"Who is wise? He that learns from everyone.

Who is powerful? He that governs his passions.

Who is rich? He that is content.

Who is that? Nobody."

-          Benjamin Franklin

In this new generation X, it’s fashionable to try and get all you can. Greed is often known to take people on the path of sufferings.

Once you receive a job offer, you are faced with a difficult decision and must evaluate the offer carefully. Fortunately, most organizations will not expect you to accept or reject an offer immediately. Ask these questions and decide if the offer is acceptable or not.

“What are the promotional opportunities of the position?”

“To what position/level?”

“How and when will my performance be reviewed?”

“Will this include a salary review?”

“What kind of salary progression would be expected in the first three to five years?”

If your offer is truly unacceptable, you must communicate this fact in no uncertain terms to the decision-maker while keeping the outlook for resolution positive. Example:

“I am still very interested in working with you and your company; however (never use the word “but”), at this point I am not able to accept the offer for the following reason: (state your reasoning succinctly and what part or parts of the offer are lacking). If you were able to _____ (give your proposed solution), I would gladly accept the position immediately. Are you able to help bring this about?”

Second, you need to communicate what is specifically lacking in the initial offer. Is it the position? The role and responsibilities? The money? Location? Insurance? Vacation time? You must name it specifically.

Third, you must provide a proposed solution. Tell them exactly what can be done to make things “right.” You need to make it understood that if this could be changed, you would be willing to accept the position. Immediately. On the spot. They will be much more willing to go to bat for you if they know that this is the last roadblock. Don’t play the “you shot low so I’ll shoot high” game. Be straight with them as to what it will take to make it happen.

Lastly, you need to appeal to their position and their vanity. “If it is in your power” is a positive challenge to the true power of the manager. If they really want you and your request is attainable, this will ice it. Very few managers like to admit they are powerless to get what they want. So if it can be done, they will make it happen.

In attempting to sweeten an acceptable job offer, the best approach is to play upon the ego and power of your new manager. Not in a negative way, but giving him a chance to “show his strength” within the company. You need to realize that you are in one of the strongest political positions you may ever be in with your new employer. Utilizing this technique can have the side effect of enhancing your future power within the organization—if used correctly.

You give him power in two ways: (1) by accepting (yes, I said “accepting”) the position, you give him power because he has added the desired person to his team; and (2) by asking him for his assistance in meeting your further needs, you give him an opportunity to show his power within the organization. How to do this?

“_____ (name of boss), I’m calling you with some very good news. I would like to accept your offer and I’m looking forward to working with you and becoming a valuable member of the team. (Wait for their positive response.) I am committed to working with you, and as my future boss there is (are) a (two, three, some) minor issue(s) about the offer that I want to make you aware of. I don’t know if you’re able to make changes in this (these) area(s), but I’d surely appreciate your looking into that possibility. Namely, would it be possible to _____ (name changes)?” - DeTimes

Resume is more like a marketing document. Making it impactful and attractive to leave a lasting impression is very critical to hit the right job.

The information you display in your resume must be clear, concise and logical. Make sure it contains no mistakes that can confuse the reader. People in charge of selection do not spend more than 10 seconds scanning your resume to see if they will read it or not, and about 30 seconds reading it to take a decision on inviting you or not to an interview. DO NOT FORGET THIS! For each position they may receive 300-400 applications.

Before writing up and sending your resume you must ask yourself a few questions. Write the answers and later there will be time to shape the resume

- What do I think the company and/or the selector are looking for?

- What abilities are required in somebody to develop and carry out the position?

- What achievements and functions in previous positions have I carried out that can help me to do well in my new job?

- Do I have the correct academic preparation? Have I updated my knowledge?

- Do I speak languages?

- Do I have other life experiences that have helped me to develop skills and capacities to solve problems? (For example travelling abroad alone, volunteering in some NGO, taking on responsibilities at university...)

- What type of position is ideal for me? Do I like to work alone or in a team? Am I creative or do I prefer to be directed in a project?

- What did I like about my previous position? What aspects or functions I would rather skip this time?

- For what reasons am I changing or looking for a new job? Always be honest in the answer. It is not necessary to lie, but neither is it necessary to give all the details or to speak ill of the company and ex-colleagues/bosses.

- Are there periods of inactivity in my professional history? How I can explain them positively? What have I learned and what abilities have I used, for example travelling, taking care of my children, looking for work for a long time...

Organize the answers in blocks, like this:

1. What is my objective? What level of responsibility am I looking for?

2. Summary of abilities, acquired skills and knowledge.

3. Experience.

4. Studies/training.

5. Use of computer programs/Internet.

6. Languages.

7. Points of interest that I want to emphasize: things I like, interests, voluntary work.

When you write the CV or resume you must present what you want to communicate with your resume: the information the resumet contains is relevant. It is only necessary to reflect your interests and hobbies if they are relevant to the position to which you are applying; for example, if you like to read, and the position is in mass media, or for example you like sports and you decide on a position in a sports company.

If you are a volunteer and help people but you choose a sales position, it is possible that the selector might think that you are not going to meet the hard and competitive nature of a commercial position, where people often come second after sales and targets.

Lastly, DO NOT FORGET:

- Your resume or CV is useful for your future, not for your past!!

- You are not confessing, "you do not have to say/write everything ". It emphasizes what is relevant and what is worth remembering.

- Do not write a list of positions carried out and their description. Write achievements and goals obtained!

- Reflect those abilities you best know how to apply and that you enjoy in work. Do not write things that you do not want to repeat.

- Always be honest (I don’t get tired of repeating this advice). It is possible to be creative, but not to lie. - DeTimes

In this article we will give some sure shot steps that will help you ruin your interview with a recruitment consultant.

It is important that when a recruiter calls you, you take the call. Depending on how you manage the call, it can lead you into great career prospects. Certainly, if they have an assignment where your profile is of relevance, you can get an interview call.

The great ways to ruin the whole purpose are cited under:

1.       Be laid back for the meeting thinking it’s not a real interview.

Tip:  Consider a call from a recruiter seriously. Be prepared for the interview as if it was ‘real’; because it is a ‘real’ interview for a potential job. Give it your 100%.

2.       Be defensive and unprepared when asked questions.

Tip:  Answer questions in clear, concise manner and follow up on the answer for clarity. You must be prepared for an interview with recruiter like you would be with a direct employer.

3.       Don’t hesitate to fudge on your resume.

Tip:  It is an offence to exaggerate on your resume and it can lead to job termination as well, sometime down the line. Keep it like it is.

4.       Be nosy and think that you can do whatever she has got. After all, you need the job and recruiter has to fill one position and make money.

Tip:  Be focused on what you do the best and don’t be too nosy.

5.       Blow your expected salary, demand a glorified position and responsibility requirements.

Tip: It’s a huge mistake that can only lead to rejections. If your profile warrants the money, title and responsibility, you will anyways get it.

If a recruiter is sold on you and your integrity, he/she can be a great resource in shaping your career for the good. Ultimately, it’s up to the recruiters; who gets the chance to meet the customers.

Happy hunting! - DeTimes