Published on: 08 May 2019
Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
Your employees, especially the best-performing ones, mean a great deal to your company. This means that losing them can significantly affect productivity and may eventually cost your company. Apparently, retaining the best employees simply translates to an increase in product sales and a bunch of satisfied and happy people working for you.
In an ideal world, employees won’t find reasons to quit your company. However, that’s not always the case in reality. So just how are you going to entice your best employees to stay? You’ll be surprised at how many more things you can do, aside from increasing their pay, to retain top staff!
1. Recognize Employees’ Efforts:
If you want to succeed in business, you’ll have to understand the value of recognizing others’ good work. When you appreciate and recognize a top employee’s efforts, this confirms their value and purpose in your organization. Eventually, this motivates them to increase their productivity and maintain or even improve their quality of work. Sometimes, a pat on the back can make a huge difference to a thriving employee.
When you praise an employee for his or her efforts, be sure to thank that person by name and state specifically what is being recognized. Also, point out what value it adds to a project or the team in general. Employees become more engaged when their leaders celebrate their successes, whether individually or as a group, from time to time.
2. Avoid Forgotten Benefits:
It’s easy for most employees to forget what benefits their organization offers—even the management can make the same mistake! To help your employees remember the benefits they are entitled to, make sure to provide your staff with a transparent view of these perks. Help them understand what these perks are about and how your employees can avail them. And don’t just deliver the information for both the first and last time. Remind them on these offers frequently, especially at key milestones in their career and personal life.
For instance, sick employees may forget they are entitled to free medicine at the clinic or free use of medical equipment, such as a SpO2 pulse oximeter, thereby keeping their illness untreated and compromising their quality of work. Reminding them of their health benefits should go a long way in helping to retain your best employees.
3. Get on a Personal Level:
Many employers often make the mistake of treating employees like mere employees. To get your best staff to stay in your organization, make an effort to get to know them on a personal level. While there are boundaries to this, building personal relationships often cultivates trust and rapport between employee and leader, improving one’s quality of work and increasing productivity in the long run.
There’s so much you can do to get to know each member of your team better. Whether it is over video-conferencing equipment or a personal meeting at a nearby coffee shop, staff meetings would be a lot more fun and exciting when you can discuss other things aside from work, such as everyone’s favorite celebrities or their go-to weekend hobbies.
4. Get Them to Speak Their Mind:
You know what they say—two heads are better than one. There is a reason why there are people working for you, and that’s so they can help your business achieve its goals and desired outcomes. Whether it be ideas for a certain project or reactions to how the company is being managed, your employees’ thoughts matter. Provide an accessible platform where they can share their ideas and then offer feedback. Doing so will not only encourage them to speak up but will also engage employees and give them a reason to stay in your company longer.
While we can’t force an employee to work for your company for the long haul, the least you can do is to make an effort to listen to your employees and to encourage them to be their best selves each day.
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Got called for an interview for that dream job you have wanted for a long time?
Well, congratulations for starters! Secondly, are you ready with the top interview skills? Ensuring that you are putting your best foot forward!
Do not worry, this doesn’t automatically mean you are underprepared. Your confidence to ace the interview will get half of the job done!
However, to improve your interview game, you should know what the experts say about a guaranteed interview win.
Especially the skills that can help you achieve that goal!
Top Interview Skills – Preparing For A Win
A good interview is more than just an opportunity to show off your resume or learn about a new company.
It’s about having key interview skills to help you shine above the competition. From communication skills to problem-solving abilities, here are the skills you need to start polishing.
Got an interview for your dream job? Great!
The tricky part is getting the job.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help with your interview prep. Let's begin with the following:
The 5 Cs Of A Job Interview
Here’s a job interview preparation framework: the 5Cs. Five qualities you should try to convey at your interview to be successful.
1. Confidence Is The Key!
Confidence is indeed the key. Employers want to hire people who can perform well under pressure and believe in their abilities.
You can come with many skills, but how would they know if you cannot showcase them?
However, keep in mind that confidence doesn't have to be loud and on someone's face.
There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Be assertive but also respectful and open to learning.
How do you express confidence?
Start with eye contact, a firm handshake, and positive body language. Know your strengths, but also be ready to discuss your weaknesses and how you’ve worked to improve them.
2. Can You Provide Clarity?
Be clear and concise with your words.
