Five good reasons to cancel an interview

Five good reasons to cancel an interview by Amber Rolfe Cancelling an interview can be a pretty awkward experience…No matter how much you really want a role, sometimes extenuating circumstances can get in the way of making it to an interview. But if you want employers to be understanding, there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to let them know.To make sure you don’t burn any bridges, here are five good reasons to cancel an interview:You can’t get there Let’s face it, transport isn’t always reliable.Whether you go by plane, train, or automobile (or you know, something that’s not in the title of a film), there are many unforeseen factors that can interfere with your journey.And unless you’ve just invented the very first lightning speed transportation device, they’re almost always out of your control.So if your car’s broken down last minute, you’re stuck in traffic, or a train has derailed just in time for your interview â€" don’t panic. As long as you let the interviewer know as early a s possible, and you’re honest and professional, they should be happy to hold on a little longer or even rearrange.Interviewers are human too. And for all you know they might be stuck on the same train…  You’re not feeling well If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to ruin your chances of getting the job, it’s throwing up on the interviewer’s shoes.So if you’ve come down with something that closely resembles the plague (and/or another dramatic sounding illness) â€" don’t be a hero. Call and reschedule instead.Turning up to an interview sick could also risk you passing your germs onto your potential employer â€" not to mention hindering your own performance. Because nobody does their best interviews when they’re ill.Other off-putting illnesses to stay in bed for: an overly sneezy cold, chicken pox, a hernia (because Joey from Friends isn’t always right).  You have an emergency Emergencies come up at the worst of times.Unfortunately, this can often be before an interview. Whether you’re dealing with a family crisis or you’ve just been locked out of your house â€" unexpected events can take their toll on your emotions, and also on your time.The good news is, cancelling an interview for a genuine emergency is usually well received, and it won’t be the cause of burned bridges (after all, it’s not your fault).Just remember: never overshare or exaggerate about what’s caused you to cancel. They want someone to fight for the job, not for the sympathy vote…N.B. a bad hair day does not count as an emergency.  You’ve got another job offer Accepting another job is a perfectly acceptable reason to cancel an interview.Not only will you save yours and the recruiter’s time, you’ll also be able to explain your reasoning in a polite and professional manner â€" which will ultimately avoid any hard feelings in the future.In other words, it definitely beats leading them on.And with most employers having a large number of candidates to interv iew, they might even be able to work the extra time slot in their favour.  You realised the job isn’t right for you Jobseeking can induce the desperation in all of us.And to boost your chances of landing a job, it can be tempting to apply for absolutely everything â€" without properly ascertaining the suitability of each role.This can result in being invited to an interview for a job which (after a bit of research), you realise you don’t really want. Whether it’s that your skills and experience don’t match, or you don’t think it’ll take you where you want to go in your career â€" some roles just aren’t worth pursuing.So if you’ve been invited to interview for a job you’re not sure about, cancelling it is the best option. Because going ‘just for the sake of it’ isn’t the best use of anyone’s time…  Final thoughts Although there are many good reasons to cancel an interview â€" there are also a lot of bad ones.To make sure you’re always painting yourself i n the most professional light, always be careful of what you say, and how you say it. Exaggerating, oversharing, or lying will never end well. And neither will not turning up without any explanation.Because even if you don’t think you want the job, you might be surprised at how your attitude could affect your opportunities in the future. And trust us: in recruitment, word gets around.However, as long as you notify the employer in advance, avoid lying, and ask to reschedule if you’re still interested, there’s really no reason they should hold it against youDo it right, and everyone involved (including you) will be better off.Eight signs an employer is not the oneStill searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that yo ur personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Job interview tips Preparing for an interview

