SUCCESS ON THE JOB

SUCCESS ON THE JOB

INTRODUCTION

This book will prepare you for the difficult task of job hunting.

Not only will it show you how to get a job but it will show you

how to keep your job and get the most out of it. You will be able

to use the most modern psychological measures in dealing with

other people so that you are always ahead. Follow the instruction

in this book and see yourself go to the top.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR JOB HUNTING

Know What You Want

You should be perfectly clear of what you want. Don't give

yourself vague objectives such as "any job that pays." Make your

objectives and goals very definite and specific. Your first step

to getting a successful job is knowing precisely what you want.

Ask yourself this question and write down the answer on a sheet

of paper.

Expect The Best But Prepare For Adversity

Always expect success, but prepare for the bad things in life.

Adversity happens to the best of us. Our challenge is to conquer

adversity. Adversity is a great teacher; learn its lessons well.

Remember, if you haven't been through bad times, you are far from

success.

Be Positive

When you create a "win,win, win" attitude, you will start to win.

When you start to think positively, everything around you will be

positive. Whatever you expect to take place will take place. If

you want things to be good, they will be good. You are the master

of your destiny. Destiny DOES NOT rule you.

Be Confident

You must have confidence in yourself. If you are not confident in

yourself, people will not be confident in you. People admire and

respect confident people. You will even admire and respect

yourself more. If you have doubts about yourself, other people

will have doubts about you, also.

Action Is The Key

Do whatever you have to do to get where you want to. Commit

yourself to action. Don't put off your plans, start today. The

only way you will achieve success is if you act now. You must act

now with full force if you want to achieve your dreams. Plan to

act out your ideas today.

Visualize Your New Job

Look ahead and visualize the job you want. Tell yourself how much

you want the job and what you are willing to do for it. Your

dreams will become your reality if you let them. Know what your

dreams are. Visualize success in your mind so well that it is

almost real.

Be Persistent

Be persistent to do better. Anything worth doing is worth doing

again and again and again. Don't let rejection stop you from

reaching your goals. Keep trying and you will succeed. Nobody

makes it the first time. Try over and over again and don't stop

until you get what you want. There is no going back.

It's Going To Cost You

Nobody gets a free ride. If you want something, you must pay for

it. It is going to be hard to get what you want, but it will be

well worth it when you are successful. The best things in life

are the hard things.

Other People Can help You

People will help you to get where you want to go. You will never

make it alone easily. People can teach you and help you become a

better person. Listen to other people--you will learn from them.

If someone helps you, don't forget to reward him.

Demand A Lot

When you demand a lot, you get a lot. Your expectations of others

and yourself will become a reality if you expect them to be real.

What you expect to happen, will happen. If you push yourself

hard, you will start to see results. demand and you will receive.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB

Look through the help and want ads of newspapers and

professional and trade journals. Find out where government jobs

are listed and then try out for a state, local or federal job. Check with

your state employment center--it may be able to get you a lead.

Most schools have job placement centers, check with them. The

secretaries of civic organizations and the Chamber of Commerce

may have some leads for you. You may be able to get a job by

going to a job fair. If you are a minority or need special assistance,

you may be able to get help finding a job from special interest

groups. Check at your public library for further information.

Where You Can get Job Leads

Trade conventions and organizations that relate to your field may

be able to get you job leads. Ask relatives and friends if they

can furnish you with any leads in your field. Place a job ad in

newspapers or professional journals.

YOUR RESUME

A resume is helpful for any type of professional job you are

trying out for. A good and effective resume will lead you to

personal interviews.

Preparing Your Resume

You must write down a collection of all the information about

yourself on a sheet of paper. After all of this information is

organized, transfer it to a resume. Only use the training and

experience that are relevant to the job which you are applying.

Write down all the information that relates to your goal on your

data sheet. When you are mentioning jobs that are unrelated to

the job you are applying for, be brief. Tell your prospective

employer anything and everything that's in your favor and will

interest him. Arrange the information so it catches your

prospective employer's attention.

To determine what you should put in the beginning of your resume,

think of what your potential employer will feel is important. You

can organize your experience by job or by function. Your resume

should be detailed enough to give an employer all the important

facts on you, but it should not be too long or an employer may

not read it. Employers are busy people and they want the facts in

a few words as possible. When writing out your resume, don't

mention anything negative about yourself. If you have never had

any work experience and the job calls for work experience,should

you put "none" in that section of your resume? No. If you have

never had nay previous work experience, don't even include work

experience.

