Top Tips for Virtual Interviews!

 

According to a recent study by Princeton University, our Charisma is determined by the signals we give others about our warmth and competence, which ultimately leads to you appearing more competent, confident, influential, and trustworthy- all qualities that you want in your next interview!  Charisma is the quality that makes people want to be your friend, speak with you, employ you, and do business with you.

Coming across as highly warm means coming across as trustworthy and likable; while coming across as highly competent, means that we appear more reliable.

The following tips are specifically for Virtual Interviews but can be adapted for any interview, meeting or social event.

1. Show Your Hands.

In the first 10 seconds- the first second really- you want to show your hands.  Wave.  Gesture.  Adjust something.  Subconsciously, if your hands are hidden, it activates the amygdala in the brain of the interviewer and sends a warning that you may be hiding something from in them- a possible danger.  Subconsciously, the interviewer may feel that something is “off” and not feel relaxed chatting with you.

2. The Distance from your Nose to Camera.

If you were physically in the same room as the interviewer, you would not cozy up next to them on the couch.  You would be mindful of a person’s “personal space”.  The same should apply to virtual interviews.  You want to fit 30-45cm from the camera.  (This distance also assists with being able to show your hands, as you talk, with casual hand gestures.)

3. Face Forward

Sit upright, with your toes, your knees, your torso, and shoulders all facing forward, at the camera.  The study shows that if you sit at an angle, or sideways to the camera, you will come across as hard to believe.  (Did you know that the direction a person’s toes face, indicates the way they want to go?  When you are waiting to leave a function, check which way your feet are angled!)

4. Be Careful of “Up Talk”

Up-talk is when you talk at a higher pitch, with a question-inflection at the end.  When your sentence ends at a higher pitch, it sounds like you are unsure of yourself, and asking a question, and it activates the prefrontal cortex of the listener and makes them question the validity of your words.

When you are nervous, you tend to hold your breath, and talking with a full breath raises the pitch.  Try speaking on the exhale.  (Hint- listen to voice notes that you have sent in the last week.  Is your pitch high, neutral, or low?  Does the end of the sentence imply a question?)

5. Facial Expressions.

Don’t smile if you don’t mean it- it comes across as inauthentic.

Nodding your head slowly encourages the other person to talk 57% more, as does dipping your ear to indicate you want to hear more

6. Dress to Impress

Your outfit does not need to make sense- only the top half has to! Pull on a shirt/ jacket/ jersey/ scarf for the 30-minute interview, and then you can go back to whatever you normally wear.

Men- try and wear a collared shirt.  You don’t need a tie or jacket, but a T-shirt/ Vest does not come across as professional.  Facial hair should be neat and hair brushed.

Ladies- Be careful of strappy/ strapless tops- when only your shoulders are showing, it can appear you are not wearing anything.  Look at yourself in the camera before the interview- do you need some lipstick?  Is your neckline revealing?

7. Staging

If you don’t have access to a boardroom, office or other professional setting, sit in a parked car for the interview, where you wont be disturbed and its quiet.  Never walk around during the interview, or hide in stairwells/ bathrooms where there is no signal.

 

If you would like to learn more about Charisma and virtual interviews, watch/ listen to the following interview between Mel Robbins and Vanessa van Edwards, or read the full Prinston Study here.

 

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVmTeH0uK5k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrfafADLwdU

https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-18

Photographs on CV’s

The latest trend in recruitment seems to be putting a photo of yourself on your CV.  The majority of the population hate having their photos taken, are naturally critical of themselves, and generally object to this.  I have to admit, if I was in your shoes, I would too!  But the reality is, that employers want these photos, so it may help you to understand why, and what your ideal photo should look like.

Why Put a Photograph on Your CV

I cannot speak for every recruiter, and certainly, I am sure that there are those people who are asking for photos for the wrong reasons.  RESOURCE recruitment does not ask for a photo when you apply for a job through us, but we take one at the interview, which we put on your CV that we will send to our clients.

We started this process a year or two ago, for internal purposes.  Many people are visual, and it helped us remember the candidate, a year or two down the line.  Clients then started requesting photos.  When they are interviewing several people in one day, it helps to look back on the CV and photo, to recall and reflect on the interviews.  Clients will also phone us three months down the line, and say, “Remember we interviewed that lady for the sales position, and she was not suitable.  Well, another position has opened up, that she would be perfect for!  She was the one with the really cool afro.”  A glance at a photo, and they know they have the right person.

