Resumes & cover letter mistakes

Though the cover letter should be an exercise in attention to detail, there are far too many blunders that happen all too often in the job marketplace. The following are the top ten cover letter blunders that you should always make sure to avoid. Committing one of these all too common career crimes is the equivalent of telling the interviewer that you definitely don’t want the job.

Unattractive Layout

One of the first ways to get your resume noticed – for the wrong reasons – is to have a layout that is unattractive or inconsistent. For example, changing the spacing throughout the resume would be one way to achieve this; alternating between capital letters and boldface type to separate sections would be another way. Be sure that your resume is set up to look neat and sharp, and that you follow a consistent design scheme the whole way through.

Inappropriate Stationery

One of the great thing about having a great supply of stationery and writing paper is that it can really say something about who you are as a person. Though this is a great way to express yourself to friends and family, it doesn’t work as well with a potential employer. Save the cutesy flowers and animals for friendly correspondence; write all professional papers on a heavier stock of professional paper.

Too Fancy Fonts

Just like the elaborate stationery that can work against you in business correspondence, employing the use of too decorative fonts can also damage your reputation as a professional and business savvy job seeker. The best font to use is a Times or Arial font. Something basic, and that can be found on almost any word processing program.

Making Corrections

Perhaps it’s the fact that businesses themselves have been becoming more and more relaxed these days, but job seekers seem to take this philosophy to an extreme. Time and time again, candidates seeking employment think it’s okay to make a correction on their resume with white out or – even worse – a pen or pencil. Other candidates have opted for a quick Post-It note explaining the slip-up. If you make a mistake on your resume, go back and make the change directly to the document, and reprint it. There is no excuse for any resume to be less than perfect.

Incorrect Information

When sending out a cover letter, you should always have a specific name of the person to whom it is being sent. One common mistake – and it’s a mistake that can really bother a sensitive interviewer – is finding incorrect information on the cover letter. For example, if the cover letter send to “Chris Jones” reads “Dear Mr. Jones” when Chris is actually Christine. The same goes for incorrect information as it relates to the company name and address. The easiest way to avoid this mistake? Take a moment to give the company a call and double check the mailing address and name and spelling of the person’s name to whom you are sending the resume.

Typos

A major problem that is often encountered when an interview is reading one’s resume is a whole slew of typos. More and more, this type of error (even if the typo is one small one) is becoming enough a reason for interviewers to exclude someone from the running altogether. A quick spell check and a careful edit are two ways in which you can prevent this from happening to you.

Inappropriate Tones

In any sort of business correspondence, job seekers need to walk a distinct line between familiarity and professionalism. The tone of any cover letter should be polite without being obsequious, and professional without being too stiff. Don’t be afraid to show a little bit of your personality, just don’t show it all up front.

Comparisons and Clichés

In everyday language, it is likely that you will hear at least one overused cliché or obvious comparison come out of the mouth of someone you know. As is the nature of such phrases, they only serve to make you sound unoriginal. Avoid using clichés and obvious comparisons when writing a cover letter, as it’s likely that someone else is writing the exact same thing.

No Signature

One of the most important things employers are looking for nowadays is an employee with a great attention to detail. Sending off your cover letter without having signed it is one sure way to assure the interviewer that your attention-to-detail skills are certainly lacking.

Missing Resume

Another sign that a candidate is lacking in the attention-to-detail department: sending a cover letter without a resume. Though it seems like a ridiculous mistake to make, there are far too many people that send out a cover letter and forget to include what is really important here, their credentials.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Job sharing principles

When employees look to cut their hours to spend more time going after an advanced degree, raising a family or running a business, thoughts may turn to the option of job sharing. While a few employers might already support job-share arrangements, for many it is an untested approach and the onus for making it work falls primarily on the employee making the request.

