How to look and feel POWERFUL in your next interview… even if you are not on the inside.

We all know the importance of making a good first impression, and the importance of body language in doing this.  It’s probably the single biggest weakness we see in job seekers attending interviews- they often let nerves get the better of them, which translates through poor body language as a negative attitude or presence.

Here are a few common mistakes we see with body language:-

  • Poor posture- slouching (lazy), leaning forward (like you going to make a run for it) and leaning back (too casual), can all send the wrong message. Sit up straight, without being rigid and look alert and engaged.
  • Eye Contact- make eye contact, especially when shaking hands, but be careful to not stare too long or have fidgety eyes- constantly looking around- like your attention is elsewhere.
  • Keep your arms neutral- don’t cross them, hold them behind your back or put them in your pockets.
  • Don’t fidget and bounce. This is the most common.  Interview nerves bring out the bouncy leg, the itches and hair that constantly needs adjusting.  And this nervous energy is distracting the interviewer from what you are actually saying.

If poor body language can make us appear nervous, incapable, submissive, unconfident and negative, then what if the opposite was true?  What is we posed with the correct, empowering body language- would this make us feel and appear confident, positive, assertive and optimistic?  This is exactly what Amy Cuddy discovered in her research:-

Our minds may change our body (language),

but our body (language) can also change our minds!

Amy Cuddy researched one of life’s most simple tricks- Power Posing.  Power Posing is the act of taking a posture of confidence, even when you don’t feel confident, to make yourself more dominant.  (Its seen in nature with an ape banging his chest, a snake rises to attack and birds extend their wings and tail feathers to assert themselves.)  Her research showed that sitting or standing in a certain way, for as little as two minutes, raises testosterone levels and lowers stress hormones, and ultimately effects the way you interact with people.  Power Posing is especially beneficial when facing a “social threat” where you are being evaluated, such as negotiating deals, pitching ideas and job interviews.

Examples of High and Low Power Poses
Examples of High and Low Power Poses

Power Poses involve stretching the body to take up more space and appear more powerful.  Take a minute to stand up, feet slightly apart, hands on hips, shoulders back and chin slightly raised.  Or lean forward and put your hands on the desk, placed wider than your shoulders.  I am sure that you immediately feel the power shift if you have been sitting hunched over your computer or desk.

 

If you have 15 minutes to spare, and want to find out more, I would strongly recommend that you follow the link and watch Amy Cuddy explain power poses, give examples of various poses and show you how you can “Fake it until you Become it” (https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are) !  This article also elaborates more on 8 power poses for work, has some great pictures to illustrate the point. (http://www.businessinsider.com/power-poses-interview-body-language-2014-3 )

 

It’s the little changes that we make in life, that often have the biggest impact.  So, before your next interview, don’t sit in reception making yourself as small as possible.  Sit up straight, shoulders back, chin up and arms open; or take two minutes in the bathroom or parking lot before the interview, in a power pose.

 

Empower yourself so that when you leave the next interview, you know that you have showed the best there is of you, and made the best possible first impression!

peanut

 

What to do when you start a New Job

Congratulations!  You landed your dream job.  But now the scary part begins.  In South Africa, people normally start a new job on a probation period or contract basis, so the first three months of a new job should be seen as an extension of the interview.  Getting offered the job after the interview, is just the first step.

 

But as scary as it is starting a new job, it is also a chance for you to re-invent yourself, start with a good reputation and good habits.

 

Here are a few pointers to assist you in the first three months of your new job.

 

Introduce Yourself to EVERYONE

Don’t assume that because you are the new person, it is up to everyone else to make you feel welcome.  They may be new themselves, or the company large, and they have no idea who you are or that you are new.  Introduce yourself to everyone- manager and colleagues in all departments that you come into contact with, clients and suppliers.   This is the ideal opportunity for you to start networking.  Try prepare an introduction beforehand, so that you have a short, powerful first impression with appropriate answers to the common questions.

 

Study the Office Culture

Every company has a different culture, and every manager a different management style.  Take a little time to sit back and observe how different levels communicate with each other.  Does management like to take the lead, or are the happy for staff to run with new ideas?  Learn the unwritten rules.  These are often the most important rules.  (When are smoke breaks allowed; do staff go out for lunch or eat at their desks; who has a special coffee mug and can you use any kitchen if the company has several).

 

Make Friends at Every Level

Get to know your colleagues, but also the people more junior and senior, and in other departments.  Identify the company “Know It All” who you can go to with the silly questions, and who can assist you with office culture, without annoying your manager.  Be careful of getting in with the “office gossips and underachievers”.  Possibly ask your manager who would be a good mentor to show you around.  A good way to get to know people is offering to assist others with simple tasks- relief on switchboard; making coffee or maybe filling envelopes at lunch time.