Make Your Resume Impressive

Your resume must be typed on a good typewriter. Remember, when

a prospective employer looks at a resume he subconsciously

relates the quality of your resume with the quality of your work. It is

the only thing he sees of you. The most impressive resumes are

not five-color jobs on 20-cent paper. If your resume is too

flashy, your prospective employer may not be too impressed. Don't

pass out carbon copies of your resume because they look cheap

and they tell an employer that you gave the original to someone

else. Research has shown that resumes printed on yellow paper

with brown ink are the most effective. If you don't want to print your

resumes, just photocopy them on fancy yellow paper to give them

that quality touch.

THE INTERVIEW

What You Should Bring To The Job Interview

Organize and prepare all the papers you will need with you at

your job interview. Your main document is your resume. If you

don't have a resume, take instead your school records, Social

Security card, work records, licenses, military records, dates of

employment and names of your employers.

Your References

It is also important to create a list of references. Be prepared

to give an employer the names and addresses of three people who

are familiar with you and/or your work. You should ask your

references for the use of their names in advance. If you think it

appropriate, ask a professional friend or former employer to

write you a letter of reference, and include it with your resume.

If your work is the type of work you can show, take samples of

what you have done in the past.

Know The Company And The Employer

Learn all you can about the company that is interviewing you. Go

to the library or your Chamber of Commerce to find out all you

can about it. Try to find out exactly what they do and what they

have in store for you as far as jobs are concerned. Find out who

you will be working for. The person you will be working for will

be very influential in your life. Make sure you really want to

work for this person. If your future boss doesn't tell you about

himself at the interview, don't ask.

Know How Much You Should Earn

Know how much you should earn with your talents and skills. Make

your estimate a little higher so the company benefits when they

bid you down. Don't go too high or you won't get the job. Know

approximately what the salary scale is for the job and be ready

to negotiate the salary.

Know Yourself

It is important that you know yourself. Evaluate what you can

offer this company, whether it is education, training or special

skills. Always tell them what you can do, not what you can't do.

Know exactly what type of job you are applying for and what type

of job you want.

Know Your Interviewer

Prepare yourself for the questions for the questions the

interviewer is going to ask you. You should rehearse answers to

the most commonly asked questions. Have some one ask you

these questions to practice your answers:

Why do you want to work here?

how long do you want to stay with this company?

Why did you leave your last job?

Tell me about yourself.

Why aren't you working now?

How long do you think you would stay in this present job without

a promotion?

Why should we hire you?

What is your greatest strength/weakness?

What did you like/dislike about your last job?

How much did you earn?

How much do you want to earn?

Why do you think you can do this job without experience?

Your Time

Make sure you are at least 10 minutes early for the scheduled

appointment. Don't come too early or too late. Give yourself

enough time to spend with the interviewer--don't arrange another

appointment 15 minutes after the first appointment. Your time

with the interviewer should be uninterrupted.

Your Appearance And Dress

Don't wear too casual or too formal clothing to the interview.

Dress conservatively without flashy colors. Be well groomed and

shave for your interview. Women should make sure they look very

neat. Hair should not be in the face, it should be up or tied

back. Makeup should be subtle. The way you look is very important

to your interviewer. If your appearance is bad for the interview,

that is the impression an employer will have of your job

performance. Neat appearance is always a must.

What To Do At The Interview

When you shake an employer's hand, shake it firm, solid grip.

Don't shake his hand passively. Be businesslike but pleasant and

friendly. Smile throughout the whole interview. Make sure your

smile does not look fake. Good eye contact is very important. If

you can't look into his eyes, look at the bridge of his nose.

This will seem as if you are looking into his eyes. Sit straight

up but toward the interviewer. This will make it seem as if you

are very interested in what the interviewer has to say. Don't

smoke or have poor posture during the interview. If you are under

stress, try to act calm.

What To Say At The Interview

Let the employer take charge of the interview. Answer his

questions briefly but completely. Don't ramble on about

unimportant things and waste his time. Dogmatic statements should

be avoided. Tell the employer exactly what you expect from your

job and from him. Also tell him exactly what he can expect from

you. Stress your qualifications in a positive, affirmative tone.

When the employer tells you what type of person is wanted, use

this information when telling the employer about your

qualifications. It is very important to tell him what he wants to

hear. When you tell people what they want to hear, they start to

agree with you. Don't over do it and exaggerate with lies. Use

your resume or records to support any claim you make about

yourself. If you don't understand a question the interviewer asks

you, repeat it back to him to see if you understand it. Try to

see what the interviewer wants to find out about you. If you know

what he wants to find out, make you answers fit his needs.

What Not To Say And Do At The Interview

Talk about previous jobs if they are in your favor. Don't say

anything bad or criticize previous employers or fellow workers.

