Tips for Getting a Better Job

There are hundreds of lists available that help job seekers find that "perfect" job.  Forbes magazine has a list of Unconventional (But Very Effective) Tips.

One that goes against what so many people say and believe is, "Don't always follow your passion."  It seems, according to experts in the field, that often passion develops after a person has worked at something for some time.

For more on these unconventional tips go to: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/27/10-unconventional-but-very-effective-tips-for-job-seekers/#52c440d04465

Tranferable Skills

What are "transferable skills?"

Transferable skills are the things you can do that can be used in almost any job or career.  Everyone has some transferable skills. These skills should appear on your resume.

Here is a list:

Transferable Skills List 

Communication Skills: 
the skillful expression transmission and interpretation of knowledge and ideas. 

• Speaking effectively 
• Writing concisely 
• Listening attentively 
• Expressing ideas 
• Facilitating group discussion 
• Providing appropriate feedback 
• Negotiating 
• Perceiving nonverbal messages 
• Persuading Reporting information 
• Describing feelings 
• Interviewing 
• Editing 

Research and Planning Skills: 
the search for specific knowledge and the ability to conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting those needs. 

• Forecasting predicting 
• Creating ideas 
• Identifying problems 
• Imagining alternatives 
• Identifying resources 
• Gathering information 
• Solving problems 
• Setting goals 
• Extracting important information 
• Defining needs 
• Analyzing 
• Developing evaluation strategies 

Human Relations Skills: 
the use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict relating to and helping people. 

• Developing rapport 
• Being sensitive 
• Listening 
• Conveying feelings 
• Providing support for others 
• Motivating 
• Sharing credit 
• Counseling 
• Cooperating 
• Delegating with respect 
• Representing others 
• Perceiving feelings situations 
• Asserting 

Organization Management and Leadership Skills: 
the ability to supervise direct and guide individuals and groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals. 

• Initiating new ideas 
• Handling details 
• Coordinating tasks 
• Managing groups 
• Delegating responsibility 
• Teaching 
• Coaching 
• Counseling 
• Promoting change 
• Selling ideas or products 
• Decision making with others 
• Managing conflict 

Work Survival Skills: 
the day-to-day skills that assist in promoting effective production and work satisfaction. 

• Implementing decisions 
• Cooperating 
• Enforcing policies 
• Being punctual 
• Managing time 
• Attending to detail 
• Meeting goals 
• Enlisting help 
• Accepting responsibility 
• Setting and meeting deadlines 
• Organizing 
• Making decisions  

Interviewing Tips

Photo Credit: By Grey Geezer - CC - via Wikimedia Commons 

Here are some tips for having a successful interview.

• Always arrive on time. (Being late can lose you the job.  Being too early can, also.  IF you must be late, call the person with whom you are interviewing and explain the problem.  Things happen and a good employer should understand.)

• Remember that your interview starts before you arrive! (Pushing past someone on your way to the door, or driving unsafely into the parking lot in order to get a space, might be seen by your prospective employer, thus giving a bad first impression.)

• Don't fidget.  (Not only is it distracting to others when someone is always messing around with their hair or clothes, it makes the person doing it look unprofessional.)

• Stand up straight and look people in the eyes when you speak.  (In the US, standing/sitting straight and looking people in the eyes is a sign of confidence.)

• Give a firm handshake. (People, both men and women, in the US look for a firm handshake, not bone-crushing and not weak.)

That First Impression

The first time doing anything can be scary.  When you are looking for a job, there are a lot of "firsts".  Even if you have worked before, it will be the first time you meet the people at this new company. You want to make a good impression. How do you make yourself feel comfortable for that first interview?

• One of the first things you can do, is to relax.  Take a deep breath. 
• Then, tell yourself that you are going to be the best you can be.  
• Arrive a few minutes early so you have a chance to do this. 
• Ahead of time, make sure you have a fresh, up-to-date copy (or two) of your resume. 
• Also, make sure you have learned something about the company.  
• Have two or three questions to ask the interviewers.  (DON'T ask them about pay, benefits or vacations until you have the job!)

  
Your first impression will be one of a calm, businesslike employee that has what it takes to do a great job!