If you are planning to get into customer service, the right personality is key to obtaining the job. A positive attitude is a crucial trait in the potential employee to perform their tasks correctly. Companies who have a customer friendly staff generally make a better impression on potential clients than those who do not. A good attitude at work increases the overall mood of the working atmosphere and therefore increases productivity. Good customer service is the art of bringing customers back for future business. Having knowledge of the inventory, experience using the product and helping clients make the best choices are examples of good customer service. Integrity and dependability are also key traits that one company signified would help a job seeker get noticed for a potential position. Having integrity leads to sincerity as employees tend to make the right choices when faced with a difficult task. Dependability is also a prominent factor as no employer constantly wants to look after any employee in making sure tasks are being completed.

Employers keep an eye out for interviewees who have the ability to perform given tasks, have a good knowledge of the job and who can follow policies and procedures. A prospective employee who is incapable of these three qualities will most likely not get the valued position. Showing that you are willing to go through great lengths to get the job done is a good way to prove you are worth the position. Additionally, explaining to employers your desire and passion for learning and adhering to the regulations necessary. Experience in the field you are interviewing for is also a prominent factor that will help in your goal to attain the position. Previous experience shows that you have a knowledgeable background and that you can adapt to their environment in a flexible way.

A confident interviewee is a person that can market and sell themselves to the employer. Your personal appearance matters greatly at the interview to determine whether you can get the job done well. Being confident and assertive are top qualities certain companies look for.The ability to grow in an organization depends on a variety of skills that the job seeker should possess. A diverse background represents that you are a quick learner and flexible to understanding new things. It also shows that you are capable of being cross trained for a variety of tasks. Communication is also a key factor; it will make you an asset to the organization, as many businesses like to base their employees on a clear cut communication pathway.

The right personality for a job varies per position, but one thing many employers identify as a plus is a friendly and outgoing character. This shows that you provide a positive insight and are open to handling difficult situations, whether it is an unsatisfied client or an unfavorable task. Employers note outgoingness in potential employees which also adds to their willingness to accept constructive criticism. There is no such thing as a perfect employee, but those who are close become adept to learning and eager to hearing feedback, picking up on their strengths and noting their areas for improvement. Lastly, a clean proper appearance shows neatness. Appearances can lead to a yay or nay on the job position, as a proper look demonstrates a welcoming representation of the company.

In collaboration with Budget St. Croix, WTJX, Innovative VI, and Divi Carina Bay.

It is perfectly acceptable to hold on to familiar ways of advertising but why not expand your possibilities? Online marketing seems to be the popular direction most businesses use these days. Below is a list of some smart ways to market online.

Create a Website: Having a website for your company is only half of the work. This is when reverting to familiar methods come in handy. Send a general notice to your local radio station encouraging the viewers to log on to your site. Tip: Make the website user-friendly and free. Have a link specifically for customers to give feedback about your business.

Connect on Social Media Sites: Whether you choose to tweet on Twitter or post with Facebook, the company’s name is sure to get around to friends of friends. Tip: On Twitter, create a Hashtag representing your business to create a common circle of fans. Connect your Facebook account to that of Twitter. This way, whatever you post on FB, it shows up on your tweet of the day.
Publish an E-Newsletter: Establishing a consistent time line update allows you to keep in touch with your customers (i.e., bi-monthly newsletter). It keeps the viewers abreast with the latest news with the company’s sales and services. This is a win-win method. Not to mention it is inexpensive. Tip: Include free samples and quotes to get the ball rolling on feedback from your new and familiar customers and supporters.

In closing, the advantages of marketing online are endless. Connect with the world!

Online Marketing works

Match your Personality with your Career
Now that you have a clear idea of where your interests and skills are at, finding the right career should be a much simpler task than what it seemed like earlier. Do your research. Talk to individuals in different fields to receive their input on the daily tasks they perform as well as the overall goals they must achieve at work. Attend conventions and conferences or go to gatherings where you can mingle with many people and hear their story. This will give you a better insight as to what types of jobs you are willing to perform and which industries appeal to you the most.
Get the Right Job
Once you have selected the industry you think would be a good fit with your skills and goals, find open positions that will help you grow in the right industry. In your interview, discuss your views on how far you see yourself achieving, what you can bring to the company and how much of an asset you will be. Employers listen to what job seekers are passionate about, not a cookie cutter answer that they are expecting. Talk about your previous job in a positive way, highlighting your favorite tasks and how much you accomplished. Your interviewer will be able to see if you are the right match for the company by how much you really want the job, not for monetary gain, but because you have a strong interest and the proper skill set to be the right candidate and offer the right experience.