If you say anything bad about anyone, your future employer can

expect trouble from you. Don't say anything negative about

yourself. Try not to discuss anything personal, financial or

domestic unless you are specifically asked. If the interviewer

questions you at a quick pace with confusing questions,he is

doing this to put you under stress. Stay in control and answer

calmly. Don't be overly impatient when an employer asks you a

question. Wait for him to finish the question and then answer it

completely and in a relaxed manner. You don't want an employer to

think you are desperate for the job. Don't take anyone with you

to the interview--this makes you seem insecure.

At The End Of The Interview

If the employer does not offer you the job at the end of the

interview, ask him when you will hear from him or when you can

call to find out his decision. If you are asked to come back,

write down the time and place you are to attend. After the

interview thank the employer for spending his time with you. Ask

him if he knows of any other company that may need a person with

your qualifications. A good practice is to also thank the

employer by mail with a "thank you" letter. Many applicants don't

do this, so this may give you an edge on the job.

If You Are Hired At The Interview

Make sure that you understand what your duties will be. A good

understanding of what your employer expects from you and what

you expect from your job will prevent conflicts in the future. Make

sure that you are very clear on both of them. You should also

find out what advancement opportunities are open for you. Tell

the employer what salary you want, but only bring up money when

the employer brings up your salary.

If, at the end of the interview, you are not offered the job,

tell the interviewer that you really want the job. Follow up with

a thank you letter to the interviewer. Tell the interviewer again

in the note that you really want the job. If you forgot to

mention something in the interview that you thought was

important, don't hesitate to mention it in the letter. If the

company hasn't contacted you in a week or two,call. If somebody

else is hired for the job ask the interviewer if he has any other

openings in his company or if he can give you any leads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THAT RAISE

Make The First Move

Don't wait for someone else to tell you what to do. Upper

management admires an individual who takes initiative. Develop

your individual talents. Educate yourself with new skills and

knowledge. Show them that you are a real "go getter."

Make Quick Decisions

Teach yourself to make quick, intelligent decisions. Being

indecisive will hurt you. Anyone can make good, quick

decisions--it is just a matter of training yourself. Intuitive

instincts must be developed.

Seek More Responsibility

Take on the tougher assignments. Actively seek more difficult

work with added responsibility. Take on all the responsibility

you can handle. Try to take the added responsibilities in

addition to your assigned work, The greater your

responsibilities, the more you are an asset to management.

Increase Your Interests

The more you know, the more valuable you are to the company you

work for. Go to night classes or just read books that will give

you that added education. Increase your interest in things that

will help your company. Specializing in as many things as you can

will help you move up in a company.

Take The Risk

Nothing comes easily. Moving up in a company is going to be hard

but rewarding. If you expect to move up, you must take chances.

It is the little risks in life that give us the most advancement.

If you don't stick your neck out, your chances of moving up are

slim.

Know Your Company

Find out everything you can about the company you work for.

Understand and know your company. Study and learn the jobs of

your fellow workers. Understand what they do and why they do it.

Always try to increase your knowledge.

Know Your Boss

Find out what type of qualities your boss and upper management

are looking for in employees. Try to develop those qualities.

Be Good At Your Job

Management always admires people who are efficient at their jobs.

Keep the highest possible level of production and quality every

day. Be so good at your job that you can do it without close

supervision. Don't fool around on the job, regardless of what

other employees do.

Know Your Goal

You Should know exactly what position you want. Be the person

they want if you want that position. Make sure you can do all

that is required.

Devote Yourself To Your Company

You should have a strong sense of loyalty and devotion toward

your company. Show the company that you care about its well

being. Don't disagree with company policies. Even if you disagree

with them, obey them. The best that you can do is to agree with

the policies and tell management diplomatically how you feel

about them.

Be Reliable

Being reliable is very important. A company wants to fell secure

with your contribution to the company. Don't be late or absent

from work without a very good reason.

Make Sure Your Accomplishments Are Seen

There is nothing wrong with letting others know what you have

accomplished, as long as long as you don't brag. If the

opportunity arises for recognition, take it. Make sure others

know what you have done. A good suggestion is to jot down your

accomplishments in a dairy. When you asks for raise, refer to

your dairy. Keep all your recommendations and awards in a file.

Be A Problem-Solver

Look for problems in your company. Devise practical and

intelligent solutions to these problems. Bring the problem to the

attention of your boss only after you have solved it and have all

the details of the solution.

After-Work Activities

If overtime work is needed, don't ever decline or avoid it.

Volunteer for committees, and then work hard for them so they

meet their objectives.