But probably the most important reason for putting a photo on your CV is that it makes your CV personal.  It makes a piece of paper, a person.  The candidates getting short-listed, are the ones with pictures on their CV, it is not because of their good looks!  Last week we placed a senior bookkeeper.  All the applicants happened to be between 55 and 59 years of age.  One of the applicants did not want a photo taken for their CV (which we respect).  When the client short-listed candidates for interviews, he asked to see all the candidates except the one without a photo.  When I asked him why he did not want to see her, he replied, “I don’t know.  I don’t get a good feeling about her CV.  Let’s see the others first.”

 

THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF PROFILE PICTURES

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when putting a profile picture on your CV.  Always remember the aim- to market yourself as a professional, not to win admirers and friends.

BLURRY OR TOO SMALL

Ideally, your photo should be 200 x 200 pixels or larger. Anything smaller and you’re guaranteed to end up with a fuzzy or teeny tiny image If possible choose a square headshot, as it will work with other social media accounts.

TOO CLOSE OR TOO FAR AWAY

Stick with a standard headshot for your profile pic. Prospective employers won’t be able to identify you from a picture too far away.

THE GROUP SHOT

Remember, this picture is supposed to represent your professional brand – no one else’s. Don’t make recruiters guess which person you are in the photo. Use an image that shows you and only you.

THE CROP

Cropping yourself out of the group shot doesn’t work either. While it may be your favorite picture, no one wants to see half of your loved one’s face or your best friend’s hair on your shoulder.

TOO SERIOUS

Opt for photos where you’re looking at the camera and smiling. You want to appear friendly and approachable.

GOOFY EXPRESSIONS

Remember, this image is supposed to represent your professional brand. When you look at your profile photo, does it send the same message as your resume?  This includes NO pouty lips!!

NO PROPS, BABY PICS AND PETS.

Save these cute pics with your toddler or puppy for your personal social-media channels such as Facebook or Instagram. Make sure that you are not holding alcohol or cigarettes, and that you don’t have any props in the picture indicating that you are off to do something, such as a motorbike helmet or fishing rod.  Stick to a photo of yourself for your professional profiles.

NO SELFIES

This is a professional photo of you.  Ask someone to take it, rather than have your hand shooting out the corner of the photo.

BACKGROUNDS COUNT

Before you put a photo of yourself in a nightclub, or most commonly a bathroom, think about the impression this makes.  Either a neutral background is good, or alternatively at your desk or in a professional setting is always good.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Dress in appropriate work clothes.  No evening dresses, wedding gowns, bikini tops, topless men or sky diving suites if you want to be taken seriously.

 

It’s totally up to you if you put a picture on your CV or not, but if you are going to, make sure that like all things when looking for a new job, it markets you the way you want to be viewed by prospective employees.

How to Come Across More Likeable in Interviews

People like positive people, and people employ people they like!  So if you want to get a job, you have to put a smile on your face, inject yourself with positivity and energy, and go out there and make it happen!  Easier said than done?

 

Every negative mood started with a single negative thought, which snowballed out of control.  The good news is that a single positive thought can do the same thing!  Here are a few things that you can do to hopefully turn your mood around for your next interview.

 

Play Loud Music On The Way To The Interview

Make a playlist of songs that make you feel alive, turn it up loud and sing along.  Dance and jump around if appropriate.  Get that blood pumping and feel alive! There is nothing like some music to lift your spirits (just make sure you turn it down when you arrive at the interview!)

 

Stay In The Moment

People tend to walk into an interview, and I am not sure if it is nerves or adrenaline, but they either jump straight into the past (more often than not, to negative work experiences); or to the future- worrying about reasons why they cannot accept the position or skills they may not have.  Just breathe.  Don’t let your mind run away.  Stay present and look for the value in the moment.

 

Smile and Be Friendly

In life, you get what you give.  So if you want people to be nice to you, be nice to them.  Smile and be friendly (not over familiar), and your interviewer will have no choice but to be friendly back.  Never forget that your interviewer is a personal too.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own nerves and what is at stake, that we forget this.

 

Start a Fan Club

Unfortunately in life, we tend to be surrounded with too many negative people in general.  Start developing a group of friends that are positive and believe in you.  If you need an extra boost before the interview, phone one of them, and tell them the purpose of your call.  If you are going to an interview with one of our clients, give RESOURCE recruitment a call, and we will tell you exactly why we think you are amazing for the position and all the reasons that you are going to do amazingly well!

