How to choose the right new-hire from several qualified applicants

Your company is hiring and there are many qualified applicants. So how are you as a manager to hire the right person for the job? Here we will look at the different areas you need to look at to make sure that your new-hire is a good candidate for your job position. How to choose the right new-hire from several qualified applicants can be done in many ways. Here are some ideas to help you choose the best applicants for the position.

If all your applicants seem to be equally qualified you will need to look beyond their qualifications to do the job. These other types of qualifications would include their behaviors, personality, the way they dress, and their attitude. Your potential new-hires may be qualified equally on paper but when you begin to look deeper one of the candidates may stand out more then the others. This may require more then one interview but to get the best candidate for the job it is well worth the extra time involved.

Let's first take a look at your potential new-hires behavior. They should show up on time if not a little early to the interview. This shows that they value their time and yours. While in the interview do they look you in the eye or down at your feet. Your best applicant will be confident and be able to answer all your questions. During the interview there will not be a lot of mumbling or I don't know answers. The better your potential new-hire answers all your questions the better candidate they will be for the job they are applying for. The potential new-hire should not show fidgety behaviors. This shows their confidence that they are the right hire for your company.

Your company is hiring and there are many qualified applicants. So how are you as a manager to hire the right person for the job? Here we will look at the different areas you need to look at to make sure that your new-hire is a good candidate for your job position. How to choose the right new-hire from several qualified applicants can be done in many ways. Here are some ideas to help you choose the best applicants for the position.

If all your applicants seem to be equally qualified you will need to look beyond their qualifications to do the job. These other types of qualifications would include their behaviors, personality, the way they dress, and their attitude. Your potential new-hires may be qualified equally on paper but when you begin to look deeper one of the candidates may stand out more then the others. This may require more then one interview but to get the best candidate for the job it is well worth the extra time involved.

Let's first take a look at your potential new-hires behavior. They should show up on time if not a little early to the interview. This shows that they value their time and yours. While in the interview do they look you in the eye or down at your feet. Your best applicant will be confident and be able to answer all your questions. During the interview there will not be a lot of mumbling or I don't know answers. The better your potential new-hire answers all your questions the better candidate they will be for the job they are applying for. The potential new-hire should not show fidgety behaviors. This shows their confidence that they are the right hire for your company.

Tips for hiring an executive secretary

Many business professionals would not be able to maintain the organization of their offices were it not for their executive secretary. Executive secretaries manage everything from answering phones to scheduling appointments. Some executive secretaries take on financial responsibilities of payroll and hiring of new employees while other executive secretaries are responsible for maintaining the technology that exists within the business, running the programs that are being used and trouble shooting any technological errors. The list of what executive secretaries can help you as a busy business person with are endless. This is why it is so important to hire the right executive secretary for you.

Hiring an executive secretary presents many of the same challenges that hiring any employee would. There are some basic educational requirements that must be met and obviously the person that you are looking to hire should be available to work during the hours that you will need her. But there are some unique skills that your executive secretary will likely need to have. As job requirements for an executive secretary will vary between job fields, below is a list of basic skills and requirements that you should look for and ask job candidates about when hiring an executive secretary.

Many business professionals would not be able to maintain the organization of their offices were it not for their executive secretary. Executive secretaries manage everything from answering phones to scheduling appointments. Some executive secretaries take on financial responsibilities of payroll and hiring of new employees while other executive secretaries are responsible for maintaining the technology that exists within the business, running the programs that are being used and trouble shooting any technological errors. The list of what executive secretaries can help you as a busy business person with are endless. This is why it is so important to hire the right executive secretary for you.

Hiring an executive secretary presents many of the same challenges that hiring any employee would. There are some basic educational requirements that must be met and obviously the person that you are looking to hire should be available to work during the hours that you will need her. But there are some unique skills that your executive secretary will likely need to have. As job requirements for an executive secretary will vary between job fields, below is a list of basic skills and requirements that you should look for and ask job candidates about when hiring an executive secretary.

Deciding Who to Promote, and Who Not To

Deciding who to promote and who not to promote is an important decision for any manager. By promoting the right people, the company benefits by having important positions filled by capable workers who can lead others with enthusiasm and results. Below are a few guidelines on how to decide who promote and who not to.

