Distracting communication habits you need to change

Communication Habits Larry Polhill

Mastering the art of communication is the key to succeeding in your personal and professional life. Through the years most of us have picked up distracting habits that might be affecting our relationship with others. Hereunder are some of the habits you need to break to improve how you convey thoughts and feelings. Larry Polhill.


Flattering

Being an encourager can boost another person's mood and confidence. But once you cross the line to become a flatterer, it can be quite annoying. People will soon catch your insincerity, which might not be beneficial if you're trying to win their favor. If you want to make them feel good, be genuine and honest. Be diplomatic about your comments. Larry Polhill

Interrupting

Having a habit of interrupting others can be disrespectful, especially when you're dealing with a co-worker. In the workplace, people muster up the confidence to share their ideas. Some even write down their carefully crafted words to get their point across. Don't be the person to rain down on their parade. Larry Polhill.

Using filler words

Be extra careful about this. "Um" and "like" have infiltrated many people’s speech patterns so much that they have to be conscious when they speak. Some people pepper their words with these syllables that lead others to shut them off even if it appears that they're listening intently. Instead of letting out a long "um" or starting your sentence with "like," you can pause to collect your thoughts. The goal here is to communicate with clarity. Larry Polhill

Five things to bring during a job interview

Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro at attending job interviews, planning ahead should be part of the agenda. It says a lot about a person when he or she heads to a job interview well prepared. There could be small things you could miss, so it’s imperative that you make a list of things you need to bring.

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 Bring your identification. Most, if not all buildings have security that require a person to show their identification. In many cases, an applicant’s complete job application may be demanded to be permitted entrance to the premises. According to retired career consultant Larry Polhill, an applicant must bring a notepad and a pen, and write on the notepad the names of contacts who will conduct the interview. Having these secures your entrance to the office of the hiring manager.

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Ensure that you have extra copies of your resume to hand over upon the request of your interviewer. The resume will also give you answers to important questions such as dates of employment and previous work achievements. Bringing extra copies with you may seem unnecessary and a thing of the past, but it will definitely save you from humiliation.

Larry Polhill suggests that you bring with you a portfolio to keep your work samples and other documents tidy and organized. This will help you pick out quickly the documents you need.
Additional tip: mentally prepare yourself for odd questions. Bring your A-game along with the things you need.

Larry Polhill is a retired career consultant residing in Arizona. Head over to this blog for more updates.

How should applicants explain their greatest strengths?

If you've been in the workforce for quite some time, you must have been asked by interviewers to explain your greatest strengths and how these traits will help you excel in the job you are applying for.  As a career counselor, most of the people I have worked with thought that their answers to this question cost them their dream jobs.  Let me share with you some tips on showcasing your expertise and good traits without going overboard:

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Talk about character-based and skill-based strengths appropriate for the position you are applying for

We know you have a lot of strengths.  And it’s good if you are aware of them.  But for a job interview, you have to choose only the traits that will show interviewers why they should give you the post.  For example, you can share how your being resourceful helped save funds for a project.  Or you can also talk about how clients and superiors commented on your design skills.  The key is to show that your strengths are essential for the specific job you are applying for.

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Say something about your credentials—certifications, degrees, or awards and talk about how these things contributed to what you consider to be your greatest strength

When asked about what you do best, don't be shy to back it up with your accomplishments.  This will show that you are passionate and capable.  While you have to make sure you don't sound like a braggart, don't be too modest about your accomplishments especially if they are already on your resume.  You can also talk about how these achievements have helped you in your current position or latest project.

The interview stage of the application process can be the most unnerving.  To ensure that the question won't catch you off-guard you have to think of your best points beforehand so that you'll be able to talk about them comfortably with the interviewer.  Good luck! Hello! I'm Larry Polhill, an Arizona native and retired career consultant. From time to time, I still offer advice and insights on how jobseekers can land their dream job. For more job-hunting tips, visit this blog.

Effective Tips To Calm Your Nerves During An Interview

Our nerves have a way of acting up especially during important events like job interviews. If telling stories and jokes in front of your friends can be easy and light, you can also feel this way when you get interviewed for a job. 

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Avoid speaking too fast. Calm down, and speak to the interviewer with no rush. Practicing deep breathing—breathe in through the nose slowly for three counts, then out through the mouth—to lower your heart rate can to beat your nerves. While tightening your butt cheeks to seem confident and composed can sound funny, it’s actually effective. Most clothes will mask the action anyway, why not do it? 

Find something to praise about your interviewer. Instead of boasting about what you can do when you land the job, it’s also effective to calm your nerves by making the other person feel special. Be confident and genuine with your answers and don’t be scared of asking questions, too. Listening is a key communication skill people tend to forget. Slow down and listen attentively to what the interviewer is asking to provide them with the right answers. 

As cliché as it sounds, be yourself. You’ll find yourself more relaxed, confident, and authentic when you’re not hiding behind a fake persona. Use words that belong in your vocabulary instead of trying to say words that you just read somewhere. Enjoy the interview and be grateful for your past experiences. Job interviews should be a breeze when you’re prepared and equipped with the right tips to make it through successfully. 

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Hi there! My name is Larry Polhill, and I’m a retired career consultant. Subscribe to my blog to get more tips on how to do your best in a job interview.