1. Arrive 30 minutes early and be ready to work within 15 minutes. "Early is on time, on time is late, late is unaccaptable." Don’t always ask for over time, especially if you spend any time on the Internet for personal reasons or take personal calls at work. The firm does not dock your pay for it do they? Give them a freebie once in a while.
2. Before the end of the day ask your boss if there is anything that they would like done before you leave. Even if no is the answer they still remember you offered.
3. During your first 90 days, every Friday go in and ask your Boss how you are doing. It reminds them weekly of your performance so when it comes time for your annual review it is not based on the last few weeks. From 90 days to 6 months make it biweekly and from 6 months to a year make it once a month.
4. Sign up for extra-carricular activities in the firm. Join sports teams, food drives, social committees etc. This makes you very visible and paints you as a team player.
5. Stay away from any and all gossip. It can only hurt you in the long run. Politely tell the grapevine you want no part of it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Give An Agency A Chance
Job seekers are not always so quick to work with an employment agency. They feel agenices are pushy, unethical, ask for too much information, and that they are only in it for the money. In other words, agencies don’t care about you. At Steffan & Co. we really try to make you feel special, wanted and needed. Please read our testimonial. But, remember that working with an agency is a two way street.
An unofficial fact is that 80% of the jobs in DC are handled through employment agencies, whether they are temporary or permanent. We are a necessary evil to some and a Godsend to others. The following are a couple of tips to help ease the pain of working with an agency.
In order to help your agency out and allow them to make you a priority, start by responding to their calls and emails as quickly as possible, taking care of the necessary paperwork and testing (if required) as soon as possible. If you are not able to complete this first step within 2-3 hours let the agency know when you will be able to complete it. Contact is key. Keeping in constant contact lets us know that you are interested and you're not just "testing the water." If the agency is prepared to schedule you for an interview, then do it within 24 hours if possible. Agencies and their clients often do not have the luxury of time and therfore will not wait for you to make time for them. If you are not able to interview within 2-3 days of submitting your resume it is best to wait until you do have the time.
Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Not only should you review your resume but have 2-3 others proofread it as well. DO NOT RELY ON SPELLCHECK! Spell check does not know the difference between "their, they're and there" or "your and you're." A great tip to find spelling errors is to read the resume backward. Your eye can play tricks on you. If you are reading and anticipate a certain word, you will see it spelled correctly (even when it is wrong) simply because you are expecting it. Taking time out for revisions is time lost getting your resume in front of the client. Make sure to include a list of 4-6 supervisory references with your resume. The references you provide should be notified that they are being used as a reference and to expect a phone call.
Honesty is the best policy. Always be upfront with an agency about any terminations or jobs not listed on your resume. The agency can help explain gaps in employment. Let the agency know if you are interviewing elsewhere, waiting for an offer or have already accepted another offer. Additionally you should provide a list of other agencies you are working with or have submitted your resume. It will save time and reputations (not just ours, but yours as well) in the long run.
An unofficial fact is that 80% of the jobs in DC are handled through employment agencies, whether they are temporary or permanent. We are a necessary evil to some and a Godsend to others. The following are a couple of tips to help ease the pain of working with an agency.
In order to help your agency out and allow them to make you a priority, start by responding to their calls and emails as quickly as possible, taking care of the necessary paperwork and testing (if required) as soon as possible. If you are not able to complete this first step within 2-3 hours let the agency know when you will be able to complete it. Contact is key. Keeping in constant contact lets us know that you are interested and you're not just "testing the water." If the agency is prepared to schedule you for an interview, then do it within 24 hours if possible. Agencies and their clients often do not have the luxury of time and therfore will not wait for you to make time for them. If you are not able to interview within 2-3 days of submitting your resume it is best to wait until you do have the time.
Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Not only should you review your resume but have 2-3 others proofread it as well. DO NOT RELY ON SPELLCHECK! Spell check does not know the difference between "their, they're and there" or "your and you're." A great tip to find spelling errors is to read the resume backward. Your eye can play tricks on you. If you are reading and anticipate a certain word, you will see it spelled correctly (even when it is wrong) simply because you are expecting it. Taking time out for revisions is time lost getting your resume in front of the client. Make sure to include a list of 4-6 supervisory references with your resume. The references you provide should be notified that they are being used as a reference and to expect a phone call.
Honesty is the best policy. Always be upfront with an agency about any terminations or jobs not listed on your resume. The agency can help explain gaps in employment. Let the agency know if you are interviewing elsewhere, waiting for an offer or have already accepted another offer. Additionally you should provide a list of other agencies you are working with or have submitted your resume. It will save time and reputations (not just ours, but yours as well) in the long run.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Objectives Bring Objections
There are many resume experts who will tell you to include an objective on your resume, but is it really necessary in the real world? We at Steffan & Co. say no. In our many years of recruiting we have lost more interviews for qualified candidates because their objective had nothing to do with the job they are applying for or it is just “fluff”. If you have to have an objective make sure you change it for each individual job you are applying for. For example, do you really think an appropriate objective for a secretarial candidate is "To obtain a managerial position?" Too narrow an objective can also hurt you. An example would be sending your resume to a firm looking for a real estate legal secretary with an objective that states you are looking for a litigation legal secretary position. Instead of an objective consider using the space for something that adds to your experience or skills, such as a summary of skills, educational achievements or extracurricular activities.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Taking A Vacation... The Right Way
Americans typically take the least amount of time off and/or vacation time from their jobs than in any other industrialized nation in the world. From paid vacation time to maternity leave to family leave, The United States is notorious for offering-and taking- little when compared to European nations, Canada, and even parts of the Far East.
If it can be tough to get a significant amount of time off from an established career for a vacation, what does that mean for someone currently searching for new employment? Everyone likes to take vacations, and just because you are currently looking for or starting a brand new job doesn’t necessarily mean that your family vacation is cancelled for the year. The key is to ask for the minimal amount of time off needed in a timely, respectful fashion.
What exactly does that mean? How do you ask for time off when you don’t officially have any “time off” to ask from? Very carefully! The first thing to always remember is to be honest. If you already have an August vacation planned and you are in a first interview that you feel is going well, let the interviewer know that you have a pre-planned, pre-paid family vacation that you wish to go on. Offer this information at an appropriate time during the interview, and explain to the interviewer that you would be more than willing to work extra before or after your time off (or even possibly do a small bit of telecommuting during your vacation)—whatever it takes for you to be able to keep your already made plans.
The employer will usually be honest in return, either sharing that your time off shouldn’t be a problem, or letting you know right away that the time off won’t be possible. You can then decide what is more important for you—this particular job or your vacation. Human resource professionals admit that a pending vacation (one week long or less), as long as not during a critical time of the year, would not affect their decision in hiring who they feel is the right person for the job.
If you have a vacation coming up soon, you may want to suspend your job search until after you return home. You want to make yourself available for interviews at the employer’s convenience, and it can give a poor impression if you get a call from an HR representative and are not available. If you wish to continue searching for a new job with a vacation coming up in the next few weeks, you might consider a line in your cover letter addressing your availability for interviews. One idea might be something along the lines of “I will be available for interviews, at your convenience, anytime on or after June 10th, and look forward to speaking with you in person regarding positions within your Firm.”
Most Human Resource professionals would discourage asking for any significant time off (more than one or two days) once you start a new position, until you have officially earned it. Instead, take advantage of long holiday weekends for family getaways and short vacations. Once you have “earned” vacation time, make sure you don’t ask for time off during crucial business times (tax time for Accounting firms, end of company fiscal years, etc.) and show respect for your co-workers who may already have requested certain time off. Seniority does have its advantages!
The professionals at Steffan and Company can help you navigate a job search around a pending vacation, as well as help prepare you for interview questions regarding time off needs. In fact, Steffan and Company can help you easily navigate through all aspects of finding new employment, including resume editing, interview coaching, and individual preparation for all aspects searching for and securing a new job. Take the guesswork out of searching for professional employment—let Steffan and Company do the work for you. They are the best in the area at what they do—placing qualified professionals in great jobs working for top companies. Call today and find out what they can do for you!
