| Workplace Success Myths & Tips | May 2010
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Greetings!
May is here, and with it comes transition--and not just with the weather. In families across our country, graduating students are getting ready to transition to the working world. How might you help the student in your life make that transition successfully? Here's a thought: "The Essential Employee" might just be the perfect graduation gift for your loved ones who are about to enter the working world.
This month's issue has some important information for those who are interviewing and competing in today's tough job market. Share this information with a graduate and help lead them to workplace success!
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| Workplace Myth #2
"If you get all the answers right in the interview, you should get the job."
You may have heard this one, or related myths, like the one that you should never say "I don't know" in an interview. These myths may actually hurt your chances of getting that job!
While you should prepare for the interview (read "Tody's Workplace Trend" below for some tips), you don't have to know all the answers. Prospective employers are looking for several things in an interview. Most importantly, can they build a rapport with you? Your ability to "think on your feet" is also a key factor in whether you get hired. And of course, your skills in answering the "technical" questions pertaining to your area of expertise will influence your interviewer. But as you can see, answering those questions correctly will only get you part of the way to being hired. |
Today's Workplace Trend:
Did you know...that most of the work in organizations today is done in teams? Therefore, prospective employers will be looking at how interviewees might fit into their teams. Building rapport is a key part of a successful interview. Here are some tips to help you interview well to get the job you want:
Tips: Before the interview:
- Do some research on the company or organization. What products or services do they deliver? Have they been in the news lately? What is their culture? What are their values?
- Think about yourself. What made you want to interview with this organization? What characteristics of this workplace appeal to you? What do you think will be great about working there?
- What are the strengths you bring and how might you be able to contribute? What teams have you been part of and how did you help them succeed? What results have you gotten in the past?
- What questions do you have about working in this organization?
- What will you wear to the interview that will make you look polished and professional?
More tips: During the interview:
- Take a couple of deep breaths before walking in. This will help calm any nerves you may have...and will supply oxygen to your brain so you can remember all the research you did and can respond clearly to the interview questions.
- Relax and be yourself. You want the employer to understand who you really are so they can see if you'll be a good match for them! Smile and be willing to share some stories about yourself.
- If you don't know--say "I don't know." Don't try to fake an answer--ask appropriate clarifying questions and share the information you do have.
- Show how you can add value to this organization. What skills do you bring? What teams have you worked on successfully? What results did you get?
- Share how this organization's values match up with your personal values and why you would like to work there.
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Quick Links
essentialemployee.com
Workplace Success Store
Essential Team Leader Research
Workplace
Success Events
What People are Saying about
"The Essential Employee"
"I thought [The Essential Employee] was a good book for those starting a new career. I have shared the books with my children that have graduated from college, pursuing their first career and a summer internship."
- Mike Paul, Acquisition Professional
"Your book was part of my get well plan for my team. And we saw the largest improvement in the department."
- Anonymous
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Learn More:
Do you want to learn more about becoming more essential (and competitive) in the workplace - or would you like to help others become more essential? Be sure to confirm your email subscription at the top of this newsletter to continue to receive information about today's workplace and how to succeed in it.
Please forward this to the graduates, employees, supervisors, or educators in your life. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness (and our tips)!
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Recommended Resources
The first book in the series is available!
"The Essential Employee: The Adventures of Carmen Senz."
Check out this engaging, easy-to-read story based on research in organizations across the USA. The story is about Carmen Senz's first six months at work and the lessons she learns about being an essential employee. It's a fun way to learn important lessons that will make you more essential in the workplace.
"I have read the first few chapters of The Essential Employee and found it difficult to put down. The story line teaches a lesson while remaining engaging for the reader. I would recommend this to other educators." - Carissa Monatukwa, Teacher
"Essential Employee Facilitation Guide"
The perfect resource for teachers and trainers to implement "The Essential Employee" in a learning environment. Includes suggestions for learning activities both in and away from the classroom.
"I highly recommend this book to training professionals, employers and most importantly to employees who want to discover what it takes to build their skills and be successful." - Karen Holcomb, Executive Director
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About Us
Judy Free and Traci Maddox are friends, colleagues, and co-authors of "The Essential Employee." They met in 1999 and worked together for several years as organization consultants-helping large and small organizations implement change. During their work together, they discovered a mutual passion for helping individuals succeed! And so they embarked on the journey to help employees become more successful in the workplace. Most books are written for leaders and managers-but Traci and Judy thought employees could benefit from their own book. Thus, Carmen (our heroine) was born to teach all of us how to be more essential.
Traci and Judy conduct speaking engagements and workshops all over the country-helping others understand and use the REACH framework outlined in their book. In addition, they both own thriving consulting practices and work on a wide variety of projects like strategic planning, change management, teambuilding, facilitation, and training. Their desire is to help individuals and organizations REACH their Peaks.
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Use Our News As A Resource
Would you like to reprint something you have read here? If so, you MUST include our bio and link. Please use the following information (changes only if we have reviewed and approved them):
Judy Free and Traci Maddox are authors, organization consultants, and coaches whose passion is to help individuals and organizations REACH their peaks. They help people across the USA become more effective, more focused, and more successful. Receive their free news updates and workplace tips at www.essentialemployee.com
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Thank you for your time and interest! Visit us at www.essentialemployee.com for events, workshops, surveys, products, and more information.
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