 

Fitting In is More Important than Sticking Out

In fact- sometimes fitting into the office culture is what will make you stand out!  Take time to observe and build credibility, before trying to change things.  If you start offending staff who have been with the company a long time, you are sure to end up the outsider.  Before you criticise, ask questions.  They may have a good reason for doing things the way that they do.  Don’t be above starting at the bottom or having to prove yourself, but don’t get caught just doing the menial tasks- ask for more when you have completed the first task.  Tell co-workers that you are open to and welcome feedback on how you are doing.  Be willing, motivated and excited about the job!

 

Don’t Expect your Manager to Manage.

Yes, the majority of Managers out there are brilliant at what they do… but not very good recruitment managers.  They assume that once they have completed the interview process, you will magically appear and be fully productive…. And then are disappointed that you do not perform to their expectations.  Ask on the first day what is expected of you in the first two weeks, month and three months.  And when you have achieved this, give them feedback, and ask what’s next.  Request regular meetings, even over a cup of coffee, to get feedback on how you are doing.  Respect experience, even at a more junior level than you- the veterans can teach you more than anyone else!

 

Know when to ask questions and when to jump in and go it alone.

The single most important piece of advice you will get out of this article is, WRITE IT DOWN.  The first few days or weeks of a job, is information overload!  You are constantly being given random pieces of information- from how to log into a new computer system, and how to make coffee; to a trick in unlocking the door; or who to contact to order new stationery.  Write it down, and take it home and make more clear notes for yourself.  It can get very irritating constantly being asked the same thing.  It can also be very irritating when someone does not ask, and makes a mess of things!  You need to pace yourself and find the balance.

If you promised certain skills and experience in the interview, you need to start demonstrating them as soon as appropriate.  If you said that you were a go-getter, a social media whizz or that you loved getting things up to date and in order- now is the time to show what you are made of!!  The sooner you start delivering the goods, the sooner who will stop being watched.

 

Do worry about the little things.

A year down the line, no one will worry about the little mistakes, but for the first 30 days, the spot light is on you, and every little spelling mistake; mixed up order; or time you are late for work is noticed.  You may need to put in a little extra time and go the extra mile until you get into the swing of things.  Make sure that you know the working hours and are there 15 minutes early, and leave when you have tied up the days urgent tasks.  Don’t go home on time and leave someone else to clean up your mess.  Switch your cell phone off, never go onto whatsapp chats or personal social media during business hours, and keep any urgent personal calls as short as possible.  Try not take ANY annual leave or sick leave in the first few weeks, and keep smoke breaks to as little as absolutely possible!  Remember- now is the time to re-invent yourself, make good habits and a brilliant first impression!

 

Connect with past and present managers and colleagues.

Drop your previous employer an email and thank them for what they have taught you and the opportunity to work for them.  It’s the right thing to do and feels good ending on a good note, and you never know when you may need to network with them.    Now is also a good time to request a written reference, if you have not already, for your files.

Start connecting with current colleagues on Social Media and build your network.  LinkedIn is considered appropriate, but consider if Facebook and Instagram are suitable (and if you want your managers to see what you get up to over the weekend).  It’s important to be a “casual professional”, not “all work, no play”, but be discerning about what you tell about your personal life!

 

Good luck, and if you work hard, go the extra mile and keep positive, you will be a huge success!

 

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, then 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

 

  1. STAY AWAY FROM THE HATERS! Every company has them- those people that see the worst in every situation, resent the boss, love to gossip and most of all, to 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.

 

  1. LOOK FOR OPPERTUNITIES– 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.

 

  1. 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 finger tips, and often for free.  Be proactive and help yourself!!

 

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

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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 travelling 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?

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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 are wanting, and not wanting, 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.

 

Happiness is an inside job!  Good luck.

 

 

fall-in-love-with-your-work work-hard-for-a-job-you-love-is-passionchose-a-job-you-love

Don’t Make New Years Resolutions- rather try this!

This New Years Eve, don’t make empty resolutions, rather do something that will

make 2017 an exceptional year!

 

Every January we get an influx of job seekers looking for “New Year’s Resolution” jobs or career changes.  While we are thrilled to have their talent on our books, by March a lot of these job seekers have lost their motivation and many are content to continue along in jobs and at salaries that a few months earlier, they found less than satisfying.

Although New Year’s Resolutions are largely a waste of time, it does present the majority of people with an opportunity to evaluate their lives over the past year, and look towards the future and what they want to achieve.  The biggest problem with New Year’s Resolutions, is that firstly, people set them at the last minute, generally at a party under the influence of alcohol; and secondly, with no plan of action to make them a reality.

 

With 2-3 days left of 2016, why not schedule a few quiet moments to reflect on the past year, and what you want to achieve in 2017.  If you don’t know what you want to achieve, how will you ever achieve it?  Are you 100% happy with the way things are in your life- don’t you want more for yourself, your family and your career?

