‘Safety first’ is an adage everyone has grown up with. Implementing it effectively in the workplace is what ensures rich dividends.

1. Assess risks. Get professional safety inspection to know the different kinds of hazards your workplace may pose. The next step would be to assess potential risks from these. Only then can effective guidelines be laid down to avoid any mishaps from occurring.
2. Set down safety guidelines. Based on risk assessment the company needs to outline safety guidelines. These must take into account all possible scenarios so that employee safety is never compromised. There is much to be lost with non-compliance including money, man-hours and productivity. Eliminate such possibilities by updating the safety program.
3. Educate employees. With the first two steps achieved, it now comes to educating employees. Each employee needs to be provided education regarding the safety guidelines in any particular organization. It often happens that there are different safety requirements in different departments of the same workplace. For example, laboratory requirements will be way different from workshop safety rules. This means that interdepartmental transfers also necessitate a fresh round of safety education and updating.
4. Ensure adherence. A safety program and preventive guidelines are only good when people adhere to the rules. The onus lies on the management to ensure adherence. This has to be part of company policy so that employees learn to put a premium on safety. Non-compliance has to be monitored, reported and acted upon. This will not only strengthen safety issues but also make employee participation mandatory. All of this will only go to support safety standards for the organization.
5. Hold regular drills. An effective safety program is arrived at by regular and often unannounced drills. This is the best way to ensure each and every employee is in sync with safety requirements. Drills will also help find out any areas that might be lacking or any safety hazard that has not been identified till date. You can also update safety education based on the performances at mock drills.
6. Review safety. Having rules and equipment in place for workplace safety is all very good. However, true commitment to safety will reflect in regular review of safety measures. How well the fire hydrant is working, does the safety net need upkeep and repair, are the fire escapes free of crowding, determining lapses in the unfortunate event of a mishap, are all essential components of safety review. One needs to update as required.
7. Refresher safety course. With time and new techniques coming in, an organization needs to stay abreast of safety changes. New parameters demand new guidelines as well as new equipment. Some of the new equipments might need a fresh course of safety education because everyone needs to be on board for these changes. Refresher safety courses need to be held annually to ensure all are aware of new additions to safety regulations.

These steps will go a long way in creating an effective safety program and ensuring maximum productivity.

Summary

Every organization should adopt effective safety programs for optimum functioning. Implementing such programs should begin with assessment of risks and laying down proper safety guidelines. Moreover, the employees of the organization should also be adequately educated regarding safety requirements, and regular drills and safety reviews need to be carried out.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Creating an Effective Safety Program in Your Organization appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Since its conception in the 1960s the “poison pill” strategy has continued to be one of the most inventive ways for relatively smaller businesses to legally respond to increasingly aggressive moves made by large conglomerates in their bid to buy up companies as they wished. Without these strategies, it would have become impossible to stop conglomerates from exercising their extreme economic power in free markets. This landscape-changing tactic comes in many forms and in many situations in the past company boards have found themselves helpless and forced to use this last-ditch strategy in order to protect their companies’ future. Here are some instances of different companies using the poison pill strategy with great effectiveness.

1. Yahoo vs Microsoft

A major beneficiary of the tech-boom in the early 90s and late 2000s, Yahoo famously found themselves in a poison pill situation when the gargantuan that is Microsoft came knocking on their door with acquisition proposals. They successfully pioneered poison pill strategies both in 2001 and 2008. Since 2008, Yahoo has continued its expansion as an independent company by using different poison pill strategies such as increasing severance packages to its body of employees in the event of future uncompromising acquisition proposals.

2. Shareholder Power in Abercrombie & Fitch

The clothing company found itself in a strange situation. The shareholders uncertain of their position in the company were forced to take certain measures such as demanding the separation of the roles of chairman of the company and chief executive officer. Although the company stated their desire to terminate this poison pill tactic, till now shareholder power and integrity in Abercrombie & Fitch has thrived due to their poison pill policies. They continue to implement pressure on the company to curb executive compensations and advance shareholder equality.

