10 Tips From Gretchen Rubin on How to Be Happy at Work

Written by Gretchen Rubin; Selected by Nancy Clark

Being happy at work depends mostly on how much you like your job. But before you start looking for new employment, try implementing several of these smaller steps—they can boost your happiness as well. 1. Indulge in a modest splurge. For example, consider whether there are ways to spend money that would make a big difference. Could you invest in some desk accessories to help you stay organized? Could you replace an inconvenient lamp with something that works better? 2. Periodically, take time to deep-clean the loose papers that have piled up. I never do this until I specifically schedule a time, but am always amazed at the wonderful calm it brings. 3. Never say “yes” on the phone; instead, say, “I’ll get back to you.” When you’re actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say “yes” without enough consideration. 4. Go outside at least once a day, and if possible, take a walk. The sunlight and activity are good for your focus, mood, and retention of information. Even if you can’t go outside, take a 10-minute break each hour. Studies show that the break boosts your retention level. 5. Try to make a lunch date with someone outside the office at least once a week. 6. Say “Good morning” to everyone. 7. Although some people believe it’s best to keep work life and personal life separate, and therefore avoid making friends with colleagues, for most people, having strong friendships makes work more fun. Science supports this: having close relationships is essential to happiness, strengthens the immune system, and reduces anxiety. Or, if you work alone, take time to mix with other people.Socializing boosts the moods of introverts, as well as extroverts. 8. Take care of difficult calls or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating just makes it harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy. 9. Be honest about how you’re spending your time. You feel overwhelmed, but are you really working hard? How much time do you spend surfing the internet, chatting on the phone, looking for things you’ve misplaced, or doing a task that’s really someone else’s job? 10. Lighten up. careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Top Tips For Moving Your Career To The Next Level

When considering a new position or an available promotion, you may feel that you lack either the experience or the skills to get ahead. Some people are intimidated by the competitive atmosphere in an organization offering promotions. Some people feel that their young age or their advanced years will stand in their way of becoming an executive or a key corporate player. Other people are worried that they do not have what it takes to compete with the other workers at their company.

The fact is most people can get ahead by following some basic rules and putting themselves in the right place at the right time. Of course, experience and tenure with a company do count towards your trustworthiness and reliability, but you can groom yourself to a certain extent for success.

First, make your interest known to the people doing the hiring. It is important that you speak up and tell someone that you are interested in advancing and ask them what it would take for you to get to the next level. They will most likely give you some specific instructions about what you need to know, what skills you need to master, and what positions stand between you and your goal.

You may need to make some lateral moves in the company before moving up. Many people are promoted based on their broad understanding of a company's needs and organization. If you work in various areas of the firm, you will have a first hand knowledge and work experience with these facets of the operation. This kind of experience is invaluable when it comes time to assign new leadership positions.

If you want to move up, now is the time to start taking on some extra work. Ask for extra projects or request to join a team working on a particular area that you want to know more about. Take the initiative in putting yourself in the middle of new ideas and changes in the corporation. Show the people who have influence that you are a fast learner, a willing employee, and a team player. Be sure that you document your successes and sales with charts or other record keeping methods.

This is not the time to take a leave of absence. The most important thing you can do for yourself right now is to let yourself be seen. Stay late or work early. One good trick is to watch the person you want to work directly under and monitor their schedule. Work when they work, and do not leave the office until they do. Eventually, it will be only you two in the room and you will get your shot at self-promotion.

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5 Tips For Staying Motivated In Your Career

The level of motivation that you exhibit in your career and work environment changes over time and for a variety of factors. When you are not feeling well, experiencing outside stress or anxiety, having issues on the job or struggling with personal issues your motivation decreases. Unfortunately most of these outside factors are largely out of your control, so how can you stay motivated in your career to remain enthusiastic and positive at work?

Training

Training is one of the most effective ways to become motivated. The training does not need to be specific to your job, it can be learning anything new and being able to incorporate it into your work environment. Many trainings, workshops and conferences now feature keynote speakers that are motivational and inspiring to rejuvenate people and give them that positive feeling about their career.

Focus on the positives

While this may seem like a very obvious technique, many people fall into the habit of dwelling or focusing on the negative aspects of their job or career and simply don't see the positives. This negativity stops any motivation in its tracks as you simply tell yourself that there is no point trying as only negative things happen at work. By focusing on the positives that have happened you are more likely to try new things and to maintain the energy needed to get tasks completed.

