Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Hold your Own in a Competitive Office Jungle!
Employers want the most that they can get from their employees. They are always looking for ways to keep their employees innovative and hardworking with incentives be it monetary, acknowledgment or something else that only the best worker can earn. While this may sound manipulative, there is nothing wrong with a reasonable amount of healthy competition to help push employees outside their comfort zone towards more productivity. If an employee is too relaxed while on the job, he or she will only do the bare minimum and turn in mediocre results. While the word competition means different things to different people, the very nature of the word implies that there will be winners and losers. Workplace competition can be a strong motivator but problems among coworkers may arise when too much emphasis is put on who is best. So what is there to be done about it? Akhtaboot reveals 6 smart strategies to help you win in today’s competitive workplace jungle.
Figure Out What you Can (and Cannot) Be the Best at
Imagine if you were able to build a career that revolves around what you are profoundly passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your financial engine? We all want to be the best at something, but few of us truly understand with egoless clarity what we have the potential to be the best at and what we cannot actually do. Just because you’ve been doing the same job for years doesn’t necessarily mean that you can be the best at it. You can be passionate about what you do, but if you can’t be the best at it and it doesn’t make sense from a financial point of view then you might as well just change the game!
Be More Than your Job Description
Sure, you can arrive to the office ahead of everyone, work overtime, do everything asked of you, but are you willing to take the extra step to do tasks that go beyond your normal job description? Just because you were hired for a marketing position, doesn’t mean that your accounting or sales skills wouldn’t matter anymore. In order to shine in today’s competitive workplace, try to be that indispensable person, who others can depend on and who can do just about anything. Nowadays, being good at your job is no longer enough. If you want to be exceptional at what you do, make sure that you increase your value by persistently updating your knowledge and skills.
Build your Relationships
In competitive work environments, employees almost always feel pressured to increase productivity and achieve personal goals, but this doesn’t mean that your relationship with other coworkers isn’t important for your own success. Finding a way to work together as a team can help compensate each others’ weaknesses and build on your collective strengths. Network internally with other departments and if you got some free time on your hands, volunteer to assist other areas of the company. Teaming up always helps with competition; it can actually help you come out way ahead.
Play by the Rules
It comes as no surprise that the chance of having backstabber coworkers in high performing companies is much higher than it is in mediocre business settings. An excellent strategy to survive and shine in such a workplace is to make sure that you reflect the regulations and policies of your company in your performance and attitude. If you play by the rules, your competitor can not point you out as being a violator. If you truly believe that a coworker is trying to sabotage your career, keep careful records of what you are doing with dates, times and a summary of each task you’re working on.
Streamline Similar Tasks
Every job requires a set of tasks during a typical working day. Maybe yours includes meeting clients or writing emails or reading online articles. Regardless, staying on top of all the tasks you need to perform is essential to your success in competitive workplaces. Organizing these daily tasks effectively helps you work smarter - not harder - and can definitely improve your productivity at the same time. Find ways to make your tasks go quicker, so the demands for your scarce resources get lower. You can create a file for standard email responses, create groups for your clients based on their financial value or prioritize tasks according to their importance.
Competition among coworkers has always been there. We compete with our coworkers for promotions, raises, and the ideal task. While it is true that the main interest is to get the attention of your direct boss, still it is indisputable that the company will benefit from this, as employees will try their best to compete with other coworkers in the company. A smart approach to workplace competition is to learn how to pick your battles. If a coworker is seeking credit for a relatively minor achievement, let it slide. Don't get too tangled up in the competition for praise that you ignore the importance of teamwork.
Employers want the most that they can get from their employees. They are always looking for ways to keep their employees innovative and hardworking with incentives be it monetary, acknowledgment or something else that only the best worker can earn. While this may sound manipulative, there is nothing wrong with a reasonable amount of healthy competition to help push employees outside their comfort zone towards more productivity. If an employee is too relaxed while on the job, he or she will only do the bare minimum and turn in mediocre results. While the word competition means different things to different people, the very nature of the word implies that there will be winners and losers. Workplace competition can be a strong motivator but problems among coworkers may arise when too much emphasis is put on who is best. So what is there to be done about it? Akhtaboot reveals 6 smart strategies to help you win in today’s competitive workplace jungle.