Stuttering, pausing, or slipping in thoughts will make you appear unconfident. This doesn't mean you cannot pause between your answers. Whenever you feel like you need to take a break, always do so with confidence.
It will also give the impression that you didn't memorize the answers but rather know how to have a proper conversation.
Take it slow, and do not chew on your words. It makes the interviewer aware of nervousness! Plus, learn how to answer basic interview questions using clear & succinct lines. Don't be absolutely clueless there and take your time thinking.
The more focused your answers are, the better you can convey what you think.
3. Curiosity Won’t Kill The Cat Here
Be curious about everything and always be ready to learn. Curiosity keeps the mind engaged and open to new ideas and possibilities, making you a better problem-solver and decision-maker. Plus, your curious questions can also hold the conversation better.
Show genuine interest in the role and company. It is not a surprise that employers love a candidate who is inquisitive and shows they are keen to learn/grow. Ask questions about the company culture, future goals, challenges, etc. Here are some of the unique interview questions to ask employers.
4. Try To Be Calm!
Staying calm is most important in any kind of interview situation. Being mindful, calm, and present are some of the top interview skills out there!
I know it is not easy, and you are totally panicking if it is a dream job, and you do not want to mess up!
But trust me, thinking and losing your sleep over it will not bring you any positive results. The employer wants to see if the person can think clearly and answer thoughtfully, even if you are nervous.
So, take a deep breath, smile, and if you need a few seconds before answering, that’s alright!
5. Are You Competent For The Job
Again, it could be a dream job, but do not apply for a role (especially in a higher position) if you are not sure!
This is one of the reasons why understanding your competency for the job is crucial. It is not about putting yourself down but knowing your strengths & weaknesses well.
If needed, you can also ask the recruiter beforehand to explain the job role in detail.
Your experience will show your Competence, skills, and how much you know about the job you are being interviewed for. Read the job description properly and respond in a targeted way, describing how your experience fits the role.
Dos & Don’ts Of An Interview
Knowing what to do and not do in an interview can make all the difference. Here are some important dos and don'ts to help you present yourself as a true professional.
Here is what you should do during your job interview:
Do Some Company Research
Before you even get to the interview, make sure you know what you’re getting into. You’ll be able to answer and ask questions more effectively if you’ve taken the time to learn about the company’s history, culture, and goals.
Do Dress Appropriately
First impressions are everything. Dressing appropriately will show that you take the interview seriously and understand the company’s culture. When in doubt, dress business casual unless the culture of the company says otherwise.
Do Listen Attentively
An interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen to what your interviewer is saying and respond accordingly.
Being a good listener is also one of the crucial interview skills. This will demonstrate that you can work well with others in the workplace.
Now, here is what you shouldn’t do.
Don’t Over-talk Or Interrupt
While it’s important to provide thorough answers, you don’t want to monopolize the conversation. Answer the question and then stop talking. Let the interviewer guide the discussion, and don’t talk over them.
Don’t Say Anything Bad About A Former Employer
Don’t badmouth your former employer Even if you didn’t have a great experience at your last job.
Potential employers are looking for candidates who can remain professional and positive in difficult situations.
Which Skills Do I Need In An Interview?
Interviewing is all about presenting your best self, and that starts with showcasing your skills. You don’t just want to show that you’re qualified on paper.
Yes, you also want to demonstrate that you can effectively and comfortably communicate your qualifications in person.
So, here are the top six skills employers look for when they interview candidates!
1. Clear Communication
Clear and effective communication is key for any successful interview. You need to articulate your thoughts, respond to questions, and share your views in an easy-to-understand manner.
Practice speaking clearly and using professional language without unnecessary jargon.
2. Critical Thinking
You may be a natural problem solver and excel in critical thinking or need to work on it. If the latter is the case, it is time for you to polish your critical and quick-thinking skills. A good way to do so is by joining a workshop on interview skills.
Many employers will want to know how you have dealt with difficult situations in the past. Here is your opportunity to let them see your problem-solving skills.
Think of examples when you devised creative solutions to hard problems.
3. Adaptability
In today’s ever-changing job market, flexibility is the name of the game. You cannot be afraid of change and think you will fixate on the same skills and the same means for years on end.
The whole corporate scene is getting dynamic, which means there is a new change at every corner. Therefore, demonstrate that you can adapt to change and be open to new ideas and challenges.
You can also give examples of when you were forced to be fluid and how you thrived in a new environment.