3. America Movil fights off KPN

Owned by the famous billionaire Carlos Slim, the company was quick to withdraw from the unsolicited acquisition approach of Dutch telecommunication giant KPN in 2013 after admitting that the company’s value would be overwhelmed by the poison pill strategy that the company’s trust board had devised. Instead of acquiring the company, KPN decided to drop their aggressive pursuit and reestablish partnership contracts with America Movil that were scrapped amid the bitterness of the aggressive bid.

4. Safeway’s Shareholder Insurgency

In 2013, Safeway the famous American grocery chain implemented a poison pill which allowed their board of directors to allocate new shares to old investors in the event of a company acquiring a stake of over 10% in their company. But the company approved the proposals from Jana Partners (one of the company’s most inimical shareholders) that it should shut down the underachieving stores across the states.

Poison pill tactics are self-shielding policies that enable corporations to hinder unwelcome takeover bids from bigger companies. By executing a poison pill strategy, small businesses and their shareholders can get assurances from big conglomerates that no takeover initiatives can be taken without approaching the board of directors and existing shareholders of the company first.

Summary

Since 1960, the poison pill strategy has been used by a number of companies to fight off takeover initiatives by bigger giants. Using this strategy, Yahoo warded off the aggressive acquisition proposals of Microsoft, and continued to be an independent company. Again, companies like America Movil and Safeway utilized poison pill as a self-shielding strategy.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Different Companies That Have Used the Poison Pill Strategy appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Employee behavior in the workplace has a direct relationship with the commercial actions of a company and synchronously, on how successful financially that company can be. Therefore various tools such as the Behavioral Observation Scale have been implemented to measure this aspect. Usually, professional manners produce collective work product and further the reputation of the enterprise, while mediocre or unprofessional tendencies amongst employees could seriously hamper productivity, affect team morale and produce an undesirable public image. Here are key reasons as to why employee behavior has such a significant effect of any organization –

Behavior is Key to Maintaining the Organization

For a commercial organization to function properly, it needs to consist of capable, well-trained specialists who have the skill to operate and thrive in a collaborative team atmosphere toward common organizational goals. When a team member displays unprincipled behavior, a single act like that has the capacity to generate hostility and dislike among the ranks and disrupt growth in implementing commercial goals. Some instances of poor or unprincipled behavior in the workplace include –

• Being late on a regular basis or not showing up for important meetings
• Non-participation in company get together and group activities
• Impolite behavior toward co-workers. If a worker behaves badly with someone in a lesser position than he or she, that’s a huge red flag
• Failing to meet deadlines
• Delegating tasks without prior notification or taking the permission of superiors
• Spreading rumors

Productivity Levels

When the employers start behaving poorly in the workplace, it is a huge issue. The company attitude is something that the senior members of the workforce should be responsible for. If these attitude problems stem from the upper echelons of the management, it is natural for employees to get complacent and replicate the behavior of their superiors. Poor employee behavior can result in –

Losing clients – when workers fail to display an attitude of competence and professionalism, clients are usually quick to cater their business to other companies. After all, the competition in almost any industry is strict and there are always better alternatives out there.

Increased costs – A workplace that reeks of complacency and poor attitude is bound to spend more. Why? Because if each and every worker does not behave in a way that benefits the company the most, workers are bound to take shortcuts and look for personal gains as opposed to achieving organizational goals.

Dissent among workers – A few bad apples can really hamper the whole setup. When the office feels aggressive, anxious and unfriendly, and when workers and directors are regularly backbiting and declining to work as a unit, the overall morale of a company suffers terribly. Low morale is the direct offshoot of dissent among workers and it can cause additional absenteeism, poor turnover and other harmful effects that can be extremely costly especially for small businesses.

In contrast to that, workers who behave properly and who cooperate together, who play their parts evenly and agree to disagree in certain situations can exceed company objectives.

Summary

Employee behavior plays a key role in determining the success or failure of an organization. Poor behavior like turning up late, failing to meet deadlines or disrespecting other employees considerably hampers the workflow of an organization. Again, when productivity levels are low, the company can incur soaring costs and even lose clients.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Why is employee behavior a significant aspect of any organization? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Do you also go to work with a heavy heart? Do you keep staring at the clock thinking when you can call it a day? Have you also lost interest in the work you do? Choosing a career is a big decision and deciding to switch career is even bigger one. But if you do not love your job anymore, it is better to throw caution to the wind and quit your job. Once you decide, it’s important to prepare yourself to make the transition as smooth as possible. Use these amazing tips as a guide to a new professional you!

