A refresher guide to communicating at work - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

A refresher guide to communicating at work - Viewpoint - careers advice blog We are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to communication media. If I wanted to contact a member of my team I could use voice call, video call, text, messaging apps, email, social networks, internal online messaging system or â€" dare I say it â€" I could approach them in person. The options available to us are already great in number, and they’re only set to multiply â€" how long until we’re using virtual reality to interview candidates? Each of these media has their own distinct advantages, and so most people use a mix of all of them. However â€" and I’m not just saying this because I don’t qualify as a Millennial â€" two of the most effective ways are also the most tried and tested: those of phone and email. The communications chasm In many offices you’ll see a divide between those who use phone and those who use email â€" the side of the divide you fall largely depends on two factors: the type of industry you’re in and whether you were born before or after 1980. Millennials are more confident using email, while employees of previous generations tend to prefer more traditional means (such as phone or face-to-face conversations). In fact, 35 per cent of those between the ages of 25-34 prefer email, while only 28 per cent of over 55 year olds said the same, according to this study. It’s crucial for the smooth running of your business that everyone in your team appreciates the nuances of each mode of communication, and knows when each is most appropriate. I tend to think that, on balance, phone is the most effective means of communication, but perhaps that is because I work in an environment which requires the personal touch, as I will explain below. While I’ve just declared my preference for phone calls, the truth is that there are different occasions for both phone and email; constraining yourself to one or the other can cost you time and money. 5 instances for which you should pick up the phone You’re best off phoning someone if you want to be: 1. Clear Probably the greatest advantage to picking up the phone to speak to someone versus firing off an email is that you have a much better chance of properly interpreting what they mean. Sarcasm, for example, does not translate well via email, and so a lot of the time it’s necessary to hear someone’s tone to properly understand their mood, and then respond accordingly. If I require absolute clarity from a client on what they need from me then I will also give them a call so we can discuss the topic openly. 2. Direct If you require an instant yes or no response to something then phone is always your best bet. This is the most efficient way to resolve issues that would drag on unnecessarily if communicated via email. The one downside of this benefit is that instant responses are rarely the most thoroughly considered. I’ll often pick up the phone to call someone in another department within the business if I just need instant approval on something minor. 3.  Off the record Another sensible occasion to phone someone is when you wish to have an informal, undocumented exploration of a topic or idea. You might be throwing around loose figures with a client which you or they don’t want quoted verbatim further down the line, speculating and projecting on business performance or discussing an employee’s salary or promotion prospects. The use of phoning someone for this purpose may be limited for your profession; however for some industries it is essential. In my line of work we obviously deal with a lot of people who don’t necessarily want their existing boss to know that they’re looking to change jobs, so phone calls are often preferable for scoping out career options. 4.  Fluent It’s a lot easier to walk someone through a document over the telephone that it is to explain via email. Phoning someone to discuss a matter allows for constant interjections and clarification of certain points, whereas discussing a particularly complex matter via email can lead to a seemingly never-ending thread. This is particularly useful for me when I’m discussing a weighty contract with a client. 5.  Building rapport Phoning someone is absolutely the best way to introduce yourself, second â€" obviously â€" to meeting them in person. The personal touch that a phone call provides is also proven to drive higher response rates (an 8.21 per cent response rate vs. a .03 per cent response rate for email, according to this study). This is a stat that is particularly pertinent to my industry, but one which also holds relevance to all who wish to convey a sincere, authentic message, rather than one that is more likely to be received as spam (email). 5 instances for which you should send an email You’re best off emailing someone if you want to be: 1. Non-invasive It’s not always convenient to speak to someone on the phone, as you might be interrupting their busy schedule. Unless you confirm all of your calls with the other person beforehand, email is the best means of sending and receiving non-urgent communications. This is particularly true if you’re communicating with clients and colleagues across the globe, who might not appreciate a 3am call about sales performance. 2.  