Use your support

Motivation is catching. Encourage others around you to support your positive focus and to support you in your new choices and decisions. Make positive and supportive statements to co- workers, family and friends and you may find yourself receiving more back. The more confident and secure we feel the more motivated we are likely to be.

Take responsibility

Ultimately the only person who has responsibility for where you are in your career is yourself. While employers and job conditions may have an influence, you are the most important and significant factor in your career advancement and motivation. Take an honest look at your credentials and training and decide if there are courses or programs that you could take to motivate you and increase your knowledge and interest in your career area.

Take regular vacations and relax

Being happy and healthy as a whole person will help you be happy, positive and motivated at your job. Have a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing outside of work to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Spend time with family and friends doing a wide variety of activities to keep you positive. Have a way to disengage from thinking about work so that you can take a mental break. Relaxation is necessary to allow the body and mind to stay healthy.

Motivation can come in many different forms. Some other ways to provide self-motivation are:

• Journal your positive influences and results.
• Prepare a portfolio of your successes.
• Read inspirational books or attend inspirational or motivational seminars.
• Accept compliments.
• Focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.

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5 Tips To Reignite Your Career

At times, all of us need a jump-start in our career. Our job might have become dull or our interest in it may be lagging. We may feel as if we have reached a dead-end, career-wise, and are not sure how to get back on track. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to put the spark back in your career. Here are five tips for reigniting your career:

1. Network

If you feel as if your career is not up to par, be sure to resume networking. This means attending professional meetings and other events where you can meet new contacts. You'll find these acquaintances are invaluable to you in helping you to find new job opportunities. The more people you meet, the wider your career network grows.

2. Find a mentor

Another effective thing you can do to re-start your career is to find a mentor. A mentor is a polished professional who can help guide you as you encounter roadblocks in your career. Your mentor will be a helpful resource for you-especially when things at work seem exceptionally difficult.

3. Further your education

You can also reignite your career prospects by furthering your education. Your goal can be as ambitious as earning a Master's Degree, or as simple as taking a cooking course at your local community college. The more information you obtain, the better prepared you'll be to advance in your career.

4. Polish your computer skills

Whether you're a computer novice or a seasoned professional, chances are you could benefit from some additional computer work. Many of us have learned computer skills on the job, learning only those techniques which we need at that particular moment. By improving your computer skills, you can significantly enhance your career. In essence, new computer skills will help you take your career to the next level.

5. Improve your speaking skills

Frequently, what separates a good employee from a great one is an enhanced ability to communicate. And an important part of the ability to communicate is to speak well. Consider joining a group where you'll be called upon to make periodic speeches. You're likely to be amazed at how your speaking skills will improve, if you are forced to practice them. As an alternative, you might consider taking a class in public speaking. The more articulate you are, the more likely it is that you will move up in the business world.

Realize that you can do it

Some of us feel as if we are stuck in a permanent career rut. What we don't realize is that it is quite common to encounter job-related difficulties. The important thing to keep in mind is that the challenges you face on the job will only make you stronger. Also, the challenges are temporary. You need to realize that your career may need a jump-start several times along the way. As a result, you need to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude to ensure that you progress in your career.

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How to Build and Expand Your Career Network: 10 Proven Techniques

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Just about every article on job-hunting you'll read on Quintessential Careers or any other career site says the same thing -- almost to the point of making it a job-seeker mantra: "the most effective method for finding a new job is through networking." Listening to job-hunting gurus and career coaches results in the same call to action -- to contact your network of contacts and enlist their help in uncovering job leads.

The problem for many job-seekers, though, is not so much in understanding the extreme importance of networking, but in the execution of networking. More specifically, job-seekers wonder, where do all these networking contacts come from -- and how can I get people to be part of my network? The key point to remember is that networking is relationship-building. Your network consists of people you've met (either in person or online) -- and you build your network by going out and meeting more people.

Then the question becomes, how do I meet people to add to my network? The thrust of this article is to provide you with 10 proven techniques for building and expanding your career network.

1. Ask members of your current network for referrals. There is probably not an easier way to expand your network than to simply ask your current friends, family, and associates for the contact information of others whom they think would be beneficial for you to know. The "friend-of-a-friend" connection is quite strong and usually very successful. "Who else should I be talking to?" is a good question to use when asking for referrals.