Get rid of all your inhibitions

There are many people who spend around 8 hours a day at work, but a mere thought of a career change can scare them. The point is either be happy in your career or simply change it. Always think you are looking for a career change because you are aiming for a better happier life. Never be afraid of a career change if your current job is not providing the gratification you deserve.

Pursue your passions

You first love is writing but you have been working as an accountant? You love being with kids, helping and caring for them, still you have landed in a desk job with no human values? It is always great to think about your passions while figuring out which career will suit you. The fact of the matter is, whatever you choose, you love that to the core of your heart. Consider what work will wake you up in the morning? What makes you happy and excited?

Age is just a number

Many people have a notion that after a certain age, you should not consider a career change. A change of career is always possible, if you have a zeal to do something. Whether you want to venture into a new business field or just looking for a whole new field, you have the capability my friend. Always remember you are never too old and it’s never too late.

Believe in yourself and perfect your pitch

Always believe in your capabilities and do not let your confidence down. If you are able to trust your abilities, half battle is done. The next big step is to perfect your pitch means you should know how to sell yourself. Practice talking about yourself, share your story and nail it hard.

Do your research

Understand the industry you want to step in. It is really important to do your research and thinking what is right for you. Read and read more about the market trends, company websites, lives of successful people and get in touch with people who belong to the same career which you are aiming for.

Network, network and network

Be in touch with friends and ex-colleagues who can help you out in your career change. Networking is the most important way to excel. Start with joining LinkedIn, where you can be connected to the professionals and experts.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Things to consider before a career switch appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

No HR professional loves to terminate or fire any employees. It is never an easy decision to let go any employee. But unfortunately, it is unavoidable under certain circumstances. If your employment is ended, you are either fired up or you are laid off. It is important to understand the difference between these two terms in order to explain someone why you are job hunting.

What is a layoff?

Being laid off and fired up are entirely different terminologies. A layoff means down-sizing or reduction in workforce. It usually happens in bulk. It is actually not considered to be the fault of employee but employer. A layoff may include-

• Sometimes layoff focusses on the employees in a specific location or job titles
• When a company acquires one more company, many of the employees in the acquired company are laid off because acquiring company already has employees doing the same jobs
• Sometimes lay offs are done due to financial crunch
• Sometimes everyone is laid off as the employer shuts down the operation or company permanently.

Why layoffs take place?

A change in the employer’s financial strength or a new direction for the corporate strategy can be the reasons behind the layoffs. There is nothing to do with employee, it is right-sizing by management. The biggest item in an employer’s budget is often the salaries and benefits of the employees. That’s is why whenever cut offs are made in expenses, they target to this particular budget item.

How selection of employees is made for layoffs?

Performance is never an issue while selecting employees for layoff. If it is not a big news across the local area, explanation is always required in a job interview or networking discussion. Though laying off the least productive employees may sound logical but it does not often contribute in the reduction of budget. So most-highly paid employees are generally on the layoff candidate list.

Don’t be hesitant to ask for severance package

Laid off employees are entitled to severance packages. It depends on employers, locations and situations. It may include continuation of standard pay for weeks or months, assistance in finding new job or other benefits that may important to the employees.

What is firing?

Being fired does not always related to performance of an employee. New manager wanted different staff, bad chemistry with management or there can be thousand reasons. It is must for the manager to pinpoint main reason for letting someone go and he has to ensure that the reason is not discriminatory in any way. The manager also has to plan a termination meeting wherein a short explanation is provided for the decision.

Managers should be well prepared for the possible questions employees may have. If an employee has been fired, there is no point to panic. the employee should also be prepared to explain it very carefully to the future employers.  If you think you have been fired illegally because of your race, age or any similar reasons, look for a lawyer who has expertise in employment law.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Firing Vs Layoffs appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

The recruiter, the hiring manager and others, all have approved your capability to get hired. You are on the verge of getting selected but now you are scheduled to interview with the CEO. As CEO is the person who typically cares for the success of the company so cracking the interview won’t be easy with him. CEO mainly focus on “three C’s”- competence, compatibility and comfortable interpersonal connection. Although the concerns of all the interviewers are similar, the emphasis may be different.  If you are the one who is going to be one on one with a CEO, pat yourself first as you must be applying for an important role in a company.