 

Turn The Negatives Into Positives

You need to constantly be mindful of your thoughts, can catch negative thoughts or doubts.  As soon as you do, rephrase them and repeat the positive version to yourself a few times.  For example, change “I hope this position is not as hard as the last one.” To “This is going to be such a fun, stress-free position.  I have the skills, experience and attitude to do any position I want!”

 

Don’t Play The Victim!

The challenges we face in life are all opportunities to learn and grow.  Without challenges you would not be looking for a new job that potentially could make your life so much better.  I interview many people who thought the end of the world had come when they were retrenched, only to realize that it was the push that they needed to get out of their comfort zone!

 

Focus On The Positives

Ever notice how it is easier to get passionate and talk about the negative stuff?  It’s that negative thought spiraling out of control.  Before you know it, the interview is over, and all you have talked about is your miserable boss, how you get no recognition and you cannot afford to complete your studies.  If you focused on the positive, you could have told them all about how you have grown in your last position, all the amazing experiences you have had, your achievements, and your dreams to study further.

Be Grateful

There are a million books and posts out there about gratitude, and they are all true!  At the end of the interview, thank everyone for the opportunity.  Be grateful that you got short-listed for the interview.  Be grateful that you may have been asked some questions that made you think.  Be grateful for any advice you may have been given.  Be grateful if it made you feel inspired.  And be grateful if you are ever not successful- because something better is out there for you, and you are one step closer to finding it!

 

Be Kind To Yourself

Finally, be gentle with yourself.  We all blow the odd interview question or interview altogether.   We all say stupid things and make mistakes.  Don’t dwell on it.  You are human.  Take the positive, and move on.

 

It’s really hard work staying positive, but it’s worth it!  Read inspiring quotes, keep a gratitude journal, surround yourself with positive people, do something new and exciting that challenges you, and constantly look for the good in everyone and everything!

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

Happy positive thinking!

How to Love Your Job

Studies show that out of every 5 people, 1 loves their job, 1 dislikes it and 3 are neutral.  This is unfortunate as we spend more waking hours at work than not.  Loving your job can be hard, especially if you are bored and feel unappreciated, but here are 10 things that you can do to change your life and your job.

 

1. CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK. If you are bored and unstimulated, making a little change can make all the difference.  Try answering the phone a different way or asking your clients a new question when you see them.

 

2. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB. When you focus on the negative, you attract negative things, and when you focus on the positive, you get more positive things into your life.  Try making a “Gratitude List” and every day add 2-3 more things to the list.  They may be little things like the tea that you are drinking, the quiet walk to the building or your comfortable chair; or bigger things like the salary you receive or the medical aid/ provident fund that you are a member of.  Read through the list when you are having a bad day.

 

 

3. STAY AWAY FROM THE HATERS! Every company has them- those people who see the worst in every situation, resent the boss, love to gossip and most of all, bring everyone down with them.  If you are constantly surrounded by this negativity you will soon get the same reputation, and find it impossible to see the positive aspects of your job and the opportunities.

 

4. LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES– Ask for more of what you like. Chat to your manager about your concerns and possibly volunteer to take on a new project.  If they know you are bored, they will be more likely to think of you the next time one comes up.  If you want things changed, think of possible solutions, and instead of taking grievances to them, take solutions.

 

5. LEARN SOMETHING NEW. Most people are not actually unhappy with the company, they are just bored.  Take advantage of any courses or training your company offers, and if they don’t, set yourself a goal to learn something new or read a book that enlightens you.  We live in an age of technology that puts this all at our fingertips, and often for free.  Be proactive and help yourself!!

 

6. IMPROVE YOUR WORKING CONDITIONS. Make friends with your co-workers and go to office socials and Christmas Parties.  Make your workstation neat and inviting and add a personal touch if at all possible.

 

7. LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE. We all have bad days or weeks, and particularly stressful times at work.  Don’t let a mistake or a challenging client ruin the whole job.  Look at the bigger picture and ask yourself, “In 6-12 months’ time will these issues matter?”  If the answer is “No”, then do your best, work through the challenge, and remind yourself that this is only a bump in an otherwise pleasant road to success.