Improve Your Computer Skills Resume

Improve Your Computer Skills ResumeAn increased number of people are interested in applying for jobs online and what better way to improve your computer skills resume than to search for companies that hire freelancers or simply submit a resume on your own. This process can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Online companies make it easy to apply, but not every company is created equal. The trick is to find one that is not only easier to navigate, but one that will be accommodating of your computer skills.Before starting to create your resume, there are some things to consider. Are you an engineer or a designer? Does your skill set revolve around CAD or it is more in the design field? Can you write a short essay on your expertise? What is your specialty or which type of work do you want to highlight?If you are unsure what type of skills you need, a local college or vocational school may be able to help. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet with the instructor or individual w ho can guide you through your education or training. Sometimes they can even suggest specific programs to help you with your computer skills resume. Your goal here is to find out what you need to help you better your chances at getting the job.If you are thinking about applying for a job online, make sure to get advice from a friend or family member who has previous experience in this arena. People can become overwhelmed in this endeavor and need someone to help them get up and running. Find someone who has an account on a website that helps job seekers or companies looking for professionals like you.Websites that help potential employers fill out resumes are designed to help find the best match. Instead of having to read over hundreds of applications, you only have to look at one. This is perfect for those who already have a job and are looking for more.If you want to make your computer skills resume stand out, find a link to email a version of it to all the companies that you know . There are several types of companies that require all resumes, including computer skills. Be sure to choose the one that best fits your job and let them know that you would like to have one sent to them.You may want to look into the need for a 'skills developer' or the need for a 'computer skills coach.' These are individuals who help job seekers with their computer skills. They provide instruction, tips, and skills assessments on how to improve your skills as a computer expert.Once you have your skills assessed, what do you do now? It is time to start learning new techniques and updating your skills. Getting a computer skills resume completed properly, can help you get the right job and put the years of hard work in to earning you the best salary possible.

Need A Job Try These Helpful Tips To Succeed

Need A Job Try These Helpful Tips To Succeed If you’re struggling to find a job right now, life can feel really tough. Any time spent unemployed can feel far more like despair than a holiday. As the last of your money starts to disappear on bills, you may become panicked that you won’t get another job in time. Now’s the time to leap into action and try out some of these great tips: Take ANY Job It will look far better on any job application if there are no gaps in your employment. If you’re out of work, then head into your local town and start asking for a job. Waitressing, bar tending, shelf stacking, or even volunteering in a charity store will keep your resume padded out. It keeps you in a routine and feeling useful. You’ll always learn something new in any job. And best of all, you’ll be earning while you’re applying for that next career position. Temping agencies are great sources of work in a hurry, so start knocking on some doors. Research When you see a job ad you want to go for, do your homework. Find out what the company does and who the competitors are. If you’ll be working for a particular department, find the key personnel on LinkedIn and FaceBook. What are they interested in that you have in common? Who else have they worked with that you might know? Always read through the company website. If you can’t show a genuine interest and knowledge of the company, you’re not likely to succeed. Tailor your CV It’s really important to tailor the resume you’re sending to a company for that company or department head. That means, stripping out all the irrelevant information, and highlighting what you know and can do that is useful to them. Look at the core skills in the job advertisement. You have a wealth of experience from education, hobbies, and past employment. Detail what you have gained that benefits that recruiter. Apply, Apply, Apply Sometimes you can’t afford to be too fussy. Recruitment is a numbers game. You need to apply for as many posts as you can. You may need to make some sacrifices. For example, you may need to widen your preferred location. Or you may need to pick a less prestigious company. You can find a wealth of company information and their application forms online. Visit websites that specialize in recruitment. Many company application forms ask for your resume details so you won’t need to send a separate document. Interview Techniques Always practice interviewing as often as possible. Preparing your answers is really important if you are to sound confident and convincing. You should also consider one or two questions to ask your recruiter. You may want to ask about the effects of the market or technology on the business. Or perhaps you would like to more about one of the products they have just launched? Make sure your appearance is smart and business-like. However, one or two personal touches to your look to help you stand out in a positive way can help you be remembered. It’s not always easy to find a job. Making the most of something that doesn’t appear to progress your career aspirations may help you succeed in other areas. Good luck. Image Source; Image Source; Image Source; Image Source; Image Source; Image Source

Payroll Manager Job Description - Algrim.co

Payroll Manager Job Description - Algrim.co Payroll Manager Job Description Template Download our job description template in Word or PDF format. Instant download. No email required. Download Template Using Your Template Follow these instructions to use your new job description template Step one: Fill out all details in your job description template using the provided sample on this page. Step two: Customize your requirements or duties to anything special to your workplace. Be sure to speak with team members and managers to gauge what's required of the position. Step three: When the census of the team has agreed on the description of the work, add in a Equal Employment Opportunity statement to the bottom of your job description. Step four: Check with your legal department, management team, and other team members to ensure the job description looks correct before creating a job advertisement. Choose a job board that's specific to your needs.