Consider Loyalty and Dependability
Consider the employee's loyalty and dependability when deciding who to promote or not. Is he/she reliable? Can you count on them to do their very best work consistently? The person should be able to think in terms of how the company and team, not just themselves, will benefit. They should realize that the success of the company and the staff is as important as their own. Seek someone who is dedicated to the goals of the company.

Deciding who to promote and who not to promote is an important decision for any manager. By promoting the right people, the company benefits by having important positions filled by capable workers who can lead others with enthusiasm and results. Below are a few guidelines on how to decide who promote and who not to.

Consider Loyalty and Dependability
Consider the employee's loyalty and dependability when deciding who to promote or not. Is he/she reliable? Can you count on them to do their very best work consistently? The person should be able to think in terms of how the company and team, not just themselves, will benefit. They should realize that the success of the company and the staff is as important as their own. Seek someone who is dedicated to the goals of the company.

Tips for hiring someone to handle your payroll

Whether you are a new business or an existing well established business all will agree that even the most meticulous and experience book keepers find that handling payroll can be a very big headache. Hiring someone to handle your payroll can provide a less expensive way to pay your employees, help with filing taxes, and can perform many other time consuming tasks.

As you consider hiring someone to handle your payroll, here is a list of some common mistakes made when trying to handle them on your own:

Whether you are a new business or an existing well established business all will agree that even the most meticulous and experience book keepers find that handling payroll can be a very big headache. Hiring someone to handle your payroll can provide a less expensive way to pay your employees, help with filing taxes, and can perform many other time consuming tasks.

As you consider hiring someone to handle your payroll, here is a list of some common mistakes made when trying to handle them on your own:

Tips for interviewing when hiring

Interviewing when hiring new employees can be intimidating at least. There is a lot riding on the decision that you are going to have to make regarding who you hire. This person could greatly help your team or he could be the cause of problems down the road. Somehow in your interview you have to make a decision regarding whether or not this individual is going to be a good fit for your company not only now but for years to come. Below are some tips for interviewing when hiring that will hopefully give you some direction as you make this very difficult decision.

Know your boundaries

Interviewing when hiring new employees can be intimidating at least. There is a lot riding on the decision that you are going to have to make regarding who you hire. This person could greatly help your team or he could be the cause of problems down the road. Somehow in your interview you have to make a decision regarding whether or not this individual is going to be a good fit for your company not only now but for years to come. Below are some tips for interviewing when hiring that will hopefully give you some direction as you make this very difficult decision.

Know your boundaries

Tips for encouraging success

As a manager it is your prerogative to encourage success in the people you manage. When those under you do well, you in turn do well. Everyone should encourage success to anyone that they meet. Everyone should be encouraged to meet their goals. As a manager or a leader you should always encourage the success of the team that you are leading not just for your own good, but for theirs as well. The success of your team ensures your success not only for you job but your success as a leader. When you encourage success in your team they will strive harder to reach their goals because they will feel that not only do they care about what they are pushing for but that someone else does too. There are many ways that you can encourage success. Let's go over some tips that you can use to encourage success.

If you want to encourage success, you need to get to know your employees or team members. When people feel like they are recognized and that you know and care about them, they won't feel so in the dark about things and they will push to always be heard and seen. When you know all of your team members you can encourage success verbally. Say things that will help motivate. Saying something like "You almost have it just keep trying," this lets someone know that by continuing to try and do well will eventually help them excel. Knowing what people `s personal struggles are will help you to guide them with more efficiency.

As a manager it is your prerogative to encourage success in the people you manage. When those under you do well, you in turn do well. Everyone should encourage success to anyone that they meet. Everyone should be encouraged to meet their goals. As a manager or a leader you should always encourage the success of the team that you are leading not just for your own good, but for theirs as well. The success of your team ensures your success not only for you job but your success as a leader. When you encourage success in your team they will strive harder to reach their goals because they will feel that not only do they care about what they are pushing for but that someone else does too. There are many ways that you can encourage success. Let's go over some tips that you can use to encourage success.

If you want to encourage success, you need to get to know your employees or team members. When people feel like they are recognized and that you know and care about them, they won't feel so in the dark about things and they will push to always be heard and seen. When you know all of your team members you can encourage success verbally. Say things that will help motivate. Saying something like "You almost have it just keep trying," this lets someone know that by continuing to try and do well will eventually help them excel. Knowing what people `s personal struggles are will help you to guide them with more efficiency.

