Hello and Welcome
It’s 8.45, it’s a Wednesday…it must be Inform time…
This is a special communication to our ex-2e2 colleagues….. we will be expanding the communication to our client base and channel partners over the coming month but we wanted to pick up where the communication at 2e2 left off and hopefully provide some useful and topical tips and tricks to help you through the daunting tasks of searching for a new job, then settling in to your new role.
Looking for a new job…
- Build your Brand. Finding a job is like running a marketing campaign with you as the merchandise. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, take advice on your CV and make sure the two match up.
- Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in touch with someone who can.
- Make sure your ‘brand’ is professional. Make sure you have a professional sounding voicemail greeting on your mobile and a sensible email address to give a good impression.
- Tailor your job applications. Linking your experience and qualifications to the criteria for the jobs you are applying for will enable the hiring manager to see, at a glance, why and how you are qualified for the job.
- ‘Interview’ your recruitment agency. Make sure they specialize in the fields in which you want to work, have credible relationships with hiring managers and don’t be afraid to ask them what they will be doing to find you a job.
- Let jobs find you. Set up keyword searches on the popular and specialist job portals. Make technology work for you and have vacancies delivered to your inbox.
- Go direct. Many job vacancies are never even advertised, so don’t be afraid to send speculative applications to companies that you’re interested in working for.
- Brush up on your interview skills. Research the company, dress appropriately, practice answering interview questions and think of some questions to ask the interviewer to avoid the tumbleweed moment.
- Follow up. It’s important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you met with. Reiterate your interest in the position and remind the hiring manager why you’re an excellent candidate for the job.
- Stay focused. It’s easy to become negative about job hunting, especially if you’ve been trying for a while without any success. But it is important to stay focused and don’t get disheartened – the right role is out there for you!
Starting a new job…
- Associate with positive people, avoid complainers and slackers, and don’t gripe.
- Don’t Be Yourself… Yet. If you’re a naturally bubbly hyper-energetic type, stay away from the coffee – you don’t want to scare people. Likewise, shy and retiring types should have an extra cup of coffee and practice your best fake smile.
- Ask questions. There’s no such thing as a dumb question. All right, there is, but the dumbest thing you can do in your first weeks is to make a mistake because you didn’t fully understand the directions.
- Develop cooperative working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization – you never know when you might need to call on those relationships.
- Identify potential mentors within your organization and cultivate relationships. Consider senior staff as well as strong performers in positions at your level and/or one level above you.
- Do Your Homework. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the company does and how your role contributes to strategic objectives.
- Listen and learn. Workplaces can be terribly insular places that resist change and deeply distrust outsiders. So bide your time before suggesting change.
- Don’t over-promise. Setting realistic expectations that you consistently achieve will gain you trust and respect.
- Take notes. You’ll thank yourself later. Names and positions are probably the most important notes to take. People like to think they’re memorable enough for you to remember their name, so indulge them.
- Hone your communication skills. Clear communication is essential to successful working relationships. Understand your boss’ style of managing and how you can best communicate with him / her. We hope you found this useful and are settling in your new role or are close to choosing your new role.
I am attaching our news release with details of our new business….…
The Inform Team (myself and Emma Henry) are still delivering all of the same technology adoption services we did at 2e2, so please think of us should any of your new companies or projects require assistance with defining, designing and delivering a training and communications strategy.
Happy reading …..