Figure Out What you Can (and Cannot) Be the Best at
Imagine if you were able to build a career that revolves around what you are profoundly passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your financial engine? We all want to be the best at something, but few of us truly understand with egoless clarity what we have the potential to be the best at and what we cannot actually do. Just because you’ve been doing the same job for years doesn’t necessarily mean that you can be the best at it. You can be passionate about what you do, but if you can’t be the best at it and it doesn’t make sense from a financial point of view then you might as well just change the game!
Be More Than your Job Description
Sure, you can arrive to the office ahead of everyone, work overtime, do everything asked of you, but are you willing to take the extra step to do tasks that go beyond your normal job description? Just because you were hired for a marketing position, doesn’t mean that your accounting or sales skills wouldn’t matter anymore. In order to shine in today’s competitive workplace, try to be that indispensable person, who others can depend on and who can do just about anything. Nowadays, being good at your job is no longer enough. If you want to be exceptional at what you do, make sure that you increase your value by persistently updating your knowledge and skills.
Build your Relationships
In competitive work environments, employees almost always feel pressured to increase productivity and achieve personal goals, but this doesn’t mean that your relationship with other coworkers isn’t important for your own success. Finding a way to work together as a team can help compensate each others’ weaknesses and build on your collective strengths. Network internally with other departments and if you got some free time on your hands, volunteer to assist other areas of the company. Teaming up always helps with competition; it can actually help you come out way ahead.
Play by the Rules
It comes as no surprise that the chance of having backstabber coworkers in high performing companies is much higher than it is in mediocre business settings. An excellent strategy to survive and shine in such a workplace is to make sure that you reflect the regulations and policies of your company in your performance and attitude. If you play by the rules, your competitor can not point you out as being a violator. If you truly believe that a coworker is trying to sabotage your career, keep careful records of what you are doing with dates, times and a summary of each task you’re working on.
Streamline Similar Tasks
Every job requires a set of tasks during a typical working day. Maybe yours includes meeting clients or writing emails or reading online articles. Regardless, staying on top of all the tasks you need to perform is essential to your success in competitive workplaces. Organizing these daily tasks effectively helps you work smarter - not harder - and can definitely improve your productivity at the same time. Find ways to make your tasks go quicker, so the demands for your scarce resources get lower. You can create a file for standard email responses, create groups for your clients based on their financial value or prioritize tasks according to their importance.
Competition among coworkers has always been there. We compete with our coworkers for promotions, raises, and the ideal task. While it is true that the main interest is to get the attention of your direct boss, still it is indisputable that the company will benefit from this, as employees will try their best to compete with other coworkers in the company. A smart approach to workplace competition is to learn how to pick your battles. If a coworker is seeking credit for a relatively minor achievement, let it slide. Don't get too tangled up in the competition for praise that you ignore the importance of teamwork.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Why Soft Skills Can be More Important than You Think
Most job seekers wish they could unlock the secrets to getting hired in today’s hectic marketplace. You don’t have to be a genius to know that it’s a tough time to land a job nowadays. Global unemployment, as officially measured, remains at record highs for the third straight year since the start of the economic crisis. But when it comes to landing a job, one fact remains the same: Employers aren't just looking for someone who looks good on paper; they want people who can add value to their business. Wouldn’t it be great if you could enter into the mind of a hiring manager and see what they’re looking for in the hiring process? With this information, you could tailor your personal skills to meet their requirements and easily land a great job.
So what sort of characteristics, skills and qualifications do employers look for when it comes to recruiting employees? Akhtaboot unveils these must-have ‘soft’ skills that can get you one step closer to nailing your dream job.
