HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

CURRENT

Where’s the ‘Unsend’ Button?
E-mail is the most common form of communication in the workplace, and, as such, you may feel that you know the rules of the road when it comes to communicating with colleagues electronically. But according to a recent survey by our company, it’s not uncommon for even the most experienced communicators to stick their foot in their mouth over e-mail.

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Be on Your Best Behavior
According to a survey by our company, 61 percent of executives said they value their assistant’s opinion when evaluating potential new hires. This interaction with a hiring manager’s right-hand person begins the moment you schedule your interview, so consider the following tips for making a great impression.

Overcoming a Great Divide
Because of the recession, resume gaps are more common than ever. But that doesn’t mean job candidates aren’t being questioned about periods when they’ve been out of work. In a Robert Half survey, nine out of 10 (93 percent) executives polled said gaps in a person’s work history would raise a red flag for them in the interview process. Properly addressing employment gaps in your cover letter or during the initial interview is the best way to overcome doubts from potential employers.

Is Your Virtual Life Negatively Affecting Your Real One?
With the rapid expansion of social networking websites, more and more professionals are looking for work. If you interact with others via the Internet, keep in mind that your activities in the virtual world may leave a lasting impression in the real one.

Take Your Lunch, Please
As companies tighten their budgets and curtail hiring, employees may be asked to take on more responsibilities. This can come with sacrifices, including a shortened lunch hour. According to a Robert Half survey, executives polled said their average lunch break is 35 minutes, seven minutes less than what they reported five years ago. Taking that mid-day break is important because it allows you to recharge and renew your creative juices.

“Cover” Your Bases
With many of today’s job seekers applying for new positions online, one important document doesn’t garner as much attention as it should: the cover letter. Most applicants just type out a few quick sentences in an e-mail message, attach a resume and hit Send, assuming that’s sufficient. If you want to stand apart from other candidates, sufficient isn’t enough.

How to Avoid Sabotaging Your Job Search
The last thing you want to do when looking for a new job is to make the search difficult for yourself. Here are seven common job search mistakes and how to avoid them.

Does Working Remotely Make You Uneasy?

Working outside of the office may not be all it’s cracked up to be. According to a recent survey developed by Robert Half, 48 percent of workers polled said their jobs would be more difficult if they worked in a different office as their supervisors.

Anticipating Interview Questions

Taking part in an employment interview is nerve-racking for even the most experienced professionals. But the proper preparation can help you remain calm under pressure. Anticipating the types of questions you’ll be asked and knowing how to answer them thoroughly could be particularly beneficial.

Can I Get That to You on Tuesday?

Why tackle today what you can put off until … Tuesday? In a new survey, 57 percent of executives polled by Robert Half said Tuesday is the most productive day of the week for employees. Monday, the second most popular answer, received just 12 percent of the response.

Considering a Change?

You may be considering a job change now that the calendar has turned to 2008. Before you start plowing through classified ads or contacting people in your professional network, ask yourself a few questions.

Cube Courtesy

While partitioned workspaces can increase opportunities for interaction with coworkers, the simple truth is that cubicles lack privacy. Being sensitive to this fact will be appreciated by your fellow cube dwellers and make your job more satisfying.

Most Valuable Worker

Want to be seen as one of your company’s go-to employees? You can start by always finishing your assignments on time and steering clear of office politics, according to a recent Robert Half International survey. Forty percent of the 150 senior executives we polled said that meeting deadlines is the most important characteristic of a team player, while 25 percent thought avoiding office politics was critical.

Performing Up to Snuff?

For a growing number of employees, the “annual” performance review is no longer a once-a-year occasion, a recent Robert Half International survey shows. Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) executives interviewed said their companies schedule these meetings either twice a year or quarterly, up from 29 percent in 2002.

Sweat the Small Stuff

While you might think your interview with a potential employer was a rousing success, the hiring manager may still be trying to decide between you and another equally qualified candidate.

Still Pounding the Pavement

You’re burned out — not from a job, but from a job search. After months of looking for a new position with no luck, you may be suffering from the same malaise as an overburdened employee. How do you renew your enthusiasm?

Summer Vacation

If you haven’t gotten around to using your vacation days yet, there’s no better time than the present. According to a recent Robert Half International survey, 36 percent of executives polled said August is the best month for employees to take vacations, while 21 percent named July as the most favorable time for staff breaks.

Too Casual for Comfort?

While employees have embraced dress-down Fridays and casual work environments, a recent survey suggests that workers might not want to hang up their business suits just yet.
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Avoid the Post-Vacation Blues

The sun is out, and you’re ready for a break. In fact, you’ve just started planning your next vacation. But before you go, what steps have you taken to ensure everything runs smoothly while you’re away — and that a mountain of work won’t be waiting when you get back?

The Hits and Misses of the Job Hunt

Looking for employment? While it’s important to stand out from the crowd, it also pays to remain professional in your job-hunting techniques. 

What Not to Bring to a Job Interview

Most job seekers know to have several copies of their resume and a list of references on hand when attending a job interview.

Right Back at You!  (You Hope)

Wondering why your boss hasn’t responded to yesterday’s urgent e-mail? It might be because he or she hasn’t had the time. Today’s managers typically receive dozens — or even hundreds — of messages each day.

Just the Two of Us

You need more to get ahead than just technical and interpersonal skills. A survey by Robert Half International shows it’s also essential to have someone who can help you along the way.

First-Time Management Jitters

Congratulations, you’ve been promoted! While this is great news, it can cause more trepidation than celebration for first-time managers.

From Small to Supersize

You recently accepted a job at a large firm after years of working at a company with just a handful of employees.

Waiting by the Phone ...

You found the perfect job opening and immediately submitted your cover letter and resume.