Tip One: Take some time to re-group
Job loss is a stressful and emotional period of your life. Following job loss, feelings of depression and grief are common. Rather than immediately engage in the search for a new job, take some time to process your emotions and consider next steps. This will help you create a targeted search based on what you really want to do.

Tip Two: Assess your current situation
As you move through the grieving process, you should begin to assess your current situation in terms of finances and develop a budget that will sustain you throughout your job search. Be sure to create contingency plans should you start getting low on funds. This may mean accepting a temporary or part-time employment until you obtain the job of your choice.
It is wise to create an emergency fund so that you have money available for housing and other expenditures. What you don’t want to do is accept a job just to pay the bills. A financial cushion allows you take some time and wait things out and only accept a job that will bring you both professional and personal reward.

Tip Three: Think about what type of career you want
This can actually be a fun process as it requires that you take an inventory of your passions, strengths, talents, interests, and hobbies. Each provides a clue to your “right livelihood.” Additional considerations include your salary requirements and preferred work culture. If you need to take a pay cut in order to “work your passion” think about the trade-off. As long as you are able to meet expenses, working your passion is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

Tip Four: Enlist the services of a career coach
If you feel stuck in identifying a suitable career, you might wish to enlist the services of a career coach who can help you tap into your unique skill-set, talents and interests. Many times career coaches will administer skills and interest inventories that uncover your innate gifts and point the way toward careers you might not have thought of on your own.

Tip Five: Read Career Literature
If you would rather not work with a career coach, there are many career advice books and eBooks you may refer to for help. Many print books are also available at your local library and contain assessments that will help you target great careers.

Tip Six: Prepare for job search
You may have heard that searching for a job is a full time job itself. The better organized you are at the outset, the more successful you will be. Take it step by step so as not to feel overwhelmed. The first step is to create a personal work space at home that is removed from frequent interruption. Some job seekers also rent an office or set up space in the library to provide the feeling of a commute.

Tip Seven: Create a resume and targeted cover letter
Once you have researched the best career for you in light of your skills, interests and passions, the next step is to create a targeted resume that will highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments. You will also create a boilerplate cover letter adding specific details as appropriate to each position you apply to.

Tip Eight: Create a list of target employers and industries
Creating a targeted list of employers and industries will show that you are focused with definite career goals. This is much preferred over those candidates who conduct an aimless job search, applying for any and all openings, even if they don’t fit the qualifications.

Tip Nine: Network, Network, Network
With the rising popularity of social media, online networking has become one of the most effective means of connecting with potential employers and identifying job opportunities. Build a profile on such sites as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Join discussion groups and reach out to those in your target industries. In addition to building an online presence, attend in-person networking events hosted by various groups and Chambers of Commerce. When conducting a job search everyone you meet is a potential lead so alert friends, neighbors, friends, local business owners, etc. Gone are the days when being out of work was a stigma; in today’s economy you are in plenty of good company so reach out for support.

Tip Ten: Keep a positive mind-set
No matter how well prepared you may be, rejection is a part of the job search. Keep in mind that this rejection is not personal; after all how well does a potential employer really know you? Rather, in an economy such as we have been experiencing, employers are getting undated with resumes so can afford to be picky. This is why a targeted job search is critical. Fine-tune your resume and cover letter, create a unique personal brand and highlight your value. There is no one else quite like you and sooner or later the job you were meant to have will come your way!

By Daniela Baker

How to Step into the Business on the Right Foot:
1. Know More about the Company You Work For.
Prior to your interview, a bit of research should be done to familiarize yourself with the current company you work in. That is only half the work. Now that you are working for the company, make it your business to know the business especially since you have the inside scoop. Inquire with the boss if there is more to the story since the business first started. There is always an interesting piece of the history that initially gets forgotten. Show an interest with the company and in turn you will be mentally recognized by the boss.

2. Show the Boss Ambition not Aggression.
Offer to take on one or two small tasks.
Taking on smaller tasks in addition to your workload does not hurt. Just do not take on more than you can handle. Little tasks can pave the way for big recognition.
Remember the names of key clients. This shows a willingness to be more involved in the company. (Mr. Smith called earlier to inquire about…)
Suggest social functions for co-workers and new ideas to improve on company projects (Monthly staff meetings, holiday parties).

3. Be Likable to Co-Workers.
Engage in limited casual conversations.
Just because you are in a work environment does not mean that an informal conversation cannot take place. However, entering with caution is the best approach. Some individuals would rather keep their personal endeavors out of work. For those who are willing to engage in the conversation, be aware not cross certain boundaries. Random conversations can include:
1. Did you hear the latest news on CNN last night?
2. How was your weekend?