If you’re contemplating going after a job share, here are a few things that may help you set one up and keep it working:

1. Make a case for it to your boss.

You can’t just expect that everyone’s going to jump at the chance to start a job share. Much of it is like uncharted water to them. It’s your responsibility to make your case. Statistics about job-sharing across the nation don’t tell the story about how it will work in your particular job, either. Figure out a schedule that would make transitions between partners the smoothest. If you have good job habits and your boss has found you reliable in the past, he or she may well listen to a well thought-out argument. Remember this is a risk for them too. Make it a reasonable risk.

2. Get the support of your work group.

People who may struggle with their own jealousy or questions of favoritism are not apt to be very helpful and may even create problems where there are none. If you really want to make a job share work, talk to your cohorts in the office. Find out what their concerns might be and try to do something to address them. The last thing you want to do is burden them in your own self-interest.

3. Find a relationship that works.

This is really the most important factor once a job share is in place—finding that "better half." Of course, sometimes that’s decided for you. Your boss may pair you up with someone else looking for a similar part-time schedule. Then it's up to you to make it work by clearly spelling out expectations for when you will pass projects back and forth, how you get updates on what has happened in the days you've been out of the office, how you share workspace and more. As in any relationships, clearly spelled-out expectations can circumvent a whole host of potential problems later.

4. Stay flexible.

If you’re in a Monday-to-Friday job, you need to at least maintain a little flexibility if some unusual circumstances arise and you need to go in the office. That doesn’t mean you maintain full-time childcare, but at least have some options for relatives or friends or emergency care you could fall back on. Stand your ground unless it’s really vital, however, or you could find yourself working full-time for half-time pay.

5. Stay accessible.

I can’t say enough about what technology has done for our definition of "office work." With a computer at home, e-mail, the Internet, voice mail and pager, no one can say we're inaccessible even when away from the office. As part of your proposal to the boss, include options for how you will stay accessible on off days but set strict guidelines for when you should be called in. Don't let it be abused. For example, a last-minute request for a client file that you had last might warrant a page. A pre-meeting to plan the next work group retreat, however, should not require you to be accessible by conference call.

6. Keep up.

By keeping up, I mean keeping your skills up. A lot of times when employees cut work hours the first thing that goes is the continuing education and networking with peers. If you can’t make it to the weekly association meeting, try to make time for the newsletter or reading books on your profession on the side.

7. Keep your expectations in line.

When you choose to cut your hours, you slow your progress up the ladder. That doesn’t mean you give up trying to get ahead in your career, but without the visibility and the production that comes with working full time it will slow. Don’t expect to get the cream-of-the-crop projects. Also don’t expect that you’ll be able to keep on the "inside track" on all the office gossip and vital information. Even if people consciously try to fill you in on things that happen while you’re out, something will be missed. The good thing is, you and your job share partner can try to keep each other in the loop.

Often those who job share find themselves acting as the company guinea pig. By keeping a few basic guiding principles in mind--staying flexible and accessible, managing expectations, finding support in your work group and defining roles clearly--you could get the chance to show everyone how job sharing is a concept that works.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Reduce workplace injuries and accidents

Of all the crises that managers must deal with in the workplace, accidents and medical emergencies are by far the most common. Many accidents are due to worker error or dangerous procedures. However, many other emergencies are unavoidable.

In 1993, three professors studied 15 years of OSHA data to determine the most common causes of job-related injuries and fatalities: Robert F. Sherer, James D. Brodzinski and Elaine A. Crable, "The Human Factor," HRMagazine, April 1993. The most significant factor in injuries were employee errors, followed by equipment insufficiencies and procedure insufficiencies. The professors suggested that all three of these factors could be addressed with better training, and outlined the following steps to help prevent accidents:

* Identify and eliminate high-risk activities

* Design jobs with current and anticipated workers in mind

* Tailor safety-training programs to your employees

* Empower employees to engage in accident prevention and job design

* Treat accidents as performance errors

* Establish behavior-based safety-management programs

* Train supervisors in confrontation-management skills

* Change mundane routines

* Empower employees to be responsible for their equipment

* Establish an ergonomic approach to workplace design

* Develop training programs based on behavior modeling

* Develop programs to eliminate workplace illiteracy

* Establish multilingual training programs

Once prevention measure are in place, managers should determine what their policy is for dealing with accidents and medical emergencies. Once managers create a policy, they should review it with legal counsel and their insurance company.