Tips on checking on resumes for accuracy

If you are responsible for hiring employees, you already know how important it is to not waste time and money hiring the wrong person. One of the keys to hiring a good employee is the job interview. However, there are some kinds of people who interview well but are horrible to work with. There are other kinds of people who will lie on their resume, assuming that nobody will check the facts. To help you not hire either kind of person (the con or the liar) you should always do accuracy checks on resumes. Here are three of the things that you should check when verifying resumes:

Degrees and Transcripts-people lie about having degrees all of the time. It is most prevalent in people who nearly achieved a degree but stopped short. For some reason, it is quite common for these people to claim to have received the degree. If you have an employ who claims to have a college or an advanced degree, check out their story. Universities publish lists of their alumni so it is easy to find out if a person graduated or not. Degrees are a matter of public record so you can always gain access to this information but for smaller schools who don't publish alumni lists, you might have to call the school to find out how to obtain the information.

If you are responsible for hiring employees, you already know how important it is to not waste time and money hiring the wrong person. One of the keys to hiring a good employee is the job interview. However, there are some kinds of people who interview well but are horrible to work with. There are other kinds of people who will lie on their resume, assuming that nobody will check the facts. To help you not hire either kind of person (the con or the liar) you should always do accuracy checks on resumes. Here are three of the things that you should check when verifying resumes:

Degrees and Transcripts-people lie about having degrees all of the time. It is most prevalent in people who nearly achieved a degree but stopped short. For some reason, it is quite common for these people to claim to have received the degree. If you have an employ who claims to have a college or an advanced degree, check out their story. Universities publish lists of their alumni so it is easy to find out if a person graduated or not. Degrees are a matter of public record so you can always gain access to this information but for smaller schools who don't publish alumni lists, you might have to call the school to find out how to obtain the information.

How to choose a sales force automation company

You own a sales-related business. You and your employees spend much of your time working on the actual sales of your company. A huge portion of your profits go to pay your employees for their time spent working on individual sales, when they could be working on other projects that need more time and attention than simply tracking a shipment or printing up a bill of sale. So in order to decrease frivolous costs, as well as try to increase profits, you decide that you would like to fine a sales force automation company.

But where do you begin your search? There are many companies out there that claim to be the best choice for a sales force automation company. But how do you know which one is the most appropriate for you? What should you look for in a sales automation company?

You own a sales-related business. You and your employees spend much of your time working on the actual sales of your company. A huge portion of your profits go to pay your employees for their time spent working on individual sales, when they could be working on other projects that need more time and attention than simply tracking a shipment or printing up a bill of sale. So in order to decrease frivolous costs, as well as try to increase profits, you decide that you would like to fine a sales force automation company.

But where do you begin your search? There are many companies out there that claim to be the best choice for a sales force automation company. But how do you know which one is the most appropriate for you? What should you look for in a sales automation company?

Hiring a paper shredding company

Every person has documents he/she does not want others to read. From old bank statements, to account numbers and credit cards, or old emails to clients and friends-there are just certain things you don't want laying around the office or home for just anyone to read.

Disposing of these papers can be risky. If you simply through them in the trash, anyone could search through your can until they found that perfect personal document to commit identity theft with, or all your financial information making it easy for a thief to commit bank fraud. Burning your papers is also an option, but perhaps a bit extreme, and, of course, very messy. The fire alarms in your office or home would most surely go off if you started the fire in your trash can, and then the emergency sprinklers would come on, drenching everyone and everything in your office or home. Not a good idea. The perfect solution is found in hiring a paper shredding company!

Every person has documents he/she does not want others to read. From old bank statements, to account numbers and credit cards, or old emails to clients and friends-there are just certain things you don't want laying around the office or home for just anyone to read.

Disposing of these papers can be risky. If you simply through them in the trash, anyone could search through your can until they found that perfect personal document to commit identity theft with, or all your financial information making it easy for a thief to commit bank fraud. Burning your papers is also an option, but perhaps a bit extreme, and, of course, very messy. The fire alarms in your office or home would most surely go off if you started the fire in your trash can, and then the emergency sprinklers would come on, drenching everyone and everything in your office or home. Not a good idea. The perfect solution is found in hiring a paper shredding company!

How to Find a Good Lawyer

In the business world, having a knowledgeable, reputable lawyer is invaluable. There are a number of reasons a business should have legal representation, as a qualified attorney can help them avoid legal snares associated with employees, taxes, or litigation.