Communication Skills
Communication is definitely not only about the words you say; you can have an excellent vocabulary and still be a bad communicator. In fact, excellent communication skills are opposite; it is using fewer words while making a greater impact. According to studies words actually contribute to about 7% of meaning. This clearly shows that communication is more than just words; it’s the ability to convey thoughts, opinions, messages, suggestions, questions and answers in an appropriate and professional manner. Keep in mind that if you can’t get a message across clearly to motivate others to act upon it, then having a message doesn’t even matter!
Willingness to Learn
No one is born with unlimited knowledge on how to perform at work. No matter what your age is, no matter how much experience you have, you should always be willing to learn and improve your skills. This might sound cheesy, but no matter how you look at this, it is actually true. A great way to keep an edge over other job seekers in today’s competitive job search is to take advantage of any learning opportunity that comes your way. Join professional associations, subscribe to industry magazines and stay updated with innovations and developments in your field. In job interviews, stress your willingness to learn. If you’ve taken courses and attended workshops, seminars, conferences and other professional events throughout your career, make sure to tell your prospective employer about it. Always remember, those that know the most are the ones who aren't afraid to learn more.
Positive Attitude
We've all faced a negative work colleague or a depressing work environment at some point. Perhaps your experience was brief, or maybe it is the usual operating mode for you. It is also very possible that you are the source of negativity at work. Having a negative work attitude can definitely affect your success, job satisfaction and productivity. With the recent economic crisis, it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude when it comes to your job hunt. Instead of falling prey to the negative work attitudes that surround you, make an effort to break the trend. Start by observing how you communicate with others; avoid sarcasm, look for the good in people and always stab people in the front. It is always nicer to get a pat on the back rather than to get stabbed in the back!
Teamwork Skills
Teamwork is one of the most valuable factors that contribute towards high levels of excellence within the company. You can easily judge a person's character by how well he or she works with other team members. Working side-by-side with people of different generations, cultures and demographics is an indispensible skill that is becoming more and more important in today’s workplace. Teamwork also includes the ability to persuade others, negotiate and compromise when you don’t agree with someone. It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.
Work Ethics
Ethics is a key element for productivity, efficiency and job satisfaction in the workplace. The nature of the relationships you have with your colleagues sets the environment and the culture of your workplace. Accordingly, bad manners can destroy any positive mood or good vibes within team members. Ethics are a set of common personal characteristics that employers look for in a potential candidate. They include loyalty, courteous manners and respect for others. People who display respectful gestures, polite manners and professionalism will always be ahead of the job search game.
The rules for success in business are changing daily, yet people are still searching for the magical formula that can help them succeed in their careers. With that being said, more and more organizations around the world recognize that in order to gain a competitive advantage, they need to make sure their people know how to handle themselves at work, relate with their clients and peers. From showing empathy, optimism and extreme self-awareness to knowing what's going on around you, these vital competencies will allow the human aspects of your personality to shine.
Most job seekers wish they could unlock the secrets to getting hired in today’s hectic marketplace. You don’t have to be a genius to know that it’s a tough time to land a job nowadays. Global unemployment, as officially measured, remains at record highs for the third straight year since the start of the economic crisis. But when it comes to landing a job, one fact remains the same: Employers aren't just looking for someone who looks good on paper; they want people who can add value to their business. Wouldn’t it be great if you could enter into the mind of a hiring manager and see what they’re looking for in the hiring process? With this information, you could tailor your personal skills to meet their requirements and easily land a great job.
So what sort of characteristics, skills and qualifications do employers look for when it comes to recruiting employees? Akhtaboot unveils these must-have ‘soft’ skills that can get you one step closer to nailing your dream job.