Voice Your Opinion

When you speak up, make sure that your opinion is well thought

out. Don't whine to your boss. Talk things out with him. Tell him

what you have to say and then listen to him. Speak to your boss

loudly, clearly and specifically. Don't voice a vague

opinion--tell him in specific terms exactly what is bothering

you.

Ask For A Raise

When you feel you are ready for a raise and you have fulfilled

all the requirements I have pointed out, ask for one.

HOW TO GET A RAISE

Know Company Policies

Understand your company's policy on salaries and raises. You may

have to be with the company a specified length of time to get a

raise. Find out how long and act at the right time. If you are

getting the maximum salary for your position, you may ask for a

promotion or a re-classification. Do everything you can after

studying the company policy book.

Know The Decision-Maker

You have to convince the person who has the authority to give

raises that you deserve one. If that person is above your boss,

prepare to convince your boss and his superiors that you deserve

a raise.

Do You Deserve A Raise?

You must find out if you deserve a raise. Only after you are sure

you deserve one will others be sure you do. Rate yourself. Try to

look at yourself through your boss's and your fellow workers'

eyes. Do they think you deserve a raise?

How To Justify A Raise

Tell them about your accomplishments that helped the company.

Show them how much you saved the company through your actions.

Get to know what your skills are worth for another company in the

same area. Present your company with that information. Present it

to them in a very non-aggressive manner. tell the company what you

will be able to do for them in the future. Tell them how you will

benefit the company with your new raise. tell them how your value

has increased since you have been with the company. Don't

mention anything about your personal needs for the money.

Be Able To Handle Rejection

If you are rejected for a raise, be able to cope with it. Deal

with the rejection before you ask your boss for a raise so you

will know how to handle the situation. Remember, expect the best

prepare for the worst.

Know What You Want

Before you speak to your boss know exactly how much more money

you expect, both in terms of dollars and percentage. If you know

your boss will negotiate with you, ask for more than you actually

want. In this way you will get what you want or more.

When Should You Ask For A Raise?

Make an appointment with your boss. Don't ask him for a raise as

he is passing in the hallway. Don't ask to see your boss on busy

Mondays or Fridays.

Be Prepared For Criticism

You may be criticized for not performing "up to par" now. Don't

let this criticism upset you, let it help you. You can learn from

this criticism by asking for more feedback from your boss. Ask

your boss how you can improve yourself. Ask him for suggestions.

Always be willing to negotiate with your boss. He may only give

you a bonus instead of a raise. Take it and ask for a raise

later.

Handling Your Boss's feedback

Get an immediate answer from your boss if he has the power to

give you the raise. If he can't give the answer to you now, ask

him when he can. If he tells you he can't give you a raise ask

him why. Ask him what he would require from you before you got a

raise, his suggestions, what needs improvement, etc. Do what he

tells you to do for a raise and, when you have satisfied his

needs, ask him again. If you plan to quit if you don't get a

raise, don't threaten your boss. You want your boss's good

reference later if and when you do quit.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF COMPROMISE

In many cases all you will be able to get by being persistent is

a compromise. Compromises are good. They get you one step[

further that you were in the first place. If for some reason,

such as self-respect, you can't accept a compromise, then don't.

Give whatever you can offer. If you do this you may not get any

type of settlement in your favor. Here are steps that will show

you how to compromise so that you get the best of the bargain:

Tell The Person Exactly What You Want

Tell the person exactly what you want in terms he will

understand: "I want more..."

Persist

You must get past the other's person's excuses and alibis. You

must be persistent until you fell you have hit the other person's

bottom line. You may find that the other person is trying to

manipulate you. Be persistent until that person has stopped all

his manipulation.

If You Are Unsure

If you don't know what they want, then don't make a decision. You

must think the situation over before you make a compromise. If

you need more time, tell the other person that you need more

time. Make sure that you can live with the compromise you have

made before you make it.

HOW TO DEAL WITH USELESS CRITICISM

Some criticism you get is in poor taste. We must know how to deal

with criticism such as: "You look terrible today" or, "You left

this in my way, you idiot." Make sure this kind of criticism

useless, follow these steps.

Agree With The Facts

Agree with the facts the other person presents. For example, in

response to "You look terrible today," say, "I haven't been

feeling too well lately"; in response to "You left this in my way

you idiot," say, "Yes, I did leave it in your way." Answer only

what was actually said, not what was implied.

How To Answer

Stay calm and collected during the whole conservation. Don't lose

your temper. The only way a person will make you feel degraded is

if you degrade yourself. You don't want to waste your time which

this type of person, so don't defend yourself or attack him.

If You Made A Mistake

If you made a mistake, accept that fact. Don't accept the quilt

for the mistake. If you were in error, then apologize. If you

apologize, don't make a big thing out of it. Don't tell them how

dreadfully sorry you are, etc. Just give them a plain "I'm

sorry."