The CEO has already been there and done that so it is crucial to be authentic, warm and open. Easier said than done? Here are some tips to ace that interview with the big shot –

Stay away from your inhibitions

CEO’s high position gives you all the reasons to feel nervous. Instead of getting intimated, try spending sometime thinking about the CEO as a normal person like you. Read about him. Do you find anything? If not, just use your imagination. Picture him in a situation where he is having fun time with family or doing volunteer work. Always remember everybody has strengths, disappointments, passion and vulnerabilities. This way will help you to relate him in a friendly way. Mental preparation serves best in exhilarating your confidence and authenticity.

CEOs talk business

CEO’s main have their eye on the bottom line as how you are going to help the company make money. If you have taken over the measures to cut costs or increased revenues in your past organization, hit the nail on the head. If your roles did not cover the costing part, have stories that will prove your productivity and efficiency. Never forget, CEO’s are focused on the big picture so show them how your role supports its overall goals. If you already been answered by others but still have questions- ASK!

Show deep interest

Your interests and appreciations for the company play a vital role in impressing him but buttering will not fit the bill. Talk about the new initiative or any unique endeavor company has taken up or have some good questions to ask from CEO.

Grab the opportunity

You are lucky enough to get to this point so be ready for the CEO to talk more than he listens. Grab the valuable opportunity to learn about him, the company, the journey, its culture and everything around it. Go with the flow and get acquainted with this leader’s unique style and agenda. Act smartly and react smartly. Take your time rather than being impulsive.

Expect the unexpected

The initial interview stages have already found out all about your work experience and caliber. When meeting the CEO, expect more soul-searching questions like what is you biggest dream in life? The idea is to check the way you respond and how confidently you face the real situation.

Stop believing in your luck and start believing in yourself!

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Secrets to acing an Interview with the CEO appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview.  Congratulations!  It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job.  But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true.  Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person.  Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them.  Here are some tips on how to get ready for your first interview:

• Research on the company.

It’s good to know the company that you’re applying to first.  Understand their mission and be familiar with their core values.  Knowing what they are doing and who their clients are is a plus.  The interviewer would notice that you are indeed interested in joining their company and you value their company.  If you could research on your interviewer, that would be an advantage as well.

• Review your resume.

Relive your greatest achievements in your past projects and the greatest challenges that you have faced and managed to overcome.  Since you will be interviewed be prepared to answer questions regarding your past.

• Look forward.

Aside from reliving the past, you also have to come to your interview with a vision.  Interviewers would want to know what your personal goals are and if your goals are aligned to the company’s goals.  They want to know if you can contribute to the success of the company.

• Dress for success.

Make sure that you dress professionally and neatly during the interview.  Prepare your clothes the night before and make sure it’s crisp and clean.  Wearing something great boosts your confidence.

• Put your best face forward.

Look neat and clean from head to toe.  The little things matter when you are in a job interview.  Basically, you are selling yourself to the company, so you should look attractive and worthy of a job offer.  This is not just about your talent or skills, your attitude and personality matters as well.  So, make sure to carry yourself well and observe your non-verbal cues.

• Be on time.

Being on time for a job interview gives you an advantage as you have enough time to retouch and relax prior the interview.  It also adds to your professionalism.  Being late gives you stress and makes you lose some brownie points.  It also mirrors how you would be as an employee with potential attendance issues in the future.

• Prepare to ask.

After the interview, you are given the opportunity to ask questions.  Prepare relevant questions for your interviewer.  Make them specific questions that would show that you are really interested in the job and in the company.