Communication Skills
Communication is definitely not only about the words you say; you can have an excellent vocabulary and still be a bad communicator. In fact, excellent communication skills are opposite; it is using fewer words while making a greater impact. According to studies words actually contribute to about 7% of meaning. This clearly shows that communication is more than just words; it’s the ability to convey thoughts, opinions, messages, suggestions, questions and answers in an appropriate and professional manner. Keep in mind that if you can’t get a message across clearly to motivate others to act upon it, then having a message doesn’t even matter!
Willingness to Learn
No one is born with unlimited knowledge on how to perform at work. No matter what your age is, no matter how much experience you have, you should always be willing to learn and improve your skills. This might sound cheesy, but no matter how you look at this, it is actually true. A great way to keep an edge over other job seekers in today’s competitive job search is to take advantage of any learning opportunity that comes your way. Join professional associations, subscribe to industry magazines and stay updated with innovations and developments in your field. In job interviews, stress your willingness to learn. If you’ve taken courses and attended workshops, seminars, conferences and other professional events throughout your career, make sure to tell your prospective employer about it. Always remember, those that know the most are the ones who aren't afraid to learn more.
Positive Attitude
We've all faced a negative work colleague or a depressing work environment at some point. Perhaps your experience was brief, or maybe it is the usual operating mode for you. It is also very possible that you are the source of negativity at work. Having a negative work attitude can definitely affect your success, job satisfaction and productivity. With the recent economic crisis, it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude when it comes to your job hunt. Instead of falling prey to the negative work attitudes that surround you, make an effort to break the trend. Start by observing how you communicate with others; avoid sarcasm, look for the good in people and always stab people in the front. It is always nicer to get a pat on the back rather than to get stabbed in the back!
Teamwork Skills
Teamwork is one of the most valuable factors that contribute towards high levels of excellence within the company. You can easily judge a person's character by how well he or she works with other team members. Working side-by-side with people of different generations, cultures and demographics is an indispensible skill that is becoming more and more important in today’s workplace. Teamwork also includes the ability to persuade others, negotiate and compromise when you don’t agree with someone. It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.
Work Ethics
Ethics is a key element for productivity, efficiency and job satisfaction in the workplace. The nature of the relationships you have with your colleagues sets the environment and the culture of your workplace. Accordingly, bad manners can destroy any positive mood or good vibes within team members. Ethics are a set of common personal characteristics that employers look for in a potential candidate. They include loyalty, courteous manners and respect for others. People who display respectful gestures, polite manners and professionalism will always be ahead of the job search game.
The rules for success in business are changing daily, yet people are still searching for the magical formula that can help them succeed in their careers. With that being said, more and more organizations around the world recognize that in order to gain a competitive advantage, they need to make sure their people know how to handle themselves at work, relate with their clients and peers. From showing empathy, optimism and extreme self-awareness to knowing what's going on around you, these vital competencies will allow the human aspects of your personality to shine.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Following the recent release of its new social features on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, Akhtaboot – the career network (http://www.akhtaboot.com) introduces a new Twitter feature that allows companies to link their Akhtaboot account to their very own Twitter account through the Company’s Settings page.
This feature will automatically tweet the company's non-confidential job postings on its own Twitter account in addition to Akhtaboot's Twitter account, thus giving those postings even more exposure all over the web. With this new feature, Akhtaboot offers companies one more way to target and attract social-media-savvy job seekers.
Mohamad Haj Hasan, Cofounder of Akhtaboot and Head of Product Development said:
This feature will automatically tweet the company's non-confidential job postings on its own Twitter account in addition to Akhtaboot's Twitter account, thus giving those postings even more exposure all over the web. With this new feature, Akhtaboot offers companies one more way to target and attract social-media-savvy job seekers.
Mohamad Haj Hasan, Cofounder of Akhtaboot and Head of Product Development said:
"In yet another step towards embracing social media in the recruitment process, Akhtaboot's most recent integration makes it easier for companies to automatically share new job posting tweets with their established network of followers."As Akhtaboot expands its presence on the web, several other exciting features are in the works to help businesses engage current and prospective employees.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The boss-employee story has two sides. While one side is all about the bitter experiences caused by our bosses, the other side clearly shows that employees are not the only ones having a hard time dealing with their bosses. Bosses too get sick of their employees at times; they not only have to stay on top of what their staff is doing, but they also have to deal with all kinds of employees.