HOW TO DEAL WITH IMPORTANT CRITICISM

When you get important criticism, you want to know how to get the

best out of it. Useful criticism is one of the best ways to make

yourself into a better person. Follow these steps to get the most

out of useful criticism.

Ask For Feedback

Find out exactly what others object to about you. If someone

tells you "You are bad," that's not good enough. Find out exactly

why that person thinks that way. Be very persistent--find out why

the other person feels the way he does. Vague criticism is

worthless to you.

Guess At Reason

If a person refuses to give you reasons for criticizing you, keep

guessing at your faults until you get the right one. This may be

the only way to find out what displeases the other person.

Don't Be Defensive

If you act defensively, you may not be able to benefit from

useful criticism. Don't be sarcastic or intimidate the other

person. You want to learn how to become a better person from the

criticism.

Ask the person how you can change your objectionable behavior;

be open to reasonable suggestions.

HOW TO GET YOUR CO-WORKERS AND YOUR SUPERIORS

TO LIKE YOU

Good relations with your co-workers and your superiors will not

only help you but will make work more enjoyable. Every employee

wants to be liked by other employees. If you treat people the way

they want to be treated, they will like you. Some of us don't

know if what we do is objectionable to others. I am going to give

you a list of things that attract other people to you and things

they find objectionable. When you move up in the company, you

will need all the support you can get.

Praise People

Everybody enjoys being praised. People look for approval of

themselves in others. But you should praise people only when they

deserve it. If you praise people when they don't deserve it, or

if you praise too much, you lose your credibility. Don't

exaggerate your praise. Make the praise as warm and sincere as

you can.

Don't Put People Down

Putting down a person can be very damaging to you and the other

person's relationship wit you. People don't want to feel degraded

by being called stupid, crazy, weird, etc. Don't put down anyone

even if they are not present. If you do, the word will get back

to them and you will look bad. Always talk positively about

people. Even if you don't like them, still speak highly of

them--you will be amazed at what this does. If you must say

something bad, don't say anything at all.

Don't Be Concerned With Your Interests Only

There is nothing wrong with caring and looking out for yourself.

Just don't make it noticeable to other people. You will be

resented by other people if you seem selfish. Make sure others

know you look out for them as well yourself.

Share The Credit

When others have helped you accomplish something, share the

credit with them. Even if their contribution was not as great as

yours, still share the credit with them. You will be surprised

Don't Ask Others To Do For You What You Won't Do For Them

If you are unwilling to go out of your way for people, don't

expect them to go out of their way for you. Set the first

example--if you help them, they will help you.

Always Show Appreciation

Everyone wants approval and recognition for what they have done.

If someone helps you in any way, tell him how much you appreciate

his actions. If you don't, he may not help you again. This is

what you should tell people when you show your appreciation: "I

really appreciate the way you..."; "Thank you very much for...";

"You are very good at...": "I really want to tell you how much I

appreciated..."; "You were very nice to..." Don't show too much

approval and recognition or it will lose its credibility.

Don't "Show Up" Others

When you "show up" others you do it at their expense. "Showing

up" people in front of others takes away their self-respect. If

you are better than others, they will know it--you don't have to

degrade them.

Treat Small Things With Importance

Some things that seem small to you mean a great deal to others.

Don't ignore small problems; help people solve them. Treating

small problems with importance shows other people you care.

Care About People

Everybody is concerned about themselves and it is important for

them to have someone to care for them. They are touched when you

care about them. Helping people cope with life makes people feel

that you care about them.

Don't Criticize A Person In Front Of Others

If you criticize someone in front of others, he will always

resent you. It is one of the most degrading things you can do. If

you criticize someone, criticize him constructively and

privately.

Give People Your Undivided Attention

All people want to fell important. To make a person feel

important you must give him your undivided attention when

communicating with him. Get rid of all interruptions. Make sure

you have good eye contact and that you are not playing with

objects.

Be Courteous, Tactful, Polite and Diplomatic

Everyone appreciates people who are courteous,tactful, polite and

diplomatic. The best way to learn these qualities is from others.

Study someone you would like to be like and learn how he conducts

himself.

Be Confident

If you don't have confidence in yourself, others will not have

confidence in you, either. People admire and respect confident

people. If you show others doubt, they will treat you with doubt.

Be sure of yourself and play down your insecurities.

Conclusion

Getting a job can be very easy if you look for it the right way.

Knowing exactly what you want and then going after it will always

get you what you want. Be positive, determined and persistent so

that you will benefit, be rewarded and prosper.