To help prevent accidents, a safety program should have the following elements:

* Top management support and involvement

* Job-specific pre-employment physicals for certain job classes

* A written policy statement of the company's commitment to safety and what the the company expects of its employees, given to all employees

* A safety committee with the power to enforce compliance with safety rules

* Input from line employees on safety matters

* Regular safety inspections of the workplace

* Realistic goals for accident reduction, with progress closely monitored and reductions rewarded

* Supervisor-level accountability for accident reduction

* A modified-duty program to return injured employees to work sooner

* Signs, contests, rewards and health fairs to create a heightened sense of safety awareness among company personnel

* Training, retraining and more retraining

OSHA requires that first aid be available to workers at all times, either by having someone trained in first aid on each shift or by being within seven minutes of a hospital. Part of an accident policy should address how the operation will ensure that someone trained in first aid is working each shift. This person should know what to do in emergency situations and also know what NOT to do, because some actions could increase an operation's liability.

Managers should make sure that an accurate record is kept of each accident and medical emergency. A member of management should obtain statements from any witnesses and carefully examine the accident site. If a slip or fall was involved, the manager should ask what type of shoes the victim was wearing, whether the person had any physical disabilities, what the weather was and what the lighting was like. All of this information should be recorded in an incident report. This report can help an operation defend itself against a liability suit in court.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Personal safety in the workplace

These days personal safety is something that people cannot afford to ignore. While many people take precautions at home, it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security at work. The following are suggestions that will help you stay safe during your day (or night) at work.

When you first interview for a new job, interview the safety aspects of the company as well. If you are not working in your neighborhood (as many people do not) find out what the crime rate is in your prospective employer's neighborhood? Call the neighborhood police department and ask. If there have been many muggings or auto break-ins at or around this employer's property, you would be wise to reconsider. Where is employee parking? How far from the building? Is it well lit when you leave the office late or during the winter months? Does the security guard escort people from the building late at night? Is there surveillance camera system? If so, is anyone watching it live, or does it just record? Is there a code to enter the building, or is it open to the public? Is there a security guard in the lobby?

If you take the bus, how far is the bus stop? Is the bus stop well lit? Is the stop on a busy street, or all alone on the block? If your employer demands overtime late into the night, will they provide car or taxi service for you?

These are all variables to consider before taking the job. Once employed, there are precautions to employ to maintain a safe environment.

First is not to work in the building alone after hours. If you must work late into the night, ask your boss to let you do the work at home. With fax, email and phone conferencing available, this makes more sense than ever before. Do not be intimidated into putting yourself into an unsafe environment and do not be afraid to speak up about safety concerns, as your safety is your responsibility. Do not assume that your employer will automatically have this on his or her mind.

Second, do not give out your building entrance code to visitors or delivery people. Let them come to the intercom and buzz them in or have security meet them at the door and sign them in. By giving our security door codes you put not only yourself but also your coworkers at risk, particularly those at the front desk. Some people, who would never give out their apartment building gate code, will freely give out the office code to a stranger.

Third, keep your personal property personal. Around the office, lock up your purse and carry a day planner with a couple of dollars tucked in it for the coffee wagon. Leaving your purse or wallet unattended or leaving your checkbook, credit card bills, or pay stubs lying around on your desk invites someone to invade your privacy. As many people go in and out of an office, do not give out this information freely to co-workers.

Last but not least, do not get into the car or enter a hotel room or home of a fellow employee alone. They may seem nice (and may well be nice) but coworkers are only strangers who have a workplace in common with you. Interacting on the job does not make a person a trusted friend. Working and carpooling in a group will decrease the risk, but we aware at all times. Keeping alert and taking precautions at work will make your time at the office or plant safe.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Problems with difficult coworkers

Today’s workplace is full of challenges, the least of which is the variety of people with whom one comes into contact. Some of the more difficult personality types can make a place of business seem more like a jungle than an office. By recognizing these unique personalities one can navigate through the workplace and learn to graciously tolerate, if not appreciate, these characters. There are several archetypes that show up time and time again on the job. These include the schoolyard bully, the practical joker, the office flirt, the golden one and the gossip.