There you have it, 7 tips to get you ready for your first interview.  As the saying goes: There’s always a first time.  But for job interviews, make sure this first time will not be your last time.  Leave a good impression, an impression that will welcome you to your dream job and start your career rolling.  So, for now take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk/and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Getting Ready For Your First Interview? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Focusing more on the negativity spreads it like wildfire.  Instead, try cutting it up once and for all by turning it around and handling it with positivity.  But how?  Here are some tips on how to minimize work place negativity:

• Open communication – Oftentimes, negativity spreads because of miscommunication. One employee misunderstood another employee and because of this misunderstanding, negativity affected the employee’s work and output.  Instead of focusing on the misunderstanding that occurred, focus on how to make amends and have proper understanding between employees.

Open communication is a means of reaching proper understanding.  It welcomes giving and receiving feedback in a timely manner which in turn prevents misunderstanding.

Open communication is also a way of keeping employees informed of what’s happening in the organization.  It’s a means of saying that employees are important, and they have the right to know and get involved.

• Practice trust – Negativity happens when one employee has suspicious thinking about another. Because of this suspicion, anything that this suspected employee does seems to be doubtful and other employees wait and see what happens next and they always expect a negative result.  Since they are all thinking that the employee cannot be trusted, even if the employee does something good, they still can’t believe that.  They think that it’s too good to be true and there must be something bad hidden somewhere.

Trusting people tames the negativity.  Trust that other employees are working hard and would want to provide quality work just like you do.

• RESPECT – Employees turn negative when they feel disrespected by their co-workers and most especially by their boss. Everyone wants to be respected and the most common fear of people is being put to shame publicly. Once this happens, negativity will be all over the place.

Respect is not only for the bosses but for all employees.  Subordinates, colleagues and bosses have to be respected at all times.  Each employee will have a positive experience if everyone feels respected.

• Celebrate performance – Negativity occurs when an employee feels that all his efforts are put to waste. He gave his best to finish a project and after that no one has recognized his work instead some minimal inconsistencies have been highlighted.

Celebrate performance and acknowledge people’s hard work.  Providing proper rewards and recognition turns away negativity.  Employees experience fulfillment instead of negativity after finishing a challenging project.

Negativity starts with one employee and it spreads because other employees entertain the negativity.  Positivity also starts with one employee and it spreads when other employees embrace the positivity.  You have a choice whether to spread negativity or positivity in your organization.

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In situations where a company has an open position, a company has two options to fill in the vacancy: through internal recruitment or through external recruitment.

Internal recruitment means that the company will fill in the vacancy with resource coming from its current pool of talents.

Some of the advantages of internal recruitment are as follows:

• Selection process is fast and easy.
• It is cost efficient.
• You already know the candidate’s capabilities and performance.
• Lower attrition risk.

Some of the disadvantages of internal recruitment are as follows:

• It hinders new ideas coming from the outside.
• It limits the number of potential candidates to choose from.
• Another vacancy is created when the candidate takes the new role.

External recruitment means that the company will fill in the vacancy with resource coming from outside the company.

Some advantages of external recruitment are as follows:

• It brings in new ideas and new talent to the company.
• Unlimited number of candidates to choose from.
• It is less likely to cause resentment among employees.

Some of the disadvantages of external recruitment are as follows:

• It is more expensive.
• Selection process is longer.
• It is more challenging for the company to evaluate the candidate.

Whichever recruitment option your company chooses, the key is to ensure that you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of both options to make sure that your choice works best for the company both rationally and economically.

Recruitment Options

In situations where a company has an open position, a company has two options to fill in the vacancy.  It is either through internal recruitment or through external recruitment.

Internal Recruitment

Internal recruitment means that the company will fill in the vacancy with resource coming from its current pool of talents.  It can be through a promotion or through transfers within the company.  Transfer here pertains to a horizontal or lateral movement of an employee from one position to another without changes in the salary.

Advantages of Internal Recruitment

• Selection process is fast and easy since the pool of candidates to choose from is smaller.
• It is cost efficient, saving the company from job advertisement and / or recruiter’s fees.
• Since the candidate is an existing employee you already know the candidate’s capabilities and performance.
• Promotion is a way of engaging employees to stay in the company and motivating them to work hard as they know that they are being recognized and rewarded.
• Lower attrition risk, as you know that the candidate is engaged in the company, adapts to the company culture and can work well with the rest of the team.