Yes we acknowledge the fact that there are bad bosses out there, but despite being bad or unfair; bosses have to stay on top of things and keep an eye on what is going on in the workplace. Get the scoop as Akhtaboot reveals what your boss is probably thinking, but isn't willing to tell.
Yes, we are reading your emails
Most employees understand the importance of communication with external clients and other stakeholders. However, few address internal communication in the same way as they believe it will never be monitored. Well, things have changed and technology has taken over. Nowadays your boss can read your emails, read your chats, listen to your phone calls and monitor your computer. Just think about it this way: if you’re not willing to stand on your desk and shout something across the room, don’t put it in an e-mail, because somewhere down the road someone might read it. Always stay on the safe side; never use curse words, avoid discussing politics or religion and always double check the recipient’s email address!
I know when you’re faking the flu.
We all know how this starts. You wake up one morning and it's too beautiful outside to be missed or perhaps you've just gotten into bed and you'd rather stay in it, so you start thinking to yourself: “when was the last time I called in sick?” Calling in sick to work when you really aren't can be risky business. Employers are not only starting to investigate their employees’ fake stories, but they are also getting more creative in inspecting even believable excuses by asking for a doctor’s note, calling the “sick” employee to check-in, or even asking someone else to make the phone call. So in brief, a couple of coughs over the phone might not do the trick anymore. To avoid getting fired, save your sick days for when you are actually feeling unwell and remember that your boss was an employee once!
I’m your best friend...and your worst enemy
Having a friendly relationship with your boss is never a bad idea, but how close is too close? There’s nothing really wrong with being friends with your boss as it may seem like a natural extension of friendly office chit chat, but think twice before you get too close. Disagreements are natural between friends, but when your friend is your boss, it can make your work more difficult and may affect your career. Keep in mind that your boss is the one who provides your annual review and signs your paycheck. Since nothing lasts forever, there may come a time when you and your boss-friend have a disagreement and having a friendly relationship with him might leave you feeling even more bitter.
I don’t promote based on performance only
Although this may sound obvious, but being the most qualified person at work with the most experience is no guarantee you’ll be the one to get promoted. When it comes to promotions, make sure you’re on your boss’ good side, because having all the skills in the world will not matter if your boss thinks you’re hard to manage. Keep a record of everything you do that enhances the company's overall goals as that will show your loyalty and commitment to the organization.
You deserve a pay raise
In today’s economy, there's a good chance that you have gone for years now without a pay raise although you have done your part right. Your boss might be well-aware of the fact that you have worked overtime and assumed responsibilities beyond your normal job description, but still wouldn’t give you the raise you deserve. The best way to handle this situation is to have an honest discussion with your manager about what it will take to achieve these expanded responsibilities. Having a salary discussion is an important part of your work life. The better prepared you are, the more likely it is that you'll have the outcome you desire.
You should resign
Do you feel like you’ve hit a dead end in your current position? Unless you’re seriously under-performing, don’t wait for your boss to show you the door. If your boss never asks for your opinion, never wants to have a chat with you, and if you disagree with his style all the time, then your days are numbered. Unless you can get the quality of your work back on track, start looking for a new job. Make sure your resume is in order, start networking, and get yourself out there. If you are no longer up to the job, just leave. Why make yourself miserable and others too when you know that you can no longer perform?
Your boss has so much on his mind but will only share a few things with his employees. And to be fair, this behavior isn’t always as bad as it may seem as most of the time it serves the company and the employees well. Even though you may be on good terms with your boss, they still have obligations of their own. Keep in mind that the priorities might not include those of your own!