2. Join professional or trade organizations. No better method exists for finding people who share the same professional interests and goals than joining one or more industry organizations. Once you're a member, you'll usually get access to the membership list, which can open up many new prospective network contacts. Most organizations also run regional or national meetings and conferences, which leads to the next technique for building your network of contacts.

3. Attend professional/trade meetings, shows, etc. The great thing about trade shows and industry meetings and conferences is that you'll encounter new people to meet -- and opportunities for both "meet-and-greets" and more in-depth meetings. Seek out peers as well as more experienced members -- and even speakers -- to add to your network.

4. Volunteer. Providing your time and effort to a needy cause is perhaps one of the strongest venues for networking -- because you are working side-by-side with people who share your passion for helping others -- but often overlooked by job-seekers either too busy or too focused on finding industry contacts. Find an organization that needs your help (and there are many) and start volunteering.

5. Attend networking events. This technique is a no-brainer for adding more people to your network of contacts. Various groups hold networking events, including colleges, professional and industry associations, chambers of commerce, and the like. Review community calendars online or in your local newspaper for details.

6. Contact former professors, college alumni association, and/or career services office. One of the strongest ties that help in building new and strong network contacts is sharing the bond of a college or university. Making additional contacts with people affiliated with your college gives you a solid base of shared experiences -- and a strong connection to build upon.

7. Join or ramp up your activities on social and professional networking sites. Once you're a member of Facebook, LinkedIn, or a similar networking site, you'll immediately be provided with strategies for adding friends or connections, such as reconnecting with people who attended the same schools. Electronic connections are not nearly as strong as personal connections, but that should not stop you from at least trying this technique. You can use your virtual connections to grease the wheels toward face-to-face meetings. (Remember to develop and keep a professional profile on these sites.)

8. Join or start job club. In some ways, a job club is the ultimate networking experience because the people you meet there all have shared experiences and the desire for a new job. Run the right way, a job club is a very positive and rewarding experience, a chance to help yourself and others. Learn more in our article, For Networking and Support, Join or Start a Job Club.

9. Conduct informational interviews. There is no better strategy for entry-level job-seekers and career-changers to find and add people to your professional network than to conduct several (or many) informational interviews. As the name implies, it's an interview you initiate with someone in your profession/industry whose brain you can pick about how s/he got their start, moved up the ladder, and so forth. Interested in learning more? Go to our Informational Interviewing Tutorial.

10. Contact former co-workers, vendors, customers/clients. Many times as we move from job to job, employer to employer, we lose touch with former co-workers, customers, and the like. These people all had a relationship with you before and could again -- you simply need to reconnect with them.


Final Thoughts -- and Strategies
Above all else, remember that networking is a reciprocal relationship. You may be seeking help uncovering job leads today, but tomorrow someone in your network may be asking for your help. Never be afraid to ask people in your network for help; don't ask them to get you a job, but do ask them for possible leads, other people they know that you might add to your network, and any advice or other information you seek. When meeting people for the first time, don't make it all about you; ask about the other person and what s/he does for a living.

Finally, always be prepared for networking -- because the opportunity to meet someone can happen literally anywhere… and the person could change your life. To be fully prepared for networking, always carry networking or business cards, have a short elevator speech introduction at the ready, and keep a copy of your resume with you (electronically or in print) just in case a networking encounter leads to deeper possibilities.

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Job Searching Abroad - Top Tips

Perhaps you've just completed your college degree and you are anxious to see the world. Therefore, you decide you would like to search for a job overseas. Or perhaps you're in the middle of your career and you are looking for a dramatic change. A job abroad might appear to be the perfect option. Or maybe you've just retired and you are searching for a new challenge. A foreign position might be the perfect ending to your career.

No matter what your stage in life, you might be tempted to begin looking for a job abroad. Such an undertaking can be exciting, challenging, and, at times, frustrating. Chances are you never learned in college how to look for a position abroad. So here are some top tips to help you through the process:

Look at professional society websites

A number of professional societies offer job leads overseas. For instance, there are a number of associations of university professors which regularly advertise overseas positions on their websites. If you are a member of a particular professional organization, be sure to check its website to see if there are any foreign postings. If you find any job leads posted, chances are the employer is open to having a foreigner fill the post.

Search government websites

Another helpful source for foreign job information is government websites. In fact, these can be a phenomenal source of relevant, up-to-date facts about employment. You can find out about available jobs, job requirements, foreign worker policies, and other information.