4. The Ability To Lead
Leadership skills are essential Even if you’re not applying for a management position. After all, you would want to give the impression that one day you will be capable enough to lead a team.
Especially if someone asks you about your five-year plan, this shows that you can take initiative, guide others, and make decisions when needed.
Share examples where you demonstrated leadership qualities, even in small tasks or team collaborations.
5. Technical Skills
The digital trends are growing at an unsteady pace, and you will need to adapt quickly!
For many positions, you’ll also need specific technical skills, whether it’s the ability to use certain software, machines, or tools or expertise in a particular methodology.
Familiarize yourself with the technical skills needed for the position and mention them in your response.
What's The Best Answer To "Tell Me About Yourself"?
Ah, the dreaded “Tell me about yourself” interview question! No amount of interview skills can prepare you for that!
This one is tough because it’s so open-ended. Yes, you don’t want to give too much away and tell your life story, but you also need to give a well-rounded answer. Here’s how to nail it.
First, give a quick background of your career thus far, including only things that are pertinent to this job application. Briefly mention a few big achievements that might pique their interest (make them want to keep reading!).
Then, please talk about your skills and how they relate specifically to this role. Finish your statement by explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you’ll help the company as a result.
Here Is A Good Example Of This Question:
“I’ve spent the past five years working as a digital marketing specialist, where I helped companies grow their online presence and customer engagement. I got to work on some cool campaigns, like a social media campaign that increased our client’s online sales by 30%.
Not only did I learn the ins and outs of SEO, content strategy, and data analytics in my role, but this is also what you’re looking for! I’m super excited to bring my skills to your team and help drive your digital marketing efforts!”
You should also read 10 interview questions, for better preparation!
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How Many Jobs Are Available In Industrial Machinery/Components?
The labor market does not stand still, and every year new professions appear. However, there is a glut of the market too. There are a lot of specialists, which cannot be said about jobs. Today we have prepared a selection of jobs in the field of health that will gain demand in 2020-2025. Healthcare Jobs can make things easier for you. However, if you prefer to live in today’s reality and not look into the future, then Jobsora offers everyone to find a job. You can monitor job offers and view salaries in areas of interest to you, and we will continue our research.
Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025:
Molecular Nutritionist:
Such a specialist will be engaged in the development of the individual nutritional menu, which will be based on data on the molecular composition of the food. At the same time, specialists will take into account the results of human genetic analysis and the characteristics of all physiological processes.
The Developer of Medical Organizations:
This is such a professional who will be engaged in the development of the life cycle of a medical institution and its management -from design to closure. Today, activities related to R&D, education and training, and mastering new technologies are beginning to play an increasing role in the development of medical institutions. And in order to manage such complex complexes, there will be a need for relevant specialists.
R&D Health Care Manager:
Most likely it will be a pretty demanded profession from the management branch in medicine. A specialist in this profession should provide communication between research, medical diagnostic and preventive institutions. Also, he or she should be able to manage cooperation programs and joint projects. The role of such a manager is to assemble a suitable team of scientists, engineers, researchers, developers and focus them on the implementation of commercially promising ideas, as well as coordinate all teamwork in the process.
Health Advisor for the elderly:
A healthy lifestyle becomes a must. By 2020, there will be a need for a consultant who will develop solutions to health problems in older people. Such a medical consultant will adjust the lifestyle, select the necessary diet, and physical activity.
IT Geneticist:
This will be a professional who will be engaged in programming the genome for the given parameters. Gene therapy has become a booming medical field. This is a change in the genetic apparatus of a person to combat diseases. Since new research is constantly being revealed in this direction, specialists in this area will be very sought-after.
The Developer of Cyber Prostheses, Implants:
The key responsibilities of such a specialist are clear. Even today, professionals in this area are needed. This trend will be still relevant in a couple of years, with a rapidly developing technological process.
Medical Equipment Architect:
An architect of such a direction will have to possess spatial thinking, understand the anatomy and physiology of a person and understand the biocompatibility of materials and devices. Moreover, it will be necessary to have expert knowledge in the field of medical and technical safety. Healthcare jobs can make things more feasible when you use the best medical equipment.
Bioethics Specialist:
The duties of a professional of such a specialty will include the provision of a regulatory and ethical framework for the activities of medical centers that deal with diagnostics and bioenergy. It is expected that no laboratory of the future will be able to do without the help of such a professional.