First and most intimidating is the bully, like the schoolyard counterpart, the office bully misuses power to get others to see things his or her way. The bully’s leverage could be his or her title, tenure, or lousy temper. Whichever the weapon, the goal is to get his or her way. The bully is not afraid to make a scene, and will throw a tantrum, yell in your face, stomp the floor or pound the desk. The special strategy to deal with the bully is to not sink to that level or shrink in fright. If you are in a meeting with such a person and their behavior escalates, keep your voice and breathing even and maintain eye contact. Excuse yourself while leaving them with a written copy of your idea, proposal or contribution to the project and say you will check back at a “later time”. This gives the bully no one to yell at; therefore the bully’s head of steam gains no momentum. The bully is looking for a reaction, take that out of the equation and they are left like a helpless child. Plan as much contact with the bully via written correspondence, preferably that which will go through a third party to avoid scathing memos addressed to you personally. If you pull his or her name in the office “Secret Santa” drawing, gift ideas could be something to help him work out some of aggression physically, which could include suction cup dart board, foam basketball set, or kick boxing lessons.

The practical joker is next on the intolerability scale. This is the co-worker who toilet papers your cubicle or sends a “fake” memo that there will be a big layoff. Look for Xerox copies of his or her butt circulating after the company Christmas party. This employee does not mind humiliating his or her self and others and can’t understand why you wouldn’t want a gorilla stripper in the boardroom on your birthday. Best strategy is to keep the joker at arms length, be neither friend nor foe, as association as the former brands you a fool and as the latter, a sour puss. Best Secret Santa gift: A loud, crazy tie or plastic vomit.

Next up is the office flirt, the man or woman who thinks each day in the office is an audition for “Love Connection”. Could be single or married (don’t let the picture of the wife and kiddies on the desk fool you). Tries to create an atmosphere of seduction with dress, words and gestures. Loves working late or one- on -one, and may suggest working out of the office setting. Motives can be as simple as loneliness or as calculated as moving up the latter without paying dues. Whichever the reason for the sexy act, do not let that person’s behavior put you in an uncomfortable position. Over the years, there has been increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace, however the lines still remain gray. The bottom line is if it makes one of the parties uncomfortable, its inappropriate. Steer clear of any office fling with this person, and do not socialize with him or her outside of the office, except in a group setting. Best Secret Santa gift to choose: A plain desk calendar or day planner. Nothing personal.

The personality type that is one of the most difficult to deal with is the office “Golden Boy or Girl”. The one who gets special favors for some reason. May or not be related to someone. Not only doesn’t have to follow the rules, but does so in such an obvious way as to invite resentment and envy. This person gets double the praise for half the work and will enjoy the best perks the office has to offer while you may have to beg for paper clips. Best strategy is to not make this person a focal point or else much of your day will consist of walking around feeling short- changed, which is a waste of time and energy. Make a gratitude list and feel lucky that you are judged and have succeeded on your own merits. Secret Santa gift idea: Anything at the two for one sale and keep the better item (to assuage your pique).

The most seemingly harmless but most common character at work is the office gossip. This person has loves to “dish the dirt”. Everyone is human and it is tempting to saddle up to this person, as they seem to have the inside track to all the office news. But as in the fairy tale “The Snow Queen” the view through this characters eyes is often skewed and negative. If you find you are the subject of a rumor started or carried by this person, confront them confidently but gently in front of third party or group and tell them that they have been misinformed about something about you and you would appreciate their not spreading this story any further. The gossip only functions well behind people’s backs, bring the behavior into the light and their power disappears like a vampire out in the sunlight.