Some common reasons a business would go about hiring a lawyer would be:
When forming a new business
Drafting employment agreements
Merging or selling the business
Disputes between shareholders
Environmental and regulatory compliance on both the state and federal level
Ensuring the business complies with state and federal employment laws
Defense of employment related claims such as harassment and discrimination

In the business world, having a knowledgeable, reputable lawyer is invaluable. There are a number of reasons a business should have legal representation, as a qualified attorney can help them avoid legal snares associated with employees, taxes, or litigation.

Some common reasons a business would go about hiring a lawyer would be:
When forming a new business
Drafting employment agreements
Merging or selling the business
Disputes between shareholders
Environmental and regulatory compliance on both the state and federal level
Ensuring the business complies with state and federal employment laws
Defense of employment related claims such as harassment and discrimination

How to Find a Good Accountant

An accountant is a vital part of any business. Not only do accountants handle a company's taxes, they can also help determine whether or not certain moves will have an effect on taxes, such as buying a company vehicle or leasing computers. In addition, they can help employers when deciding whether or not to incorporate the business.

While having an accountant is important, it's even more important to find one who is qualified, competent, and honest, as a portion of the company's financial well-being lies in the accountant's hands.

An accountant is a vital part of any business. Not only do accountants handle a company's taxes, they can also help determine whether or not certain moves will have an effect on taxes, such as buying a company vehicle or leasing computers. In addition, they can help employers when deciding whether or not to incorporate the business.

While having an accountant is important, it's even more important to find one who is qualified, competent, and honest, as a portion of the company's financial well-being lies in the accountant's hands.

Hiring a Marketer - Should You Hire Experience or Potential?

A marketer is an important part of your business. He or she is especially vital when the business is just starting out and needs to be promoted in all the right ways. That's why you need to make sure you hire the right person for the job.

When hiring a marketer, you have two options - hiring someone who is experienced in the field, or hiring someone with talent and potential but little on-the-job experience. Both have their pros and cons.

A marketer is an important part of your business. He or she is especially vital when the business is just starting out and needs to be promoted in all the right ways. That's why you need to make sure you hire the right person for the job.

When hiring a marketer, you have two options - hiring someone who is experienced in the field, or hiring someone with talent and potential but little on-the-job experience. Both have their pros and cons.

How to hire a rising star

As a business manager you are always on the look-out for the next "rising star" to hire for your company. This person is the kind of worker that every business person dreams of having, or even becoming one themselves. A rising star is an employee with the right kind of skills for the job. They are well educated and talented, and also have the kind of attitude you're looking for in an employee. They are passionate about what your business does and for them, work is more than just a paycheck.

A good way to be on the look-out for a rising star is by looking into the academic background of your potential employees. The type of major that they had in college, the types of classes they took and the kinds of extra-curricular activities they participated in are indicative of the type of worker they will become. The type of school they attended may also be a mark of their status as a rising star. An applicant who attended a well-known party school may be less of a rising star than an applicant who attended a prestigious Ivy League school.

As a business manager you are always on the look-out for the next "rising star" to hire for your company. This person is the kind of worker that every business person dreams of having, or even becoming one themselves. A rising star is an employee with the right kind of skills for the job. They are well educated and talented, and also have the kind of attitude you're looking for in an employee. They are passionate about what your business does and for them, work is more than just a paycheck.

A good way to be on the look-out for a rising star is by looking into the academic background of your potential employees. The type of major that they had in college, the types of classes they took and the kinds of extra-curricular activities they participated in are indicative of the type of worker they will become. The type of school they attended may also be a mark of their status as a rising star. An applicant who attended a well-known party school may be less of a rising star than an applicant who attended a prestigious Ivy League school.

Hiring for attitude, not just skills

The work force today is filled with qualified individuals with all the skills you could possibly want-just not the attitude that fits in with your company. Many individuals go to work each day just looking for a paycheck, but not caring about the way the business is run or the kind of service they give. This makes it difficult to run your business as smoothly as possible. Employees who are only there for a paycheck are not likely to invest time and emotion in improving your business.

But how do you, as a business owner, find an employee who will have the attitude you're looking for? Things like a passion for your product or a love of the company or a strong work ethic are valuable attitudes that can improve your business. So as a business owner, you need to devise a way to hire for attitude, not just skills.

