POWER TOOLS FOR CAREER SUCCESS
By Dr. Laura B. Lyons *
Congratulations to the 1999 graduates of the respective academic institutions in these islands. The following career tips are provided with best wishes for your success in landing the career of your dreams:
• Be prepared to sell yourself to an employer. Focus on your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. For example: Don,t say, "I can't type. Instead state, "I am excellent at filing and I learn technical skills quickly.
• Be willing to volunteer your time to a potential employer to demonstrate your worthiness, in anticipation of getting the job if you prove yourself.
• Never criticize former employers or teachers (no matter how much they deserve it), as this will make you appear disloyal.
• Avoid long stories about why you failed a course or a job. Simply be gracious and express what you learned from the experience.
• Resolve to continue your education through correspondence courses, seminars and workshops. Demonstrate your interest in continuous training and personal development.
• Show initiative. Don,t take "NO personally or final. Keep plugging - try a different angle. Most employers are impressed with persistence. However, refrain from bugging or pestering.
• Never take a friend or child on a job interview. Never have your friend or parents call to request an interview for you.
• Always ensure that your resume is perfectly written. Check for misspelled words, poor grammar and incorrect sentence structure. No white out, please!
• Learn something about the employer and or company before your interview. For example: If the employer is an author, read his or her book.
• Offer more information than is requested. Do not answer simply, "yes, "no to questions give details. Try to determine the "feelings and motive for questions before responding.
• Think ahead. Be prepared for relevant questions try to anticipate the employer's concerns.
• Never become defensive, but view every query as an opportunity to "sell yourself.
• Remember this is business the company does not exist to provide you with a job. What you can do for the company is the only thing that matters - not your national origin, place of birth or political connections.
• Do not expect to be paid according to your bills, but rather your skills and contributions.
• Sharpen your skills. Completing school is only the beginning of your learning and growth process. Update your skills. For example: Computer literacy is mandatory for any office in today's marketplace. Learn how to operate a fax machine, photocopier, or other modern technology.
• Be more concerned with opportunity than financial compensation. If you show dedication the rewards will eventually come. Be patient and keep growing.
• Be pleasant. Attitude can go a long way to make up for skills deficit. If you have a nasty attitude and poor skills, your career is dead!
• Thank the employer for the interview. They may refer you to someone else if you are gracious. Don't take rejection personally.
• Always be willing to go the extra mile and don't put personal needs ahead of your job, i.e. choir rehearsal, carnival, cricket, babysitting needs, etc. The employer is not responsible for your personal requirements.
• Earn favors such as, pay advance, relocation allowance, etc. before you ask for them.
• Don't start off stating your terms, the employer sets the conditions, i.e. "I don't do this and "I can't work on Saturdays, etc. If you can't comply with the company's needs and expectations, continue your job search!
• Dress professionally. Observe the dress code of the employer and other successful employees. Don't be so independent of thought that you appear out of place or odd.
• Don't gossip in an attempt to be "in. Win friends by being helpful, not by spreading melee or being nosey. These negative tactics will come back to haunt you. Avoid succumbing to peer-pressure.
• Try to blend in with whatever setting you find. If no one else smoke cigarettes, don't you light up, or eat at your desk. Never make or receive personal phone calls.
• Select a mentor! Ask someone who is successful in your chosen field to coach and counsel you. Be receptive to their comments, even if you don't agree.
• Never assume - ask questions. It is easier to get it right the first time than correct your mistakes.
• Stroke your boss, make friends with successful people instead of cavorting with losers. Stretch and challenge yourself on a daily basis. Remember, when the road becomes easier, you are no longer climbing.
• Be punctual, there is no excuse for tardiness. Punctuality is a symbol of discipline.
• Invest in your career development purchase a book, rather than jewelry. Pay tuition, rather than buying a car. What you put in your head will last you a lifetime. Long after a car has rusted, you will be reaping the rewards of an education. Make personal sacrifices to achieve your goals.
Never be afraid to go after your dreams. If you fail once, don't give up. Failure should never be seen as a symptom of weakness - it should give you strength and determination to reach your ultimate goals.
* Author of "Lyons, Guide to the Career Jungle, Dr. Laura B. Lyons is President of Career Dynamics International, a Motivational Trainer and Management Consultant. Her articles may be read at www.islandsun.com, e-mail address: cdi@caribsurf.com. She is devoted to personal empowerment.