How To Choose The Best Font To Use When Writing Resume

How To Choose The Best Font To Use When Writing ResumeIf you're looking for the best font to use when writing a resume, the choice of typeface is a huge consideration. Some people are too used to the formal and stiff fonts that are prevalent in corporate communications today. These kinds of fonts just look, well, not professional. But there's nothing wrong with an easy, friendly font like Garamond, if it's used sparingly and with care.What makes a font particularly suited to convey a message and make a person seem business-like or informal? There are several factors to consider, starting with the purpose of the document. To see how one is best used, check out the following examples of appropriate fonts for resumes.Bold letters and outlines are a clear indicator of seriousness about business. They may suggest a confident person in charge of business affairs. They can also be something that a person would use in casual situations, such as email or messaging. Bold fonts, as in the follo wing example, seem casual and homey, yet are still potentially very serious about work.A bold, uppercase typeface can also symbolize someone who wants to stand out among the crowd and have a family crest or personal motto associated with them. In many cases, this can be used to make a professional seem as though they are in charge or to convey an aspirational attitude. For example, a businessperson could opt for a 'great' in the upper case and use it to make a statement.Boldness can also be used to convey professionalism, and in some cases, especially in professional use, that can be a very smart move. For example, a person might want to use a sans serif font (for example, Times New Roman) in his or her resume. That could be appropriate for work situations, but it may be misconstrued in other situations, such as dating or social circles. Therefore, the use of a font that would have been looked at as a style of the past would not be appropriate in the workplace.There are many other f actors that can help determine the perfect fonts for resumes. They can be especially important for applicants who have never done an adequate job of preparing their materials for the interview stage, since it's essential to come up with a format that will be easy to read on paper. Some of the more popular fonts are Verdana, Times New Roman, Century Gothic, Arial, Palatino, Frutiger, Tahoma, Trebuchet and Garamond.If a person has any experience in business opportunities and functions or has ever held a position at a company, he or she may wish to use a font that is similar to that of his or her own. Consider using something like Wysiwyg for someone who has had previous exposure to corporate business. It would look quite formal and business-like, if used properly.There is no right or wrong typeface to use in any particular situation. It is a matter of how the individual, and how he or she wants to convey themselves in the process. With any font, the individual will find that a little goes a long way.