The work force today is filled with qualified individuals with all the skills you could possibly want-just not the attitude that fits in with your company. Many individuals go to work each day just looking for a paycheck, but not caring about the way the business is run or the kind of service they give. This makes it difficult to run your business as smoothly as possible. Employees who are only there for a paycheck are not likely to invest time and emotion in improving your business.

But how do you, as a business owner, find an employee who will have the attitude you're looking for? Things like a passion for your product or a love of the company or a strong work ethic are valuable attitudes that can improve your business. So as a business owner, you need to devise a way to hire for attitude, not just skills.

Advantages and disadvantages of hiring friends and relatives

In business management, especially when it is your own business, there are many advantages and disadvantages to hiring friends and relatives. During the course of running your business, you may decide that you would like to hire a friend or relative. Doing so can create a friendly and pleasant working environment.

Friends and family may bring many useful skills to your business. But it may also negatively affect your business. Hiring friends and family may allow for familial disputes and interactions to negatively affect the way your business runs. Considering the following points may help you decide whether or not hiring friends and relatives is a good course of action for you and your business.

In business management, especially when it is your own business, there are many advantages and disadvantages to hiring friends and relatives. During the course of running your business, you may decide that you would like to hire a friend or relative. Doing so can create a friendly and pleasant working environment.

Friends and family may bring many useful skills to your business. But it may also negatively affect your business. Hiring friends and family may allow for familial disputes and interactions to negatively affect the way your business runs. Considering the following points may help you decide whether or not hiring friends and relatives is a good course of action for you and your business.

Job Interview Preparation - What Employers Are Looking For

When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you, there are certain things that they are looking for from you. Naturally, you are likely to focus on these things during an interview, but you should remember all of the tips in this manual because following those tips is what is going to make the employers see all of those things in you.

Since everybody wants to have a leg up when it comes to an interview, it naturally seemed to be appropriate to let you in on what the employers are evaluating you on during an interview. So here is that list.

Your Enthusiasm : Employers want to know that you are willing and eager to be a part of their company. Being fully stocked with knowledge about the company is a sure fire way to show your enthusiasm.

Your ability to speak clearly : If you approach an interview mumbling and speaking slang, a prospective employer will not see you as a professional.

Showing your teamwork skills : You should show an example of your ability to work as a team during your interview.

Leadership skills : You should show your leadership abilities by approaching your interview with an offensive train of thought. Problem solving ability : Employers needs to know that you can handle yourself when a problem arrives.

When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you, there are certain things that they are looking for from you. Naturally, you are likely to focus on these things during an interview, but you should remember all of the tips in this manual because following those tips is what is going to make the employers see all of those things in you.

Since everybody wants to have a leg up when it comes to an interview, it naturally seemed to be appropriate to let you in on what the employers are evaluating you on during an interview. So here is that list.

Your Enthusiasm : Employers want to know that you are willing and eager to be a part of their company. Being fully stocked with knowledge about the company is a sure fire way to show your enthusiasm.

Your ability to speak clearly : If you approach an interview mumbling and speaking slang, a prospective employer will not see you as a professional.

Showing your teamwork skills : You should show an example of your ability to work as a team during your interview.

Leadership skills : You should show your leadership abilities by approaching your interview with an offensive train of thought. Problem solving ability : Employers needs to know that you can handle yourself when a problem arrives.

Another New Boss: How to Make the Transition Work for You!

Recently during a coaching call, one of my clients was expressing her concerns about having a new boss. She was a little anxious about having to prove herself once again. “What do you know about this person?” I asked. “Nothing,” she replied. “Only that he is very focused on his own career advancement.” “Sounds like an opportunity to me,” I replied. “You have got to be kidding me,” she laughed. “Let me hear this one.”

There is no need to assume that you have to prove yourself. The only reason why you feel that way is because of your own paradigms, not the new boss’s. Change can represent an opportunity if you are willing to lean into it. What I mean is, understand how you can focus on your own strengths and neutralize your weaknesses. The new boss will buy in to whatever you are selling. It’s your choice to sell confidence and expertise or to sell ‘I’m still in the proving stage.’

The question isn’t what does a new boss mean to you. The real question is what do you want it to mean to you. I am going to assume that what you want is to experience success. If that assumption is correct, here’s my advice on how to make that become a reality.

#1 - Be the expert of your business. No one should know the business that you are responsible for better than you. The depth of your knowledge in terms of the strategy, the history of the department or business unit and, most important, your own vision for the future of the work should roll from your tongue.