Universal Emails can be answered on the train, toilet or in loud restaurants. Unlike phones, you do not need to make provisions for sending and receiving them â€" which is a big advantage considering so many of us are expected to be ‘on call’ around the clock. Both this and the previous point are highly applicable for my industry, where a client or candidate might not appreciate being contacted about job opportunities while they’re still at work. 3.  Thorough If you want a thorough and considered â€" often bullet-pointed â€" response then email is your best bet. Are you looking for feedback on a costing spread sheet or detailed schedule? Phone is rarely going to fulfil your needs. 65 per cent of us are visual learners, and so when tackling complex issues it’s always best to set it out in structured document form. 4.  Documented Unlike phone calls, emails are documented until you delete them. This means that you can refer back to and reference previous conversations with a mere few clicks â€" something that’s only possible by phone providing you have a super-human memory. Always use email to discuss matters that involve numbers; especially if those numbers are preceded by a pound sign. 5. Easily interpretable The final advantage to emails I’ve identified is that, no matter what language the other person speaks or what speech impediment they have, if what they’re saying is written in text then you’re going to be able to interpret it. This also applies if you have a sub-par phone line! Hays Talent Solutions is a global business, and so I often have to communicate with people â€" via email â€" who don’t have English as a first language. Employing these benefits Before contacting someone you need to ask yourself some questions to help decide upon the more appropriate channel of communication: Who are you contacting? Why are you contacting them? What is their current schedule likely to be? What is their current mood likely to be? What sort of relationship do you have with them? What do you need from them? Ask yourself these questions and then match your answers against the benefits listed in the two sections above. For example: Q: Are you about to contact a prospective client/customer who has a busy schedule? A: A phone call would be best (as it’s personable and builds rapport), but perhaps wait until you know they’re likely to be available. Q: Are you about to contact someone on the other side of the world about a previous matter which hasn’t been resolved? A: An email would be best (as it’s non-invasive, universal and referable), unless you wish to organise a scheduled video call. Calling it quits In my previous blog I articulated why I thought it was important to communicate in person with your colleagues, in this one I’ve tried to outline the various benefits of phone vs. email, concluding that: calling someone is a vastly superior means of fostering relationships, whereas email has the slight edge when it comes to convenience. However, we shouldn’t always opt for what’s most convenient! As my colleague Dean Stallard explains, “In [knowledge-based economies], it’s a high-risk strategy for individuals to neglect person-to-person connections”. Instead of focusing all your efforts on cutting corners and saving time, why not prioritise building relationships and delivering tangible results? Pick up the phone, and then follow up with an email would be my advice in most instances. Hopefully you found this blog valuable. Here are some other related blogs that you will also enjoy: Is your business doing too much typing and not enough talking? Prioritising personality in your hiring process To promote internally or to hire externally? 4 ways to grow yourself global Training at the top Prioritising personality in your hiring process Establishing an effective middle management tier 11 ways to become more productive from Hays

Helping Your Network to Help You (Find A Job) - CareerAlley

Helping Your Network to Help You (Find A Job) - CareerAlley We may get remuneration when you click on connections to items from our accomplices. Its everything about individuals. Its about systems administration and being ideal to individuals and not cutting off any ties. Mike Davidson, Olympic Swimmer Writer Byline: Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is a specialist continue essayist, vocation and individual marking planner, writer, and moderator. Creator Website: http://www.greatresumesfast.com Recall the scandalous scene in Jerry McGuire where Tom Cruise is remaining in a storage space, asking Cuba Gooding Jr. to quit messing his own vocation up? You know the line: Help me help you! Huge numbers of us have loved ones who dont truly comprehend our job. I for one have a cousin who cannot clarify her own spouses work. We regularly perceive that people around us dont truly value our callings, however sometimes it appears to be simpler to simply let them state Oh, he does PC stuff, or Shes an a bookkeeper. Nonetheless, not disclosing what you do to those nearest to you can return to haunt you when it comes time to look for a vocation. Lets state youre a Web creator and your auntie affectionately alludes to you as a PC fellow. Your auntie may likewise realize that her nearby neighbor is a PC fellow. Assume that, in attempting to get you out, she badgers her neighbor lastly persuades him to converse with you about a vocation. Its decent of her to be paying special mind to you; however tragically, if the