Ensuring New Job Success

Ensuring New Job Success
Posted on the First 30 Days Blog
www.first30days.com

“I felt like I won the lottery,” says Melissa Luckman, a New York City public-school teacher, after landing a new job as a guidance counselor. “I applied to more than 250 jobs and only got one interview prior to this one. The interview went well. I got a call the very same day, offering me the position.”

Melissa’s excitement came with a nervousness about starting something new and unknown. “I was jumping out of my skin. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was so excited,” Melissa notes. “But I was also nervous that I couldn’t live up to what they saw in the interview.”

Whether this is your first job or your tenth, starting a new job comes with many emotions, fears and questions. “It’s a whole new environment,” says John Challenger, workplace expert and CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an international outplacement consulting firm. “It’s common for people to question ‘will I last? Will I be able to fit in? Will my boss be good or bad? Will it be what I thought it was or what was promised? Am I going to be successful here?’”

Don’t let that bring you down, though. There were more than 1.3 million new jobs created in 2007 alone, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, 1.3 million people faced similar questions and uncertainties.

Some anxiety also comes from the pressure people put on themselves about the image they will portray. When starting a new job, it’s important to make—and continue to make—great first impressions. “Go to work everyday as if it were your first day on the job,” suggests Susan Morem, president of Premier Presentation, a training and consulting firm, and author of How to Gain the Professional Edge: Achieve the Personal and Professional Image You Want. “Really think about what you’re wearing and how you are acting. Everything that you would do on an interview still applies.”

While this doesn’t mean you need to dress in a three-piece suit everyday, you should keep your attire a notch above the rest for at least your first 30 days in a new job. And, make sure your actions show you as a professional individual ready to work with the new team. Melissa took this advice to heart and bought herself a few new outfits to go with her new job. “Having something new that I felt great in helped ease some of the anxieties I had about starting something so new,” she remembers.

Remember, it’s OK to be nervous, but focus on the exciting journey of starting a new job. The important thing is to take this time to learn all you can about your new workplace, your co-workers and your boss.

Learn Your Environment

Starting a new job is a great opportunity to absorb everything around you. Even if you held the same job at a similar company for 10 years, your new job will be different. Begin each day at your new job with an open mind ready to learn everything you can—and start with the office politics.

“You want to make sure you understand the power structure as quickly as possible,” says Sunny Bates, president and CEO of Sunny Bates Associates, an executive search firm, and author of How to Earn What You’re Worth: Leveraging Your Goals and Talents to Land Your Dream Job. “Try to be Switzerland. Listen to everyone, be pleasant and you’ll quickly be able to pull together the structure.”

Your greatest allies here are your co-workers. Go ahead and chat them up. Setting up informal meetings for lunch or coffee is a good way to get started. Understand what each person does and where he or she sits in the overall company structure. And, don’t forget to use your co-workers as a resource and find out the other key people you should meet.

“From day one, begin building 360-degree relationships. You want people to be saying ‘that was a good hire. She really fits in here,’” says Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D. Frankel is president of Corporate Coaching International, a firm specializing in executive coaching and organizational development, and author of numerous job-success books, including See Jane Lead: 99 Ways for Women to Take Charge at Work and Stop Sabotaging Your Career: 8 Proven Strategies to Succeed—in Spite of Yourself. “Ask lots of questions related to how things are done in the company. Don’t assume how you did it in your last job is how you will do it here.”

It’s also important to get some insight from people who have worked for the company for a long time. They will have some great insights into the politics of your new office. This helped Jennifer Neilsson, who recently landed her dream job at a top-notch law firm in Boston as an associate in the tax-and-benefits group. “Both of my legal assistants have been with the firm for a long time,” she says. “It was helpful to come to them with a sense of humility because they really do know more about life at the firm than I do, even if I may know more about the tax code.”
You can also connect with people through some of the major social-networking sites, like Facebook or LinkedIn, says Challenger. But, be sure you clean up your profile before connecting. You don’t want Suzie from HR showing your boss the pictures from your trip to Cancun.

New Job, New Boss, New Rules

Seeing eye-to-eye with your boss is crucial in the first 30 days of starting a new job. You need to make sure you are both on the same page from day one, if possible.

Get off on the right foot by having a meeting with your boss to discuss his or her expectations. You want to keep your boss up on everything you are accomplishing in your first 30 days, even if you’ve simply learned a new computer program. It’s also important to connect with your boss on a personal level. Perhaps you can do this over coffee or tea.

