Valerie & Company Blog » Job Interview http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Conquering a phone interview http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/08/conquering-a-phone-interview.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/08/conquering-a-phone-interview.html#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 03:19:59 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=272 A terrifying pause, a screaming child, a continuous beeping from the other line. There seem to be so many ways that a phone interview can go wrong. But they’re unavoidable these days. Employers use them to weed through applicants and select potential hires for in-person interviews. I think that there is a way to do phone interviews well. It requires preparation and focus, but it’s possible.

1) Isolate yourself. Clear the room of all distractions, including children, pets, the television, and other phones. Tell your family or coworkers that you can’t be interrupted for the next hour.

2) Use your resources. Lay out your resume, your list of questions, and any notes that you may have. Enjoy the benefit of a phone interview; you can use your cheat sheets!

3) Smile. It adds a positive tone to your voice, and it will relax your nerves.

4) Speak slowly and thoughtfully. When you answer questions, enunciate and make your words clear. Your interviewer cannot read your lips, so it’s going to be more difficult to understand your words. Also, take time to form a real response, and don’t just say the first thing that comes to mind.

5) Allow for short silences. Your interviewer is probably recording your responses in some way and jotting quick notes. It is natural that there will be some pauses in your conversation. Also, you should feel free to take a pause to form a cogent, strong answer.

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/08/conquering-a-phone-interview.html/feed 0 Forgotten Forms of First Impressions http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/07/forgotten-forms-of-first-impressions.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/07/forgotten-forms-of-first-impressions.html#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:19:49 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=260 A crucial component of your professional image is your first impression. Your word choice, your tone, your appearance and your body language communicate a particular message to the person that you are meeting. Your entire relationship is built on this first interaction.

Even if we don’t do a good job of preparing for this first meeting, most of us know that first impressions matter. We remember the offhanded comment said by our coworkers on the first day or the glaring typo in the opening slideshow. We all think about what our appearance and words say to an interviewer, but it’s easier to forget other opportunities for good first impressions.

-   Voicemail message: It’s possible that the first time a future employer hears your voice, he or she is listening to you ask them to leave a message. As a result, keep it simple and classy. This form of impersonal communication is not the time for jokes or a casual tone. Your voicemail message should be functional for business and personal situations.

-   Email address: More people will probably learn your email address than your phone number, so make sure your email address sends the right message. It should sound professional and polished, rather than silly or cute. Nothing can ruin a professional-sounding resume like an email address soccermom123@yahoo.com or dallaschick@gmail.com.

-   Phone call: When you are talking of a future employer or client in an office, you would never scroll through emails or watch the television on silent. Don’t do it on the phone! When you’re talking to someone, be intentional about your tone and enthusiasm. Also, be as clear as possible because, without body language, communication can be more difficult

First impressions are impossible to erase, and with a little thoughtfulness, you can make them  GREAT!

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/07/forgotten-forms-of-first-impressions.html/feed 0 Dress for the job that you want http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/07/dress-for-the-job-that-you-want.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/07/dress-for-the-job-that-you-want.html#comments Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:05:53 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=251 It’s a cliché, sure, but it also happens to be right. My dad used to always say that the newest hire should always be the best dressed. He told me that if my boss wears khakis and a button-down, I wear slacks and a blouse. By doing this, I give a driven and serious impression to my coworkers and superiors.

Any strong professional image includes the right look. Your clothes send a distinctive message about your professionalism. If you are dressed professionally, you will be taken seriously. You’re more likely to be promoted by your boss if you dress promote-able.

When dressing, think about your personal professional image. Are you thoughtful and serious in the workplace? Dress that way! Wear clothes that work for your body and that project your professionalism. Maybe you should dress traditionally with suits and low heels. Are you creative and polished? Find a wardrobe that portrays your original side but still looks sophisticated.

Where do you get ideas for the right wardrobe for your professional image? I would start first by looking at your coworkers and superiors. What do you like and dislike about their attire? Who just looks respectable? What outfits seem a little sloppy?

With any professional image, the devil is in the details. Consider your attire from hairstyle to shoes. Make sure that no component of your dress looks sloppy, unclean or worn. Like projects and presentations, your outfit should be thoughtfully constructed not just an afterthought. Your professional image depends on it.