Yes we acknowledge the fact that there are bad bosses out there, but despite being bad or unfair; bosses have to stay on top of things and keep an eye on what is going on in the workplace. Get the scoop as Akhtaboot reveals what your boss is probably thinking, but isn't willing to tell.
Yes, we are reading your emails
Most employees understand the importance of communication with external clients and other stakeholders. However, few address internal communication in the same way as they believe it will never be monitored. Well, things have changed and technology has taken over. Nowadays your boss can read your emails, read your chats, listen to your phone calls and monitor your computer. Just think about it this way: if you’re not willing to stand on your desk and shout something across the room, don’t put it in an e-mail, because somewhere down the road someone might read it. Always stay on the safe side; never use curse words, avoid discussing politics or religion and always double check the recipient’s email address!
I know when you’re faking the flu.
We all know how this starts. You wake up one morning and it's too beautiful outside to be missed or perhaps you've just gotten into bed and you'd rather stay in it, so you start thinking to yourself: “when was the last time I called in sick?” Calling in sick to work when you really aren't can be risky business. Employers are not only starting to investigate their employees’ fake stories, but they are also getting more creative in inspecting even believable excuses by asking for a doctor’s note, calling the “sick” employee to check-in, or even asking someone else to make the phone call. So in brief, a couple of coughs over the phone might not do the trick anymore. To avoid getting fired, save your sick days for when you are actually feeling unwell and remember that your boss was an employee once!
I’m your best friend...and your worst enemy
Having a friendly relationship with your boss is never a bad idea, but how close is too close? There’s nothing really wrong with being friends with your boss as it may seem like a natural extension of friendly office chit chat, but think twice before you get too close. Disagreements are natural between friends, but when your friend is your boss, it can make your work more difficult and may affect your career. Keep in mind that your boss is the one who provides your annual review and signs your paycheck. Since nothing lasts forever, there may come a time when you and your boss-friend have a disagreement and having a friendly relationship with him might leave you feeling even more bitter.
I don’t promote based on performance only
Although this may sound obvious, but being the most qualified person at work with the most experience is no guarantee you’ll be the one to get promoted. When it comes to promotions, make sure you’re on your boss’ good side, because having all the skills in the world will not matter if your boss thinks you’re hard to manage. Keep a record of everything you do that enhances the company's overall goals as that will show your loyalty and commitment to the organization.
You deserve a pay raise
In today’s economy, there's a good chance that you have gone for years now without a pay raise although you have done your part right. Your boss might be well-aware of the fact that you have worked overtime and assumed responsibilities beyond your normal job description, but still wouldn’t give you the raise you deserve. The best way to handle this situation is to have an honest discussion with your manager about what it will take to achieve these expanded responsibilities. Having a salary discussion is an important part of your work life. The better prepared you are, the more likely it is that you'll have the outcome you desire.
You should resign
Do you feel like you’ve hit a dead end in your current position? Unless you’re seriously under-performing, don’t wait for your boss to show you the door. If your boss never asks for your opinion, never wants to have a chat with you, and if you disagree with his style all the time, then your days are numbered. Unless you can get the quality of your work back on track, start looking for a new job. Make sure your resume is in order, start networking, and get yourself out there. If you are no longer up to the job, just leave. Why make yourself miserable and others too when you know that you can no longer perform?
Your boss has so much on his mind but will only share a few things with his employees. And to be fair, this behavior isn’t always as bad as it may seem as most of the time it serves the company and the employees well. Even though you may be on good terms with your boss, they still have obligations of their own. Keep in mind that the priorities might not include those of your own!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Adding more social features to the mix, Akhtaboot earlier this month unveiled a Facebook Application that allows its users to search for and apply to jobs directly from within Facebook. With the Akhtaboot Facebook Application, users interested in looking for jobs won’t have to leave the comfort of their Facebook profile to log into their Akhtaboot account to look for and apply to jobs.
In addition, Akhtaboot is engaged in building its Twitter following and actively tweeting jobs on behalf of its client companies in order to spread the word about jobs virally across the web.