Government websites can also help to introduce you to foreign cultures. You can learn about a country's major industries, unemployment rate, tax structure, government structure, and other important facets of that particular country. These facts can prove invaluable to you as you apply for work.

Check chamber of commerce websites

Another potential source for foreign job leads is chamber of commerce websites. Since many businesses belong to their local chamber of commerce, you can learn about the variety of businesses operating within a particular country. Such websites may also provide you with some insights about whether companies in the area are actively recruiting foreign workers.

Visit corporate websites

A number of companies nowadays are multi-national in nature. This means that they operate in many different countries. If you are interested in a foreign position, it is a good idea to check a number of multi-national corporation websites to find out exactly where the companies have their operations. Then, you can contact corporate headquarters to find out if there are available jobs in these various locations.

In conclusion

Searching for a job abroad can be a daunting prospect. However, the more time you spend doing Internet research, the better prepared you'll be for your search. In fact, you might be amazed to see how much information about foreign jobs you can find in Cyberspace. It truly is the next frontier as far as job searches are concerned.

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Avoid These 10 Interview Bloopers

by Deborah Walker

We've all heard stories of job candidates who looked great on paper but who were absolute disasters in person. With fewer and fewer interview opportunities available in this competitive market, it's essential to make the best possible first impression. You can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the top 10 worst interview blunders.

Poor handshake: The three-second handshake that starts the interview is your first opportunity to create a great impression. But all too often an interview is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. Once you've delivered a poor handshake, it's nearly impossible to recover your efforts to build rapport. Here are some examples:

• The Limp Hand (or "dead fish"): Gives the impression of disinterest or weakness
• The Tips of the Fingers: Shows lack of ability to engage.
• The Arm Pump: Sincerity is questionable, much like an overly aggressive salesman.

Even if you're a seasoned professional, don't assume you have avoided these pitfalls. Your handshake may be telling more about you than you know. Ask for honest critiques from several friends who aren't afraid to tell you the truth.

Talking too much: In my recruiting days, I abhorred over-talkative candidates. So did most of my client employers. Over-talking takes a couple of forms:

• Taking too long to answer direct questions. The impression: This candidate just can't get to the point.
• Nervous talkers. The impression: This candidate is covering up something or is outright lying.

To avoid either of these forms of over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play

Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers: The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was Attila the Hun, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.

Showing up late or too early: One of the first lessons in job-search etiquette is to show up on time for interviews. Many job-seekers don't realize, however, that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression as well. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview is a dead giveaway that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands, much like the last one picked for the softball team. Don't diminish your candidate desirability by appearing desperate. Act as if your time were as valuable as the interviewer's. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early.

Treating the receptionist rudely: Since the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist, this encounter represents the first impression you'll make. Don't mistake low rank for low input. Often that receptionist's job is to usher you into your interview. The receptionist has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also solicit the receptionist's opinion of you after you leave.

Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: What if a car salesman asked to see your credit report before allowing you to test drive the cars? That would be ridiculous, and you'd walk away in disgust. The effect is about the same when a job-seeker asks about benefits or other employee perks during the first interview. Wait until you've won the employer over before beginning that discussion.

Not preparing for the interview: Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview research. On the flip side, the quickest way to a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their organization. [Editor's note: To ensure that you are prepared, see our article, The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Preparation.]

Verbal ticks: An ill-at-ease candidate seldom makes a good impression. The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time -- "umm," "like," "you know." Ignore the butterflies in your stomach and put up a front of calm confidence by avoiding verbal ticks. You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response.

One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate them is through role-play. Practice sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you'll feel more relaxed during the real interview.

Not enough/too much eye contact: Either situation can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and you'll seem shifty, untruthful, or disnterested; offer too much eye contact, and you'll wear the interviewer out. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.

Failure to match communication styles: It's almost impossible to make a good first impression if you can't communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation by mirroring the way the interviewer treats you. For instance:

• If the interviewer seems all business, don't attempt to loosen him/her up with a joke or story. Be succinct and businesslike
• If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests. Often the items on display in the office can offer a clue.
• If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then follow up by asking if more information is needed.

Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of conversation can vastly improve your chances of making a favorable impression. You can put the interviewer at ease -- and make yourself seem more like him or her -- by mirroring his or her communication style.