In the first 30 days at your new job and beyond, you’ll want to exceed your boss’s expectations consistently. And, figuring out how you both like to communicate will allow you to update him or her without being a bother. “It’s important to communicate with your boss in the method the boss finds easiest,” says Pamela Mitchell, CEO and chief vision officer of The Reinvention Institute, which is dedicated to helping successful professionals and corporations transform their businesses. “Some like written reports and others like meetings. Provide what they need in the format they want.”

Ruth Roberts, a human-resources manager at the Big Brothers Big Sisters in Philadelphia, completed a lot of online training before getting started and had a feel for how to communicate with her boss. “In the first week, my boss checked in on me a couple of times,” she says. “I met with my boss once a week and called with questions, as needed. I had a three-week orientation plan. It was almost too much direction.”

Not all new job experiences go as smoothly. “I actually had very little personal communication with my boss in the first 30 days,” say Melissa. “It is very busy in our department and we only had time once to sit down for 10 minutes and talk. And, that didn’t happen until my fourth week.” She did find communicating with her boss via email to be very effective, and her office mates and the school secretaries filled in the rest.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make at a new job is not keeping your word. “Don’t be someone who over-promises and under-delivers,” says Mitchell. “If you say you are going to get a report done by Tuesday, then you get it there on Tuesday.”

Coupled with that, though, is managing your boss’s expectations. You have be honest with what you can do in a given time period. Jennifer admits that it took some time to manage her bosses’ expectations. “I needed to be quicker to say that I would not be able to get something done that day or even that week because another attorney had given me an assignment that for whatever reason was going to take precedence,” she recalls. “There are, after all, only 24 hours in a day.”

Everyone Makes Mistakes

It’s inevitable. You will make a mistake at your new job, and chances are it will occur in your first 30 days.

Instead of waiting around to make a mistake, admit that you don’t understand things as they come up. “If your boss asked you to do something and you make a mistake, it’s OK,” says Mitchell. “Tell your boss and restate the fact that you have the capabilities, but you are learning. Ask him or her to please have patience. It gives people a lot of wiggle room when going through the first stage of a new job.”

And, if you do make a mistake, admit it. After all, no one is perfect and you will get more understanding if you just admit something went wrong instead of trying to hide it, which only makes things worse.

“For the first couple of weeks, I felt overwhelmed. Thankfully there’s a learning curve involved with most jobs,” says John Daley*, a marketing coordinator for an up-and-coming test-preparation company in South Carolina. He recalls being overly stressed out in his first 30 days because he was afraid to make a mistake. To ease the anxiety, John learned as much as he could about the position and marketing in general. “I even practiced Microsoft Office applications in my off time,” John recalls. “If you focus too much on trying to get everything right and remembering everything, you’ll only open yourself up to increased anxiety and possible errors.”

Also, be aware of any slights you might make on your co-workers. “If you realize you didn’t make the impression you wanted, it’s important to acknowledge that,” says Morem. Try to reach out to people and reconnect. Take responsibility for those relationships and first impressions. If they don’t go well, it’s your responsibility to regroup and reconnect.”

Onward and Upward

While the first 30 days on your new job sets the stage for your career with the company, the fun really begins post-30 days when you are given more opportunities to really shine.

“Continue to dive in and immerse yourself,” advises Bates. As you begin to see what success at your company looks like, strive for that. Remember that will differ for each job.

And, don’t forget to have patience as you continue to learn the inner workings of your new employer. “It will take you a year to figure out all the landmines and another year to understand the ins and outs of the corporate culture,” says Mitchell. “You have to live through things and see cycles in an organization. Until you’ve observed and lived through them, you don’t have the knowledge. ”

John admits to feeling he'd gotten in over his head, because he didn’t pace himself. “My advice to someone starting a new job would be to ask a lot questions, be confident and willing to learn,” he says. “And, remember they hired you for the position because they had confidence in you.”

* name changed

Your Job Is A Gift - Act Accordingly

YOUR JOB IS A GIFT - ACT ACCORDINGTLY

Posted by Chris on the Smart Path to Happiness blog

The US was built on strength, courage, and a lot of sweat. Somewhere between our remarkable beginnings and today, all of that has changed. Rewind to the 20′s and you’ll find countless people who had a job and were proud to be employed. These people poured out their souls for their employer. One could argue that these folks gave too much with the frequently dangerous jobs (coal mining, logging, etc..) without OSHA to keep them safe. Why was it so so common to work that hard in those days? There was a better work ethic; people took pride in delivering stellar results regardless of their job function. We even had folks like Henry Ford whose main goal was to provide greater service to his employees, community, and country. Becoming wealthy was the gift he received for helping everyone else first. You can read more about Ford in an attachment on Brigadier General Greg Zanetti’s blog.

