever

The Ten Worst Job Interview Questions Ever

What was the worst job interview question you were ever asked? Good interview questions can help employers judge the technical qualifications, people skills, problem solving approach, and team fit of prospective employees. Bad interview questions do none of those. Instead, they confuse, irk, or offend the applicant (often in combination). Our ten worst job interview questions exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

Illegal - Ask about certain topics and it's "Do not pass Go; do not collect your next paycheck." Your employer has been advised to reduce its liabilities, and that means you.

Useless - questions test trivial knowledge that has no bearing on aptitude or generate pseudopsychological responses that Dr. Phil could bloviate on for an entire episode.

Hackneyed - There's an old saying: "If you're one in a million, you have 1,000 clones in the People's Republic of China." These questions were once original, but they've been asked so many times that everyone has memorized 'pat' answers to them.

Here are BusinessPundit's ten worst job interview questions, along with the characteristics that got them on the list, and some possible rejoinders. Please note that being asked any of these questions should make you seriously consider whether you want to entrust your livelihood and sanity to this organization.

#10 - What interests you about our company?

"Um, I heard you were hiring?"

#9 - Have you ever brought a lawsuit against an employer?

You can't ask about this or age, race, health/marital/personal/family issues, and arrests, among other things. You have a choice of responses to this one. You can use the old, boring "I don't think that's an appropriate question" line, or you can allow the interviewer to save face with something like "No, but I'm always open to new experiences".

#8 - Why did you take the pen from me?

In this one, the interviewer picks up a pen and holds it out halfway between herself and the applicant, and then silently waits for a response. Eventually the person will ask "what are you doing", or, more often, take the pen. I would recommend: "When I saw you holding out the pen, I knew what you were doing. Taking it was the fastest way to get the heck out of here. Good day!" If you want to stick around, you can always grab the pen with your thumb and forefinger just above the interviewer's (ala the old sandlot baseball method for deciding who gets to bat first) and wait for her next move.

#7 - Can you work under pressure?

Who is going to say no? You could answer "I've been tested to 12 ft-lbs per square inch", or if you can completely change the tenor of the conversation with "If I don't get this job I'll lose my house, my wife, and the eight third-world children I've been supporting will be doomed to starvation. How'm I doing so far?"

#6 - If you were a 'Lost' character, which one would you be?

Applicant: "Jack" Interviewer: (Raises eyebrow) "Jack?" Applicant: (Pauses and gazes upward as if in deep thought, and then looks interviewer directly in the eye) "Definitely. Jack. But what does that have to do with being an Accounts Payable Clerk 1?" This is a variant of the old "If you were an animal, which one would you be?" question. If asked that question, you might want to go with Sasquatch, noting that "I read that they are telepathic, and that would make this interview go a lot easier!"

#5 - How do you define sexual harrassment?

"You nailed it! Nice one." Or if you're ready to leave "Come closer and I'll show you."

#4 - What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow?

Upon further consideration, this could be a valid "team fit" question in certain technical disciplines.

#3 - Do you ever abuse alcohol or drugs?

"I didn't realize I had to choose", or the more tactful "You do realize that the people who test body fluid samples are part of the Teamster's union? They don't like people cutting in on their territory."

#2 - What is your biggest weakness?

This question got serious consideration for the top spot, but it's only the second most likely question to pop up in an interview. All the interviewing tactics books tell you to develop a response that actually demonstrates a strength. Don't dignify an awful question with a thoughtful response. First, startle the interviewer by saying "I have two", and then continue with "one, I have an aversion to kryptonite but it doesn't normally affect my work, and two, you really don't want me to work overtime during a full moon. Seriously." You'll be doing the parting handshake in no time.

#1 - Where do you see yourself in five years?

Possibly a Trifecta if family issues will effect your career planning! Undoubtedly you have either already heard it or you will in an upcoming interview. Depending upon how fast you want to get out of there you can go with: "In mirrors and on YouTube. Unless I'm undead; then only on YouTube." Or the ever-popular: "Asking you this question as you 'reinterview for your position' " (don't forget the menacing air quotes). Rubbing your hands together and cackling works nicely, too.

Do you have a worse interview question? A better answer to one of these? Come on! Everyone has a job interview horror story. Let us hear it in the comments section!

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