Disadvantages of Internal Recruitment

• It hinders new ideas coming from the outside.
• It limits the number of potential candidates to choose from.
• Another vacancy is created when the candidate takes the new role.
• It may cause resentment among employees not chosen.
• It may create an atmosphere where employees feel that they only have a chance to get promoted when a senior employee leaves.

External Recruitment

External recruitment means that the company will fill in the vacancy with resource coming from outside the company.  It can be through the company’s recruitment team, job advertisement or headhunters.

Advantages of External Recruitment

• It brings in new ideas and new talent to the company.
• Unlimited number of candidates to choose from.
• The company will be introduced to a more distinct set of skills and experiences.
• It is less likely to cause resentment among employees.

Disadvantages of External Recruitment

• It is more expensive as the company will incur costs on job advertisement and / or recruiter’s fees.
• Selection process is longer since the pool of candidates to choose from is larger.
• It is more challenging for the company to evaluate the candidate as you have no proven experience on the candidates’ capabilities and performance.
• The selection process may not be efficient enough to uncover the best candidate that will fit in the company culture and can work well with the rest of the team.

Whether your company chooses to recruit internally or externally will be based on the framework and current situation of the company.  If you have a talent whom you are confident that will be the best fit for the role, internal recruitment makes sense.  However, if there is no current talent that stands out then it is best to do external recruitment.

Whichever recruitment option your company chooses, the key is to ensure that you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of both options to make sure that your choice works best for the company both rationally and economically.

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Summary

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview.  Congratulations!  It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job.  But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true.  Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person.  Keep the ball rolling.  Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them.  Wow them not just with your talents and skills but also with your winning attitude and personality.  Below are some tips gathered over time and experience to help you prepare for your first job interview:

• Research on the company.
• Review your resume.
• Look forward.
• Dress for success.
• Put your best face forward.
• Be on time.
• Prepare to ask.

These 7 tips will get you ready for your first interview.  You may agree that this list is good but not until you apply them to your next job interview will you testify that this is indeed helpful.  Your goal is to land that job and to achieve your goal you have to take steps to take you closer to achieving your goal.  Preparing for the job interview is one of these steps.  Don’t be afraid to take that step.  So, for now keep calm and ace that job interview.  Good luck to you!

Getting ready for your first interview

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview.  Congratulations!  It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job.  But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true.  Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person.  Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them.  Here are some tips on how to get ready for your first interview:

• Research on the company. It’s good to know the company that you’re applying to first.  Understand their mission and be familiar with their core values.  Knowing what they are doing and who their clients are is a plus.  The interviewer would notice that you are indeed interested in joining their company and you value their company.  If you could research on your interviewer, that would be an advantage as well.

• Review your resume. Relive your greatest achievements in your past projects and the greatest challenges that you have faced and managed to overcome.  Since you will be interviewed be prepared to answer questions regarding your past.

• Look forward. Aside from reliving the past, you also have to come to your interview with a vision.  Interviewers would want to know what your personal goals are and if your goals are aligned to the company’s goals.  They want to know if you can contribute to the success of the company.

• Dress for success. Make sure that you dress professionally and neatly during the interview.  Prepare your clothes the night before and make sure it’s crisp and clean.  Wearing something great boosts your confidence.

• Put your best face forward. Look neat and clean from head to toe.  The little things matter when you are in a job interview.  Basically, you are selling yourself to the company, so you should look attractive and worthy of a job offer.  This is not just about your talent or skills, your attitude and personality matters as well.  So, make sure to carry yourself well and observe your non-verbal cues.

• Be on time. Being on time for a job interview gives you an advantage as you have enough time to retouch and relax prior the interview.  It also adds to your professionalism.  Being late gives you stress and makes you lose some brownie points.  It also mirrors how you would be as an employee with potential attendance issues in the future.

• Prepare to ask. After the interview, you are given the opportunity to ask questions.  Prepare relevant questions for your interviewer.  Make them specific questions that would show that you are really interested in the job and in the company.

There you have it, 7 tips to get you ready for your first interview.  As the saying goes: There’s always a first time.  But for job interviews, make sure this first time will not be your last time.  Leave a good impression, an impression that will welcome you to your dream job and start your career rolling.  So, for now take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

The post Keep Calm and Ace that Job Interview appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..