How to Survive the Waiting Game After an Interview

How to Survive the Waiting Game After an Interview Its amazing how many parallels can be drawn between a job and a relationship; there are the faux pas on when and when not to follow up, the need to contain your enthusiasm and the importance of playing it cool. Post-interview stress can, at times, be maddening â€" just like the waiting game after a first date. The trick to success isnt easy, but using the tips below should stop you from losing your mind and showing up at the hiring managers house with flowers and chocolates (but seriously, dont do this). 1. DO  send a thank you note: Even if you dont think the interview went well, a well-written and brief thank you note is still a brilliant way to follow up after an interview. And while youre at it, why not include a topical article, or a little bit of self-promotion that you didnt show them during the interview. Do be prompt and send it within two days of the interview. But dont cut corners â€" it needs to be personal and adapted to the specific interview so that the company knows that youre actually interested (and not just sending a generic message). 2. DONT  come across too strong: Just like the start of a relationship, you dont want to appear needy and desperate. Yes, you may be aching to leave your current job, or dying to move away from your soul-destroying hometown â€" but dont let this come across. If you have any pressing questions post-interview, then maybe send a follow-up email. But only do this if you deem it completely essential and beneficial. If not, limit yourself to a simple thank you note; the next move is theirs to make. 3. DO  reply in good time: If a thank you note is already on its way, you can now relax. However, if you hear back from an employer (woo!) you need to be like white on rice with your reply. A timely reply from an employers perspective is up to 24 hours after the initial email but within a few hours (or minutes) is preferable. Sadly the employer may not stick to their own timely response standards, but its the least you can do while you wait to hear back. 4. DONT  spend too long obsessing: As perfect as this job may seem in your head, you need to be careful about building up your expectations too much. Granted, a dose of obsession shows that this is a role you feel particularly passionate about. Yet you need to be prepared in case you arent successful. So with this in mind, try to allot a few hours of the day in which you will check your personal email for a response (otherwise any noise from your phone will see you jump out of your skin). To keep up your moral, try to carry on applying for other jobs while you wait. Many people will want to spend some time obsessing and dreaming about the prospect of being hired, just dont spend longer than a week waiting. 5. DO  accept rejections positively: In a perfect world, youll hear straight away from the employer with a big thumbs up. Yet, this isnt always the case. When it comes to rejection, the best and most gracious approach is to thank the employer for the opportunity, and ask to be kept on file for any future roles. If they havent already provided it, do ask for interview feedback so you can take note for the future. Now that the hiring process is done, feel free to add your interviewers on LinkedIn in an effort to keep in touch. Depending on the company, you may or may not receive a formal rejection â€" you may just be left hanging. In this situation, allow a week or so before you send a follow up email. If you receive a response, consider the tone and speed of reply before acting. If you hear nothing, your precious time is clearly meant for other and better things.

Happy Two Year Blog Anniversary Classy Career Girl!

Happy Two Year Blog Anniversary Classy Career Girl! Can you believe it has been two years?  I cant!  I thought it would be fun to reminisce about where this all started and answer a few questions I always get. When did you start your blog? I started my blog in March 2010 when I was in my second year of business school.  I had absolutely no time to be blogging since I was juggling my job and business school but for some reason over Spring break (when I had no classes or homework) I thought it would be a good idea. How did you come up with the name? I am an introvert and it is often hard for me sometimes to let the true me come out.  So I knew that I wanted to be anonymous and I needed a name to go by.  I wanted it to be about career advice so I listed all of the topics that I wanted to write about and all of the possible names.  I always brainstorm with my husband overthings like this because he is always good at jingles and putting words together:)  I think he thought I was crazy for starting a blog since I had no free time. But, like the great husband that he is, he encouraged me to do it because he knew it was something that I really wanted to do.  I am not sure which one of us said the name Classy Career Girl first.  All I know is, one of us said it and it stuck.  I never ever looked back because it perfectly described me and the advice I wanted to give.  I looked up the definition of class:  elegance, style,  high standards of personal behavior, skill and grace.  Name: check!  Now what to blog about.. Why did you start your blog? To be honest, I never ever would have thought of myself as a blogger.  In high school I HATED writing and reading.  It was the worst.  My strengths were in math and I dont even remember reading a good book in high school.  It is terrible to say it but I think I may have gotten away with a lot of Cliff notes (sorry mom).  In college, my roommate would laugh at how many times I would write something and then hit the delete key over and over.  I hated to write and if my English teachers knew I was a blogger, they would probably laugh.  Fortunately, after college my friend convinced me to join a book club and I realized that I loved to read and went on a reading frenzy.  In business school, I had a marketing class where we had to write 2-3 page papers every week.  The first couple of weeks I just stared at the screen and it took me HOURS to do one paper!  I soon realized that I didnt have time to waste so I decided to just write whatever I thought and see how fast I could get t he stupid papers done.  The more I wrote, the easier it became and at the end of that marketing class, we had a project where we had to complete a marketing project on selling childrens clothing.  My job on my team was to analyze what blogs we could market and advertise with.  My friends sent me some blog recommendations and I started to become obsessed with reading A Cup of Jo, Oh Happy Day  and Black Eiffel.  The best part of this is that it was for a school project so I could read blogs all I wanted to:)  I started thinking that if they can write these blogs, then I can write a blog.  I knew I had a creative side somewhere inside but I never knew how much of a creative side I really did have. How did you start your blog? I started with blogger.  Simple design because I knew nothing about widgets.  It was so easy and so addicting.  After 6 months, I won a blog design from the fabulous Angie at Strosgirls Designs.  It was perfect and my site finally got the look that I wanted it to.  After a year and a half, I decided to transfer from blogger to WordPress only because I knew I wanted to grow my blog and there were things in blogger that I couldnt control.  For instance, I didnt own my blog, blogger did.  I now am self hosted on WordPress.org and I highly recommend it. What is your advice to someone thinking about starting a blog? Do a little bit everyday and take action.  Dont be afraid of what you are going to write about or what if you cant blog consistently or who is going to read it.  Who cares!  Start somewhere.  There are so many free blogging platforms out there, you really have no excuse.  And you wont find your voice until you start writing.  I can honestly say that it probably took me 6 months to a year to find my voice and discover the type of blog that I wanted to have.  But it was a great way to journal and keep track of what I was learning and how I was feeling.  Like this WSJ article says, blogging is a lot like therapy. If you have a blog, what made you decide to start blogging?

