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The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is a skill highly praised by employers, and positively contributes to personal career success!

 Collaborative teamwork can take many forms. The ultimate goal is to collectively tackle a task, with the expertise of each team member, and complete deliverables within a specific timeframe.

 5 Principles to Collaborative Teamwork: 

• Be Reliable – All team members need to trust and count on each other’s commitment to the team. Demonstrate reliability and be on time to work, special meetings, and consistently meet all deadlines. This consistency will be recognized and respected by co-workers.
• Be Flexible – Go the extra mile to meet the team before work or stay late in order to complete goals and collectively succeed. Learn how to manage a flexible schedule, and demonstrate an honest commitment to the team’s goals by making them a priority.
• Be Constructive – Offer constructive suggestions to coworkers and share relevant knowledge without criticism, judgement, or superiority. Become valuable resource for others and create an environment where coworkers feel comfortable to openly share and discuss ideas.
• Be Active – Make the effort to attend all team meetings, speak up and actively participate in discussions and the decision-making process, and become an asset to the team. Do not do the bare minimum expected, instead be pro-active and help co-workers when possible.
• Be Respectful – Courtesy and respect are the cornerstones of any productive work environment, especially during teamwork. Avoid workplace gossip and negative talk, and be known as the employee who is trusted, reliable and professional!

 Do you need help with your communication skills? The Job Search Support Service is a great resource for students!

Congratulations! You have landed your new job and are now ready to make a great impression at work.

 There are several aspects to your professional reputation including your knowledge, skills, abilities, accountability, and overall attitude. Start your new job on the right foot and be vigilant of proper office etiquette.

 Office Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow:

• Be Positive – Have a positive attitude and be happy to help others when needed. Avoid focusing on negative aspects of your job and complaining.
• Do not Join Gossip – Office gossip is toxic and can damage your professional reputation. Avoid engaging in office gossip and remove yourself from the situation.
• Be Responsible – Take responsibilities for your errors and ask for help if needed. Complete tasks that you are responsible for and ensure you are performing all of your job duties.
• Be a Team Player – Become the employee that others want to work with on a project! Perform your tasks and support others when asked.
• Dress Professionally – Know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable for office attire. As a general rule ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ and appear professional at all work-related functions.
• Do not Take Personal Calls – Although you may need to take personal calls for specific reasons (eg-booking a dentist appointment) do not make a personal call to simply ‘catch up’ with friends while you are supposed to be working.

Most job ads require candidates to submit their resume and a cover letter. Many job candidates have spent time focusing on their resume, and often ignore the cover letter which is the first document seen by interviewers/employers/etc.

 Top 5 Tips For Your Cover Letter:

• Address the cover letter to a specific person when possible. Find the name of the hiring manager or specific employer and include it in your cover letter
• Start with your value-added statement. Describe what skills, abilities, and advantages you will bring to the business if hired.
• List 4-5 ways your skills, knowledge and abilities will benefit the business, and include examples of prior success when applicable.
• End the cover letter with a statement specific to the job opening and your interest in the position.
• Match the cover letter format to your resume format, so both are consistent.

It is vital to tailor your cover letter to each job opening! It is very easy to identify a generic cover letter, and by personalizing the letter you are demonstrating your interest in the specific job, and professionalism in doing your research and putting added effort into your cover letter and resume.

Do you need help with your Cover Letter or Resume? Don’t miss the Job Preparation Services where you can get help with your letter, get practice with interview skills and learn how to perform a successful job search!

Following-up with an organization after a job interview is an important but frequently forgotten step in the job search process.

Why Follow-Up?

It is proper etiquette to contact the Interviewer following a job interview briefly re-state your interest and thank them for their time. This is also an opportunity to highlight why you are the perfect candidate for the job opening, and enquire when a decision will be made.

Professionalism should be maintained during all contact with the business or interviewer. Some employers use the follow-up process to help decide on a candidate, and others may still be undecided on a candidate. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and follow-up!

How to Follow-Up?

Following a job interview, ask the Interviewer for their contact information (if not already known) and contact them via email the day after the interview. Thank them for the opportunity to discuss the job opening and your suitability, re-state your excitement and interest in the position, and finally ask when a decision will be made.

The Decision!

If a negative decision is received it is important to ask for feedback, this is usually easiest done via email. The interviewer might have advice or tips that will help in the future! Don’t be let down, learn from each interview, and improve.

If called for a 2nd interview – Congratulations! Respond promptly, show enthusiasm, and make yourself available for the date and time proposed.

If no response is received, follow-up with a phone call. Understand that although most businesses do follow-up with interviewees and inform them of their final decision, some do not. Do not be discouraged if no response is received.

What Not To Do?

• Do not harass the company or interviewer, if no response is received, move on with your job search.
• Do not go to the office in person to enquire about the decision.
• Do not behave unprofessionally at any time during follow-up contact.

The Metro College Job Search Support Service is available to assist you in your job search, perfect your resume, and help you develop interview skills!