How to Build Your Network in 5 Minutes a Day

How to Build Your Network in 5 Minutes a Day Your network is one of the most important assets you have in your career. The question is how can you fit networking activities into your already overstretched day? I grappled with this for years and most of the time I failed. Chalk it up to being too good at putting my head down and doing my job. At the time I didn’t realize that not only was I hurting my career, I was also hurting my ability to deliver results for the firm at the next level. For example, bringing in new clients happens when someone in your network introduces you to someone in their network and the six degrees of separation works for you. Also, to think strategically and get new ideas requires new and different kinds of input, ideally from people with a different perspective than your own. These things don’t happen when you’re sitting at your desk completing tasks. After years of trial and error, I’ve discovered some strategies that are practical and doable (even for a recovering workaholic and perfectionist like me). Since I don’t want to overwhelm you with all the strategies at once, I’ll share the one that’s generated the most “quick wins” for me. Plus, three examples of how to effectively put this strategy into action. Capitalize on the everyday opportunities My favorite strategy for building my network is to capitalize on everyday opportunities. I know, it sounds deceptively simple. But most strategies that deliver results are simple. That’s because if it’s simple, you have the best chance of actually doing it. And taking action is the single most important ingredient for success, especially when it comes to building your all-important asset: your network. Every day, you have opportunities to connect with people, many of whom could become valuable members of your community of support. That is, they could be your future sponsors, mentors, peer coaches, connectors or raving fans. You don’t want to overlook these golden opportunities to connect with people you already know in a way that serves our career goals. So here are three ways to capitalize on the everyday opportunities. 1. The Dance Card The first way is to create what I call a “Dance Card” for each person you need to impress or build a better relationship with. The Dance Card is where you jot down key information ahead of time, such as who the person is that you need to talk to and the two to three main points that you want to convey to them or ask them about. A basic framework for an effective Dance Card is to cover one or more of these areas: What do they need to know about you or your business? How can you help them? What help do you want to ask them for? Of course, you should tailor your Dance Cards to what information and questions most apply to your situation and the person the card is for. Sometimes I have just one Dance Card that contains three points that I want to update my supporters on. Other times, I might create a Dance Card for each important person I might bump into. So, when the opportunity arises, I’m able to use those two minutes in the cafeteria line or in the hallway to talk about something important and relevant. Here’s a couple of Dance Card examples: Example 1: Convey to supporters Recent win with project ABC Doubled market share Robust pipeline of deals Example 2: Amy Anders, Head of Dept. X Recent win with project ABC Praise for Amy’s team Ask about speaking at conference 2. Modularize your key points ahead of time The second aspect is to modularize your key points before you need them so you’re not under pressure to pick out the right things to say in the moment. What I mean by “modularize” is to group the main topics or ideas you’re most likely to be asked about or want to share into separate categories or modules. For example, one category could be about your accomplishments, another about strategic industry trends, and a third about your group’s results. Then within those categories, there are further sub-categories or topics. Within accomplishments you could identify your top three for the year and a way to succinctly talk about each one. Similarly, you could identify the three most important trends in your sector and how that could affect your business. And for your group’s results, it might be the three key metrics that people care about. Accomplishments: Top 3 accomplishments for the year and how to talk about each one Industry Trends: 3 Most important trends for your business and how that could affect results Team Results: 3 Key metrics that people care about You’re basically organizing your thoughts into building blocks that you can mix and match as needed. This makes the points easier to remember â€" for both you and the listener. And it makes you come across as knowledgeable, articulate and on top of your game. 3. Make use of regular meetings Once you have your Dance Card and you’ve modularized your key points, the third piece is to make use of the meetings you regularly attend. That’s right, the places that you have to be anyway. Armed with your Dance Card and modularized points, you’re ready to spot opportunities to put them to use. When the people you want to build trusted relationships with are at those meetings, you’re prepared so you can be more confident. If you know you’re going to be in a meeting with your boss’s boss and need an excuse to chat with him without your boss getting upset, that’s a perfect time to have a quick sidebar conversation as you’re both getting a cup of coffee or walking out of the meeting together. Another way to use regular meetings is to invite that senior person to come and speak to your team. You’d be doing them a favor just as much as they’d be doing you a favor because you’re giving them a chance to be more visible and perhaps do more business together. You can also flip that around and offer to speak at other people’s meetings. Knowing how to capitalize on the everyday opportunities puts you in a great position to build your credibility and relationship with those key people you need in your career. And that’s what puts you on a path to the next level of your career. The best part is you can do this kind of network building in very little time. After all, you’re doing what you usually do, just with some simple adjustments in preparation that will pay off in the impact they have on your network. Now, would you like more proven strategies and tips to build your network in a way that’s practical, doable and helps you get to the next level of your career? If you do, then I’ve got more tips for you to build a winning network. FREE Guide on How to Build a Winning Network You'll discover in this FREE 3-part guide: The core essentials of a winning network 5 Kinds of people you need in your network 4 Key steps to your winning network And much more Just click the button below to get instant access to this FREE guide. Get the FREE Guide