Final Thoughts
Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. You already know that you won't earn an interview unless your resume sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Similarly, you should know that polishing your interview skills can mean the difference between getting the job offer -- and being a runner-up.

Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first impression, then back those facts up with your extraordinary interview skills. You will have made yourself a better candidate by avoiding these ten interview pitfalls. And no one will have to talk about you as the candidate who "almost" got the job.

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Tips For Effective Salary Negotiation

Effective salary negotiation is a matter of preparation. It requires that you have market information in hand about comparable jobs and that you have a fair and objective understanding of your own skills and attributes. Using this information you can, in most cases, enter into a salary negotiation from a position of strength and confidence.

Know the market

It is crucial that you know the typical salary range for the position you are considering. Without this information, you will have no idea if the offer being made is lower or higher than you should expect for the specific market.

You can obtain salary information from a number of sources, including online salary tracking sites as well as industry and trade groups specific to your profession. Another simple yet effective way to find out what a position is worth is to talk to a number of employers in the area who have a comparable position.

Know yourself

Your negotiating position also depends on having a fair, objective view of yourself. What are the skills and attributes that you possess? What benefit will you provide to an employer? If you have effectively presented yourself during the interview phase and the employer is very interested in hiring you, there will be more room to negotiate than if you are a "so- so" candidate and the employer is lukewarm about the prospect of hiring you.

Know when to address salary

The best time to negotiate salary is after an employer has decided they want you and before you have formally accepted the position. Some employers will bring up the subject of salary during the interview process, asking you what level of salary you would expect to receive. Avoid answering this question directly if you can, instead find out what salary range the employer has in mind. With this information in hand, you are in a much better negotiating position when the right time comes.

Consider total compensation

Keep in mind that while salary is the most obvious negotiating point, there are other components to consider as well. Think in terms of the total compensation package offered for a particular position. For example, consider how much vacation time/sick time is offered, any bonus or performance incentives available, and opportunities to work flexible hours or telecommute. Many employers will be willing to negotiate such things to some extent; so do not be afraid to bring them up if they are important to you.

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Ten Tips on Career Advancement

Many career experts agree that the best time to look for a new job is while you are still comfortably in your old one. If you’re starting to feel unchallenged in your present position, you may be ready for a promotion to the next level. If there aren’t many career advancement opportunities where you work, the best next job may be waiting for you elsewhere.

Nowadays, it’s up to you to take control of your professional future and make sure that you are progressing wisely down the right career path. Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:

1. Talk to your boss. Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company’s goals. Share your own career goals with him or her. Your boss will respect this display of confidence and maturity.
   
2. Ask for more. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities — increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed. It also puts a spotlight on your value to the business.
   
3. Volunteer for boards. If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.
   
4. Sharpen your people skills. Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.
   
5. Be innovative. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you — and your boss — look good.
   
6. Find a mentor. Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.
   
7. Sell yourself. Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.
   
8. Keep learning. A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.
   
9. Network. Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.
   
10. Build your reputation. In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

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Acing the Behavioral Interview

by : Jeanne Knight

Behavioral interviewing is an interviewing technique created in the 1970s by industrial psychologists that has become quite popular with employers. The premise behind behavioral interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation. For those unfamiliar with this interviewing style, a behavioral interview can be a challenging experience.

Unlike traditional interviewing, which requires opinion-based answers to questions (Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work for this company?), behavioral interviewing requires job candidates to relate stories about their past employment behaviors. These stories are prompted by questions directly related to the skill sets the company has determined are needed for a position.

So, if a particular job requires strong communication and team- building skills, then, in a behavioral interview, candidates would be asked to recount past accomplishments in those areas. Behavioral interview questions often start with phrases like, "Tell me about a time when..." or "Describe a situation in which..." or "Give me an example of..."

The challenge with the behavioral-interviewing style is that, while your skills and experiences could be a perfect match for a position you are seeking, an interviewer could discount your candidacy if you are unprepared for, or struggle with, the behavioral-interview format.

So, how do you prepare for a behavioral interview? First, you'll want to put yourself in the shoes of the prospective employer and imagine what the ideal candidate for the position you are considering would look like from the hiring decision-maker's perspective. Then, take some time to thoroughly review the job posting and job description if you can get it) and research the company and its culture. Look for cues about which skills are necessary for the job and which are highly valued by the organization. Then, based on your research, identify the skills the successful candidate would have and the behavioral-based questions that correlate to those skills and might be asked in an interview.