Dressing for Confidence

Dressing for Confidence Let’s face it; after you’ve been job searching for a while, your confidence takes a beating. You may feel invisible; especially if your job search is mostly online, you may feel like no one knows you’re there. It may be tempting to go for comfort over style when you do venture out. After all, who cares what you wear to the grocery store, right? You might be right, but I still advise against letting your outer appearance reflect your inner discouragement. When you’re in a job search, especially if you’re in a smaller town, you are always “on.” Your appearance clothes, grooming and general energy level are all a part of how people perceive you at first glance. And that first glance will also be a part of how they size you up for success. Even if you’re a bit discouraged about how your search is going, you want to look like a confident winner. And a shabby, disheveled appearance can broadcast your discouragement from blocks away before you ever say a word. How can you dress comfortably, but still look professional and confident? Here are a few tips.  Ditch the tee shirts in favor of casual collared shirts. This is a unisex piece of advice. There are plenty of casual styles that are cool and comfortable while maintaining a more professional appearance. Keep one or two clean and pressed as your go-to outfit for running errands where you might be noticed. Wear colors that flatter you and make you feel good. (When in doubt, ask a friend.) You are probably aware of a shirt or an outfit that gets you compliments every time you wear it. You probably also have something that makes people think you had a bad night every time you wear it. It’s simple; given a choice, wear the colors that work. Speaking of colors, bold classics like red and navy blue and neutrals like black, white and khaki look polished and professional, even in casual clothes. When worn in solid blocks of color, they are also more slimming than patterns and prints. Invest in great accessories if you can. A bag or knapsack that holds your gear and paperwork in style doesn’t have to cost that much, but it will make you seem pulled together when you’re out running errands. You’ll feel more in control and confident when you can find what you need easily. Make sure you pack your personal business cards whenever you go out; you never know when you may meet someone you’d like to get back in touch with. Looking good is almost as important as feeling good. The economy is improving and job postings are up as I write this (Spring 2011.) You’ll want to look your best when opportunity comes.

Youve Got The Job! Whats Next

Youve Got The Job! Whats Next We know all too well that the job market has been very competitive  the last few years.  So  when you finally land that position thats relevant to your degree and befitting your talent, it feels pretty great.  As you settle in to that new world, its time to start thinking about the next stage of your life.  Youll most likely be starting and growing a family, and looking down the road of your own life, too.  Here are some of the things to consider. Insurance When youre young and still have that youthful delusion of invincibility, insurance can seem like an unnecessary financial burden.  Whats important to remember is the basic reason behind insurance.  Insurance is meant to back you up in the event of something happening that is not only unexpected but would be a financial burden. While none of us likes to think about these things, we all know they do, indeed, happen.  Whether its illness, accidents, or the result of natural disasters, its likely you know of someone who has endured one or more of these hardships.  So its important to have the kinds of insurance that you and a professional advisor deem appropriate. Employee Benefits Even in todays world where the massive benefit plans of the past dont often still exist, most major employers offer a menu of benefits.  Some are directly through the company, and some are reimbursement type plans that let you pick your own options or even sources.  In many cases, youll find options in your employee benefits plans that help cover some of the insurance needs mentioned above. Your new company will likely have a benefits office or representative.  Take time to meet with them.  If theres something that you dont fully understand, ask.  The company is spending a great deal of money to provide those benefits, and they want you to use them in the ways that are most effective. Financial Services Once the basics of insurance and the array of employee benefits are handled, its time to start planning for the future.  While it may seem that getting a new job is the finish line of the race, its really just the first lap.  In your future theres going to be financial needs you must plan for.  These include: Your kids college Further career plans, such as additional degrees or starting your own #sidehustle or business Retirement Saving money isnt something many of us are naturally good at.  Sure, its hard to see how putting away just a little now is going to make any difference.  But remember, when youre young, time is on your side.  Compounding over time, even a small  amount can add up to a large nest egg. Balance is Key Dont let all this talk of responsibility and planning stress you out.  Remember, you should enjoy the journey of life.  Keep in mind that what youre doing now affects what your life will look like in the future.  So keep a healthy balance of life, family, and work, and that future you want and deserve will be out there awaiting your arrival. This article was sponsored by Ameritas,  proud to be in the business of fulfilling life.   I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own. Image credits. Main.     Invest.  