Mohamad Haj Hasan, Head of Product Development and Co-founder of Akhtaboot, said:
“Akhtaboot understands the importance of the ever-growing influence of social media on the recruitment process. We are always looking for ways to be first movers, and we feel that our new changes have solidified our promise of being a true career network for the MENA region.”The ever-expanding career network is set to expand its tentacles to reach its users wherever they are on the web by having a solid presence on the major social media portals in the Levant and GCC region.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The top 5 things not to say during a job interview
Job interviews are not a mystery or a horror as one might think. Despite the anxiety, formality, and inevitable nervousness a job interview can bring, it can actually be both an enjoyable and informative experience. In fact, with a killer CV in check, practice and preparation, you can easily ace any job interview you are confronted with.
A job interview is your chance to impress and put light on your professional achievements so make sure you are as prepared as you possibly can be to grab the opportunity with both hands and leave nothing to chance. The more you practice the art of interviewing, the more familiar you will become with the variety of questions and scenarios that you may be faced with.
Most job seekers know the ABC of a good job interview; dress the part, sit up straight, be confident, ask questions about the job...etc. But have they thought of what not to say? Although there are many things you should never say or ask during a job interview, most of us have said something that we’ve regretted as soon as we clamp our lips shut. You can say all the right things that can be said but with one mistake, one wrong move, you can kiss the interview goodbye. Akhtaboot presents you with 5 things you definitely should never say during an interview.
How much does the job pay?
Everyone wants as much money as they can get. Yet when it comes to job interviewing, asking the salary question can make it seem as if you are only interested in the money and not in the job itself. As a rule, wages and salaries are not to be discussed during the first interview unless the interviewer decides to open up the subject. An excellent way to handle salary negotiations during interviews is to research the range of pay in both your industry and country. Identify the qualifications required by the position you are applying for and state what you expect to get within a realistic range of the pay scale depending on how your qualifications match the company’s needs. You can also ask if they can give you a range of their pay scale for such a position and you can decide accordingly.
If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly is it you all do here?
Want to sound really unprofessional during an interview? Then this is the question to ask! Although we all understand the consequences of going to an interview unprepared, it is amazing how many job candidates still ask this question. Doing some research on the company is the least you can do to impress the interviewer. You can find some helpful information on the internet, in newspapers and the company’s annual report. Another smart thing to do during interviews is to ask questions that show you’re well prepared and excited to work at the company, not those which you should already know the answers to, or that can be easily found on the company's website.
What can your company do for me?
Interviews are all about your ability to sell yourself and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Employers want employees who are interested in the job and the company, not just employees who are only in it for the cash.Prepare to talk about your skills and how you were an asset to your previous employer. Keep in mind that you’re the one being interviewed. While you should use this opportunity to decide whether the company is a good fit for your career, you shouldn't make it sound as if you'll be doing them a huge favor if they hire you. Keep your questions on company benefits to the second or even third interview, or wait for the interviewer to open the subject himself.
I don’t have any questions!
Employers can get a clear idea about you based on the questions you ask. Having no questions prepared sends the message that you are ill-prepared and not fully interested in the position. Come up with smart questions to ask the interviewer. There's no set number; it actually depends on what you need to know. However, it's highly unlikely that you would enter an interview without having at least three questions on your mind and prepared to articulate. You can ask to clarify anything that was discussed during the interview or you can ask about plans for new products or services. Show interest in the company and in the position!
I don't have any weaknesses!
The weaknesses topic is definitely one of the most feared questions to be asked during an interview. In most interviews, interviewers will ask you about your strengths and weaknesses to get a sense of the real you. They understand the fact that you are not going to totally reveal your flaws, but they do want to get a sense that they are talking to a genuine person. The key to answering the weaknesses question is to provide a weakness, and explain how you are planning on overcoming it. The smartest way to handle this topic is to be authentic!