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2011/07/dress-for-the-job-that-you-want.html/feed 0 Professional Presence Matters: Common Mistakes of Job Applicants http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2010/03/professional-presence-matters-common-mistakes-of-job-applicants.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2010/03/professional-presence-matters-common-mistakes-of-job-applicants.html#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:13:12 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=103 I just spoke for a large church’s unemployment ministry here in the Dallas area, which was one of the most insightful engagements I’ve had recently. Arriving early, I tried to meet as many of the people as possible. Looking around the room and talking with different ones, I was amazed at the diversity of age, experience, industry expertise and attitudes in that room. All of them came to hear the topic of Personal Branding: Differentiating Yourself for Greater Marketability.

These men and women gave their utmost attention, took notes and asked profound questions, all of which gave me such a sense of humility to be able to share in a short time at least some ideas they could implement immediately. Not only were they appreciative, but many have invited me to join them on LinkedIn. (That is one of the best business social media sites out there.)

Just after this talk, an article came out in the Dallas Business Journal I’d like to share. Pay attention to this information polled from 1407 responses when asked “What is the most common mistake job applicants make?” The information is important for all of us who are working on building a stronger personal brand and professional presence, internally or externally.

(Excerpts from the February 26-March 4, 2010 Dallas Business Journal)

  • Applicants show up with mind and body but not passion and spirit.
  • Not doing homework. Not enough preparation regarding the people to meet, company information, role expectations, etc.
  • Failure to bring a pen (or bringing a plastic one!).
  • Unprofessional business etiquette – arriving late, too much cologne, inappropriate clothing, overconfidence, not taking notes, wimpy handshake. Little things DO count!

Now for the stats:

28% had poor spelling or grammar
27% had weak verbal communication skills
22% were not qualified for the job
12% lacked confidence
9% wore inappropriate dress
3% other

So what’s the learning? Pay attention to the derailers that may seem unimportant to you, but are sending the message that you are not professionally prepared. There are lots of books on all this – read up and revv up for your next business opportunity.

To read more articles like this sign up for our ezine here:

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Valerie

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2010/03/professional-presence-matters-common-mistakes-of-job-applicants.html/feed 2 NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT: CALCULATE YOUR REAL WORTH!  http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/12/never-sell-yourself-short%c2%a0calculate-your-real-worth%c2%a0.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/12/never-sell-yourself-short%c2%a0calculate-your-real-worth%c2%a0.html#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 06:01:37 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=92 A writer once charged an executive $300 for writing a letter to stockholders about a rather complex situation. “But it took you less than an hour to write the letter. Why are you charging me so much?” asked the executive.

“It did, indeed, take only about 45 minutes to write your letter,” the writer replied, “but it’s taken me 20 years to learn how to write an effective business letter that quickly.”

Legendary Automaker Henry Ford once asked electrical genius Charlie Steinmetz to build some generators for his factory. One day the generators ground to a halt, and the repairmen couldn’t find the problem, so Ford called Steinmetz, who tinkered with the machines for a few hours and then threw the switch. The generators whirred to life—and soon Ford got a bill for $10,000 from Steinmetz. Flabbergasted, the tightfisted car maker inquired why the bill was so high. 

Steinmetz’s reply: “For tinkering with the generators, $10. For knowing where to tinker, $9,990.” Ford paid the bill.

I invite you to sign up for our newsletter and read more articles like this.

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/valeries-voice.html

Valerie

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/12/never-sell-yourself-short%c2%a0calculate-your-real-worth%c2%a0.html/feed 0 How to Brand Yourself to Success! http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/09/how-to-brand-yourself-to-success-2.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/09/how-to-brand-yourself-to-success-2.html#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:15:02 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=70 Branding is not just for products anymore. YOU are a brand.

Personal branding has become a MUST, not a maybe, if you want to progress in your career or transition into another one, build your own business, add value to your company and stand out from your peers and competition. Personal branding shows your uniqueness, your value, your goals… it’s the reason people choose you above your competition.

Five Key Things You Will Have Accomplished by the End of the Session

  1. Understand your unique promise of value
  2. Identify your personal attributes
  3. Understand the VP’s of Brand You
  4. Learn ways to “stand out” and be outstanding!
  5. Learn the value of Social Networking

If you are serious about your career and are ready to proactively manage it then this program is for you! Join me for an interactive 60-minute webinar.

Free Webinar: Stand Out by Building Your Brand
- How to Brand Yourself to Success!
Presented by Valerie Sokolosky
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Time: 2pm ET

Click here to register.

Hope to see you on the call!

