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17
Aug

Dressing professionally is one step to getting promoted

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Getting ahead in the workplace comes down to many different factors. Your skills and values you bring to the job are of the upmost importance. If you can’t deliver in your job it doesn’t matter how nice you are as the company won’t want to keep you on their payroll. There are, however, other things you can do to help maintain a professional image and make you stand out in your work environment.

Dressing for Success:

How you dress and how you look says a lot about the person you are. If you come to work with a shirt hanging out and dirty shoes, you present an unprofessional image of not caring. No Looking smart will create a positive image about the way you work.

One of my colleagues shed light on this point when he compared two employees under him that were competing for a promotion. One of them dressed every day in a nicely pressed suit with a tie and perfectly polished shoes. The other wore the same worn suit and same tie nearly every day. Furthermore, his shoes were not polished and his hair was in a mess. Both of them had equal skills and their work was first-rate. When my colleague needed to promote one of these men he went with the man who looked the more professional. As he told me, “Who I promoted was a reflection on me. At the end of the day, it was a pretty easy decision.”

First impression in the work environment:

First impressions count and in the work environment it is important that we portray the right impression every single day. Understanding your working environment is the key, and this should drive you in the right direction.

If you work in a professional organisation such as a law firm, for example, and you have large tattoos on your arms, rolling up your sleeves at work is probably not the best idea. Keeping your tattoos covered while at work would probably be advised. The same goes for piercings. The opposite is also true – if you work in a more creative environment, then showing off your tattoos at work would be acceptable and wearing a suit would be deemed inappropriate!

Conclusion:

The key to dressing professionally is understanding your working culture. Dressing for success will make you feel like a winner, but will also send the right image to those around you about your professionalism and attitude

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

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28
Nov

Job Facts: Did You Know…

By RedStarResume No comments yet

DID YOU KNOW……

Job seekers who use professional resume writers are twice as likely to receive interview requests!

10 seconds – The amount of time your resume has to impress its reader

14 weeks – Average time spent looking for a job

22 submissions – Average number of times you will submit your resume to online jobs

Compare the cost of our writing service to the cost of not having a job. Can you afford not to have a professionally written resume? Buy Now and take charge of your new career! 

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

The Job search market can be a tricky place to navigate. Whether you are just starting out, moving up the ladder or changing your current situation, RedStarResume have all the resources to help improve your chances of success. 

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09
Oct

Don’t forget about your cover letter!

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Unless you are being recruited by a family member, friend, or close acquaintance, every single hiring manager will want to look at your resume before they call you in for an interview.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a cover letter accompany your resume EVERY SINGLE TIME you send it in and to make sure that it’s tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for.

Think about it from a hiring manager’s point of view. They can receive hundreds of applications for a single job position that they need to fill in just a short amount of time. On top of their regular job duties, they need to sift through all of the applications and find the top 5% to call in for an interview. It’s just not possible for them to look at every single person’s application. So what do they do? They narrow down the field by using the easiest and fastest tool they have – first impressions.

Let’s relate this to a different topic – sports. You’re a coach and need to “recruit” the best players possible for your team…

You’re coaching a soccer team and need to pick 15 members for your squad out of a potential 100 and you only have 2 hours to do so. It’s impossible to take a good look at every single player’s skills in only 2 hours, so you need to quickly narrow your search before you can study the players further. In order to do so, and without knowing anything about the players, you’re going to rely on your first impressions to make the first cut.

Take a look at the players standing before you – are they all wearing proper soccer attire and equipment? Do they look excited and enthusiastic about being here? Think about it – if there’s someone dressed in a soccer uniform and cleats and another one wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals, one of them definitely appears to be more interested in joining your team than the other. Building on that, and only considering first impressions, one looks a lot more capable than the other. While there may be a hundred explanations for this difference, it really doesn’t matter when you have a limited amount of time – the ones who don’t look interested are not going to make the first cut.

Consider the above situation and think about it from a hiring manager’s point of view. You have 50 applications before you and you need to call 5 people in for an interview. You have a limited amount of time to decide, so you need to eliminate some applications quickly. What can we see without even reading the details of each application? Some have cover letters along with the resume and some do not. The applications without cover letters are a little bit like the people showing up to soccer tryouts with jeans and no equipment. They make a terrible first impression – they don’t appear as interested as the other ones, so why should anyone bother with them?

