Greater Milwaukee Jobs

2 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS • January 22, 2015 irrelevant and can frustrate hiring managers who want to find relevant qualifications on a resume as quickly as possible. If a resume is bogged down with informa- tion about an applicant's hobbies and interests, then a hiring manager is likely to grow impatient and move on to the next applicant. Unless a hobby is especially rele- vant to a position, it should not be included on a resume. • Irrelevant past experi- ence: Prior experience that is irrelevant to the position you're applying for should be kept off your resume. For example, a high school job as a grocery clerk likely has little relevance when apply- ing for an entry level finance posi tion. It's important to remember when applying for entry level positions that few entry level candidates will have extensive employment histories, so don't feel bad if your resume is less than meaty. • Salary expectations: Some job postings will ask that you list salary require- ments. This can be a delicate topic, as no one wants to ex c l u d e t h e m s e l ve s b y asking for too much money or appear desperate by asking for too little. A good approach when asked for salary requirements is simply to write, "Salary negotiable" somewhere on your resume. Never include salary require- ments unless a job listing specifically requests such information. • Personal information: Personal information, includ- ing marital status, sexual ori- entation, whether or not you have children and your reli- gious beliefs should always be kept off a resume. Such information is irrelevant, and it's illegal for companies to consider such information during the hiring process. • Inappropriate email address: Many people have a playful email address that reflects a nickname friends and family can identify with. Such addresses are fine when communicating with family and friends, but use a more professional email address when applying for j o b s . T h e a d d r e s s c a n include your name, such as jsmith@fakeemail.com or simply your initials followed by the domain name of your email server. Fair or unfair, an unprofessional email address on a resume may give prospective employers the impression that appli- cants are immature. items to exclude ... from page 1 What not to do on an Interview A publication of Conley Media Distributed by: Conley Distribution 262-513-2646 ©2004 by Conley Media, LLC Waukesha County Independent and Locally Owned GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS is published weekly by Conley Media – Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS assumes no liability for any error in copy or content. It is the advertiser's responsibility to be aware of the laws pertaining to employment advertising. Subscriptions are available for $34 (non-refundable) for a 6-month subscription. Call 262-306-5035 for information. Call Center Director: Cindy Shaske 262-306-5016 cshaske@conleynet.com Account Executive: Jeanne Bonlender 262-306-5035 jbonlender@conleynet.com Story Coordinator: Dwayne Butler 262-513-2626 dbutler@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262-513-2690 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS Volume 17 • Number 19 January 22, 2015 To place an ad: Call us at 262-306-5035 or fax us at 262-542-6082 deadline: Noon on Wednesdays In this tumultuous economy, land- ing a job is difficult but not impossi- ble. When applying for a job you want do everything to portray your- self as the ideal candidate – from resume to interview. Too often, however, individuals going on jobs fall prey to common mistakes. Learn what they are so you can present the best version of yourself and get that dream job. • Don't arrive late to the interview. However, don't arrive too early either. Give yourself a good 15 minute window. • Don't lie about your past experi- ence or fudge your resume. Chances are lack of skills or experience will be discovered. • Don't walk in smelling of ciga- rettes or overloaded with perfume. • Don't dress inappropriately for the workplace. You can learn about the company environment by doing research on the company in advance. • Don't wear sunglasses, distrac- tive jewelry or a Bluetooth device. • Don't receive or send phone calls or text messages. • Don't bad mouth former cowork- ers or supervisors. • Don't inquire about salary or b e n e fi t s t o o e a r l y i n t o t h e c o n - versation. • Don't forget to show enthusiasm during the interview, but do not lay it on too thick. • Don't speak in colloquialisms. • Don't ask too many questions or interrupt the interviewer. • Don't be unprepared. Be ready to answer the standard questions. • Don't sound too cocky or be a name-dropper. • Don't forget to make eye contact. • Don't shake hands too firmly or too softly. Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Her company, Reyer Coaching & Consulting, offers services for organizations of all sizes. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner or email her at lizdeliverchange.com. The art of turning down a promotion By Liz Reyer Star Tribune (Minneapolis) & A Q Q. I'm considered a top performer in my technical field, and am now being pushed toward management roles. The problem is, I like what I'm doing and am not interested in "moving up." How can I portray this in a positive way so that my company doesn't think I'm unengaged? A. Consider your reasons for staying put, while also keeping an open mind longer term. THE INNER GAME Nice compliment! Underperform- ers are not encouraged to move to the next level, so it is a tangible expression of your status at your organization. However, it should not have to become a mandate and you don't really have to justify why you like your current role and prefer to stay in it. That said, the more you can create a positive message that helps others understand your current preference, the better. And note I said "current preference." More on that later. To get started, think about the things you like about your current role, what you like about them and why. For example, you may really like the problem-solving aspect of your role because of the challenge, the contribution you make, the recogni- tion you receive, or all of the above. As you work through this, focus on understanding the strongest drivers of your work satisfaction, and consid- er how they match up with your company's needs. Also consider ways your current role could be made even better. Would you like more opportunities to develop your technical expertise? To have visibility in the industry in the form of publications and/or speaking events? Fewer administrative respon- sibilities? Or to mentor others? Now think long range.You're just coming into the middle of your career, and your preferences are likely to change. Projecting out several years, imagine yourself in a diverse array of futures – your current role, management in your current compa- ny, working in a different kind of firm, teaching your skills – imagine that anything is possible.This will help you communicate your personal vision, and enable you to talk about a future that could include evolving roles. Finally, consider if maybe, just maybe, fear of failure is holding you back. Sometimes moving out of your comfort zone is the right step. THE OUTER GAME As you're most concerned with how you're perceived, focus on your demeanor at work.The risk is that in resisting change, you've had a negative tone and may be coming off as defen- sive. If you're showing engagement and enthusiasm for your work, and commitment to your team and the company, you're not likely to damage your reputation. Concentrate on this day-to-day regardless of the role you have. In addition, set up an opportunity for an in-depth conversation with your boss. Don't be afraid to have a long-range view that you share, as well as your vision for the more immediate contributions you could make. Reach out to others for ongoing support, too. Seek mentors to help you grow and to challenge your assumptions. THE LAST WORD The clearer you are on what you want and why, the better those around you will understand and sup- port you.

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