May 2003 : Issue 12
A newsletter brought to you by Aussie Résumés http://www.aussieresumes.com
Aussie Résumés offer résumé writing services, a résumé and covering
letter critiquing service, The Aussie Résumés Cover Letter Software, in
addition to The Australian Résumé Writer software.
Editor: Tara West
-------------------------------------------------------
In This Issue
-------------------------------------------------------
> Welcome
> Guest Article: "Prepare for your performance review before you start
the job"
> News for registered software users
> Subscribe / Unsubscribe Information
> Contact Information
-------------------------------------------------------
Welcome
-------------------------------------------------------
Welcome! You are receiving this newsletter as you subscribed, or a friend has
forwarded it to you. If you feel you have received this in error please contact
Aussie Résumés.
----- Please forward this issue to others -----
You are welcome to forward Résumé Action Newsletter by Aussie Résumés to
interested friends or relatives, provided it is for personal use only and
content is not altered in any way.
We are always interested in hearing from our readers, particularly with
suggestions on how to improve our newsletter and what you would like to see
featured in future issues. Please email your feedback to: admin@aussieresumes.com
I hope you enjoy this issue of Résumé Action.
===============================
GUEST ARTICLE:
Prepare for your performance review before you start the job
by Cathy Goodwin
===============================
When you start a new job, you probably realize the first three months are
critical to your long-term success. Everybody's eye is on the "newbie"
as you learn the ropes. "Does anybody want to go to lunch?" is the
wrong thing to say in a run-during-lunch or never-leave-the-desk culture.
You may begin your job by reading a stack of manuals. Or you may dive right
in to fix a crisis or install a much-needed system.
YOUR FIRST STEP...
Logical first steps, right? Wrong! Your very first step should be to set up a
meeting with your boss to find out what will count in your new job.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
* What does your boss expect: outcomes, budget, and dates. Be as specific as
possible. If you're designing a training program, by what date will you have
brochures? Attendees? Will participant evaluations of the program influence your
own evaluation?
* What is the next step in your career path? How can you prepare yourself for
promotion?
* Does your company evaluate by numbers, e.g., 5 is outstanding and 3 is
average? If so, what would you need to demonstrate for a top score?
* Is your boss expected to "curve the grades?" If the boss is
limited to three "outstanding" ratings out of ten people, learn
whether the top scores have traditionally been awarded to the same people each
year.
* Try to learn how your boss will be evaluated. You may not be able to ask
directly but you can expect to be rewarded for helping your boss score points.
REALITY CHECKS
Begin keeping a record of your activities and accomplishments. Write entries
every week, if not every day. Save evidence of accomplishments so you can be
ready to document your performance.
Finally, as you learn the ropes, compare formal and informal rules.
Tom's boss said, "We want you to revitalize this product line."
After considerable work, Tom managed to increase sales of a dying product. He
was horrified to receive a "Below Average" evaluation. His company
maintained the line as a loss leader. They wanted a caretaker, not a manager.
Tom was the wrong person for that job.
Angela was hired "to raise standards and prominence" of a private
college's new program. She soon realized the school needed money and she would
be rewarded for increasing the number of tuition-paying students. She turned her
efforts from program content to marketing. If she were uncomfortable in that
role, she would have sought a new job.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Don't wait six months or a year to find out what your boss expects. You may
even be able to lay a foundation for these discussions during the hiring
process. Regardless, a supportive boss will welcome your initiative. Those who
insist on vague standards ("hey, we all know what we're supposed to
do") or feel insulted by the question ("are you worried I won't give
you a fair shake?") are sending a loud, clear warning: "Danger
ahead."
For the tough career decisions in your own life, consider coaching.
-----------------------------------------------------
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. is an author, career coach, and speaker. She works with
mid-career professionals who want to make a fast move to career freedom. Visit
her site http://www.movinglady.com or
call international
(US) 505-534-4294. For her free ezine, visit http://www.movinglady.com/subscribe.html
==================================
Have you written a résumé and cover letter lately?
It more than likely contains spelling errors, grammatical errors, punctuation
errors, incorrect style, and negative connotations (as opposed to positive
voice).
Did you realise that you usually read what you want to read? A second pair of
eyes can pick up what you don't. Our latest employer survey highlighted the need
for good clean copy, free of errors.
Hire Aussie Résumés for a comprehensive, insightful and refreshing
critique!
For as little as $9.95 for a cover letter and $29.95 for a résumé, your
dollar is well spent... particularly when errors could be costing you
interviews, and ultimately jobs.
Visit http://www.aussieresumes.com/resume-paidcritique.htm
for more information and to order.
=================================
News for Registered Users of The Australian Résumé Writer Software
================================
A new update will be available for registered users AS OF MONDAY 5TH MAY.
Some useability features have been improved, in addition to patches for some
of the styles contained within the résumé wizard (in other words, we've fixed
some glitches!)
=================================
SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE
==================================
Copyright Aussie Résumés. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction of information contained in this newsletter is prohibited without
the express written consent of Aussie Résumés.
To subscribe, visit:
http://www.aussieresumes.com/careercentre-newsletter.htm
or send an email with subscribe in the subject line to: newsletter@aussieresumes.com
To unsubscribe, visit:
http://www.aussieresumes.com/careercentre-newsletter.htm
or send an email with unsubscribe in the subject line to: newsletter@aussieresumes.com
Our Privacy Policy: Please note that Aussie Résumés respects your privacy
and as such your email address will never be supplied to any third parties.
Contact Information
Editor: Tara West
Résumé Action published by Aussie Résumés, PO Box 3654, Mt Gambier, 5290
Email: admin@aussieresumes.com
Web: http://www.aussieresumes.com
Telephone: 1800 777 110
*** The views expressed by independent contributors and / or authors are the
views of that author and are not endorsed by Aussie Résumés ***
*** Aussie Résumés (TM) is a trademark of Aussie Résumés. Use of
this trademark is strictly
prohibited without the express written consent of Aussie Résumés. ***