Fast forward to today. You’ll find kids straight out of college demanding higher salaries just because they have some degree. You’ll find people who only give 10% of their effort to their job; they feel their boss is lucky to get that much. People are showing up later, taking longer lunches, browsing the internet more, and leaving earlier. There is a new mentality where employees feel they are owed something just for showing up. Even personal appearance is an afterthought.

Unfortunate Truths

I hate to think about it, but we’re all replaceable. Even me, the guy who makes it a point to work a little harder than everyone else can get replaced. I just started a new job. I like to think my old colleagues were sad to see me leave, but they’re getting along just fine without me.

Believe it or not, most of us are paid what we are owed and we probably don’t deserve a giant raise. There seems to be an expectation that a raise is warranted just because a year has passed. While a small raise is necessary because of inflation, most people expect to beat inflation. Next time someone complains that their company is underpaying them, remind this person that they are free to leave at any time. If there are other companies out there that pay more for the same service, then he or she should change jobs. If all of the other companies have similar benefits for that same position, then unfortunately that person is probably earning a fair wage.

A job is more like a symbiotic relationship. Employees are supposed to provide value to a company and get rewarded for it. Employees receive a fair and steady paycheck for honest effort. It is a company’s responsibility to honor their side; unfortunately their job is not to make you rich. If you want to be rich, you’re going to have to do more than work a job…but that’s a story for another day.

Continuing about salaries, the value of your reward will be lower than the value you provide. It stinks to know you may provide your company with $60,000 in value but you’ll only get $40,000. It seems unfair but that’s why we have companies in the first place. People usually start businesses with the hope of making lots of money; and unfortunately, tools you use eat into that money. The bathroom around the corner, the light over your desk, and the pens your coworker took home are all a drain on a company’s revenue. In the end, if you’re not giving $60,000 in value to your company then you’re costing them when you show up. You’re shifting the burden to your coworkers who now support you.

Be Grateful

If you act as though you are happy to have your job, you will be surprised how much you can accomplish. You will get more done in one day than your peers and your boss will notice. Eventually you should expect a raise or certainly have some irrefutable evidence when asking for one. When you go to your next job interview, you’ll be able to talk about all of the extra things you accomplished or the awards you have received which will make it more likely for you to get hired and paid even more.

Above all, remember that if entrepreneurs didn’t take chances to start companies then we would never have job opportunities in the first place. Working hard is how we tell the owners of our company, “thank you for putting your money, time, and future on the line to start your company so I can have a consistent income to feed my family.” If the consistent salary isn’t enough, we’re free to quit our job and start our own company. Sound too scary? Appreciate the sacrifices others have made.

When you shift your priority from saying, “when I get more, I’ll do more” to “I’ll do more now because I know I’ll get a lot more later”, you’ll notice much faster results. The first option is a passive approach and basically means you’re waiting for someone to take a chance on you and say, “if I pay this person a little more, I bet he/she would be grateful and work a little extra.” Just like everything else in life, if you take the initiative and show your boss why you’re worth more than everyone else, your chance of getting that raise just went up. As you gain a proven track record of keeping your boss happy, he or she will start to go out of their way to make sure you are happy. Good employees are hard to find after all. Developing a group of folks who have the mission to keep you happy (because they want to, not have to) is another step towards infinite happiness.

Interview Cheat Sheet

Interview Cheat Sheet
By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer

Relax -- a cheat sheet is not really cheating. It's a checklist to make sure you stay focused before, during and after the interview. Creating a cheat sheet will help you feel more prepared and confident. You shouldn't memorize what's on the sheet or check it off during the interview. You should use your cheat sheet to remind you of key facts. Here are some suggestions for what you should include on it.

In the Days Before the Interview
• Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a bulleted list of what the employer is looking for based on the job posting. On the right side, make a bulleted list of the qualities you possess that fit those requirements.
• Research the company, industry and the competition.
• Prepare your 60-second personal statement.
• Write at least five success stories to answer behavioral interview questions ("Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me an example of a time...").
• List five questions to ask the interviewer about the job, the company and the industry.
• Research salaries to determine your worth.
• Determine your salary needs based on your living expenses.
• Get permission from your references to use their names.