If it can be tough to get a significant amount of time off from an established career for a vacation, what does that mean for someone currently searching for new employment? Everyone likes to take vacations, and just because you are currently looking for or starting a brand new job doesn’t necessarily mean that your family vacation is cancelled for the year. The key is to ask for the minimal amount of time off needed in a timely, respectful fashion.
What exactly does that mean? How do you ask for time off when you don’t officially have any “time off” to ask from? Very carefully! The first thing to always remember is to be honest. If you already have an August vacation planned and you are in a first interview that you feel is going well, let the interviewer know that you have a pre-planned, pre-paid family vacation that you wish to go on. Offer this information at an appropriate time during the interview, and explain to the interviewer that you would be more than willing to work extra before or after your time off (or even possibly do a small bit of telecommuting during your vacation)—whatever it takes for you to be able to keep your already made plans.
The employer will usually be honest in return, either sharing that your time off shouldn’t be a problem, or letting you know right away that the time off won’t be possible. You can then decide what is more important for you—this particular job or your vacation. Human resource professionals admit that a pending vacation (one week long or less), as long as not during a critical time of the year, would not affect their decision in hiring who they feel is the right person for the job.
If you have a vacation coming up soon, you may want to suspend your job search until after you return home. You want to make yourself available for interviews at the employer’s convenience, and it can give a poor impression if you get a call from an HR representative and are not available. If you wish to continue searching for a new job with a vacation coming up in the next few weeks, you might consider a line in your cover letter addressing your availability for interviews. One idea might be something along the lines of “I will be available for interviews, at your convenience, anytime on or after June 10th, and look forward to speaking with you in person regarding positions within your Firm.”
Most Human Resource professionals would discourage asking for any significant time off (more than one or two days) once you start a new position, until you have officially earned it. Instead, take advantage of long holiday weekends for family getaways and short vacations. Once you have “earned” vacation time, make sure you don’t ask for time off during crucial business times (tax time for Accounting firms, end of company fiscal years, etc.) and show respect for your co-workers who may already have requested certain time off. Seniority does have its advantages!
The professionals at Steffan and Company can help you navigate a job search around a pending vacation, as well as help prepare you for interview questions regarding time off needs. In fact, Steffan and Company can help you easily navigate through all aspects of finding new employment, including resume editing, interview coaching, and individual preparation for all aspects searching for and securing a new job. Take the guesswork out of searching for professional employment—let Steffan and Company do the work for you. They are the best in the area at what they do—placing qualified professionals in great jobs working for top companies. Call today and find out what they can do for you!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Top 10 Ways to be a Top Notch Candidate
By Jennifer Phillips
Steffan and Co., Incorporated works with top-notch employers throughout the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia area, providing them with quality employees in a wide variety of professional fields. The following are 10 ways that you can stand out from the “crowd” and be the best permanent placement candidate you can be.
1. Be On Time! It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But many of us have honest issues with time management, and during the candidate screening and interview process is NOT the time to let these issues get the best of you. When a professional placement candidate is late (regardless of what the appointment is for, whether it was a scheduled phone contact or face to face interview or meeting) there is little that can redeem that candidate’s professional image. Nothing can set a meeting, interview, or conversation off on such an immediate wrong foot than a candidate, who cannot, for whatever reason, be on time. It shows a severe lack of respect to the person waiting on you. Please note that being on time does not mean rushing in at exactly the right minute, out of breath and with some dramatic story of your travels. True professionals always arrive 5-10 minutes early, calm and well prepared. Scheduled phone interviews should be conducted in a quiet environment and you should have paper and pen ready to take notes. Being prepared and professional is key. If your using a cell phone make sure you charge your phone and have a full signal.