Recently during a coaching call, one of my clients was expressing her concerns about having a new boss. She was a little anxious about having to prove herself once again. “What do you know about this person?” I asked. “Nothing,” she replied. “Only that he is very focused on his own career advancement.” “Sounds like an opportunity to me,” I replied. “You have got to be kidding me,” she laughed. “Let me hear this one.”

There is no need to assume that you have to prove yourself. The only reason why you feel that way is because of your own paradigms, not the new boss’s. Change can represent an opportunity if you are willing to lean into it. What I mean is, understand how you can focus on your own strengths and neutralize your weaknesses. The new boss will buy in to whatever you are selling. It’s your choice to sell confidence and expertise or to sell ‘I’m still in the proving stage.’

The question isn’t what does a new boss mean to you. The real question is what do you want it to mean to you. I am going to assume that what you want is to experience success. If that assumption is correct, here’s my advice on how to make that become a reality.

#1 - Be the expert of your business. No one should know the business that you are responsible for better than you. The depth of your knowledge in terms of the strategy, the history of the department or business unit and, most important, your own vision for the future of the work should roll from your tongue.

Preparation is Key

Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be a stressful situation. However, Preparation is the KEY! When preparing for that all important interview, take time to reflect upon your career experiences; and look for at least five good examples of your accomplishments and challenges--we will call them "bragging points".

Make a list of these "bragging points", and then write a short summary about each situation. Become very familiar with these situations and their details, because they will help you identify certain skill sets (i.e. creativity, leadership, motivation, negotiation, etc.) used in these situations.

Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be a stressful situation. However, Preparation is the KEY! When preparing for that all important interview, take time to reflect upon your career experiences; and look for at least five good examples of your accomplishments and challenges--we will call them "bragging points".

Make a list of these "bragging points", and then write a short summary about each situation. Become very familiar with these situations and their details, because they will help you identify certain skill sets (i.e. creativity, leadership, motivation, negotiation, etc.) used in these situations.

Job Seekers Beware: Statistics Show that New Year’s Resolutions are Doomed for Failure

A survey conducted by Gail Kasper, LLC, a leading speaking and coaching company, found that American’s aren’t taking their futures very seriously. Specifically, 51% of those surveyed do not have New Year’s resolutions. Of those who do, 79% don’t have a plan to achieve them. According to the Department of Labor, over 400,000 unemployed individuals are NOT actively seeking employment because they do not feel that there are jobs available for them. With unemployment at a all high, job seekers, must stay the course, have a game plan, and maximize holiday opportunities or they will find themselves amongst the 91% of American’s who won’t be achieving their goals in the New Year.

The survey which was complete by a random group of 104 adults over 18 years of age, also asked respondents to identify the biggest issue that prevents them from achieving their New Years Resolutions or goals. The top 3 reasons identified were as follows:

Procrastinating 33% Lack of discipline 24% No game plan 19%

Interestingly enough, 10% of individuals felt the biggest issue that prevents them from achieving their New Year’s Resolutions or goals was “doing it alone.”

A survey conducted by Gail Kasper, LLC, a leading speaking and coaching company, found that American’s aren’t taking their futures very seriously. Specifically, 51% of those surveyed do not have New Year’s resolutions. Of those who do, 79% don’t have a plan to achieve them. According to the Department of Labor, over 400,000 unemployed individuals are NOT actively seeking employment because they do not feel that there are jobs available for them. With unemployment at a all high, job seekers, must stay the course, have a game plan, and maximize holiday opportunities or they will find themselves amongst the 91% of American’s who won’t be achieving their goals in the New Year.

The survey which was complete by a random group of 104 adults over 18 years of age, also asked respondents to identify the biggest issue that prevents them from achieving their New Years Resolutions or goals. The top 3 reasons identified were as follows:

Procrastinating 33% Lack of discipline 24% No game plan 19%

Interestingly enough, 10% of individuals felt the biggest issue that prevents them from achieving their New Year’s Resolutions or goals was “doing it alone.”

Knowing What You Want in Your Next Job

Question – “When have you been most motivated?”

This question is more than an interview question; it is a question that you should be asking yourself before the interview. When have you been most satisfied in your work? When did you feel like you were making a difference or making a contribution? Basically, it’s about knowing what you want.