Prepare Your Interview Answers
Be ready to answer common interview questions such as these:
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you leave your last position, or why are you leaving your current position?
• What do you know about this company?
• What are your goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What has been your most significant achievement?
• How would your last boss and colleagues describe you?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your salary expectations?

Before You Go to the Interview
Do you look professional? Check yourself in the mirror; part of your confidence will come from looking good.
Carry these items to the interview:
• Several copies of your resume on quality paper.
• A copy of your references.
• A pad of paper on which to take notes, though notes are optional.
• Directions to the interview site.

Upon Arrival
• Arrive early -- enter the building 10 minutes before your appointment.
• Review your prepared stories and answers.
• Go to the restroom and check your appearance one last time.
• Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner.
• Stand and greet your interviewer with a hearty -- not bone-crushing -- handshake.
• Smile and maintain eye contact.

During the Interview
• Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding rehearsed or stiff.
• Relax and enjoy the conversation.
• Learn what you can about the company.
• Ask questions and listen; read between the lines.
• At the conclusion, thank the interviewer, and determine the next steps.
• Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a follow-up letter.

After the Interview
• As soon as possible, write down what you are thinking and feeling.
• Later in the day, review what you wrote and assess how you did.
• Write an interview thank-you letter, reminding the interviewer of your qualities.

Hot Tips for a Summer Job Search and How to Find a Job in 2011

HOT TIPS FOR A SUMMER JOB SEARCH
By: Elite Resumes

Heating up your job search this summer should be top priority! Of course the cottage is very inviting during the summer season and many will be suspending their job searches to take vacations. The result is a dramatic decline in the number of individuals seeking employment and should you choose to stay in the running, you will have a significant advantage. It is estimated that as many as 70% of job seekers will abandon their job search in the summer months increasing your odds substantially!

Check out these hot tips for a summer job search:

•Update your online profiles regularly to ensure decision makers are aware of your presence and availability.
•Outdoor events are abundant during the summer months and excellent opportunities to NETWORK!
•A professional resume, business cards and your one page marketing document; be prepared to hand them out.
•No signal for your cell in cottage country? Forward your calls to a land line. Recruiters and HR professionals are rarely limited for potential candidates and a missed call could be a missed opportunity.
•Continue your follow-up calls to decision makers regardless of who is on vacation. Becoming familiar with administrative staff and maintaining your visibility will highlight your eagerness and competitive spirit.
•It’s hot out there but your job interview is almost guaranteed to be in an air conditioned office so don’t lose the tie or jacket. A professional attire does not become an option during the summer months.
•Catch up with more receptive colleagues during the summer months to obtain testimonials. It is very likely they have reduced their workload increasing their availability and willingness during the summer months more so than any other time of year.
•Follow current affairs related to business news closely. You could be the first to introduce yourself to a corporation announcing an expansion within your city.
•Subscribe to online job sites and submit your professional resume whenever and wherever possible. Many potential job candidates could be discovered online but the number available to attend a job interview could be drastically reduced providing a greater probability of being selected despite not being within the top qualifiers.
•Take advantage of the hot summer months, follow hot leads and succeed in a job search with limited competition!

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HOW TO FIND A JOB IN 2011
By: Jessica Dickler


NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Good news: The job market is improving and employers are starting to hire again. But the rules of landing a job have changed.

There's still a lot of competition out there. If you want to get a foot in the door, you'll need to use every tool available to you.

If there's one thing that's different in the post-recession job market it's this: "Submitting your resume and cover letter is not going to get you a job."

That's according to Jennifer Becker, managing director of Ajilon Professional Staffing, a division of Adecco Group, the world's largest staffing firm.

So what works? Experts say making connections, adapting to each potential employer and promising results are the only ways to get hired.

Making Connections

"Networking is the only game in town right now," said Ford Myers, executive career coach and author of the book "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring." "Everything is built on personal connections, nothing else works."

With nearly 14 million people currently looking for work and job openings still relatively scarce, Gerry Crispin, co-owner of Careerxroads, a New Jersey-based consulting firm, said an employee referral is the best way to increase your chances of getting a job.

Crispin advises job seekers to connect with people within a company and ask them for a referral. "It may be as much as 10 times more effective" than simply applying, he said.

To that end, social networking has carved out a crucial spot in today's job market. Seekers must be on board with LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as smaller industry-specific sites in order to connect with more people, and employers, in their industry.

"There's no way you can be effective in your job search without embracing social media," Becker said.

Still, most career counselors, coaches and recruiters say it's the face-to-face connections that really boost a job seeker's chance of getting hired.