 

Here are a few steps that you can follow to ensure that you make

THE MOST EFFECTIVE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

  1. Decide.  It seems crazy, but when asked what their goals are, most job seekers go blank.  The same is probably true right now for you!  It often helps to do a mind map, and brain storm what you want out of your life under the following headings:- Success, health, personal growth, home life and love.  Once you have a bunch of ideas, you can follow the steps below of refine your goals.
  2. Write it down. Studies have shown the goals written down are more likely to be (remembered, and) achieved.  Make sure that they are specific.  It’s better to write, “I want to plant carrots, lettuce and tomato in my vegetable patch by May”, then it is to write, “I want to do some gardening.”
  3. Tell someone. The more you talk about your goals, the more easily your brain will start to believe that they are going to happen.  Choose people to tell that will support, motivate and keep you focused.  One of the huge advantages of living in the times that we do, is that you can join on line communities, such as Facebook Groups, and get this motivation and inspiration from people who have achieved what you are wanting to achieve.  A perfect example of this is the “Sleek Geek” Facebook Group which has thousands of members supporting each other in achieving better health and fitness levels.
  4. Break down bigger goals. Some of our goals can be so big, that it is hard to see them as realistic.  For someone who does not own running shoes, The Comrades Marathon is a bit of a stretch.  But breaking it down into smaller goals, suddenly makes it totally realistic!  (Research and buy running shoes.  Join a running club and comrades training group.  Download a training program.  Run a 5km race in a set time.  Run a 10km race.  Run a half marathon.  Run a marathon.  Run a set distance each week… )
  5. Plan your first step and act. Maybe your first step, is to find out what your first step should be!
  6. Keep going and don’t let little bumps in the road stop you. The journey to achieving your goal is not supposed to be perfect.  You will cheat and you will backslide.  Keep reading and re-evaluating your goals and don’t lose sight of what you have trying to achieve and why.
  7. Celebrate where you are today and the small victories. Enjoy the journey.  The more you focus on the positive, the more likely you are to stay positive!

 

2017 AFFIRMATIONS

New Year’s Goals are great, but I read a book recently that introduced me to setting an Affirmation or Mantra for the year ahead.  An affirmation is a positive statement that you repeat over and over to yourself, until your mind starts to believe it and make it a reality.  It is about re-programming the way that we think.  Here are a few steps to assist you in creating your affirmation for 2017

  1. Chose a negative though and write down the opposite positive thought. “I am so tired of being broke and always struggling financially,” becomes, “I have financial freedom and live a life of ease.”
  2. Make your affirmation as short as possible so it is easy to remember- no more than 10 words if at all possible.
  3. Start the affirmation with “I” or “My”.
  4. Write the affirmation in the present tense, “I am happy”, “I am fit”
  5. Focus on the positive only. Avoid words like “won’t”, am not”, “can’t”.
  6. Believe that it is possible.

Write your affirmation down and read it several times every day, until you know it off by heart, then repeat it silently, or aloud to yourself in the mirror, as often as possible.  Every time you feel any doubt slip into your mind, silence the doubt by repeating your affirmation and taking back control of your mind from the negative thoughts.  (Tell us your affirmation and the top ones will be brand onto coffee coasters for your desk, or a water bottle, do you have a constant reminder at your fingertips.)

 

 

Finally, LET GO OF THE PARTS OF 2016 THAT DO NOT INSPIRE THE AMAZING 2017 YOU DESERVE!

The final thing that you need to do in your 2017 New Year’s Eve preparations is to let go of all the negative aspects of 2016.  You cannot leap into the New Year, full of enthusiasm, if you are carrying the weight of all your burdens from 2016.  A lot of people like to write down all the things that they want to let go of, and burn it on New Year’s Eve.  Here are a few points to help you in letting go of certain aspects of 2016:-

  1. Make the decision to let go of your grudges, conflicts and negative experiences in 2016. They won’t leave you, until you consciously choose to let them go.  Choose happiness.  Making this decision in itself is liberating!
  2. Express your pain… and your responsibilities…. Once and for all… and then let it go. Stop dwelling on it and re-living it.  (This is where a powerful affirmation can help in stopping your mind from running away from you!)
  3. Stop being a victim and blaming others. Take responsibility for your own happiness, and your part in where you are.
  4. Focus on the present. Right now, in this minute, reading this email- you are safe, peaceful and powerful.  Let go of past hurts, so that you can enjoy all the wonderful things in this moment.
  5. Forgive others, but most especially forgive yourself. We all do and say things that we wish we could take back- it’s part of being human.  But you can’t take it back.  It’s in the past.  So focus on today, and making a better tomorrow.