 

8. LOOK AT YOUR WHOLE LIFE AND YOURSELF. Is the problem your job, or is it your life, and are there any obstacles in your personal life that you can change, to make your job more enjoyable?  Are you traveling too far to work?  Do you need more support with child care?  Are you depressed and just looking for an excuse as to why you feel miserable?

 

9. WORK HARDER. Hold yourself to a higher standard and set yourself goals- challenge yourself!  The Universe has a way of rewarding people who make a positive effort- one way or another.

 

10. CONSIDER LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB. Sometimes, after you have gone through all the above steps, you realize that for one reason or another, it is time to move on.  Take time to think this through, and to think about what you will want in your next job, so that you will feel fulfilled.  If you go through the above steps, when you eventually go for interviews, you will be able to confidently answer questions about why you are leaving your current employment; what you want, and not want, in your next job, and you will come through as positive and proactive.

 

Be proactive and take responsibility for your own life.  Motivation comes from within, and no one can make you happy in your job unless you decide that you want to be happy.

30 Top Tips for Looking For a Job

1. On the phone, when typing your emails, and when you arrive at the interview.  People like happy people.
2. If you are phoning to book an interview or ask for an email address, have a pen and paper handy BEFORE you make the call.
3. Treat EVERY interview like it is the most important interview ever, or you will not get to the next round of interviews.
4. When you send an email from your phone, don’t forget that it will be read on a computer.
5. Your CV is an indication of the pride you take in your work and should be the best piece of work you produce.  If you cannot take the time to type, proofread and save it, what will you produce when you get the job?
6. No recruiter has ever shortlisted someone for an interview purely based on their hobbies… Recruiters are interested in your skills and experience.  Focus your CV on what you have to offer.
7. Showing off your WordArt and ClipArt skills on your CV will probably not impress anyone.
8. Answering “Not Applicable” (n/a) to a relevant question, or deleting it, will not go unnoticed.
9. Everyone says that they are a fast learner.
10. When asked about salary, answer with Gross or Cost to Company, not what arrives in your bank account at the end of the month.
11. No one cares what salary you need to live the lifestyle you want.  They care about what your skills and experience are worth, and what their budget allows them to pay.
12. Good old-fashioned manners count for a lot.
13. First impressions are made the minute the interviewer sees you (and whoever you bring along to the interview) and last long after you have left.  This means that the loud music, smoking in the parking lot, kids crying in the car, and playing on your cell phone in reception remain fast in the recruiter’s mind.
14. If you smell strongly of cigarette smoke (because you had a quick one before the interview or your driver did), no one will believe that you are a ‘social smoker’.
15. Never arrive more than 15 minutes early for an interview.
16. Shake hands firmly and make eye contact.
17. Dress to impress.  Jeans, shorts, slops and evening attire are not appropriate.  This is the best you will ever dress if you get the job, because you are supposed to be trying to impress.
18. Don’t forget that you are in a job interview! Not a therapy session, not a date, not a chat with a friend…
19. Switch your cell phone OFF.  Your phone vibrating in your bag or on the table is just as bad as if it rang.
20. Save any controversial topics (criminal or ITC records, dismissals, holiday or study commitments) to the end of the interview, after you have “sold yourself” for the job.  Don’t close the door before its even open by leading with the negative.
21. Do not focus on the reasons that have driven you to look for a job. Rather focus on your skills, achievements and what you have to offer the company. You will only be employed on the latter.
22. Your lies will always come out in the end. Always.
23. Looking for a job is a “stats game”.  The more you apply, the more chances you have of getting an interview.  The more interviews you attend, the more chance you have of getting an offer of employment.  Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and don’t expect to get the first job you apply for.
24. Unsuccessful applications can be positive, in that they provide an opportunity for growth. If you ask for feedback, use it.  Sometimes things happen for a reason!
25. If it seems too good to be true… it generally is.
26. Walking out on a company without notice, in order to be available immediately, is an indication of how you will treat the company interviewing you when it is time for you to leave them.
27. Put your most recent job first on your CV.
28. If you want feedback, ask for it.
29. If you want to be remembered, remind people that you are still looking.
30. Landing that dream job is your dream!  Act like it and own it!  You can’t apply for a job or go for an interview, and then expect someone else to care more about your dream than you do.