"There's still no replacement for getting out in your community and shaking hands," noted Becker.

Social media tools should be used to make real connections, Myers cautions, not just virtual ones.

"Tons of people use social media all day long and they are communicating with tons of people but they're not connecting with anybody. Build the relationship from there so it becomes a real world relationship," he said.

Stretch To Fit

Once job seekers connect with a company, then the real work of getting hired begins. Gone are the days of impressing a hiring manager with experience and education. These days it's identifying what results you can deliver that will ultimately get you an offer.

"In the current world, the employer cares about one thing: 'What can you do for me today, how are you going to solve my most pressing problems, how are you going to take away my pain?'" Myers said.

Crispin recommended using the tools that are available to find out more about the company and what the company's needs are.

"Read blogs by recruiters explaining how you can compete, download a job description and watch videos on YouTube of employees in the company," he suggested.

Promise Results

Once you are well versed in the company's particular constraints within the current economic climate, identify what you can bring to the table.

To do that, Myers urges job seeks to provide measurable results. Focus on the results you produced in your career so far: "here's how, here's when, here are the percentages," Myers said.

"If you can't add value, they're not going to hire you," he added.

The experts also recommend being open to the pay, position, location and schedule of any position that is offered. Consulting, or even volunteering for an organization, although it may be several steps below a job seeker's previous position, is a great way to ultimately get hired.

"Think more broadly, look at all the possibilities," Myers said. "Otherwise, you'll be looking for a long, long time."

Copyright CNN 2011

The Thing That Matters Most

(This article was recommended by Patricia Drain…and written by Charmaine Hammond.)

A YOUNG MAN LEARNS WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE FROM THE GUY NEXT DOOR
Written by: Charmaine Hammond

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams.

There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.” Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

“Jack, did you hear me?”

“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It’s been so long since I thought of him. I’m sorry, but I honestly thought he’d died years ago,” Jack said.

“Well, he didn’t forget you. Every time I saw him, he’d ask how you were doing. He’d reminisce about the many days you spent over ‘his side of the fence’, as he put it”, Mom told him.

“I loved that old house he lived in”, Jack said.

“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man’s influence in your life,” she said.

“He’s the one who taught me carpentry,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important…Mom, I’ll be there for the funeral,” Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser’s funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture…Jack stopped suddenly.

“What’s wrong, Jack?” his Mom asked.

“The box is gone,” he said.

“What box?” Mom asked.

“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he’d ever tell me was ‘the thing I value most’,” Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

“Now I’ll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said. “I’d better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.”

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. “Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,” the note read.

Early the next day, Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. “Mr. Harold Belser” it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack’s hands shook as he read the note inside.

“Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It’s the thing I valued most in my life.” A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

“Jack, thanks for your time! – Harold Belser.”

“The thing he valued most was….my time.”

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. “Why?” Janet, his assistant, asked.

“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said.

“Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!”

“Life is not measure by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

If you read this, then I am sure you feel like I did. Take some time today to tell the people around you they matter!

College Graduates Are Turning to Temp Agencies For Their First Big Break

College Graduates Are Turning To Temp Agencies For Their First Big Break

Written by Regan Kohler

The optimists are saying the recession is losing the race. The numbers are looking especially good for college graduates, if reports are to be believed, with employers likely to hire 19 percent more new graduates this year.

This prediction comes from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, who conducted a survey in April that concluded this is the first year since 2007 there is a “double-digit increase” in spring hiring.

Still, conflicting reports say graduates are facing a tough market in 2011, made more competitive by the fact that the older population is returning to work. Graduates are being encouraged to visit temp agencies as a jump-off point for their job searches.
The Seamless Workforce references a Michigan State University Collegiate Employment Research Institute study, where blogger Anna McMenamin found that 76 percent of employers who didn’t hire new graduates in 2010 were highly unlikely to hire any this year, either.

McMenamin, who reports on workforce trends for The Seamless Workforce’s blog, points to the staffing industry as a valuable resource for new graduates, saying this industry has grown while others are experiencing downfall in new jobs.
“With the possibility that temporary employment could become the new norm in the workforce, it is an avenue that can’t be overlooked by today’s young workers,” McMenamin said.

Graduates flocked to temp agencies throughout the recession, according to a survey released by Adecco Staffing US. Nineteen percent of these graduates, dubbed Generation R (recession graduates coming out of college between 2006 and 2010), were seeking temporary employment not long after leaving school.