2. Be honest about what you really want Let the Steffan & Co., professionals know exactly what you want to do, and do not in your next job. Flexibility is usually acceptable and expected regarding certain job requirements, but it benefits all parties involved if you are clear about the “must” and “must not” of your next job. Before you begin your interview process sit down and make a list of 15 criteria your next job must have and then out of those 15 pick 5 that are nonnegotiable. This will help you know exactly what you want. Why waste everyone’s time arranging and participating in an interview for a job that you know for a fact you would not like or want?
3. Be truthful and consistent With today’s interviewing process involving reference and background checks regarding previous employment, education, criminal and credit histories. Never fudge on dates, duties, or education. Being truthful on resumes and job applications usually ensures consistency, while fibbing invites discrepancies that could affect your reputation as a trustworthy person. Many companies directly compare resumes sent at an earlier time to official applications specifically looking for differences in answers. It’s a huge “red flag” that a job candidate may not be what they seem, and one that can be difficult to explain your way out of.
4. Answer your telephone Don’t avoid phone calls from your permanent placement agency for any reason. People tend to avoid phone calls for a myriad of reasons: you are undecided and want a little more time to think, or you have changed your mind and are nervous about admitting it. This step is simply a part of Step #2 (Being honest). Your permanent placement representative is working within many different time constrictions, and truly needs and appreciates timely responses from candidates. If you need more time to think about an offer or have changed your mind, simply say so!
5. Dress the Part A true professional is always dressed as such. Never assume that “business casual” is acceptable for any interview, testing, or meeting. Save the business casual attire for after you have obtained employment and are certain of dress codes and requirements. First impressions are important and rarely do you get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t let sloppy or inappropriate dress cast a shadow over your first impression to potential employers or the agency that is recommending you. If you have any questions just ask the professionals at Steffan & Co.
6. Rethink your Email address Don’t expect top employers and agencies to take anyone seriously whose email address is inappropriate. lovemartinis@XXX.com or sexyblonde69@XXX.com along with similar types of email addresses are just wrong in the business world. Just set up a new account with your name only.
7. Keep your appointments Your permanent placement agency will not work hard for you, or refer you to their valued clients, if you are unwilling to keep commitments and appointments.
8. Check in regularly with your permanent placement agency. A quick email is always best. Once a week is appropriate and encouraged.
9. Listen to advice offered to you from your agency representative. Whether it is about your resume, your interviewing skills or anything else, you are being offered advice from a professional in the Human Resources field—you will always benefit from their advice.
10. Feedback Please let your representative know how you feel about them and the service provided by Steffan & Co. The only way we get better is if you tell us how too. Constructive criticism and compliments go along way.
This article was written by Jennifer Phillips
Steffan and Co., Incorporated works with top-notch employers throughout the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia area, providing them with quality employees in a wide variety of professional fields. The following are 10 ways that you can stand out from the “crowd” and be the best permanent placement candidate you can be.
1. Be On Time! It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But many of us have honest issues with time management, and during the candidate screening and interview process is NOT the time to let these issues get the best of you. When a professional placement candidate is late (regardless of what the appointment is for, whether it was a scheduled phone contact or face to face interview or meeting) there is little that can redeem that candidate’s professional image. Nothing can set a meeting, interview, or conversation off on such an immediate wrong foot than a candidate, who cannot, for whatever reason, be on time. It shows a severe lack of respect to the person waiting on you. Please note that being on time does not mean rushing in at exactly the right minute, out of breath and with some dramatic story of your travels. True professionals always arrive 5-10 minutes early, calm and well prepared. Scheduled phone interviews should be conducted in a quiet environment and you should have paper and pen ready to take notes. Being prepared and professional is key. If your using a cell phone make sure you charge your phone and have a full signal.
2. Be honest about what you really want Let the Steffan & Co., professionals know exactly what you want to do, and do not in your next job. Flexibility is usually acceptable and expected regarding certain job requirements, but it benefits all parties involved if you are clear about the “must” and “must not” of your next job. Before you begin your interview process sit down and make a list of 15 criteria your next job must have and then out of those 15 pick 5 that are nonnegotiable. This will help you know exactly what you want. Why waste everyone’s time arranging and participating in an interview for a job that you know for a fact you would not like or want?
3. Be truthful and consistent With today’s interviewing process involving reference and background checks regarding previous employment, education, criminal and credit histories. Never fudge on dates, duties, or education. Being truthful on resumes and job applications usually ensures consistency, while fibbing invites discrepancies that could affect your reputation as a trustworthy person. Many companies directly compare resumes sent at an earlier time to official applications specifically looking for differences in answers. It’s a huge “red flag” that a job candidate may not be what they seem, and one that can be difficult to explain your way out of.
4. Answer your telephone Don’t avoid phone calls from your permanent placement agency for any reason. People tend to avoid phone calls for a myriad of reasons: you are undecided and want a little more time to think, or you have changed your mind and are nervous about admitting it. This step is simply a part of Step #2 (Being honest). Your permanent placement representative is working within many different time constrictions, and truly needs and appreciates timely responses from candidates. If you need more time to think about an offer or have changed your mind, simply say so!
5. Dress the Part A true professional is always dressed as such. Never assume that “business casual” is acceptable for any interview, testing, or meeting. Save the business casual attire for after you have obtained employment and are certain of dress codes and requirements. First impressions are important and rarely do you get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t let sloppy or inappropriate dress cast a shadow over your first impression to potential employers or the agency that is recommending you. If you have any questions just ask the professionals at Steffan & Co.
6. Rethink your Email address Don’t expect top employers and agencies to take anyone seriously whose email address is inappropriate. lovemartinis@XXX.com or sexyblonde69@XXX.com along with similar types of email addresses are just wrong in the business world. Just set up a new account with your name only.
7. Keep your appointments Your permanent placement agency will not work hard for you, or refer you to their valued clients, if you are unwilling to keep commitments and appointments.
8. Check in regularly with your permanent placement agency. A quick email is always best. Once a week is appropriate and encouraged.
9. Listen to advice offered to you from your agency representative. Whether it is about your resume, your interviewing skills or anything else, you are being offered advice from a professional in the Human Resources field—you will always benefit from their advice.
10. Feedback Please let your representative know how you feel about them and the service provided by Steffan & Co. The only way we get better is if you tell us how too. Constructive criticism and compliments go along way.
This article was written by Jennifer Phillips
Thursday, July 19, 2007
10 Sure-Fire Ways To Get A Raise
by Jennifer Phillips
Many professionals believe (albeit secretly) that they are not paid enough for their work and dedication to their company. Some of them are earning average or above average salaries for their positions, and just have the general feeling that “I should earn more money!” yet in comparison with the general market, they are compensated fairly.
But what about the professional that has been doing their job for a significant amount of time, doing it well, and thinking that it might be time for a raise? What is the best way to earn a raise? Should a person just wait until one is offered or should they be proactive and ask for one if they feel it is deserved?
First, a person needs to do a little investigating. How does your company handle performance reviews? Are raises in conjunction with them? Are raises given at certain time intervals (say, after one year, two years, etc)? Or are raises typically only given when promotions are granted? Finding out how your company handles increasing their employees pay is the first step to figuring out the best way for you to get the raise you feel you deserve.
That brings up the second point. Do you deserve a raise? The job market is full of smart, well-performing professionals and often just doing your basic job, and nothing more, does not merit a raise. Raises are often given to those who go above and beyond the average employee. Take some time to honestly rate your performance and dedication to your job. Is there any room for improvement, anything you could change that would ensure you would get the raises that you deserve?
Of course there is! There is a certain type of employee that, although they may perform their actual job no better or worse than their co-workers, will be the first to earn raises. What do these employees do differently that makes them stand out from the crowd? Following are 10 sure-fire tips to help you get the raise you deserve:
1. Arrive early and leave late every day: It only has to be 15 minutes early and late, but the dedication and reliability it shows is immeasurable.
2. Offer to stay late for big projects: If you see those around you or your superiors are staying late to wrap up an important project or to prepare for an important presentation the next day, offer to stay late and help. Although it may not be required (or even asked of you) the willingness to stay late and help your team greatly increases your chances of getting a raise. Even if your team doesn’t always take you up on your offer, they will remember the offer!
3. Ask for periodic mini-reviews: Monthly or bi-monthly mini, informal reviews are a wonderful way to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses in your job performance, as well as let your superiors know that you are serious about improving your performance level and doing your job to the best of your ability. These reviews will not happen unless you ask for them, so simply ask your boss “If you get a chance this week, I would love to sit down with you for just a few minutes and get your feedback on how I am doing, and if there is anything I can be doing better or differently.” This shows tremendous initiative and will take you far…but be prepared for constructive criticism!
4. Never show up late: Weather is a legitimate excuse for why some professionals are occasionally late. Snow, heavy rain, ice, etc. make morning commutes challenging for many. Don’t let it affect you…be prepared by watching evening newscasts for upcoming weather events, road closures, etc. and plan your commute time accordingly. It shouldn’t matter what the weather or road conditions…a true professional is always on time!
5. Dress professionally at all times: Don’t let trendy fashions or what your cube neighbor “gets away with wearing” dictate your wardrobe. Keep it professional, minimal jewelry, tasteful make-up and hair, and always wrinkle-free. If you look the part, your superiors will notice.
6. Volunteer for cross training: Ask to be trained on new software or business techniques; ask to attend any classes being offered both on and off campus. If you hear of a great off campus seminar that relates to your job, ask to go! Taking on new responsibilities is a very important part of earning a raise.
7. Get involved! Business social functions, softball games (you don’t have to play…just go watch!) movie nights, having lunch with your team, volunteering with a group of your co-workers; any way to get involved more with your co-workers to let them know what a team player you are.
8. Keep an eye out for information relating to your job: Whether it be a newspaper article about your biggest competitor or a magazine article relating to your particular job field, it shows great initiative if you keep an eye out for information relating to your company and pass along whatever is appropriate.
9. Be respectful and responsible in all company-wide areas: It may sound silly, but pick up after yourself in break rooms, lunch rooms, and conference rooms. Be respectful and responsible on all company grounds, and in restrooms and waiting areas. Keep your own workspace neat…it can be hard for some supervisors to see past poor personal habits.
10. ASK!! It’s hard to ask for a raise, isn’t it? A great way to ask for a raise is to approach your superior something like this: “I was wondering if we could sit down in the next couple of days/weeks and discuss ways in which I could earn a raise. I feel I am performing well and may deserve one, and I would like your opinion on my performance.” This manner asks for a raise without demanding one, and admits that although their might be ways in which improvements could be made, it’s quite possible you already deserve a raise and your superiors have just been to busy to remember the last time you got one!
Occasionally, a quality employee will run up against a “salary wall” and will be stuck in a certain pay bracket for too long. If you feel this may be your case, consider speaking with the professionals at Steffan and Co. about your situation. They can review your particular skill set and qualifications, possibly offering suggestions of employment opportunities that may earn you more money or better chances for advancement. Steffan and Co. works with the area’s premier employers and regularly places their candidates in higher paying jobs than they had previously. Give Steffan and Co., a call and find out how they can help you maximize your income potential.
Many professionals believe (albeit secretly) that they are not paid enough for their work and dedication to their company. Some of them are earning average or above average salaries for their positions, and just have the general feeling that “I should earn more money!” yet in comparison with the general market, they are compensated fairly.
But what about the professional that has been doing their job for a significant amount of time, doing it well, and thinking that it might be time for a raise? What is the best way to earn a raise? Should a person just wait until one is offered or should they be proactive and ask for one if they feel it is deserved?
First, a person needs to do a little investigating. How does your company handle performance reviews? Are raises in conjunction with them? Are raises given at certain time intervals (say, after one year, two years, etc)? Or are raises typically only given when promotions are granted? Finding out how your company handles increasing their employees pay is the first step to figuring out the best way for you to get the raise you feel you deserve.
That brings up the second point. Do you deserve a raise? The job market is full of smart, well-performing professionals and often just doing your basic job, and nothing more, does not merit a raise. Raises are often given to those who go above and beyond the average employee. Take some time to honestly rate your performance and dedication to your job. Is there any room for improvement, anything you could change that would ensure you would get the raises that you deserve?
Of course there is! There is a certain type of employee that, although they may perform their actual job no better or worse than their co-workers, will be the first to earn raises. What do these employees do differently that makes them stand out from the crowd? Following are 10 sure-fire tips to help you get the raise you deserve:
1. Arrive early and leave late every day: It only has to be 15 minutes early and late, but the dedication and reliability it shows is immeasurable.
2. Offer to stay late for big projects: If you see those around you or your superiors are staying late to wrap up an important project or to prepare for an important presentation the next day, offer to stay late and help. Although it may not be required (or even asked of you) the willingness to stay late and help your team greatly increases your chances of getting a raise. Even if your team doesn’t always take you up on your offer, they will remember the offer!
3. Ask for periodic mini-reviews: Monthly or bi-monthly mini, informal reviews are a wonderful way to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses in your job performance, as well as let your superiors know that you are serious about improving your performance level and doing your job to the best of your ability. These reviews will not happen unless you ask for them, so simply ask your boss “If you get a chance this week, I would love to sit down with you for just a few minutes and get your feedback on how I am doing, and if there is anything I can be doing better or differently.” This shows tremendous initiative and will take you far…but be prepared for constructive criticism!
4. Never show up late: Weather is a legitimate excuse for why some professionals are occasionally late. Snow, heavy rain, ice, etc. make morning commutes challenging for many. Don’t let it affect you…be prepared by watching evening newscasts for upcoming weather events, road closures, etc. and plan your commute time accordingly. It shouldn’t matter what the weather or road conditions…a true professional is always on time!
5. Dress professionally at all times: Don’t let trendy fashions or what your cube neighbor “gets away with wearing” dictate your wardrobe. Keep it professional, minimal jewelry, tasteful make-up and hair, and always wrinkle-free. If you look the part, your superiors will notice.
6. Volunteer for cross training: Ask to be trained on new software or business techniques; ask to attend any classes being offered both on and off campus. If you hear of a great off campus seminar that relates to your job, ask to go! Taking on new responsibilities is a very important part of earning a raise.
7. Get involved! Business social functions, softball games (you don’t have to play…just go watch!) movie nights, having lunch with your team, volunteering with a group of your co-workers; any way to get involved more with your co-workers to let them know what a team player you are.
8. Keep an eye out for information relating to your job: Whether it be a newspaper article about your biggest competitor or a magazine article relating to your particular job field, it shows great initiative if you keep an eye out for information relating to your company and pass along whatever is appropriate.
9. Be respectful and responsible in all company-wide areas: It may sound silly, but pick up after yourself in break rooms, lunch rooms, and conference rooms. Be respectful and responsible on all company grounds, and in restrooms and waiting areas. Keep your own workspace neat…it can be hard for some supervisors to see past poor personal habits.
10. ASK!! It’s hard to ask for a raise, isn’t it? A great way to ask for a raise is to approach your superior something like this: “I was wondering if we could sit down in the next couple of days/weeks and discuss ways in which I could earn a raise. I feel I am performing well and may deserve one, and I would like your opinion on my performance.” This manner asks for a raise without demanding one, and admits that although their might be ways in which improvements could be made, it’s quite possible you already deserve a raise and your superiors have just been to busy to remember the last time you got one!
Occasionally, a quality employee will run up against a “salary wall” and will be stuck in a certain pay bracket for too long. If you feel this may be your case, consider speaking with the professionals at Steffan and Co. about your situation. They can review your particular skill set and qualifications, possibly offering suggestions of employment opportunities that may earn you more money or better chances for advancement. Steffan and Co. works with the area’s premier employers and regularly places their candidates in higher paying jobs than they had previously. Give Steffan and Co., a call and find out how they can help you maximize your income potential.
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