neighbor runs an organization that makes microchips for mobile phones, this contact may end up being a misuse of everyones time and vitality. In the event that youre hoping to change your profession into an alternate field or distinctive kind of organization, you should be especially proactive about telling your system what youre searching for. The equivalent is valid if youve been utilizing your degree to work in an organization known for something different. For example, if youre a bookkeeper who works for the nearby clinic framework, your contacts should be evident that youre searching for bookkeeping positions and not clinical ones. Correspondence is the way to helping your system help you with your pursuit of employment. Telling your contacts and references explicitly what youre searching for will streamline the odds of their interfacing you to something helpful. As your pursuit of employment advances, you can send your contacts email refreshes about spots youve applied or met. That will help them intellectually draw an obvious conclusion about the sorts of positions youre focusing on. It might feel cumbersome to normally remind your system that youre as yet looking, however its significantly less humiliating than getting yourself out of a circumstance that a benevolent contact never ought to have gotten you into! Article kindness of the Recruiting Blogswap, a substance trade administration supported by CollegeRecruiter.com, a main webpage for undergrads searching for temporary jobs and ongoing alumni looking for section level occupations and other profession openings. What's straightaway? Prepared to make a move? Pick the correct instruments to assist you with building your vocation. Searching for related points? Discover how to discover the open doors that assist you with developing your best vocation. Buy in and gain important ground on your vocation. It's about time you concentrated on your profession. Get Educated Reach Us Promote Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Security Policy + Disclosure home mainstream assets buy in search

Some Things to Consider When Looking For a Career Resume Writer

Some Things to Consider When Looking For a Career Resume WriterHiring a professional writer is not only time consuming, but also costly and much more expensive than using resume writing software. Professional resume writers are able to work on the client's specifications as well as draft the best resume possible. Resume writing in Bangalore helps you write your resume in the form of a letter.Hiring a professional writer is advisable at the very beginning stage of writing your resume. While you will be able to easily look for a Bangalore based professional writer for your resume, you should still maintain the flexibility to edit the document before it is sent to the hiring company. This will help you make changes in it as per your requirements.The three most important things which you must consider while choosing a Bangalore based resume writer are flexibility, scalability and customer service. These factors must be present at all times while choosing a writer. Resume writing in Banga lore should also be free from grammatical errors and the candidate must be able to convert his personal ideas into a written document that will stand out.Hiring a professional writer for resume writing in Bangalore is an absolute necessity for both the employer and the employee. It is the job of the writer to transform an idea into a written document. He must have sufficient knowledge about this field and be well-versed with the job market. His ability to understand and come up with the best solution for the candidates makes him the ideal candidate for writing resumes.To keep the job market running smoothly, the service provider must be flexible enough to respond to all the queries of the candidates. There are several online agencies in Bangalore which are readily available for the benefit of the customers. But still, there are some things which should be kept in mind before selecting one for the task.Resume writing in Bangalore isquite a demanding task and it needs a number of writ ing skills and expertise. A good writer can make any write up look original and inspiring. The writer must have excellent writing skills and have the required skill set for writing in this specialized format. Thus, the companies hiring a freelance writer should make sure that they get a professional who has the expertise for writing resumes.Experience plays a major role in this field and every applicant can attest to the fact that hiring a writer for resume writing in Bangalore is a good decision. When hiring a service provider for resume writing in Bangalore, the applicant must be given the freedom to make suggestions on how the final resume can be improved upon. If there are certain items that he feels need improvement in the resume, he can request for the concerned factor to be included. He must also ensure that he receives feedback from the service provider on the progress made in the writing of the resume. This will make the hiring company happy and the employee happy.These are just some of the things which you must consider while choosing a Bangalore based writing service for resume writing. Careful planning and research on how the hiring company can be of service to you can put you in a comfortable position when you approach them for the purpose.