Following are examples of skill sets and some associated behavioral-based questions. [Editor's note: While the number and nature of behavioral questions that could be asked is virtually limitless -- thus making behavioral interviews difficult to prepare for -- the questions lusted below provide the flavor of the type of key skills that employers may probe and the questions they may ask to do so.


DECISION MAKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

• Describe a situation in which you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to be quick in coming to a decision.

LEADERSHIP

• Have you ever had trouble getting others to agree with your ideas? How did you deal with the situation and were you successful?
• Describe the most challenging group from which you've had to gain cooperation.

MOTIVATION

• Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
• Give me an example of a situation in which you positively influenced the actions of others.

COMMUNICATION

• Describe a situation in which you were able to successfully communicate with another individual who did not personally like you (or vice versa).
• Give me an example of a time you had to use written communication to convey an important argument or idea.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Give me examples of what you've done in the past to contribute to a teamwork environment.
• Give an example of an unpopular decision you've made, what the result was, and how you managed it.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

• When scheduling your time, what is your method for deciding which items are priorities?
• Describe how you've handled a sudden interruption to your schedule.

Developing Stories as Responses
Once you've determined which behavioral-based questions you might be asked during an interview, look back on your past experiences and develop stories to answer those questions. Your stories should be detailed, yet succinct, and should always include the following three elements:

• A description of a specific, real-life situation or challenge you encountered.
• A description of the tasks and actions you took to overcome that challenge.
• A summary of the results of those actions. (Try to quantify these results whenever possible.)

Sample Behavioral Interview Response
Here is a sample answer to a behavioral interview question that incorporates each of these elements:

Question: Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it. Response: Because of cuts in funding to our adult continuing education program, we faced the daunting goal of drastically reducing our promotional budget without sacrificing our media presence in the community. As program coordinator, I researched alternatives to the effective yet costly course brochure the program produced and distributed biannually to an average of 60,000 residents in our service region. I successfully negotiated with two local newspapers to produce and distribute a new course brochure that increased distribution by 33 percent to 80,000 residents and decreased costs by 50 percent.

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Tips To A Smooth Start At A New Job

By: Tony Jacowski

You need to put your best foot forward your new place of employment. Let's take a look at how you can do this.

Learning a New Job

You have to learn a new job and new procedures. Some of it may be explained to you, but the rest is for you to tackle or attempt to learn from the colleagues around you. Take care how you ask, respond and also handle the job.

It is better to ask lots of questions than to make a mistake.

Short Notes

Do not hesitate to make notes. You may need to operate a machine or a particular program, and you may not be able to remember everything the first time. It is better to take down details than to keep asking and disturbing your colleagues when they are working.

Make notes on whatever else you may be told or are learning about the organization.

Be True To Your Work

Don't be tempted to check your mail or surf the 'net when the work at hand has not been completed. If you find yourself with time on your hands, look into material that will educate you about your organization and job.

Keep Your Cell Phone in Silence Mode

Respect your colleagues by keeping your cell phone on silent mode and keep your voice down when answering it. Some organizations do not allow employees to answer their mobiles during working hours. Be sure to find out what the company's policies are regarding personal messaging devices.

Respond to calls on your own time. Nothing gets an employee an unfavorable reputation faster than spending a lot of company time on personal tasks like phone calls.

Complete the Work Given

Every attempt should be made to complete the work assigned to you. Always having to apologize for not completing jobs is damaging to your reputation as an employee - both with fellow employees and your supervisor.

If you feel you are being given more than you can complete, then you should discuss it with your superiors.

Be Attentive

Listening and observing helps you learn more than talking or interrupting the person who is speaking. You will learn more about company matters and policies and the work culture and flow by listening to your colleagues.

Be Positive

Being positive and enthusiastic will showcase your attitude toward your work and workplace. Show your eagerness about the work being explained to you and your confidence that you can handle it.

Gain Respect

It is important for you to earn the respect of your colleagues by speaking to them courteously. If you show respect for them, they are more likely to reciprocate.

Be a Part of the Team

Most work is carried out by teams, not individually. Make sure that you show you are part of the team and support it. You will need that support from them at some point. Always be humble and polite.

Taking on a new job is not easy. You need to work hard at two things simultaneously: you need to learn a new job and you need to make a good impression. Be friendly and you'll settle in well with your new employer.

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