Tips@work is a monthly feature of job-related topics that include tips from men and women working in different fields who share what they've learned along the way. THIS MONTHS TOPIC: > Achieving a work-life balanace PREVIOUS TOPICS COVERED: > Transitioning effectively from one job to another > E-mail etiquette > Managing first days on a new job > Tapping into the hidden job market > Challenging Interview Questions > Impress in interviews > Question Time > Reducing job interview anxiety > Re-entering the workforce > Effective cover letters

On the Job is a weekly column profiling various employment options in Nova Scotia.

THIS WEEKS FEATURED CAREER:
> PARAMEDICS

PREVIOUSLY FEATURED CAREERS:
> ACCOUNTANTS
> AIRCRAFT TECHNICIANS
> ANNOUNCERS
> ARTISTS
> ATHELETES, COACHES, SPORTS OFFICIALS AND RECREATION PROGRAMMERS
> AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING TECHNICIANS
> BAKER
> CHEFS
> COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS
> CONSERVATORS AND CURATORS
> COUNSELLORS
> DRAFTING TECHNICIANS
> EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS/ASSISTANTS
> ECONOMIST
> ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS AND TECHNOLOGISTS
> FASHION DESIGNERS
> LIMOUSINE DRIVERS
> PHARMACIST
> PLUMBER
> BEAUTY TREATMENT
> BOAT BUILDERS
> BRICKLAYER
> BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS
> COMMERCIAL DIVERS
> CONSTRUCTION LABOURER
> ELECTRONICS
> FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS
> GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS
> HAIRSTYLIST
> HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERS
> IMAGE, SOCIAL AND OTHER PERSONAL CONSULTANTS
> INFORMATION, CORRESPONDENCE AND LIBRARY CLERKS
> INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSTS AND CONSULTANTS
> INSTRUCTORS
> INTERACTIVE MEDIA DEVELOPERS
> JOURNALISTS
> LAWYERS
> LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
> LOCKSMITH
> LOGGING MACHINERY OPERATOR
> MACHINE OPERATORS
> MANAGERS
> MAP-MAKERS
> MECHANIC
> MOTOR VEHICLE BODY REPAIR TECHNICIAN
> MUSEUM, GALLERY CAREERS
> OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
> PARALEGAL
> PERFORMERS
> PRACTITIONERS IN NATURAL HEALING
> SALES SUPERVISORS
> SALES AND SERVICE SUPERVISORS
> SOCIAL POLICY
> STATIONARY AND POWER ENGINEERS
> TECHNOLOGISTS
> TRANSLATORS
> TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
> TRUCK DRIVER
> MARINERS
> VETERINARIANS
> WEB DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

For more career options, check out Nova Scotia Education Department Career Options website.

How do you make a good first impression in an interview situation? Read the tips below and get ready to do some research on your prospective employer, pull together an interview outfit and practise giving a firm handshake. As always, the tips come from women and men working in different fields who are willing to share what they've learned along the way.

• When a potential employer meets you for the first time, he or she is thinking: "Is this someone that I'd be happy to greet every workday morning?", "Does this person have a pleasant and positive personality?", "Could I really work with this person on a day-to-day basis?" Within the first ten seconds of meeting that potential employer, your bright smile, direct eye contact and firm handshake can get that employer thinking, "yes!"
  Jan Sheppard Kutcher
  Employment Services Manager
  Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA)

• During 35 plus years in public relations, I've interviewed hundreds of individuals. What has impressed me most is the person who has prepared for the interview. The first question I ask is "What do you know about the company you are hoping to work for?" As the interviewer and the individual's "soon-to-be" boss, I want to know how much effort has gone into getting ready for our meeting. I'm not necessarily looking for comments on our policies, vision, etc. - I simply want to get a feeling that this person is serious about working with us.
  Patrick Brownlow
  President
  Patrick Brownlow & Associates, Inc

• Do you want your initial interview to be 15 seconds or 15 minutes? It is your choice. Show the prospective employer you want the job by dressing accordingly in business attire. You may not own a suit - you do own a pair of pressed pants, a dress skirt (not too short), and blouse or sweater.
  Pat Bowes
  Owner/General Manager
  Purdy's Wharf Business Centre

• I am most impressed by someone who can speak passionately and sincerely about what special skills and aptitudes they bring to our company. Rather than listing your accomplishments or reciting the standard responses, do a little research, tell us what is unique about your skill set and how you will help us build our business and enhance our corporate culture. Ask not what our company can do for you but what can you do for our company, and you will be sure to impress.
  Lynne Campbell
  Branch Manager
  Credit Union Atlantic Limited

• Words and tone of voice account for 15% of a face-to-face interaction while 85% is body language. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact and smile and await an invitation to sit. Proper sitting position can influence first impressions. Plant feet firmly on the floor, arms in a comfortable, open position and no slouching! Crossed arms are a closed posture that can result in a disinterested impression. Fidgeting is another no-no. Don't do anything that will distract from what you're saying.
  Darlene Barrett
  Branch Operations Supervisor
  Keshen Goodman Public Library

• I've interviewed staff for a variety of positions including administrative, maintenance and mechanical. I'm always impressed when prospective candidates present themselves in a professional manner in both appearance and conversation. I have, however, had the occasion to interview those who thought it admissible to speak very negatively of past employers. This sends out a warning signal to the interviewer. It's always better to highlight the positive from any circumstance and pass along something you learned from the experience.
  Denise Anderson
  Property Manager
  NorthWest Healthcare Properties

• You only have one chance to make a first impression. I think you can't overstate the importance of personal image. Personal image can translate into many things, including dressing professionally. You are the public face of your company, and the public is going to judge you and your company according to the image you put forward. When you meet someone who's well-groomed and well put together, you likely feel more confident in their abilities.
  Ralph Stephen
  President
  Royal LePage Atlantic

• A good first impression demands you prepare from the inside out. Learn about the company and the position; and review your accomplishments and achievements. This preparation will give you confidence! I can't emphasize appearance enough. Dress appropriately for the position, be well groomed - shoes polished and nails manicured. If you're not sure what the attire in the organization is, you can never go wrong with a classic suit. Smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself with a confident voice and a firm handshake. Guaranteed, you've got their attention!
  Bernice Wilson
  Owner
  Wilson Flooring

A first impression can be a lasting one, so the next time you're preparing for an interview consider three Ps - preparation, professionalism and positive energy. Next month we'll carry on with the conversation about interview preparation when we ask: "What would you consider a challenging interview question, and what might be a good response?"