15 Points to Consider When Compiling Your CV

1. What will your CV look like when printed in black and white? Will it still be eye-catching and easy to read?  Few companies will go to the cost of printing it in colour when reviewing it.
2. If you are applying for jobs on line or via email- is your email address on your CV? If you are applying from Gumtree, Indeed and various other platforms, your application will not come from your personal email address, but from the portal address, so how will they be able to reply?
3. If the best you can do is send an outdated, scribbled on, scanned CV, then you need to ask yourself: ”Am I serious about looking for a job?” Your CV is your first impression, and an indication of the best work you can produce, and the pride you take in your work.
4. Don’t put generic comments in your covering email, such as “Application for before mentioned position” and then don’t mention what position it is. Or say “I have always wanted to work for your company” and send it to an employment agency, for a job with their clients.  It makes you application insincere from the outset.
5. Make sure that your residential area is always up to date. One of the biggest reasons you will not be short listed, is if your CV indicates you live too far from the position (even if you have since relocated).
6. Two page CV’s were fashionable in the days of fax machines. Today, you are emailing, and companies are “searching” your CV for key words.  If the key words are not there, you are not going to be short listed.  A 3-5 page CV is more than acceptable.
7. Don’t waste one of your 3-5 pages on a cover page, with just your name typed on it- save this for when you deliver a printed copy.
8. Don’t get so creative with the layout, that your skills and experience are missing or hard to find.
9. If you want to make it personal, add a photo, not clipart. (But don’t take a selfie in a public bathroom or with your cycling helmet on!)
10. Keep it to the point and factual. Save the essays and long stories for the interview.
11. Start with your most recent job first.
12. Make sure that you put dates worked at previous companies on your CV
13. If you don’t know what to say your reason for leaving is, leave it off. Putting “Personal issues”, “Horrible work environment”, “Company involved in unethical business practice”, “Dismissed” or “Discrimination”- says more about how fussy, difficult, disloyal and potentially hard to manage you potentially are, than anything about the company.  Save it for the interview when you have a change to explain yourself and put it in context.
14. Make sure you list all your computer skills on your CV.
15. The Golden Rule when drawing up a CV- “If it’s not on your CV, you never did it!!”

Interview Nerves

The Psychology Behind It and How Best to Harness It.

Although not always a comfortable experience, being nervous can be a good thing and if used correctly – even productive. Nervousness, unlike anxiety (which is something very different), is a common emotion that occurs very naturally in the body when your normal state or system is ‘threatened’. This can occur in situations that challenge your comfort zones such as a job interview or giving a speech. The fear that accompanies these situations is biologically designed to actually assist you more than it is to hinder you and links back to your fight or flight response. When you feel nervous your brain does an incredible thing of preparing your body for a response to the adverse stimulus by triggering a sequence of events that ultimately leads to the production of adrenaline. So how exactly would you utilise this response so that it works to your advantage?

1. Think of yourself as excited, rather than nervous.

So often we think the best way to handle being nervous is to try and calm ourselves down but studies show that this isn’t actually the most effective way of handling those situations. Instead, get yourself excited! If you think about it, it makes sense: the emotional charge being used for nervousness is the same that is being used for excitement. In these moments you already have your endorphins going and heart racing, so it’s harder to get yourself to calm down than it is to turn those nerves into excitement by channelling it in a different way. By seeing the task as an opportunity rather than a threat you trick your brain into responding in a more productive manner.

2. Develop a ritual

Think about a professional golf player – do you notice the small rituals they are performing before they hit the ball? These small acts form a part of a valuable function of neutralizing nervousness. Before an interview, a ritual for you might be to straighten your jacket or put your hands on your lap and straighten your posture. See these as acts that focus your concentration on the task at hand and counter your mind that is racing and overthinking.

3. “Fake it till you make it.”

You might have heard this one already, but there is actually a lot to be said for tricking your brain into thinking positively and expecting the best outcome. Even the smallest cues you give yourself, such as smiling, and nodding can have a massive effect. By creating an affirmation and telling yourself “you’ve got this” your physiology will follow suit.

When you think about all the good things that have occurred in your life you will notice that nerves have been present for them. Starting a new job, your wedding day, meeting a new person, becoming a parent, your graduation- the list goes on. Nerves will always form a part of your life, but it doesn’t always need to be in a negative way. If you learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable nerves can be your biggest tool in pushing your boundaries and reaching your goals. 

Article by Chrissi Preuss, Psychology (Hons.)

