Have Confidence on the Job

Confidence, high self-esteem, and ambition are qualities that will help you in your career path.

Some qualities of a person cannot be learned, but rather are nurtured and grown. Ambition and confidence are two of these qualities. One of the main pillars of ambition is high self esteem. According to career publisher CareerJournal.com, self-acceptance and faith-in-oneself allows confidence and ambition to grow. Lacking this personal characteristic can put a serious damper on your career goals. Here is how to let your personality shine and make way for your professional life.

High self-esteem

Low self-esteem is one of the major stumbling blocks to achieving your goals. CareerJournal.com says no personal characteristic is more important to workplace success than self-esteem. Self-esteem is the foundation for all the other characteristics you want to build. Ways to increase your self-esteem include:

• Stomp negative thoughts - Recognize when you are thinking negative and change attitude. Power of mind over body.
• Deal with disappointment - Instead of crushing yourself over something that went afoul, focus on what you learned and how to do it better next time.
• Goal Focused - A good example is overweight people trying to slim down. Instead of focusing on what is not being accomplished, think about your goal, in this case: what will life be like as a healthy person?

Be realistic about yourself. Don't set outlandish goals that are impossible. Shoot for the moon, but set a realistic path to get there so you will limit disappointment.

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Eight Tricky Interview Questions

Does the thought of going on a job interview cause your palms to sweat and your body to break out in hives? Stop itching; you're not alone.

The vast majority of job seekers admit to emotions ranging from mild uneasiness to downright panic leading up to their interviews. The good news is there have been no reported cases of job seekers who died of nervousness during a job interview. So relax and follow these simple tips for keeping your anxiety at bay before and during your interview.

First, take the proper amount of time to prepare for your interview. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and lower your anxiety. Experts recommend that you spend at least three hours preparing for each interview.

You should draft answers to the most common interview questions and practice speaking them out loud. You also should read up on the company with which you will be interviewing and prepare some questions of your own. This lets the interviewer know that you are truly interested in the company and the position.

As a final step in your preparation, make sure you have good directions to the interview site. Some job seekers make a dry run to the interview site to ensure the directions are correct and to estimate the amount of time they will need to get to the interview on time.

Going into a job interview is often like entering the great unknown. Although every interviewer is different and questions vary from industry to industry, there are some questions that are common across the board. Reading through the following questions and developing your own answers is a good place to start in your preparation. Once you have done that, remember practice makes perfect! Nothing impresses a potential employer like being ready for whatever is thrown your way.

Why should we hire you?
Here's the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and succinctly lay out your strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table. Be careful not to answer this question too generically, however. Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.

Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company's needs.

What are your greatest weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is being honest about a weakness, but demonstrating how you have turned it into a strength. For example, if you had a problem with organization in the past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively keep yourself on track. This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to make yourself better.

Why did you leave your last job?
Even if your last job ended badly, be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as diplomatic as possible. If you do point out negative aspects of your last job, find some positives to mention as well. Complaining endlessly about your last company will not say much for your attitude.

Describe a problem situation and how you solved it.
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a response to this request, particularly if you are coming straight from college and do not have professional experience. Interviewers want to see that you can think critically and develop solutions, regardless of what kind of issue you faced. Even if your problem was not having enough time to study, describe the steps you took to prioritize your schedule. This will demonstrate that you are responsible and can think through situations on your own.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The secret to this question is being specific and selecting an accomplishment that relates to the position. Even if your greatest accomplishment is being on a championship high school basketball team, opt for a more professionally relevant accomplishment. Think of the qualities the company is looking for and develop an example that demonstrates how you can meet the company's needs.

What are your salary expectations?
This is one of the hardest questions, particularly for those with little experience. The first thing to do before going to your interview is to research the salary range in your field to get an idea of what you should be making. Steer clear of discussing salary specifics before receiving a job offer. Let the interviewer know that you will be open to discussing fair compensation when the time comes. If pressed for a more specific answer, always give a range, rather than a specific number.

Tell me about yourself.
While this query seems like a piece of cake, it is difficult to answer because it is so broad. The important thing to know is that the interviewer typically does not want to know about your hometown or what you do on the weekends. He or she is trying to figure you out professionally. Pick a couple of points about yourself, your professional experience and your career goals and stick to those points. Wrap up your answer by bringing up your desire to be a part of the company. If you have a solid response prepared for this question, it can lead your conversation in a direction that allows you to elaborate on your qualifications.

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People@Work: College Degree in Hand but No Job, Grads Head Back Home

By DAVID SCHEPP

A saturated job market is creating headaches for recent college graduates who are finding it difficult to land a job, or at least one that pays well enough so that they can afford to live on their own. For many, that means they're right back where they started -- living at home with their parents.

A new survey of last year's graduating class shows that 80% moved back home after getting their diplomas, up sharply from 63% in 2006. According to the CollegeGrad.com poll of 2,000 respondents, nearly 70% of recent grads didn't have jobs lined up when they graduated. A similar number said they moved back home after graduating until they found a job.

Many recent grads are returning home because they can't find a job or they lost one soon after starting it, says Barry Miller, manager of alumni career programs and services at Pace University in New York. And if moving home isn't difficult enough, he says, many young adults face pressure from parents eager to see the start of a return on their financial investment in a college education.

Some graduates with whom Miller has worked say their parents want their kids "to take anything, rather than really look [for] a job that really matches their academic preparation and interest," he says. Grads need to let their parents know the reality of how difficult it is to find employment in today's job market. Many parents don't realize that the lack of jobs available to young people is unprecedented, Miller says.

"Living at Home Is a Lot Easier"

Julie Lavin, a 2009 graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., moved back to her parents' Long Island home after she was unable to find a job that pays the kind of salary that would allow her to live on her own. She works as a sales assistant at WPLJ, a New York City radio station, assisting nine account executives who sell advertising.

"It's a great first job out of college. I'm learning a lot and meeting a lot of people. And it's fun," says Lavin, 23, who holds a bachelor's in communications. "But it's not necessarily what I want to do." What's more, though she's gaining work experience, the pay isn't great, which makes living with her parents all the more necessary.

Lavin isn't eager to strike out on her own and have to live paycheck-to-paycheck as do friends who hold similarly paying jobs, she says. "Living at home is a lot easier," she says. As an example, she says that after a long day at work, she comes home to dinner already prepared. Though she doesn't pay rent, Lavin does help out around the house, cooking or doing other household chores, she says.

Still, she says, after getting used to living away from home while attending college, moving back was a "huge adjustment."

Awkward Moments

Alexander Shippee moved back to his parents' suburban Connecticut home after graduating from Marist just a few weeks ago. The English major started work two weeks ago as an unpaid intern at Communication Group, a small Manhattan-based public-relations agency.

Though he isn't paid, the company does pick up commuting and other costs, so his expenses are low. "It's really saving me a lot of money and giving me experience at the same time," says Shippee, 22. He hopes the opportunity will lead to a full-time job, allowing him to move out on his own when his finances are more settled.

Living at home does have its awkward moments, Shippee says, such as when his parents offer to pay him to "watch the dog" while they're out of town for a week. Nevertheless, he says, "they're being very supportive. And I don't think I can really underscore how important that is right now."

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How to Acquire Some Experience Before Your First Pay Job

By Funom Makama

After graduating from the University, you begin searching for Jobs and all you see in adverts is specificity in demand for applicants with experience and not just that, but years of it. Does that mean companies are no more interested in fresh graduates? Even the experienced ones started from somewhere and if they discourage 'fresh brains' how would they acquire the experience then?

First, you have to know that it is very possible to gain some experience while studying. This is not necessarily achieved by doing some part-time Jobs. After all, most professional Jobs may not accept part time Jobs. But if you manage to get one, then kudos to you! But if the possibility is slim, how can you acquire this experience almost every firm needs? Before we proceed, let's pause to review the academic calendar. A normal academic calendar is 8-9 months for a year. So, if peradventure your academic session is 8 months, you are assumed to cover one year after the completion of this period.

Now what? Apply for Holiday internships. Look for jobs closely related to your field of study. When your friends are thinking of enjoying the summer holidays with family friends, or touring around Europe in 2 months or spending time in the beach, or even watching the summer world cup competition, you can be working. DO not bother whether you'll be paid or not, your sole aim is to get the experience and ensure that after your internship, you get an attractive certificate. You can also apply for volunteer Jobs. Even though most of the volunteer jobs readily available focused on Children and camping, you may be fortunate to find 'semi-professional' ones related to your field. You can do this twice a year during the summer and as well during the winter.

Okay! Let's say you worked for approximately 3 months in the summer and maybe 3 weeks (which is approximately a month) during the winter. You've worked for approximately 4 months that year, which is already half an academic year and for you, it would be counted as half a year. If you do this for 2 years, you now have one year experience. If for 4 years, then you have 2 years experience. Another advantage of this is that even after graduation; you can easily get a Job with the organization, or go back to them for an added one full year experience before you begin your search for a better Job. Another plus is that, if you are very good, they can persuade you to stay by upgrading your pay check. But most importantly, you have acquired the experience you need.

Note that some professions are very difficult to get jobs under the holiday internship programs, especially when your year of study is concerned. For most European Medical Universities running the 6 year-medical undergraduate study program; a first year and second year medical student, and sometimes even a third year student may hardly get a holiday internship program, because these are pre-clinical periods of the student's medical program. Well, just apply for another internship program, and if lucky something close to the medical field. But here is another alternative. Apply for an 'unprofessional self-training program' personally to any public hospital. This will enable you work like an apprentice under any medical professional you will work with. Look for teaching or specialist Hospitals owned by medical schools or government bodies. You may not necessarily work, but you would be allowed to see technical procedures, surgical operations and other medical procedures. You may be lucky to be attached to a professor or specialist who can give you some basic coaching, comprehensible at your level. This is a lot easier to achieve if you go for Hospitals in another country or even another continent (if you can afford it).

It is very good to relax, have lots of fun and even be adventurous during your long holidays, but it is better and even more productive to use them to acquire some experience, as you still will have much more opportunities later in Life to relax and have fun. Acquire some experience as you study now and find it a lot easier to fit into the Labor Market later.

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Money - 8 Reasons Not to Work For It

By Nisa Chitakasem

Many of us are money driven. This is understandable but when this is the only thing we have going for us - perhaps it's time to stop, think, evaluate and improve. I hear too many of the people around me working solely for money. I am no guru in this but this is my take on what happens:

1. Money you have - but no time to spend it

2. Tired, stressed and grumpy - makes you an unpleasant bunny to be around!

3. No time for you - will you burn out? How's your health?

4. No time for your friends - or for being there for them.

5. No time for family - to see mum, dad, partner, kids. Will they resent you? Will you regret it later? When will they be gone?

6. A missed opportunity - of what could have been but never was. Were you meant to be the next Britney? The next Richard Branson or Steve Jobs? Perhaps the greatest writer, architect, snowball thrower of all time! - (but not in this lifetime if you keep going as you are)

7. No real passion - for work, for hobbies, for life. I have found that your passion disappears when you are doing something you do not enjoy day in and day out. You may enjoy other activities or even some bits of work - but never fully. This article goes through the reasons why people most commonly hate their jobs

8. You can get by with less than you think. Really? Yes. Think about it. How much and what do you really need?

For me - I've always thought having money would be good and yes it is a requirement especially in this day and age to have some in order to get by. But - if it is the only thing that you are doing your job for - please do think again. We can help you find another option. Something that you actually want to do, find some enjoyment out of AND that meets your money requirements.

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10 Traits of a Successful Car Salesman

By Karl Beckham

Selling cars for a living is not for everyone, but if you are the right fit to be a car salesman these ten points will practically ensure you become a successful car salesman. The job of a car salesman is a bit like having a business of your own inside a car dealership. Having your own car selling business allows you to control how much you earn by your level of commitment to the profession. A successful car salesman can earn a six figure income and I have heard of some earning close to $250,000 a year. Implement these car salesman traits and you can join the ranks of the top salesmen and saleswomen that enjoy the peace of mind and security of a six figure income.

1. Commitment: As I mentioned earlier you control your own level of car salesman success in direct proportion to the amount of effort and the level of commitment that you apply to the business of selling cars. Most car salesmen work on a commission basis which can result in an irregular weekly pay check which makes some people shy away from being a car salesman, but the upside is that you will be paid according to your skills, abilities and production. The pay plan of a car salesman allows you to control your car salesman income, but you must make the commitment to being a good car salesperson without second guessing yourself. There is no "I will give it a try" or "maybe it will work out". There is only a full 100% percent level of commitment to becoming a successful car salesman.

2. Positive Attitude: Being a successful car salesman will go hand in hand with your attitude. When you are dealing with a customer your tools are your words, actions, reactions and knowledge. When you interact with a potential car buyer a positive attitude is a must. You need to be positive and confident in order to put the customer at ease so they can make the major decisions that are needed to buy a car. If you have a positive attitude your customer will have a positive attitude and that will make selling them a much easier task.

3. Goals: Setting and tracking goals are one of the common traits of most successful car salespeople. They set goals for their monthly and yearly income along with weekly and daily goals for cars sold, ups taken and closing ratio. A top car saleswoman or man pays close attention to their goals and tracks their progress either daily or weekly. They know their status and there are no surprises at the end of the month or year.

4. Enthusiasm: The enthusiastic auto salesman has an advantage over the average salesman. When you help your potential vehicle buyer in an enthusiastic manner it becomes contagious and your customer becomes enthused with the process of buying a car. Be eager and excited to show them the vehicle and its features and get your customer involved. A higher level of enthusiasm will practically make you a more successful car salesman.

5. Product Knowledge: Granted, product knowledge will not guarantee car sales success, but it definitely helps. Car buyers have a habit of asking questions that they know the answers to as a way to test their sales person. They are rarely important questions, but they try to catch their car salesman in a lie. If they catch you lying to them about something small they will never trust you when it comes to pricing and payments. Knowing the answers to their car buying questions will put you miles ahead of a car salesman that lies to their customer or doesn't know their product.

6. Personal Management: The most successful car salesmen and saleswomen have learned to manage themselves and their time efficiently. They don't hang around with the bottom feeders waiting for ups and complaining about management, traffic or anything else that comes to mind. They are busy calling be backs, doing follow up and arranging deliveries.

7. Selling Cars is about Relationships: Every once in a while selling a car can be a quick business transaction, but more often than not it is a time consuming process. The person that is about to spend $20,000 on a new car is not very likely to feel good about buying that new car from someone they don't like. People like to buy from people they respect, like and believe are the best person to sell them a car. All of the steps to a sale are important, but the successful car salesperson will always look, act and talk like a professional automobile sales person. Sell you, the dealership and then the car.

8. Have a Daily Plan: You know what they say, "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail". The successful car salesman has a daily plan which includes all the things they need to accomplish. Their daily "To Do" list may include calling past customers, scheduling deliveries, ordering accessories and of course taking fresh ups. Whatever it may be, it is a plan to achieve their goals and become a more successful car salesman.

9. Stay in Touch: When car salesmen are successful you will notice that they sell cars to the same customer more than once over the years. They keep track of their past customers through letters, cards, email or the telephone. They let their past customers know of sales, new models and special events that may be of interest to them. The salesman is providing a service to them which they appreciate and then return to buy again and again.

10. Self Improvement: A top car salesman is always learning about new models, new features and anything else that will make them better. They attend auto manufacturer training classes, monitor the competition and are always looking for ways to make themselves more valuable to their new and past car buying customers.

These 10 successful car salesman tips and traits will help you increase both your sales and your income by becoming an asset to your customer. There are always car dealerships looking for good sales people. Top car salesmen and saleswoman can work anywhere because they sell cars, lots of cars.

Karl Beckham is the author of this article on Car Salesman Tips and Traits. Find more information about being a better car salesman please visit Car Sales Professional.

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Have a Great First Day

By Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

Only a parent could offer the kind of advice Jessica Donnelly got when she started her first job: "My old-fashioned mother warned me to have my clothes ready and bag packed the night before," says Donnelly, a 2005 Marist College graduate who works for a New York City-based public relations firm. "She also told me to eat a good breakfast and arrive early."
But it turns out Mom's seemingly simplistic advice was more valuable than Donnelly thought. "Those little precautions helped to make a nerve-filled morning run more smoothly," she says.
Your first day of work will help define you in the eyes of your new coworkers. Make a good first impression, and you'll soon be viewed as a capable, respected colleague. But a bad first impression could mean months or years of trying to undo the damage. Here's what you can do -- both before and during your start date -- to be remembered for all the right reasons.
Before Your First Day

• Relearn How to Sleep: Two weeks before your first day, start establishing the sleep habits you'll follow when your new job begins. If you're usually out well past midnight on weeknights, get home earlier or, even better, stay home more often than not. And if you know your new job will require you to wake up at 6 a.m. to catch a 7 a.m. train, start going to bed at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
  "Most new graduates underestimate how exhausting it is to work a full eight hours," says Carol Vellucci, assistant to the president for communications at Towson University.
  
• Study the Organization: The more you know about your new company and its activities before you start, the faster you'll get up to speed.
  "I read everything I could on the company to prepare myself for my first day," says Mike Adorno, an Ithaca College graduate who works for Articulate Communications in New York City. That included not only Articulate's Web site but also its clients' Web sites.
  

On Your First Day

• Bring a Notebook -- and Use It: You'll be meeting new people and trying to remember their names, learning about office procedures, becoming familiar with the work environment and discovering how your work fits in with that of your department and colleagues. All of this information can be overwhelming.
  "No one can remember it all," says Michael Smith, a professor of mass communications at Campbell University who teaches a course for his department's interns. "So write it down."
  
• Listen and Ask Questions More Than You Talk: When you were in job search mode, it probably took awhile to adjust to talking about yourself and your many outstanding skills and achievements. Now it's time to listen and ask questions instead.
  "No one likes a mouthy know-it-all," says Patrick Gray, president of consulting firm Prevoyance Group. "Keeping your ears open can turn into a competitive advantage when you're able to crack the culture of your new home more quickly and become a more productive and insightful employee."
  
• Be Ready for Either Indifference or Instant Action: You might be welcomed to the organization with apparent indifference -- no cubicle, no security badge or even no work to do, says Gray. "Keep a smile on your face, and go with the flow for the first couple of days," he says. "Things will usually get sorted out."
  On the other hand, don't be surprised if you're tossed right into the proverbial fire. That's what happened to Cara Chancellor, a 2006 Yale University graduate who works for public relations firm O'Connell and Goldberg. The company immediately called upon Chancellor's fluency in French to pursue a media placement. "Six French phone calls and innumerable French emails later, we secured an interview with Le Monde, the largest and most popular newspaper in France," she says.
  What a way to start the day -- and a new job.
  
  
  
  
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