AVOID topics that are inappropriate. Usually, topics involving religion and politics are good examples of this.
Offer to assist a co-worker with their current task. Avoid doing the majority of their project. Instead, offer minor assistance to make follow up calls or type up a document if needed.
Overall, expressing who you are—personality-wise—and being goal oriented can go a long way to contributing to your overall success at your new position.

Shine your Confidence at Work

RECAP: In order to give your best delivery for a vacant position, you only need to master two specific characteristics, self-confidence and professionalism. You should gain the following:
a. Positive Thinking/Attitude
b. Effective Communication Skills
c. Self-Motivation
d. Humility
e. Appropriate Attire
f. Maturity
g. Responsibility
h. Integrity
Happy job hunting!

Career.VI is the Virgin Islands’ leading job portal with more than 20,000 registered job seekers looking for job openings posted by hundreds of the Virgin Islands’ employers and continues to grow everyday. Career.VI offers free services for both employers and job seekers. Employers are able to notify the Department of Labor of their available position, post on the territory’s leading career platform and receive applications from job seekers. Featured tools for employers are also available to increase visibility, manage job applicants, and help in talent hunt through Top Job feature. Job seekers on the other hand are also offered a multitude of features to better their job search including Resume Builder, Job Agent, Competitor and much more.

Career.VI also has the #1 online Job Magazine, CareerPost. CareerPost gives users the opportunity to seek labor market advice and read articles pertaining to career development, even allowing them to participate in discussions, state opinions, and submit their own articles for others to view. With helpful tips visible throughout the site to easily identify with accessible options, Career.VI brings together a succession of job resource tools in an effort to improve the islands’ job market.

About BIZVI LLC
BIZVI provides unparalleled technology-based business solutions and under the umbrella of its parent company, TABS Group International (TGI), it has been serving private and government organizations in the territory for many years. TGI continues to expand its services in the sectors of labor, education, law and order, civic services, and economic development amongst others.
www.tabsinnovations.com

About Virgin Islands’ Department of Labor
The Virgin Islands Department of Labor’s mission is to administer a system of effective programs and services. This system is designed to develop, protect and maintain a viable workforce requiring partnerships with government agencies, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders. It also requires a commitment to continuous improvement, reducing costs, improving business processes, technological efficiency, developing staff through training/mentoring/education, improving compliance with regulatory mandates and being a catalyst for positive change.

The strategic goals of VIDOL are to develop a talented workforce, to protect the workforce system, and to provide responsive fail-safe programs that support the workforce system. These goals support the Honorable Governor John P. deJongh’s directive to “provide workers with the assistance and encouragement they need to develop new skills and competencies over time, both to seek greater opportunity and to adapt to a rapidly changing employment reality and world economy.”

The Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL) receives its authority pursuant to Titles 3, 24, 27 & 29 of the Virgin Islands Code; the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; the OSHA Act of 1970; and other Federal laws which require the development of administrative structures that govern and enforce fair labor standards and the protection of the people of the Virgin Islands from any threat to health, morals, and general welfare.

Connect with Colleagues
Form a group in your organization to brainstorm and discuss ideas on increasing workplace efficiency. Collective knowledge connects ideas at a faster rate. Attend relevant seminars, and share your experiences with colleagues to gain a better output of analysis. Contribute your expertise with others and you will gain recognition as well as confidence.

New Year- New Plan

Pre Interview:
1. Research the organization
• Call the company or search their website to gather general information about them. For instance find out more about the company’s history, organizational structure, business methods, etc. (Employers are often impressed with this effort).
• Write down questions you may want to ask about the company.
2. Rehearse a mental script
• Review your work history (Be prepared to discuss in detail what you did at your previous job(s), reasons for leaving, accomplishments, etc.
• Know the questions you want to ask about the company based on your research.
3. Know where you are going and be on time.
4. Dress professionally not trendy.
5. Walk with relevant documents (Identification, a copy of your resume and references).

During the Interview:
1. Relax
2. Be positive and show enthusiasm.
3. Establish good eye contact.
4. Highlight your resume with your personality
• Discuss your skills and achievements.
• Elaborate on work experience, education, values and so forth.
• Communicate your strengths and areas you need to improve on (Be honest; you never know if you will get a ‘pop quiz’ during the interview).
5. Be conversational
• Inquire about the company (Ask questions based on your research)
• Explain why you would be a good asset to the company.
• Requests additional information on the position (Work schedule, responsibilities, minimum supervision, etc.)

Common questions to expect from an employer:
1. What are your short and long term career goals?
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want this job?
4. What can you bring to the company?
5. Do you work well with others?
6. What salary would you expect for this position?
7. What was the most challenging task you have taken on and how did it turn out?
8. Why did you your last job?
9. Are you willing to relocate?

Post Interview:
1. Ask when you can expect a call or letter about their decision.
2. Ask for mailing information to send a follow up thank you letter or email.