Applications without cover letters are always the first ones discarded. The presence of a cover letter shows a genuine interest in a job position because you actually took the time to write it. The current economic climate is not exactly one that is overflowing with jobs; it’s not like companies are hiring for the sake of it. Make sure you show a hiring manager that you have taken the time to merely write a letter to show your interest in their job position. If you don’t bother showing an interest in them, the hiring manager will have no interest in you.

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

The Job search market can be a tricky place to navigate. Whether you are just starting out, moving up the ladder or changing your current situation, RedStarResume have all the resources to help improve your chances of success.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

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04
Oct

Looking for an Internship?

By RedStarResume 2 comments

 

Monster College

MonsterCollege helps recent grads and college students find their first career http://college.monster.com/

Internship Programs:

Career advice for undergraduate students seeking top internships, internship opportunities with top companies, and how to get hired from an internship  http://www.internshipprograms.com/ 

Rising Star Internships

A database of national internship openings for students. Prospective interns can post their resume on the site http://www.rsinternships.com/

Intern Inc

Intern Inc. provides a user-friendly platform for high school and college students and professionals to connect directly with organizations, mentors and employers http://www.interninc.com/

InternJobs.com

Intern jobs and internships for students, recent graduates and seasoned workers http://www.internjobs.com/

Internweb.com

Internship Search Tools for Students and 100% FREE Internship Posting for Employers. Find Paid Internships and Summer Internships.http://www.internweb.com/

Intern Abroad

Programs at GoAbroad.com: Comprehensively organized directory of international internships for international education http://www.internabroad.com/

Internship Downunder

International Internships abroad, in Australia and New Zealand http://www.internshipsdownunder.com/

Summer Internships

Fall Internships and Spring Internships available when you select an internship program in the city you choose http://www.summerinternships.com/

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03
Sep

How to Protect Your Resume From Identity Theft

By RedStarResume No comments yet

It’s pretty sad that in recent years resumes have become more and more popular as vehicles for stealing personal identities. It sort of makes sense when you think about it because resumes contain some pretty vital personal information. Aside from the obvious work history information, resumes can include home addresses, telephone numbers, and education information. Sometimes they even contain enough information to open a credit card! It’s scary to think that this information is stolen all the time, but there are a couple of things you can do to avoid becoming a victim. Below are a couple of suggestions.

Leave your home address off your resume

The home address used to be an important component to the resume, but times have changed. Resumes are not posted or faxed anymore – almost all job advertisements call for a candidate to email through his or her resume, making their home address somewhat irrelevant. Companies today are also aware of the identity theft risks associated with resumes, so they don’t expect to see home addresses included on resumes.

Don’t apply for a job unless the company name is listed

You might notice that a lot of job advertisements today list the company name as “private” or “unlisted.” STAY AWAY FROM THESE. While some of these ads might be from legitimate companies, the vast majority of them are not, and they are just trying to get you to submit your personal information. Even if the company name is listed on the ad, check it out first before you submit your information. It’s just not worth the risk.

Sound too good to be true? It probably is.

Everyone has seen the ads – “Make over $100K working part-time from home!” “Earn up to $200/hr!” These scenarios sound great in theory, but these types of ads are usually not real, and there is always some catch. Most of these ads will link you to websites that ask for your personal information and, after you submit it, will ask you to pay a “starter” or “application” fee. Don’t fall for it – no legitimate job will ask you to pay them.

The overall message is to just be careful. Identity thieves prey on this type of personal information, and especially on people who are desperately looking for jobs. Just be patient and make sure that a job or company is legitimate before you submit your resume.

Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume, a business that provides resume and cover letter writing services for students, graduates and young professionals.

© RedStarResume Publications – http://www.bestresponseresume.com

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

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18
Aug

Tips to help you through your Job Interview

By RedStarResume No comments yet

 

 Brett Duncan, managing partner of Duncan & Associates shares his tips on the job interview 

Job Interview Tips

Details:

Make sure you have full details of the interview, ie- number of people in the interview, their titles, time, date and address.

Time keeping:

Make sure you get there on time. Aim to be 15 minutes early. Plot your route, and be aware of heavy traffic times.