Since no two interviews are the same, it is often not easy to be totally prepared for what to expect. However, even without knowing what questions you will be asked, you can focus on your presentation skills to make sure they are consistently sharpened before you go on a job interview. By practicing and developing your communication skills, you can gain an advantage on your competition and help avoid these common interview mistakes.
Job interviews are not a mystery or a horror as one might think. Despite the anxiety, formality, and inevitable nervousness a job interview can bring, it can actually be both an enjoyable and informative experience. In fact, with a killer CV in check, practice and preparation, you can easily ace any job interview you are confronted with.
A job interview is your chance to impress and put light on your professional achievements so make sure you are as prepared as you possibly can be to grab the opportunity with both hands and leave nothing to chance. The more you practice the art of interviewing, the more familiar you will become with the variety of questions and scenarios that you may be faced with.
Most job seekers know the ABC of a good job interview; dress the part, sit up straight, be confident, ask questions about the job...etc. But have they thought of what not to say? Although there are many things you should never say or ask during a job interview, most of us have said something that we’ve regretted as soon as we clamp our lips shut. You can say all the right things that can be said but with one mistake, one wrong move, you can kiss the interview goodbye. Akhtaboot presents you with 5 things you definitely should never say during an interview.
How much does the job pay?
Everyone wants as much money as they can get. Yet when it comes to job interviewing, asking the salary question can make it seem as if you are only interested in the money and not in the job itself. As a rule, wages and salaries are not to be discussed during the first interview unless the interviewer decides to open up the subject. An excellent way to handle salary negotiations during interviews is to research the range of pay in both your industry and country. Identify the qualifications required by the position you are applying for and state what you expect to get within a realistic range of the pay scale depending on how your qualifications match the company’s needs. You can also ask if they can give you a range of their pay scale for such a position and you can decide accordingly.
If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly is it you all do here?
Want to sound really unprofessional during an interview? Then this is the question to ask! Although we all understand the consequences of going to an interview unprepared, it is amazing how many job candidates still ask this question. Doing some research on the company is the least you can do to impress the interviewer. You can find some helpful information on the internet, in newspapers and the company’s annual report. Another smart thing to do during interviews is to ask questions that show you’re well prepared and excited to work at the company, not those which you should already know the answers to, or that can be easily found on the company's website.
What can your company do for me?
Interviews are all about your ability to sell yourself and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Employers want employees who are interested in the job and the company, not just employees who are only in it for the cash.Prepare to talk about your skills and how you were an asset to your previous employer. Keep in mind that you’re the one being interviewed. While you should use this opportunity to decide whether the company is a good fit for your career, you shouldn't make it sound as if you'll be doing them a huge favor if they hire you. Keep your questions on company benefits to the second or even third interview, or wait for the interviewer to open the subject himself.
I don’t have any questions!
Employers can get a clear idea about you based on the questions you ask. Having no questions prepared sends the message that you are ill-prepared and not fully interested in the position. Come up with smart questions to ask the interviewer. There's no set number; it actually depends on what you need to know. However, it's highly unlikely that you would enter an interview without having at least three questions on your mind and prepared to articulate. You can ask to clarify anything that was discussed during the interview or you can ask about plans for new products or services. Show interest in the company and in the position!
I don't have any weaknesses!
The weaknesses topic is definitely one of the most feared questions to be asked during an interview. In most interviews, interviewers will ask you about your strengths and weaknesses to get a sense of the real you. They understand the fact that you are not going to totally reveal your flaws, but they do want to get a sense that they are talking to a genuine person. The key to answering the weaknesses question is to provide a weakness, and explain how you are planning on overcoming it. The smartest way to handle this topic is to be authentic!
Since no two interviews are the same, it is often not easy to be totally prepared for what to expect. However, even without knowing what questions you will be asked, you can focus on your presentation skills to make sure they are consistently sharpened before you go on a job interview. By practicing and developing your communication skills, you can gain an advantage on your competition and help avoid these common interview mistakes.
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