How To Prepare For An Interview Key Steps To Land Your Dream Job

How To Prepare For An Interview Key Steps To Land Your Dream Job Think you know how to prepare for an interview? The difference between landing the job of your dreams and bombing the interview often boils down to one key element: how well you prepare. It’s not possible to anticipate every question that will be asked. It is entirely possible (and advisable) to enter your interview with a strong sense of what to expect and how to approach each question!In fact, that’s the entire reason we built our flagship interview preparation product Big Interview- we know there’s a proven set of steps to take.Here are some things to do as a part of your preparation that will boost your confidence and enable you to leave the interview feeling sure you have presented your best self:How To Prepare For An Interview:Step 1. Research the CompanyDoing thorough research on the company you are applying to will put you head and shoulders above your competition. When you go into your interview with a firm knowledge of the company and the potential role you will be fi lling, you’ll be able to answer questions in a much more tailored and targeted way.A few specific things you are going to want to know before you walk into the room with your interviewer include:The ProductKnow the product(s) your company produces and promotes. You don’t need to understand every detail about every aspect of what the company makes, but definitely have a basic understanding of the primary things your company produces, sells, or values.If possible, get a hold of a sample of the product to understand how it works from the consumer’s point of view. The more knowledge you have about this, the better it will serve you in your interview.The RoleRead the job description carefully, being sure you understand the responsibilities that will be expected of you. Understanding the job role will help you ask thoughtful questions during the interview and will give you a good idea of what your workday will look like regarding tasks you will be expected to perform.Be sure to ask for any clarification you need about what is expected from your job role during your interview so you can feel confident you have all the information needed in the event you are given a job offer.The PersonalityMost companies keep updated blogs and social media profiles that discuss their industry and company culture. Use these materials as a way to research the tone and overall personality of the company you are interviewing with to get a feel for the specific culture of the workplace. If you have questions about the workplace environment when conducting this research, jot them down to ask during your interview.Step 2. Know Your Values and Ask QuestionsSelf-awareness is one of the most important and most sought-after competencies to have in the workplace. Spending some time in reflective introspection about the career choices you have made will give you a good idea of the things you value in your working like. Make note of the questions you would like to ask about the company and a workplace culture that are important to you. These questions can range in topic from the software and tools used by the company, to the policy on taking time off. Remember, the interview is as much about you finding a good fit for your career goals as it is for the company to find a good fit for the job role. Knowing that your values align with your potential employer is essential to having a smooth and happy working life.Step 3. Prepare Answers to Common QuestionsThough many interviews contain notoriously dreaded questions like, “What is your greatest weakness?” with a little preparation, these questions are nothing to fear. It’s important to be succinct, specific, and honest in your replies, but don’t overthink it.Jot down some bullet point responses to the most commonly asked interview questions and rehearse them so they are fresh in your mind when the day of the big interview comes.Expect to encounter some variation of the following during your interview: Tell us about yourself What are your greatest strengths? Greatest weaknesses?Describe your work history Why are you interested in this position/working for this company? Why are you looking now? Or Why did you leave your last job? When is a time you failed and how did you respond? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Big Interview is designed to help you anticipate what questions will be asked at your interview based on your experience and the industry you are breaking in to. Click here to read more about what’s inside our step-by-step interview preparation system.Step 4. Know What You’re Bringing to the TableMany people become uncomfortable at the idea of “selling themselves,” but presenting yourself in your best light does not have to feel gimmicky or disingenuous. The fact is, you do have skills and experiences that set you apart and it is completely acceptable to acknowledge that about yourself.When preparing for your interview, know how your particular skill set will translate to yo ur job role and how it will help contribute to the overall goals of the team or department.Having stats on hand about how you have grown and succeeded in your previous roles will serve you well here. For instance, what percentage of overall sales were you responsible for in your last position? How much did your previous companies’ social media engagement grow when you were managing it?Whatever accomplishments you have that are relevant to the position will be a great asset for your interviewer to know. Don’t be shy about sharing your accomplishments. Your interviewer is hoping you are a good fit as much as you are, so make sure they have all of the reasons why this job should be yours.Step 5. Know the Location of the InterviewAs