William E. Burns, of the Marietta Times, discourages graduates from “mindlessly” applying to job postings on sites like CareerBuilder, saying instead that working for a temp agency will increase the chances of eventually finding a permanent job by building your resume, giving you an advantage over an unemployed applicant with the same degree.

Burns said temp agencies could be especially valuable to those holding freshly inked degrees in engineering and technical fields.

Tyler Coates, however, mentions in his blog that temp agencies have been a source for graduates with humanities degrees. After discovering his English major was useless in the face of those carrying business degrees, Coates visited 11 temp agencies.
He feels they were generally unsuccessful in finding him a permanent job, though he still recommends that graduates to go this route.

No matter the economic climate, it seems college graduates have at least one longstanding option when it comes to job seeking.

(This article was originally published on www.staffingtalk.com.)

Proper Interview Attire

When interviewing for a position, you should always strive to look your best! This includes making the appropriate choices for clothing, footwear, hairstyle, cosmetics and jewelry. Below are a few tips to help you make the right decisions while getting ready for your interview:

Clothing:

Unless told otherwise, you should dress professionally for your interview. No jeans or shorts, no “clam-diggers” or corduroy. For both men and women a suit is the preferred choice. For men, dress slacks, dress shirt, suit jacket and tie. For women, either a skirt or dress slacks, a tailored blouse and suit jacket. No “club” attire – if your clothing choice is something that you might wear out on the town, you should rethink your choice. Choose colors and patterns that are conservative – navy, dark gray, black or wine (for women) in either solids or a very subtle pattern. Avoid extremes in color and pattern. Be sure that everything is clean and well-pressed and check over your clothing for stray pet hairs, picks, tags, missing buttons, etc.

Footwear:

Choose professional-style dress shoes; do not wear sneakers, clogs, flip-flops, or other casual types of footwear. Shoes should preferably be of black or brown leather.

Belt:

Choose a slim leather belt that goes with your shoes. No big buckles, no canvas and no funky patterns.

Jewelry:

Jewelry should also be kept conservative. A simple watch with a metal link band, for instance, instead of a large or bulky watch or one that is made of plastic or has a rubberized band (such as a dive watch). Rings should be kept to one or two, not one on every finger. Necklaces and earrings should be tasteful and discreet, not large and clunky. If you have piercings anywhere other than your ears you should remove the jewelry before your interview.

Hair:

Should be washed, dried and styled before leaving home. It should be cut neatly, not shaggy. Avoid the over-use of styling products.

Scent:

Use cologne or perfume sparingly, if at all. If you do use a scent, be sure that it is not a strong scent and that you do not smell like you “took a bath in it”. Some people have allergies to perfumes and colognes, so forgoing the scents may be the best bet. If you smoke, avoid doing so after your shower or bath – smelling of cigarette smoke may not be appealing to your interviewer, and you want to make a good impression all the way around!

Hands:

Be sure that nails are neatly trimmed and filed.

Tips Specifically for Ladies:

· Skirt Length – Skirts should be knee length or longer. Try to avoid billowing skirts, go for a more tailored look. Avoid high slits.

· Blouses – Be sure that cleavage is covered; avoid plunging or low-cut necklines.

· Hosiery – Choose a sheer style of hosiery with no pattern in a neutral color.

· Purse – If you choose to carry a purse, opt for one that is small and that’s color coordinates with your shoes. Avoid large bags, or anything that looks like it belongs at a party or the beach.

· Shoes – Preferably avoid open-toed shoes, especially in the colder-weather months. These may be fine on the job if allowed by the employer, but for an interview try to pick a pair that are close-toed. If you plan to wear heels, choose a modest heel (1”-2”) that you can walk well in. No teetering around in stilettos!

· Cosmetics – Choose a neutral color palette and avoid over-doing it. Makeup colors should compliment your complexion, eye color and clothing choice. Avoid bright or overly dark eye colors and blushes. A little makeup helps to give you a polished air, but you do not want to look like you are on a hot date or going to a club.

· Fingernails: If you wear polish, choose a conservative shade and be sure that it is in good repair – no chips, nicks, or crescents showing at the cuticle.

Tips Specifically for Gentlemen:

· Facial Hair – Facial hair should be neatly trimmed and well groomed.

· Ties - Ties should be good quality, conservative, and be in colors that do not clash with the rest of your suit. Avoid “character” ties and ties with novelty patterns.

· Socks - Men should wear dark, mid-calf length socks so that no skin is visible when you sit down.

· Shoes – Shoes should be polished and buffed to shine.

· Shirts – Shirts should be fully buttoned and long-sleeved, even in the summer.