A simple exercise that will help you answer this question will also help you look inside yourself to think about what you want “more of,” and what you want “less of” in your next job. People usually perform at a higher level if they are satisfied with the work that they do -- and as a result are more motivated to give 100% - plus.

Exercise to Find the Answer

An exercise that will help you with the answer to this question as well as to assist you in looking inward to determine when you were working at your fullest potential is a simple one. Begin by making a list of the tasks at your last job -- the tasks that you were particularly proud of, or were energized by. In other words, “when your job turned you on.” Think about the last time you were so involved in a project or task that you woke up thinking about how you could improve the situation. Write those experiences down and try to determine what the factors were that were satisfying for you.

Question – “When have you been most motivated?”

This question is more than an interview question; it is a question that you should be asking yourself before the interview. When have you been most satisfied in your work? When did you feel like you were making a difference or making a contribution? Basically, it’s about knowing what you want.

A simple exercise that will help you answer this question will also help you look inside yourself to think about what you want “more of,” and what you want “less of” in your next job. People usually perform at a higher level if they are satisfied with the work that they do -- and as a result are more motivated to give 100% - plus.

Exercise to Find the Answer

An exercise that will help you with the answer to this question as well as to assist you in looking inward to determine when you were working at your fullest potential is a simple one. Begin by making a list of the tasks at your last job -- the tasks that you were particularly proud of, or were energized by. In other words, “when your job turned you on.” Think about the last time you were so involved in a project or task that you woke up thinking about how you could improve the situation. Write those experiences down and try to determine what the factors were that were satisfying for you.

Pesky Interview Questions That Keep Coming Up

Those same questions keep coming up -- in every interview. They can be tough ones because they are about you and your thinking process. Preparing for them ahead of time can save you some grief during the interview.

What are your weaknesses?

The most dreaded question of all. Handle this question by minimizing the weakness and emphasizing the strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working to improve my communication skills so that I can be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters which I find very helpful."

Why should we hire you?

Those same questions keep coming up -- in every interview. They can be tough ones because they are about you and your thinking process. Preparing for them ahead of time can save you some grief during the interview.

What are your weaknesses?

The most dreaded question of all. Handle this question by minimizing the weakness and emphasizing the strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working to improve my communication skills so that I can be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters which I find very helpful."

Why should we hire you?

Business Etiquette for Lunch Interviews

"Help!" the twentysomething croaked, learning he was to have
his interview for a high level IT job at an upscale restaurant.

"What if I forget what fork to use?"

When it comes to business dining etiquette, which fork to use
is rarely a problem - especially during lunch.

The key thing to remember is that the interview isn't about
eating, it's about the presenting yourself effectively and
positioning yourself for the job.

Here are 5 Quick Tips For Success

"Help!" the twentysomething croaked, learning he was to have
his interview for a high level IT job at an upscale restaurant.

"What if I forget what fork to use?"

When it comes to business dining etiquette, which fork to use
is rarely a problem - especially during lunch.

The key thing to remember is that the interview isn't about
eating, it's about the presenting yourself effectively and
positioning yourself for the job.

Here are 5 Quick Tips For Success

Those Unexpected Telephone Screenings

The phone rings just as you are about to sit down for dinner, but this time it’s not a pesky telemarketer – it’s a company recruiter calling. You’ve been caught off-guard! The telephone “screen call” can come at any time – day or night. Some interviewers find evenings the best time to catch people at home, where they will be able to talk more candidly. Therefore, you should be on-call and prepared to receive a telephone interview at any time.

Telephone interviews, typically conducted by a human resources staff member or a hired recruiter, are used as screening tools. By asking key questions, the interviewer determines whether or not it is worthwhile to pursue you further as a candidate. The screenings may consist of a few quick questions or as much as a one-hour grilling.

Some general questions you might expect in a telephone screening are:

The phone rings just as you are about to sit down for dinner, but this time it’s not a pesky telemarketer – it’s a company recruiter calling. You’ve been caught off-guard! The telephone “screen call” can come at any time – day or night. Some interviewers find evenings the best time to catch people at home, where they will be able to talk more candidly. Therefore, you should be on-call and prepared to receive a telephone interview at any time.

Telephone interviews, typically conducted by a human resources staff member or a hired recruiter, are used as screening tools. By asking key questions, the interviewer determines whether or not it is worthwhile to pursue you further as a candidate. The screenings may consist of a few quick questions or as much as a one-hour grilling.

Some general questions you might expect in a telephone screening are: