20 Dec 09 How To Handle A Self Review
Writing a self review is essentially part of every job. How you handle the writing of your personal performance review, tells a lot about the job you’ve done. Bosses gauge the way that your responses and assessments are written, in addition to what you actually write. Most managers have a great nose for sniffing out lies and embellishments. But mainly this gives them a great idea if you’re both on the same page, and straying too far from the company’s targets could see you replaced.
So it’s important to take time and care when writing your self review. Allow yourself plenty of time to get the work done. That means setting aside time everyday for a few days to work on the self evaluation. This way you aren’t stressed, or rushing at the last minute to complete the project. This also gives you time to go over your responses a few times, and make sure that you’re satisfied with what you’ve written. Don’t turn in a review that you aren’t happy with.
Make sure that you’ve been compiling a list of your accomplishments, as that is a necessity for your self review. Highlighting accomplishments accurate is a great statement in itself. Not only do you have the great examples of your importance, but you also show your attention to detail by having the accurate records. Both are fantastic traits magnified by the self review.
Remember to be honest when assessing the areas where you need improvement. Nobody is infallible, and if you review suggests that you are, it’s a sham. Your manager already knows that skills that you need to work on, and wants to see that you agree. By being honest, and putting your actual weaknesses, you show that you are aware and are working to better yourself. That’s what a boss wants.
Tags: Accurate Records, Attention To Detail, Boss, Embellishments, Few Days, Job, Last Minute, Lot, Performance Review, Personal Performance, Self Evaluation, Sham, Targets
09 Oct 09 Pre-Interview Preparation
How you prepare for an interview can be just as important as what you do in the actual interview. The way you prepare can dictate how you are received. Not preparing well could be the difference between getting a job, and sealing your fate to rejection. The importance of the little things cannot be understated. So you should remember that, when you’re getting ready for that next interview.
Everything starts in the phone call that you receive, notifying you that you’ve been chosen for an interview. Make sure that you write down the information on when and where the interview will be taking place. Jot down the time as well. Then make sure to find out any documentation that you need to bring to interview. Before ending the conversation, make sure to double check the time and place, and the documents you’ll need. The worst first impression you can make for an interview, is to show up late.
If you aren’t already familiar with the location of the interview, it’s a good idea to look up directions and do a run through. See how long it takes to get to the interview site, and learn the route. That way when the day comes you don’t risk being late by aimlessly looking for the location, or getting into unexpected traffic.
Now to the interview outfit. It’s best to pick your outfit in advance, so that you know what you are going to wear, and aren’t forced to figure anything at the last minute. Choose something professional, that’s clean and tidy. An outfit that fits you well, and that is free of stains or tears.
Finally, on the day of the interview, be sure to leave early. The worst thing you can do at an interview, is show up late. Many interviewers won’t hire an applicant that can’t show up to an interview on time. Keep that on time, and show up 10-15 minutes early. That way you show yourself to be prepared, and committed to the job opportunity.
Tags: 15 Minutes, Fate, First Impression, Getting A Job, Interview Outfit, Interview Preparation, Interviewers, Job Opportunity, Jot Down, Last Minute, Phone Call, Rejection, Risk, Stains, Time And Place, Unexpected Traffic
15 Sep 09 Can You Work From Home?
Thinking about pursuing a work at home opportunity? Don’t really know where to start? Well before you think about where you could go on the internet or otherwise to find jobs, consider if you’re even the work at home type. Working from home you’re really your own boss, and so you have to be able to manage your time as such. Which means the first thing to consider is whether or not you’re a procrastinator.
If you find yourself waiting till the last minute to accomplish tasks, working from home may not be for you. You need to effectively manage your time. The last thing you’d want is to be up against a deadline that looms ever closer, that you shouldn’t have to worry about. If you don’t think you’ll be able to manage your time without a boss checking in every once in a while, this may not be the career for you.
Make sure that you have the space in your home to create an adequate working environment. You don’t want to be converting an area like your living room, or bedroom. Both are full of distractions and can lead you to unintentionally losing focus when working. You have to ensure that you have the room to make your own office. A place where you can be free from non-work related distractions. A sanctuary of at home production to where you can always accomplish your goals.
Also, you need to be a very self motivated person. You have to make a lot of decisions for yourself when you work at home. You only have yourself to fall back on, which means you have to keep yourself positive and goal focused. Part of that is avoiding the temptation to get personal tasks done when you’re supposed to be working. Try to avoid household chores or things you wanted to get done while you’re working. This will lead to longer term distractions which can lead to major procrastination on your part. That is absolutely always bad.
Tags: Boss, Career, Decisions, Distractions, Focus, Goals, Household Chores, Jobs, Last Minute, Lead, Living Room, Personal Tasks, Procrastination, Procrastinator, Sanctuary, Temptation, Work At Home Opportunity, Working Environment, Working From Home