Tips on How to Avoid an Employment Scam

 

It was recently brought to our attention that one of our candidates had been victim to one of the latest recruitment scams. In light of this we wanted to inform you of the ways to recognise these scams and how to prevent it from happening to you.

 

1. You are offered the position outright without ever having gone for an interview or having spoken to a person on the phone. If you receive an email that says you have been offered the job with a start date- but no company name or profile, this is a red flag. No company will realistically employ you off your CV alone, never having met you.

 

2. There is a monetary transfer involved. In South Africa it is prohibited by law to charge someone to find them a job. The second that someone asks you for money, without ever having met you, we would advise you to think twice!  This includes payment of registration fees or background checks.  

 

3. Look at the email address and website– are they legitimate? The one way of telling if it is a fake site or address, is to look critically at the email or website address- not just the display name that they are using. If they have used a made-up company name or number, Google them and do some research. Does the website look roughly put together and not professional? When you search their details do multiple sites come up referring to them or is it just the one site that they have created? If it is genuine company they will have a footprint and presence on the web.

 

4. What do the documents they send you look like? Are they professional with a letterhead and logo? If not, I would start to question it. If they have provided you with contact details try and get hold of them and ask to speak to their HR department. If there are only cell phone numbers provided, see if you can get a landline number.

 

5. They refer you to a second party that will do the background checks. There is a new scam were they refer you to a second party for background checks, but the second party is part of the scam, and once you pay your money, the job and company cease to exist. 

 

6. Lastly, if you have fallen victim to one of these scams – don’t beat yourself up or feel ashamed, they are designed in such a way that they know how to get money out of you. By targeting job seekers, they know that their target market is one that is desperate and it is in this desperation that we sometimes don’t always make the most rational decisions – it’s part of being human. The best thing you can do going forward is to speak up and to make people around you aware of how you were scammed. Alert people to the names of the companies who scammed you so you can bring more awareness to how these scammers are operating.

 

Article by Chrissi Preuss, Psychology (Hons.)

Navigating Your Third Month at a New Job:

Gaining Feedback and Addressing Concerns

 

Starting a new job is an exciting and often nerve-wracking experience. By the time you reach your third month, you’ve likely settled into your role, become familiar with your coworkers, and have a better understanding of the company culture. This is a crucial time as you transition from being the “new person” to becoming a valued member of the team. In this blog, we’ll explore what to expect during your third month and how to effectively gain feedback from management while addressing any concerns you may have.

 

What to Expect in Your Third Month

By the third month of your new job, you’ve likely overcome the initial learning curve and have started to establish a routine. Here’s what you can generally expect:

 

Increased Comfort: You’re no longer feeling like a complete outsider. You’re familiar with your tasks, responsibilities, and the expectations of your role.

 

Building Relationships: By now, you’ve hopefully formed connections with your coworkers. You might find yourself engaging in more casual conversations and understanding the dynamics of your team better.

 

Growing Confidence: As you become more skilled and knowledgeable, your confidence will naturally increase. You’ll find yourself making decisions more independently.

 

Understanding Company Culture: You’ve had some time to observe and adapt to the company’s culture, which should help you feel more aligned with its values and ways of working.

 

Identifying Challenges: By this point, you may have encountered some challenges. These could be related to your role, interactions, or processes within the company.

 

Gaining Feedback from Management

Feedback is an essential tool for growth and improvement. Here’s how you can effectively seek feedback from your management:

Initiate Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your immediate supervisor. This could be weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your company’s culture. Use these meetings to discuss your progress, ask for feedback, and clarify any doubts.

 

Ask Specific Questions: Instead of asking, “How am I doing?” try asking more specific questions like, “Is there anything I could have handled differently in the recent project?” This shows your willingness to improve and allows for targeted feedback.

 

Request Constructive Criticism: Let your manager know that you value constructive criticism and that you are open to suggestions for growth. This demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement.

 

Share Your Goals: During feedback sessions, communicate your professional goals and ask for guidance on how to achieve them within the company. This not only shows initiative but also indicates your long-term commitment.

 

Addressing Concerns

It’s natural to have concerns during the early stages of a new job. Here’s how to address them effectively:

 

Identify the Concern: Pinpoint exactly what is bothering you. Is it a specific task, a coworker issue, or a broader company policy?

 

Gather Information: Before raising concerns, gather all relevant information. Understand the context and any possible solutions you can suggest.