Research:

Do as much research on the company as possible. This is very important as it shows that you are interested in the organisation, and will enable you to ask relevant questions. Research the news- has the company been in the news? Have a look at the company’s stock- have there been any drastic movements? Perhaps a new CEO/ CFO etc.

Examples:

Always try use workable examples when asked questions. For example: Q: Are you a team player? A: “Yes I believe I am. In fact, just the other day I stayed behind to help a colleague finish an important document.” Using examples will give credibility to your answers. Try think of work situations before the interview, as they may not come to you during the interview.

Strengths and weaknesses:

So clichéd- 98% of recruitment companies will tell you “You want to describe

your weaknesses as strengths.” I would ask- why are you applying for a job that highlights your weaknesses? Be confident, you have been successful so far, this is due to your strengths, not your weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses, but not necessarily relating to your job.

Questions:

Use your research and prepare a list of relevant questions.

Career:

Don’t be afraid to ask about career progression. Companies will look for candidates who want to learn and grow.

Rapport:

Rapport is essential and needs to be established from the outset. Smile; be positive and confident in your ability. Use interviewers names- make sure you get them right (keep business cards in front of you).

Conclusion:

Most importantly be yourself. You will not get every interview that you attend, however you want to make a good impression and give it your best shot.

Get in touch by sending us an update CV, as well as your plans and commitments. We are more than happy to help.

Duncan & Associates

Specialist in international recruitment. Are you looking to return to South Africa, and want access to exciting job opportunities? For contact details please visit

 Brett Duncan – Managing Partner : Tel: 011 301 0905/ Cell: 0823841953/ Fax: 011 301 0944

www.duncanassociates.co.za

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12
Aug

Best Tips on How to Get That Pay Raise You Deserve

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Waiting on that raise that never seems to come…

A friend recently told me that he was expecting a raise soon simply because “I haven’t gotten one in the last 2 years.” There was no direct reason – no one had told him about this supposed upcoming raise, and he hadn’t done anything major in the last few months to expect one. He simply expected that one would come, particularly because he hadn’t received one in his entire 2 years there.

I always wonder about this kind of thinking because, from the way I see it, employers are never lining up to give people more money. If you’re waiting around for your boss to give you a raise for no specific reason, you’re going to be waiting for a long time. A raise doesn’t come simply because you’ve worked somewhere for a specific amount of time or because you haven’t received one – you have to earn a raise and, even when you do, you probably still have to ask for it.

It’s no secret that an employer is going to try to pay you as little as possible. I don’t mean this in a mean way – I’m just saying that they aren’t going to go out of their way to pay you more than they have to, simple as that. This especially applies to those of you waiting on that raise you haven’t received yet. Think about it – why would your boss give you more money to do the same exact job? What would be in it for them? Whether you’re deserving of a raise or not, it’s not going to come at the drop of a hat.

Employers are not looking to give away money that they don’t have to, so if you continue to wait for them to offer you one, you may be waiting a while. If you think you deserve a raise, let your boss know and give your specific reasons. This can include examples where you have increased productivity, saved them money or even how you trained new employees.

Providing specific reasons is the key to getting your pay increase. Remember everyone wants more pay and greater benefits. A pay rise is just like a negotiation. You have to provide something in return to receiving something. If you can prove to your employer that you are worthy of a pay increase your employee is more likely to give you one. One last thing. If you feel you deserve a pay rise and have evidence to support your argument, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

A lot of people sit quietly and say nothing to avoid “rocking the boat,” and they have the mindset that a pay rise will eventually happen on its own. Don’t let this happen to you. You deserve to get paid as much as you can.

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume, a business that provides resume and cover letter writing services for students, graduates and young professionals.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

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05
Aug

Plan on Asking For a Raise? Try to Avoid These Red Flags

By RedStarResume No comments yet

There comes a point in every worker’s career when he or she feels deserving of a pay raise. If you’re like most people, it will probably be on you to ask for one – a raise won’t just be granted automatically. What you need to do is give your employer some concrete reasons for why you deserve one, and try to make it hard for them to say no. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that no matter how deserving you feel of one, employers will be reluctant to give you one if you possess one of the following traits:

You routinely arrive to work late

There is no better way to kill your chance at a raise. No matter how much you may excel at your job, it won’t matter if you are habitually late to work, even by a couple of minutes.