Valerie

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/09/how-to-brand-yourself-to-success-2.html/feed 0 SWIMMING IN “ALPHABET SOUP” http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/swimming-in-%e2%80%9calphabet-soup%e2%80%9d.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/swimming-in-%e2%80%9calphabet-soup%e2%80%9d.html#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:24:59 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=68 If you haven’t noticed, we live in a society of letters…no, not snailmail…letters…like PhD, MBA, NCAA and a plethora of others. But, some letters are better than others and, in some cases, if we didn’t have the letters, we’d be doing a lot more writing or typing. But, the letters that distress me the most are NIMBY and NMP. NIMBY, if you don’t already know, stands for “Not in My Backyard.” A brand new big box store is welcome in the area, as long as it isn’t situated too close to YOUR home. YOU want a safe place for the homeless in our community to find shelter – but NIMBY. You get the picture?

So, what about NMP? NMP means Not My Problem. When you go to the drug store and the pharmacist tells you she is out of the medication your doctor just prescribed, you listen sympathetically but deep down inside, you want to scream, “Not My Problem! Just find me the darn lotion before I itch to death!” When the computer repair person explains why the appointment was missed – because one technician is on maternity leave and another is sick with the flu, you find yourself screaming (albeit inaudibly), “Not My Problem!”

What should these people be saying? It’s really simple. They offer solutions. The drug store is out of medication you need, but the pharmacist can order it and it’ll be here tomorrow…or you can drive five miles and get it at another drug store in the chain. The computer technician who’s working short-handed should give you his or her estimated time of arrival to take a look at your system. Who cares who’s out for what reason. But, any time a vendor of any type service makes an excuse before offering a solution, they deserve an irate customer shouting, “Not My Problem!”

Drat those letters!

Valerie

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]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/swimming-in-%e2%80%9calphabet-soup%e2%80%9d.html/feed 0 Etiquette For Power http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/etiquette-for-power.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/etiquette-for-power.html#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:14:24 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=66 The other day I picked up a management that featured a quiz on business “protocol power.”

A glance told me that the test was mostly about etiquette. Since I had learned which fork to use back in the sixth grade, I wasn’t too worried. I gave the magazine to a friend.

“Are you trying to give me a nervous breakdown?” asked Dallas stockbroker John Curtis a few days later. “Was that magazine quiz a hint or something?”

I didn’t know what he was talking about. I thought he might enjoy the magazine’s story on vintage cars. And why was he so worried about manners? He had good manners.

But Mr. Curtis said he wasn’t so sure about his business manners. The test was an eye-opener, he said. He’d missed a lot of the answers
Read more here:

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/market-press/etiquette-for-power.html

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/etiquette-for-power.html/feed 0 What We Can Learn About Branding From Michael Jackson http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/what-we-can-learn-about-branding-from-michael-jackson.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/what-we-can-learn-about-branding-from-michael-jackson.html#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:22:28 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=64 Within days after his death, Michael Jackson tunes took the top nine places on Billboard’s Top 100 List. Retailers sold out of his CDs and his videos were in high demand. Even in death, the power of his mega-brand was very much in evidence.

However bizarre we might consider this entertainer, what lessons can we learn from Michael Jackson and his brand?

Here are a few:

  • Jackson took time and care in establishing the power behind his brand. He wasn’t in a hurry – so it took 40 years or so.
  • With few exceptions, every Michael Jackson product reached for – and achieved — the next level of excellence.
  • The singer’s popularity and appeal as a performer was leveraged among several generations of consumers.
  • Each Michael Jackson product (tours, television performances, music videos and video games) carried consistent elements, i.e., one spangled glove, white socks, military jackets and his signature dance moves. 
  • To reinforce his brand, Jackson took creative risks to remain on the cutting edge of his industry.
  • He crafted a style that was unique in an industry of look-alikes.

Of course, Michael Jackson’s branding wasn’t without its dings and dents over the years, but – for the most part – even the most bizarre behaviors and lawsuits didn’t extinguish the passion of his fans…or the appeal of his music across the generations.

Read more about branding here:

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/personal-branding/strategic-personal-branding-and-you.html

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/08/what-we-can-learn-about-branding-from-michael-jackson.html/feed 0 Business As Unusual http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/07/business-as-unusual.html http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/07/business-as-unusual.html#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:10:33 +0000 Valerie http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/?p=62 There is nothing usual about how we are doing business today is there.

I had a speaking engagement on this topic and would like to share a brief video clip of this with you. View it here:

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/speaking/

]]> http://www.valerieandcompany.com/blog/2009/07/business-as-unusual.html/feed 0