 

Choose the Right Time and Place: If you want to discuss a concern with your manager, choose an appropriate time, preferably during a one-on-one meeting. Avoid bringing up concerns in a public or high-stress setting.

 

Be Constructive: Frame your concerns in a constructive manner. Instead of simply stating the problem, offer potential solutions or ask for advice on how to handle the situation.

 

Stay Professional: Keep the conversation professional and focused on the issue at hand. Avoid making it personal or emotional.

 

Be Open to Solutions: Remember that your manager or supervisor might have insights that can help address your concerns effectively. Stay open to their suggestions.

 

Final Thoughts

The third month of a new job marks a significant milestone in your journey. By this time, you’ve likely settled into your role and are better positioned to understand your strengths, areas for growth and any concerns you might have. Use this time to actively seek feedback from your management, demonstrating your dedication to personal and professional development. Moreover, addressing concerns in a thoughtful and professional manner showcases your problem-solving skills and commitment to contributing positively to the team and the organization as a whole. Embrace this period of growth and learning, and remember that each step forward brings you closer to becoming a valuable and integral part of your new workplace.

Your Second Month in a New Job:

Tips for a Successful Probation Period at Your New Job

Starting a new job is an exciting yet often nerve-wracking experience. The first month is usually a whirlwind of learning names, understanding processes, and getting acclimated to your new environment. But what about the second month? As you settle into your role and continue your journey within the company, this phase brings about its own set of challenges and opportunities. Moreover, it’s during this time that your probation period often comes into play. In this blog, we’ll explore what to expect in your second month of a new job and how to ensure your probation period is successful.

Embrace Learning and Growing

By the time the second month rolls around, you’re likely more familiar with your daily tasks and responsibilities. This is the perfect time to delve deeper into your role and understand how your work contributes to the larger goals of the company. Ask questions, seek clarification, and strive to become a valuable member of your team.

Tip: Set up meetings with your supervisor or mentor to discuss your progress and areas for growth. This proactive approach shows your commitment to improvement.

 

Building Relationships

Relationships take time to develop, and the second month is a crucial period for strengthening your connections with colleagues. You’ve probably identified a few people you naturally get along with, so take steps to foster those relationships. Remember, networking isn’t just about advancing your career; it’s about creating a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Tip: Initiate casual conversations, join team lunches, and participate in company events. Try and surround yourself with like-minded colleagues who want to grow and progress- not those who are negative and prone to gossiping.

 

Demonstrating Adaptability

As you settle into your role, you might encounter situations that require you to adapt quickly. This could involve taking on new tasks, shifting priorities, or working on projects outside your comfort zone. Embrace these challenges as opportunities to showcase your flexibility and willingness to learn.

Tip: When faced with a new task, break it down into manageable steps and tackle them one by one. This approach can help you stay focused and maintain your confidence.

Addressing Concerns and Insecurities

It’s natural to experience some concerns and insecurities during your second month. You might worry about meeting expectations, fitting into the company culture, or whether you’re making the right decisions. Remember that these feelings are common, especially during the probation period.

Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to your supervisor or consultant at RESOURCE recruitment.  We are here to provide you with guidance, reassurance, and practical advice for overcoming challenges.

Meeting Probation Period Expectations

The probation period is a standard part of many job contracts, serving as a trial period for both you and the company. During this time, your employer evaluates your performance, and you assess whether the job aligns with your expectations. To ensure a successful probation period:

Understand Expectations: Make sure you’re crystal clear on what’s expected of you. Seek clarification if needed, and ensure you’re meeting the key performance indicators.

Communicate: Regularly update your supervisor and recruitment consultant on your progress. Don’t wait for formal evaluations to discuss your performance.  Not all managers are familiar with managing staff!

Seek Feedback: Actively ask for feedback from your colleagues and superiors. This shows your commitment to improvement and your willingness to take constructive criticism.

Show Initiative: Take on tasks that go beyond your immediate role. This is how you grow!

Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude even in the face of challenges. Your resilience and ability to maintain composure during stressful times are valuable traits.

Document Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small. This documentation can be useful when discussing your progress with your supervisor.

Set Goals: Identify areas where you’d like to improve and set achievable goals for yourself. This showcases your dedication to growth.

 

Remember, a probation period is not just about impressing your employer—it’s also an opportunity for you to determine if the company aligns with your career goals and values.