if job interviews aren’t nerve-wracking enough, often interviews happen in places we have never been before. This can cause a great deal of anxiety, especially if you live in a big city or are easily made nervous by driving in unfamiliar places.To avoi d becoming harried and anxious due to commuting before your interview, take some of these steps during your preparation to help put your mind at ease:Leave in Plenty of TimeYou’d rather be early than late, so be sure to build in time to account for heavy traffic, getting lost, having to park far away, trouble locating the suite number or any other small thing that can inconveniently arise when you are least expecting it. If  a travel goes smoothly, you can  take the  extra time to calm yourself and go over  everything one more time.Save Your Interview’s Contact InformationSometimes, in spite of  our best preparation, life still throws a curveball at the worst possible time. If something happens and you realize you’re going to be late, call your interviewer and let them know. Most people are sympathetic and understand that life happens, but be sure to give an ETA and a reasonable explanation for your tardiness.Look Up the Location BeforehandThanks to modern technology, it’s n ever been easier to look up locations on your phone or home computer. Do a little research before your interview and figure out where the building you will be interviewed in is located. If it’s in a large building, be sure you have the correct suite number.Parking can also be a big concern, so be sure you know where there is available parking near the location. Interviewers often include this information while scheduling the interview, but don’t be afraid to ask if it’s something you are anxious about.If time and circumstances permit, it is also a good idea to go by the location before the day of your interview so you have an understanding of the lay of the land.Step 6. Prepare with Mock InterviewsWe’re speaking from years of experience coaching people on interview skills when we say that practice is THE best way to both increase your confidence and polish your presentation skills.We have seen clients go from nervous, fidgeting ramblers to irresistible charmers. The practice may be a bit tedious, but it’s well worth it.Also, no matter how many times you practice an answer in your head, it will sound different to you when you speak it aloud. For this reason, it’s important to speak your responses out loud as part of your interview preparation. This will allow you to fine-tune anything that may have sounded great in your head, but doesn’t really flow or feels awkward and out of place once articulated verbally.Big Interview is specifically designed to help you with the mock interview process. We have literally thousands of practice questions separated into specific mock interviews for hundreds of different job roles. Our practice interview tool allows you to practice your answers at any time, any place.Take our advice and make your mistakes in the dress rehearsal and not the big interview itself. The more you’ve practiced and the better prepared you are, the higher your chances are of acing the interview and beginning the career of your dreams.St ep 7. Print Hard Copies of Your ResumeThough most employers ask for digital copies of your resume during the application process, they may not have one on hand when it comes time to interview you. Having a copy readily available shows that you are organized and prepared.It is advisable to have at least 3 hard copies with you. Two in case there is more than one interviewer, and one for yourself to use to follow along as the interviewer is discussing your work history.Anticipate Questions About Your ResumeIn your preparations, be sure to have rehearsed your explanations for any oddities or large gaps that may appear on your resume. For instance, being out of the workforce for many years to care for a child or elderly parent, or re-entering the workforce after having been self-employed, are understandable reasons why there may be large gaps in your resume. (Worth noting: we have a whole section of our blog with more in-depth content on creating a good resume.)Be Honest, But DiplomaticI n some cases, questions about your resume can be awkward and require diplomacy. You want to be honest in your responses, but you also don’t want the interview to jump to incorrect conclusions. For example, if you left a job after a short time because of a toxic manager, it can be difficult to explain yourself without sounding overly negative.Planning and practice can help you find a neutral way to explain your situation. Give yourself some time to think these answers through and practice them out loud before your interview so you are not caught off-guard at the moment and suffer a setback in self-confidence.Step 8. Have Concluding Questions PreparedAt the end of your interview, it is commonplace to be asked if you have any questions. You may have questions come to you in the moment, but its a good idea to have several prepared beforehand. Here are some examples:What is your favorite part of working for X Company?In your opinion, what is the most essential quality or skill needed to be a good fit for this role?What is your ultimate vision for this position/department?What is something you would add/change about this department/company if you could?Preparing well is the cornerstone of knocking your interview out of the park. Give yourself the best possible chance of success by doing your research, preparing your responses, practicing aloud, and thinking thoughtfully about your values, goals, and skill set. Now that you know the right steps to take, don’t just read another post on how to prepare for an interview. Put in the prep time and put yourself on the fast track to making your dream job a reality.