Best Secret Santa gift: A self-help book (pick any one that deals with self esteem issues)

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Unemployment tips: how to make money when you're between jobs

If you find yourself unemployed there are ways to make money between jobs. You just need to tap into your creativity and use your imagination to discover new ways to bring money home.

In order to come up with these ideas you’ll need to do a little research. Read the want ads in the newspaper or utilize the internet. In your search focus on areas other than your usual career. Look at the business opportunity section as well as the work wanted and part time sections for ideas to help ease the financial burden until you are employed again.

Surf the Web

Use your computer if you have one. If you don’t have one you can visit your local library. There are ways to use the web to bring in cash but be careful because unfortunately there are also scams out there.

There are opportunities on the internet to freelance (that is, perform work for companies off site). Some of this work might include typing, data entry, tape transcription (medical or legal), writing, answering incoming calls, giving tarot readings, teaching online classes, translating, selling, web design and assembly work. Freelance work these days falls into many different categories with opportunities for those who are unskilled as well as professionals.

Consider Part Time

If you are willing to work a couple hours a day or a couple of days per week, there are part time positions out there to help you through the tough times – especially if you don’t mind giving up nights or weekends. Although these jobs might pay considerably less than what you are used to, the fact is that having some money coming in is preferable to the alternative - watching your savings disappear for food, gas and utility bills.

You can clerk in a convenience store, stock shelves in a grocery store, deliver pizza, bag groceries, deliver newspapers, assist veterinarians, answer phones or take a stint at a drive up fast food location dispensing fries and shakes.

Temporary Work

If you have any office skills at all temporary work can be a life saver. The best way to make sure you work enough as a temporary is by registering with several temporary agencies. Temporary agencies can be located through the want ads or by looking in the yellow pages under employment. Be prepared to take tests which will gauge your skills in the areas of spelling, grammar, math and typing.

I have found that the best way to get steady temp work is by calling the agency between assignments to remind them you are available. Call them to jog their memory and you might get lucky. Plus, if you happen to call in when a client is on the phone, you could get an assignment right away. Although not every position will suit you, the up side is that most agencies pay weekly and that can be helpful when you need cash. And, because you are not in it for the long haul, if you find yourself in a situation that you don’t like you can request another assignment. Another plus to temporary work is that if you do like the job (and they like you) you may just find yourself employed again.

Garage Sales, etc.

Another way to earn quick cash is by cleaning out your attic and/or garage. Have a garage sale or take your things to a flea market. You can even try to sell them on the internet, which some people have found to be very lucrative. Make some money by selling stuff you no longer use. You can earn even more by letting neighbors sell some of their unwanted items by charging a slight fee. You never know, what is one person’s junk is another’s treasure.

Food For Thought

Try dabbling at something you would never attempt in the days when you had a job. After all, what do you have to lose? If you have any kind of skill, from cooking to carpentry, most likely you can earn money by doing it. You can take out an ad out in your local newspaper advertising your services or print up flyers to see if you can get clients.

If you are at all handy or have any carpentry skills, you can offer to paint houses, clean gutters, do home repairs or landscape. If home repair isn’t one of your strong points but you’re a wiz at math, you might try tutoring children who are struggling in that area. If you live in an area where movies are made you can sign on to work as an extra. Other money earners include walking dogs, pet sitting, babysitting, cleaning houses, running errands, house sitting, washing cars, mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow and washing windows. If you are talented in the kitchen you might try baking something and having a bake sale or better yet see if a local store in your area might be interested in selling your goodies.

If you are a professional or have knowledge in a particular area you can teach a class. Contact the adult education program or community center in your area to see if there is anything you might teach. You could offer to teach typing, computers, woodworking, gardening, cooking, sewing, yoga, aerobic exercise or dancing. Make a list of all the jobs you’ve held or skills you’ve been trained in. You may be surprised at how long your list is.

You never know. Being unemployed might be the best thing that ever happened to you. Maybe you’ll discover hidden talents or start your own business. And you could end up liking your new career much better than the one you left behind.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy