Archive for the ‘Tips & Tricks’ Category
Monday, February 20th, 2012
Whether you are out of work and in need of a paycheck, or even if you’re currently employed but looking for a new challenge, the latest edge in job searching is utilization of social media. It’s always smart to have a variety of resources at your disposal, but these days, social media is definitely something useful to have in your toolbox. Most people already have one or more accounts, though, which makes it a simple matter to start gearing that activity toward a job search.
Finding a job is essentially about networking – it’s about who you know. This ties in well with social media, since it is also about connecting with people. Most social media platforms are designed to make interaction faster and easier, especially through the increasing availability of mobile devices. It’s even easier to get in touch with new contacts or friends of friends.
One big issue is that there are so many social media sites that it can get very overwhelming. A common piece of advice is to pick a few and concentrate on those. As long as you’re active on some of the biggest sites, you don’t need to have a profile for every network out there. We suggest at least the big three: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
LinkedIn – If you’re not on other social media sites, be active on LinkedIn. It was designed specifically for professional networking. Several recent articles have stated that recruiters currently use LinkedIn more than other social networks for finding candidates. Experts suggest joining groups to maximize the job search potential.
Twitter – This is a good way to find out what’s going on in a particular industry or with a certain company. Many organizations (including Chameleon Technologies) make a point of posting job openings on a regular basis. Twitter is all about interacting – sharing, asking questions, responding – in order to connect with influential contacts.
Facebook – Depending on how much you use Facebook, it may give employers a better look at you in terms of cultural fit, which can be just as important as other qualifications. It is also handy as a true networking tool to spread the word about your job search.
YouTube – Posting a ‘video resume’ is another creative option for getting your name – and face – out there. Just be careful to stand out in a good way!
Regardless of which platform you use, the same recommendations apply. Make sure to keep your information as up-to-date as possible. Be proactive – don’t just wait around for someone to find you. Keep your public profiles appropriate to your desired profession. These tools can be valuable for most industries and they are particularly relevant with IT jobs. So get out there and get social!
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Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
Most of the effort that goes into interviews typically happens beforehand; researching the prospective company, reviewing possible questions, figuring out the right outfit to wear, and so on. There is also considerable effort taken during the interview to make the right impression, but what about afterward? Many people don’t realize how important a follow-up can be, especially in the form of a thank-you note.
Though it may seem like a minor detail, sending a thank-you could help you stand apart from other applicants and consequently get you a job offer. It not only emphasizes your interest in the job, it also demonstrates a high level of professionalism and etiquette. Besides being a courteous gesture of appreciation, a thank-you note or letter can be useful in supplying additional information, addressing any concerns, or it can be way of scheduling a future appointment.
The rules of thank-you notes are simple and few. Keep it brief. Make sure to personalize it and address the specific person or people who conducted the interview. Cards and typed letters are the more traditional methods, but emails are also now acceptable, especially if time is a critical factor. Send a thank-you no later than one to two days after the interview.
There are a wide variety of letter samples on the internet, so if letter-writing isn’t your strength, it’s relatively easy to find some ideas. Most importantly, treat it like any other business correspondence and always send some kind of thank-you after every job interview. It’s another way to make a connection with a hiring manager, and even if you don’t get the job you were applying for, it helps to pave the way for possible future opportunities.
Monday, September 19th, 2011
Writing a cover letter may not be something you look forward to, especially if you’re sending your resume to a lot of different places. In today’s economy, however, it is always a good idea to accompany every resume with a letter – even if the prospective employer doesn’t require it. A cover letter is usually how you will make your first impression and it can help you to stand out from other candidates. You want to stand out in a good way, though, so keep these pointers in mind when you’re writing.
What to Include
Besides all of the basic letter-writing nuts and bolts, there are a few key points you should make sure to include. Explain why you are interested in this particular job at this particular company. Most employers don’t just want someone who is qualified – they want to make sure the new employee is going to thrive and complement the rest of the team. Highlight your qualifications and call attention to any unique skills you have that might set you apart from the competition. Make sure to say something about how you plan to follow up – let the employer know that you’re serious about pursuing this position.
Make it Good
Just like with resume writing or any other business correspondence, a cover letter should never have any spelling or obvious grammar mistakes. Have someone else proofread if this is something you tend to struggle with. There are many sample formats available on online, but regardless of which format you use, make sure it is clean and easy to read. Try to write naturally and avoid being overly formal if that’s not how you are in person – you want to sound professional, of course, but you also want to give your letter a personal touch. Above all, be concise and try to keep it to one page.
Cover letters are another tool that you can use to promote yourself and get noticed by employers. It’s your chance to show that you’re more than just the list of dates and facts on your resume. So go that extra mile if you haven’t already; it could make all the difference!
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Most people have experienced what is known as the mid-afternoon slump – the time after lunch but before the end of the day when energy levels drop and it suddenly seems extra difficult to stay focused on work. So what is the best way to power through the grogginess and keep work productivity high? We did a little research to find out what is effective in our own office and also to get some ideas about what other people do. Not everyone is likely to be able to take advantage of all of these ideas, but it’s good to have some options available for the next time the slump hits you.
Our Results
Here at Chameleon, the most popular energy-boosting methods seem to revolve around caffeine or food. Coffee runs are common, and snacks are always on hand. A few people also recommend energy drinks for the more difficult bouts of drowsiness. The second most popular suggestion is exercise, especially in combination with food (such as walking to the coffee shop or grocery store). Other ideas include taking a quick power nap or taking a break to have a brief conversation.
Additional Thoughts
Our external research produced a lot of similar suggestions – go for a walk, eat a healthy snack, do some stretches, etc. However, we did find some other interesting techniques, such as listening to music (work appropriate, of course). Some people also try to organize their entire workday around the slump, making sure to schedule more energy-intensive projects for earlier in the morning. Even if there is not a lot of exercise involved, just getting outside and (if you can find it) getting some sunlight is another conventional idea. If you want to do something a little more productive, though, try cleaning and organizing your workspace. You’ll be that much more efficient when you’re back on task.
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Communication is the grease that keeps the wheels of any workplace moving along. Whether you work in a tiny office with just a few other people or as part of a large corporation that fills up an entire building, there has to be an effective way of getting information to and from your fellow coworkers. The newest trends are all about fast, high-tech, and increasingly digital. The following are some of the different options that are commonly in use today.
Hand-Written Notes
Remember the old ‘While You Were Out’ notepads? We might call this “old school” but many small offices, especially those in low-tech industries, are still using this as a primary communication method between coworkers. Sometimes, though, you just can’t beat the simplicity of pen and paper.
Phone System
Whether through a landline phone system or via mobile, this is probably the best way to get an immediate response from a coworker, even if it’s just to see if they are at their desk. Phone communications are also handy when you don’t have time to write everything out. Most phone systems will allow you to leave and transfer messages, but otherwise it’s not an optimal way to store information.
Intranet / Shared Network
Most companies that have at least a handful of employees will have an internal server where they store files that everyone can access and share. The drawback is that it’s very easy for these kinds of networks to become cluttered with duplicate files and folders, and the larger the network, the more difficult it is to keep organized. The new trend however, is intranet websites, where access to information can be more direct and customizable.
E-mail
Electronic mail has become a standard for today’s office, especially with the widespread use of programs such as Microsoft Outlook. It can double as a form of instant message with the ‘new message notification’ pop-ups, and it’s an easy way to keep track of an ongoing conversation. Calendar-sharing is also useful for staying informed on other peoples’ schedules.
Instant Messaging
Though it may seem unnecessary if you already have a modern email program that promptly displays new messages, instant messaging should not be overlooked. Whereas email can become somewhat superfluous when it comes to asking simple questions or giving a coworker a quick FYI, an instant message gets the information across without the constant need to clean out the inbox.
Mobile Text Messaging
This serves the same purpose as instant messaging but is particularly useful when needing to communicate with someone who is not always near a computer. It is also a nice way of sending information (such as an address or phone number) in case the recipient isn’t able to write it down.
Private Social Media Groups
Social media has become a popular personal diversion, but it can also be valuable in a workplace. From closed groups on Facebook or LinkedIn to social networking sites geared specifically towards businesses, these online forums are another place to facilitate company-wide sharing and collaboration.
Like many companies, we use a variety of the above options, though we try to maintain an emphasis on the paperless methods. What works best at your workplace?
Friday, August 26th, 2011
Good customer service is important for any business, in any industry. Whether the company is selling a product or providing a service, customers want to feel like they are respected and being treated fairly. Since many people have to be more selective these days, especially when it comes to spending money, they want to get the best value and experience.
Since high-quality customer service is an integral part of our own mission, we are always interested in learning about new ideas or techniques in this area. It is in the best interest of any business to regularly evaluate and enhance their service, particularly now that social media allows word (good and bad) to travel so much faster. Here are a few methods we like:
Just Ask
One proven way of making sure customers are receiving the best possible service is to simply ask them what they want. Send out surveys or polls to determine what is essential to your customers and in which areas you could improve. Know your average customer and try to consider things from their point of view. Think about what you would want in their position.
Go the Extra Mile
The little things definitely matter. Most customers will be happy enough if a job is done well, but something extra and unexpected can make a world of difference. This can be as minor as a quick call to check that the customer is satisfied or finding a way to get a job done ahead of schedule.
Be Consistent
When it comes down to a choice between a large corporation and a smaller start-up, the small business can often distinguish itself by being able to provide the better service. However, consistency will be key in the long run. Customers will keep coming back when they know they’ll get the care they want every time.
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
The world is moving quickly, especially the technology world. With more than 35 years of industry experience, we’ve consistently had to adapt, change, and revitalize our techniques. Keeping a fresh perspective on the market and its needs ensures we are providing our clients with the best possible options.
How do we stay on our toes in a consistently changing market? We maintain continual dialoge with our clients about concerns, successes, suggestions for improvements, and industry insights. These tips to help you do the same:
Scheduled Check-Ins
Checking in on a regular basis can easily be overlooked. Creating your own scheduled check-in dates for each client, will give you a clear path to follow.
The Good with the Bad
It’s easy to hear how well things are going. But, hearing the problems are often more important. The key is to listen to both the good and bad, stick with good and fix the bad. Listening and responding to your client creates customer loyalty because it shows them they matter to you.
Keep it Clear
While trying to close a deal sometimes it’s easy to move through things to quickly. SLOW DOWN. Make sure your client understands your operational features: how you recruit, screen and retain, on-board and off board, what resources are available to them, and what the day-to-day interactions would look like. Making sure they understand the process will set expectations and develop a strong working relationship.
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011
Do you love green spaces, parks and waterfronts? We do and that’s why we’ve been committed to being green since we opened in 2000. It’s a pleasure to be located in Kirkland, Washington where the City is committed — through many “green initiatives” — to preserve, protect and sustain our natural resources.
How are you being green? Here are a few suggestions to help you reduce your impact:
Reduce Waste
We’ve begun going paperless, moving all of our documents to computers. How could you help reduce waste too?
Encourage Recycling and Composting
By recycling, you’re taking an active role in creating a sustainable future. In Kirkland recycling is available at no extra cost. Recyclable materials include: paper (newspapers, mixed paper, mail), cardboard, plastic (bottles, jugs, dairy tubs – no lids or caps), glass (bottles and jars), and metal (aluminum and steel cans). Are you recycling?
Lessen Energy Use
At Chameleon we take full advantage of natural light with our large office windows. It is one of the many ways we cut down on energy use. What do you do to use less electricity?
We know the City’s efforts can only be enhanced by the commitment of its citizens and local businesses to “get green.” Thank you to those who have taken this challenge. Be sure to check out your City’s list of green businesses!
Are you green? Tell us how. We’re always looking for additional ways to make a positive impact.
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
How many e-mails are you sending a day? We’re sending and receiving hundreds. With technology being an acceptable way to communicate it’s important to ensure you’re using good e-mail etiquette. These simple reminders can help you avoid blunders and stand out above the rest!
Don’t Forget!
When inquiring about a job, don’t forget to include your resume, complete contact information, and availability to talk. Make it as easy as possible for a feature employer to get a hold of you.
The E-Mail or the Call?
A thank you note and/or follow-up e-mail is often perceived as less intrusive to a future employer. However, a phone call is acceptable too. Also, you’ll want to consider the role you are applying for. Is it sales or recruiting? If so, good phone etiquette and follow-up is a must.
Standing Out
A hard copy note gives you a more personalized look and everyone loves receiving endearing mail. Stand out from the rest other applicants by sending a stamped, addressed card.
Monday, June 27th, 2011
You’re starting a new job and want to quickly become a successful member of the team. What can you do to ensure you join the mix smoothly? We’ve placed thousands of candidates and seen how these tips can help you immediately become successful.
Get Clarification
Make sure you completely understand your new role and responsibilities. If you are unsure what is expected of you, ask immediately. Knowing your employer’s expectations is the surest way to meet them.
Know Your Resources
Do you know all of the resources you have or will need access to in order to do your job well? Being aware of all your options will help you work efficiently and problem solve when need be.
Make a Friend
Be sure to befriend a new colleague who knows the company and is comfortable addressing questions. When you aren’t sure how to handle the small nuances of the company culture or protocol, this person will be an incredible resource.
