Know Your Interview Etiquette to Get That Job!

Whether you are looking for a temporary job for the summer or a permanent job after graduation, job interviews can be stressful and a little unnerving. After all, you are putting yourself out there to be judged. You can ease your anxiety and improve your chances for success if you understand the rules of conduct for job interviews and know what’s expected. Use the following interview etiquette guidelines to put your best foot forward and make a great impression:

• Be prepared. Take the time to learn about the company and the job you are applying for and have a few questions ready for when the interviewer asks if you have any questions.
• Be punctual. Being on time shows your respect for other people and their time. When going to an interview, give yourself extra time to account for any delays that may come up and, if you plan to drive, be sure to account for time required to find parking.
• Dress appropriately. Like it or not, your appearance says a lot about you and people will judge you on how you look. When going to an interview ALWAYS wear clothing that is clean and in good repair. For more advice about what to wear to an interview, see the tips section of this newsletter.
• Present a positive personal image. A confident demeanour makes a good impression at an interview: stand and sit up straight, grip the interviewers’ hands firmly when shaking hands, speak clearly, look people in the eye, and smile when you talk to them.
• Exit gracefully. At the end of the interview, shake hands and thank your interviewers for their time and for the opportunity to meet with them.
• Send a thank you letter. When you get home, compose a thank you letter and send it. Use the letter to reiterate your key qualifications and interest in the position and thank them again for their time and for considering you for the position. Since this is a business communication, type the letter rather than sending a hand written note. You may email the thank you letter, but mailing it is preferable.

Remember: First impressions are important – Make yours a memorable one!

Exercise Takes on a Whole New Meaning

I have always considered myself to be reasonably fit. My husband and I power walk/run a local Park Trail most nights of the week, trying our best to adhere to the 30 minutes of exercise a day recommended by Doctors and the experts. For the most part I am on the right track or at least I thought so! That was until I attended Yanick MacDougall’s Boot Camp this morning.

Exercise, for me, has now taken on a whole new meaning, not only from the Cardio and Stamina point of view but from the important part it plays in maintaining good deportment. The way in which we stand or walk. Practising, with endurance, the exercises that keep our muscles strong and flexible gives us the ability to hold ourselves with poise and grace naturally. Integral elements to the foundation of good etiquette when presenting oneself with confidence.

Embrace a healthier and active lifestyle. Proper etiquette begins with respecting yourself, so that you can appreciate and respect others!

You can read Yanick’s Guest Blog Post (April 11th, 2011) The Fitness and Etiquette Connection here.

Or contact Yanick:

Yanick MacDougall, Surrey, BC Canada | shapefitnesstraining.com
SHAPE Fitness and Training, mobile personal/ group training. Pre/postnatal fitness specialist.

Common Courtesy

Each month I write about the importance of showing common courtesy towards others in our everyday lives. For the most part, I do believe we all strive to “do our best.”

However, there are times when mitigating circumstances arise that are beyond our control, and we just cannot manage to do all the right things at the right time. This past Christmas, I found myself in just such a situation.

In early December, my Mother phoned me from her home in England. My 88-year-old Father had been admitted to hospital. In that moment, my priorities changed. In a flurry of mixed emotions, bag packing, and phone calls, I quickly rescheduled critical activities and arranged my life so I could catch the next plane out of Vancouver. The well-intended festive notes, Christmas cards and presents remained―still waiting for a hand-written personal note and gift wrap.

I spent the remainder of the month in England reminiscing with family and supporting my parents in any way I could. The season passed and I never did get back to those cards and gifts.  I truly hope that no one has taken offense or been insulted by my transgression, but, as I reflect upon my actions at that time, I know that I would not have done anything differently given the opportunity.

“…there are times when mitigating circumstances arise that are beyond our control, and we just cannot manage to do all the right things at the right time.”

The foundation of good manners starts in the home and radiates to our family, friends, and colleagues along life’s way. As we show consideration, love, and respect for others, we role play good examples to our children and younger members of the family in hope that they too will emulate our actions as they travel life’s journey. Cards and gifts with handwritten notes are one way that we show respect and caring for other people in our lives, but they pale in comparison to being there when someone needs you―and my father and family needed me.

Good manners also allow us to be humble and to accept the compassion and understanding of others in our times of need. I thank you all for your understanding and compassion in my time of need and hope that you also  be blessed with kindness and understanding when you “just cannot manage to do all the right things at the right time.”

Kind regards,
Elizabeth

Working with a Real Estate Agent

Real Estate seems to be on people’s minds these days and I’m often asked if there is an etiquette for working with Real Estate Agents.

There is and, to provide more details, it is my pleasure to introduce the author of this guest post, Colleen Allen.

I know Colleen to be an upstanding real estate professional dedicated to serving her clients. I highly recommend that you check out her website and blog for interesting, up-to-date information about the real estate industry and her services.

With kind regards,
Elizabeth

For many people, dealing with real estate can be a stressful proposition. So it is no wonder that so many people turn to a Real Estate Agent for help. Real Estate Agents can identify homes best suited to your needs and desires, as well as navigate the complex transactions of real estate acquisition and sales. But, to be effective, the relationship between a Real Estate Agent and client must be based on mutual respect and trust, which is the essence of good etiquette.

A good Realtor forms a powerful team with their clients that make it possible for the client to have a smooth, successful, stress-free experience. Since Realtors are paid only when a sale occurs, they are putting their faith in their clients to follow through with their arrangement. It is very poor etiquette to engage a Realtor to identify suitable homes, provide their expertise and advice, and then to take the actual business to someone else.

Following these etiquette tips will help you develop an effective working relationship with your agent that is based on trust and respect:

• Work with only one real estate professional at a time.
• Be upfront with the agent and clearly communicate your requirements, limitations, and desires
• Ask questions and express any concerns you have about the process. In other words, communicate. If there is a problem, give the agent an opportunity to make adjustments and resolve the issue.
• If an agent is not working out, dissolve the arrangement before you engage another agent.

Of course, if you are limited to working with only one agent, you want to be sure that agent is the most suitable for your needs and that they are qualified to handle the complex transactions of real estate acquisitions and sales.

Before entering an agreement with a Real Estate Agent, use these tips to find an agent who is right for you:

• Ask your friends and business associates for recommendations.
• Check the reputation of the brokerage firm.
• Go to several open houses and talk to the agents. You may find someone you would like to work with.
• Look for an agent who is familiar with the area you want to live in; Note “For Sale” signs in prospective neighborhoods and the name of the representing agent.
• Review ads in your local newspaper;
• Note how you feel when you talk to the agent. Are you comfortable asking questions? Does she listen to your needs and seem genuinely interested in helping you find the right home or get the best price for your property?
• Verify the Realtor’s track record. What training does he have? How long has he been in business? Does he have references from buyers he has worked with? What do previous customers think about his performance?
• Ask questions about the housing market and financing options. Do her answers make sense and align with your understanding and what other Realtors are saying?
• Ask the Realtor bluntly what he/she will do for you.

Once you have selected a real estate agent, always be honest and upfront with them. Don’t hold back information. Remember that you are on the same team and ultimately have the same goal.

Colleen Allen is a Realtor in the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley area. Her business is focused on building relationships and long standing client care. She believes that the cornerstone of these and all relationships is based on trust. If you are considering buying or selling real estate, visit Colleen’s website at www.colleenproperties.com and find out what she can do for you.