You’ve had some issues with co-workers

Someone once described a constant disagreement between two co-workers as a “cancer in the workplace” because it spreads and eventually affects everyone else in the office. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone at work, but you definitely should avoid personal disputes with your colleagues. Problems like these will label you as a liability rather than an asset – no boss wants to deal with workers like this.

You take a lot of sick days

Sure, everyone gets sick sometimes, but have you ever noticed the people who always seem to be out of the office for one reason or another? Chances are that you’re not the only one who’s noticed. Employees like this are seen as unreliable and as ones who routinely take advantage of the company. This is definitely a label you don’t want on your back – especially if you’re about to ask for a raise.

Your boss asks you to do things more than once – repeatedly

It’s not the end of the world when you forget to do something at work, but it does become a problem with this is somewhat of a habit. No boss likes to ask for things twice, especially on a regular basis.

Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume, a business that provides resume and cover letter writing services for students, graduates and young professionals.

© RedStarResume Publications – http://www.bestresponseresume.com

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

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17
Jul

Job Interview Killers

By RedStarResume No comments yet

When it comes to your job interview, you want to leave it with nothing but positive energy. You want to leave the interviewer thinking that you will most certainly be a positive addition to his or her company. The last thing you want to do is to kill your chances with a simple mistake or two. While there are a number of ways to prepare for a successful interview, there are also a number of ways to quickly end your chances of getting hired. Below are some simple things to avoid during an interview:

Showing up late: This is not only rude, but it also reflects poorly on your work ethic. Do you routinely show up late? Are you someone who can’t be counted on? Don’t disqualify yourself before even meeting the interviewer.

Forgetting to turn your cell phone off (or keeping it on silent): Having a cell phone ring during an interview is not only disruptive – it’s also disrespectful. While it may not be an automatic interview-killer, it certainly won’t improve your chances.

Chewing gum: This looks/sounds unprofessional and tacky. No employer appreciates someone talking to them with a mouthful of gum. It’s even worse if you’re someone who chews loudly without even realizing.

Using “I don’t know” as a response to questions: The purpose of an interview is to provide the interviewer with more information about you. The more you give them, the better.

Using slang or profanity: This is never a positive in the workplace. Speak professionally.

Bringing up personal problems: An interview is about the job in question and about your specific qualifications, not about your personal life. While you will almost always be asked to talk a little bit about yourself, try to keep the personal talk to a minimum. Certainly don’t bring up any “issues” that will raise red flags.

These “killers” may seem a little obvious, but they happen all the time. Avoid these mistakes and you’re already ahead of a large part of the competition.

Good Luck!

Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume.

The Job search market can be a tricky place to navigate. Whether you are just starting out, moving up the ladder or changing your current situation, RedStarResume have all the resources to help improve your chances of success. http://www.bestresponseresume.com/

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

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07
May

Before you ask for a raise…

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Before you ask for a raise, the most important thing you need to remember is that you need a reason for asking for one. An employer is not just going to hand out extra money to you because they like you – you need to give them a compelling reason to do so.
 
Basically, you need to give them something that exemplifies your hard work and that shows you are a positive asset to the company. Think of a few ways for doing so – below are just a few examples:
 
Arriving on time on a consistent basis:
No employer likes workers who show up late – ever. If you consistently come to work early or on time, your boss will definitely take notice of this and will appreciate your punctuality. You’ve already given yourself a head start.
 
Taking on an extra work load:
Volunteering to do more than what is expected of you helps to build your reputation within the company. You will be recognized as a leader, as someone willing to help out and as someone who can be counted on. You may also gain some valuable experience within other departments, and extra knowledge never hurts. Employers love this type of employee, and will be more likely to go the extra mile to keep them on board.
 
Keeping track of your performance:
There is nothing better than being able to show concrete examples of how you have benefited the company. Have sales dramatically increased since you came on board? Do you consistently meet or exceed your targets?
 
Of course, some people argue that taking on an extra work load or working overtime is a negative because you allow the company to take advantage of you. Well, like it or not, this is how the world works. If you want to stay in the same position year after year, do the minimum, but if you want to move up, putting in that extra effort will be required of you. Raises are not free handouts for everyone – they are reserved for the ones who put in the extra effort.  
© RedStarResume Publications

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume

To view all “Tips from the Pros” Check out our website www.redstarresume.com

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