Maximizing Your Earning Potential in 4 Simple Steps CareerMetis.com

Maximizing Your Earning Potential in 4 Simple Steps â€" CareerMetis.com Photo Credit -Flickr.com Let’s not kid ourselves; money is the main attraction of any job. Of course, other factors do come into play, but we wouldn’t work if it wasn’t for the money. As such, earning more money is something that should appeal to us all.It’s not always the easiest challenge in the world. But the simple tricks below will ensure that you start to see the remuneration that your hard work deserves.What are you waiting for? Let’s get to work.1. Invest In YourselfevalevalYou can’t ever expect an employer to value your skills if you don’t value them yourself. And the best way to embrace this idea is to continue your development at every given opportunity.If your employer offers the chance to complete a course, take it. Whether it’s increasing your knowledge of computer software or learning first aid doesn’t matter. Becoming a stronger candidate can only boost your chances of gaining a promotion or pay raise.Moreover, the boost in confidence will almost cer tainly have a positive impact. Invest in your appearance with smart workwear too, and you won’t go far wrong.2. Stand Up For YourselfPhoto Credit â€" Google ImagesIt’s important to think about business from an employer’s perspective. Money is everything, and they won’t waste it. As an employee, you need to prove that you are worth the extra money.Show that you’re an asset they cannot afford to lose, and you’ll be in a far stronger position. Most importantly, you need to know that you are being treated fairly. If you aren’t, acquiring legal help with discrimination and other unfair treatment could be your key to a brighter future.Staff associations and other bodies can provide support in certain situations too. It’s important to maintain positive working relationships at all times. Nevertheless, if an employer can afford to take advantage of your soft approach, they often will. Do not fall into the trap. Bottomline, stand up for yourself.3. Find The Right CareerRegard less of the job you’re in, there are ways to maximize your earnings. However, to truly unlock your full potential, it’s imperative that you start by finding the right career.evalMotivation will play a key role, so finding a job you love will work wonders. Let’s face it; you’ll naturally achieve more when you enjoy what you do. Nevertheless, it’s equally crucial that you possess the necessary skills needed to thrive in your chosen field.With a job that actively allows you to capitalize on your natural flair, you can only achieve great things.4. Don’t SettleThe business arena is a fierce environment. Opportunities won’t always present themselves to you, so you’ve got to create them for yourself.Progression may come internally or externally. Either way, first impressions count for a lot. Take the time to create a better resume and cover letter. Network at every possible chance, even on LinkedIn. Build an online portfolio, and know where to look for industry specific job s.evalNaturally, you cannot let this distract you from your current role. Nonetheless, you hold the key to your own destiny. If you are prepared to work, you will be rewarded.

Read 3 free chapters from Leading With Happiness - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Read 3 free chapters from Leading With Happiness - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog I published my latest book, Leading With Happiness, 3 days ago and its been getting some amazingly positive reviews. I have also shared 3 free chapters from the book at?leadingwithhappiness.com if you want a feel for what the book is like. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Online Resume Writing Services

Online Resume Writing ServicesIf you are looking for the best online resume writing services, you should definitely consider the link below. It is definitely a reliable site and has been in the industry for quite some time. It is actually what you would think of as a portal to help you with all your online resume writing needs. One of the best things about this website is that you can see the most popular and high paying online resume writing services listed here.It is really important that you find a service that will not only help you with your resume, but can also put you in contact with the company if there is an opening in the near future. Not all companies will have openings, so it can be advantageous to make yourself available.The best online resume writing services will be able to provide you with a wide variety of suggestions on how to make your resume stand out from the crowd. There are some that would suggest leaving out the important information in your resume like the pr evious employers or even the salary range you used to work at. These are common mistakes made by some and these are not really good for your resume. Instead, you want to make sure you take in all the necessary information that is considered crucial by any potential employer.When you are done creating your resume, it is important that you learn how to format it properly. They will help you with how to use the font and how to determine the proper spacing to keep it uniform in size.The best online resume writing services will also be able to provide you with examples to show you what works best for you. These are great because you will be able to see what the company would consider to be the right parts of your resume.When you submit your resume, make sure that it has no errors and that it is legible. If it is too short, it will seem more like an attempt to cover up something.Remember that the best online resume writing services can do much more than just help you with your resume. You want to make sure that you choose one that you are going to be happy with and that you feel good about recommending it to others.