A Side Hustle Is More Than Extra Cash

A Side Hustle Is More Than Extra Cash A side hustle is one way to increase the amount of money you bring in each month. But it could be end up being more than just extra cash. Who Has Side Gigs? Over 44 million people say they have a side hustle, according to Bankrate’s study. Here are some more stats you might be interested in: 28% of millennials, ages 18-26, were most likely to hold side jobs. Every week, 61% of younger millennials say they earn extra money on the side, and  96% of them say they work a side hustle at least monthly. Side hustlers make an average of $200 a month and while you won’t be able to quit your day job, the extra cash can come in handy. But there’s another reason to line up a side hustle. Save Extra Money Common wisdom and financial gurus recommend you have between three and six month’s worth of expenses in your savings account to help survive an emergency like a layoff or downsizing. Few Millenials are able to accumulate that type of savings on an entry-level salary. Diligently depositing income from a side hustle into savings is one way to build up savings. Unfortunately, Bankrate found that less than half the side hustlers saved the money earned. Income and Job Security There is another benefit to a side hustle. If needed, it can easily be converted into a part of your portfolio career. This offers a form of job security or at least reduces the anxiety about losing a job and not having enough money to survive. If you’re looking for ideas for a side hustle that require little to no investment, below are some opportunities to turn your passion into income, or at least allow you to use what you have to earn a buck. Start  With What You Know and Like If you are wondering where to start looking for your side hustle, it’s best to start with what you know how to do and what you enjoy doing. This will make it easier for you to dedicate some of your free time. To get more ideas on the types of freelance jobs people are hiring for, investigate freelance jobs posted on job boards like upwork, LinkedIn’s ProFinder, a professional services marketplace. And for more sources of freelance job boards check out Think Like A Free Agent. Freelance Writing If you have strong writing skills, look for freelance writing opportunities. Search for freelance writing or content writing job sites. Some job listing sites may require a small monthly fee to join. Carefully read the reviews and research the sites reputation. And watch out for scams that ask you to pay money for training or ask for you to write without a contract. Another way to find freelance writing gigs is to talk to friends and family members who run small businesses and see if they need help writing newsletters or blog posts. Graphic Design There are lots of opportunities to use your graphic design skills. You can apply to offer your services using LinkedIn’s ProFinder. It will help potential clients make a decision if they can see your work so it’s a good idea to create an online portfolio with samples. From designing logos to creating company brochures, you’ll find many types of freelance graphic design jobs on sites dedicated to creative services like 99designs.com or Behance.net. Take Advantage of the Sharing Economy Wouldn’t it be great to make money by renting something you already have? Do you have a car that’s costing a bundle just sitting in a garage (check Turo) or what about that bike that’s taking up space in your hallway (check Spinster)? Rent them through sites that can make the match and collect money. If you enjoy meeting new people and want to use your car to make money, check out becoming a driver for Lyft or Uber. If you travel a lot for work or are planning a vacation, maybe listing your apartment on Airbnb is a way to bring in some extra money. Or you could shop for groceries (think Instacart) or deliver meals (think Grubhub). Maybe you are handy and can do odd jobs (check out Takl) The sharing economy and technology have made it pretty simple to pair your goods and services with those who need them. Sell Your Stuff If you have unused items, why not sell them on Craigslist or one of the many other sites designed for selling goods?  This is a relatively easy way to kill a couple of birds with one stone. You’ll clear your clutter and make some cash. Another way to make money is to sell your photographs, unusual crafts or other handmade items. You can participate as a vendor at local festivals, farmer’s markets or use an Etsy site to sell your goods. Offer a Service Everyone Needs Dogs need walking. Kids need watching. Busy families need meals prepared. There’s no shortage of opportunities to provide a service people need. Begin spreading the word and try creating a Facebook business page your friends can easily share and help you promote your offering. Sell Your Knowledge Another way to make money is by using skills you have mastered. If you speak more than one language or are a math whiz, why not tutor others? You can tutor anyone, anytime using video calling like Zoom or Skype. Promote your services at schools and colleges to reach students who need extra help. The  Takeaway A side hustle isn’t just a way to earn extra spending money. It’s an opportunity to build your savings and have income insurance in case of an unexpected job loss. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to pad your savings or pay off your student debt.