Specialist in the Clinical Bioinformatics:
In the case of an unusual course of the disease, this specialist will build a computer model of the biochemical processes of the disease in order to understand its root causes. Despite the fact that translational medicine exists today, the emergence of a large number of jobs in this area is predicted. Healthcare jobs will provide you the opportunity to know more about Clinical Bioinformatics.
Medical Robot Operator:
Perhaps by 2025, there will be much more robotic medical students. Therefore, experts who will be engaged in programming diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical robots will be very necessary!
Despite the penetration of technology and artificial intelligence in each area, the need for health workers will not decrease. As you see, on the contrary, there will be new specialties and an increase in the number of jobs!
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Virtual assistant jobs are becoming common among professionals who want flexibility and independence.
If you want job flexibility but want to showcase your organizational skills, you can apply for a virtual assistant role. Generally, most virtual assistant positions give you the chance to have an excellent work-life balance.
In this article, you will learn general details about the virtual assistant job role. Apart from that, this article also consists of some popular virtual assistant jobs in the market.
Additionally, you will learn about the eligibility and qualifications for virtual assistant jobs. Finally, you will learn how to apply for such a job role.
Virtual Assistant Jobs: A General Overview
A virtual assistant provides administrative services to companies or clients. Basically, they operate away from the company’s office premises.
Generally, a virtual assistant can be a professional or an independent contractor. They operate from their home office. However, they can access all the important aspects of the company.
In general, people who work as virtual assistants have several years of experience as an administrative assistant or office manager.
Moreover, new opportunities for virtual assistants with social media and content management skills are coming up. Furthermore, companies seek virtual assistants with skills like blog writing, graphic designing, and internet marketing.
Nowadays, working from home has become a norm for employers and workers. Hence, the demand for virtual assistants is increasing day by day.
Top Virtual Assistant Jobs To Look Out For
Many companies are offering virtual executive assistant jobs and online assistant jobs to experienced individuals who can work remotely.
The following are some virtual assistant jobs you can apply for:
Virtual Assistant - Social Media Company: Live It UpJob Type: Part Time (25 hours per week) Salary: $5/hour USD Finance Assistant - Virtual R&P OfficeCompany: World ReliefJob Type: Full-Time Salary: $45T - $50T (Employer Est.) Virtual AssistantCompany: Travel To Freedom Job Type: Part Time (20 hours per week) Salary: Up to $17.28-$25 per hour Virtual Assistant Company: SF Global Consultancy Ltd. Job Type: Full-time Salary: $29,000.00 - $32,000.00 per year Mandarin Interpreter/ Virtual Assistant Company: Charter Group of Companies Job Type: Part Time (1-10 hours per week) Salary: $12.00 - $17.00 per hour Virtual Banking Assistant III - Plano, TX Company: JPMorganChase Job Type: Full Time Salary: Not Available Virtual Administrative Assistant - PT Flex ScheduleCompany: Melville Management Corp Job Type: Part Time Salary: $40/hour USD Purchasing Assistant (Remote - MI) Company: Otto Bock Patient Care, LLC Job Type: Full Time (at least 40 hours per week) Salary: $18.00 per hour
How Do Virtual Assistants Work?
Generally, nowadays, startups rely more on virtual offices to keep the costs down for their businesses. However, the use of the internet increases in such cases. Hence, there has been an increase in the rise of virtual assistants for businesses.
Basically, a virtual assistant is an independent contractor. Hence, when a business hires a virtual assistant, it does not have to provide the same benefits or pay the same taxes that they do for a full-time employee.
On the other hand, a virtual assistant is also different from a normal administrator who works from home. The latter is just another employee with the same compensation and tax structure for the company.
Moreover, a virtual assistant does not work onsite. Hence, the company does not need a desk or a workspace. Rather, the virtual assistant has their own computer equipment, workspace, software programs, and high-speed internet.
Essential Requirements Of Virtual Assistant Jobs
Generally, the duties of a virtual assistant vary according to the needs and demands of the company or the client. Apart from that, it can change as per the contract terms.
The following are some of the major requirements of virtual assistant jobs:
👨🏻💻Duties Of A Virtual Assistant
If you want to be a virtual assistant, you must learn about the duties of the job role. However, you must understand that a virtual assistant has no common duties. Generally, your duties can change depending on the needs and requirements of your client and the terms of the contract.
In terms of tasks, some virtual assistants handle clerical or bookkeeping tasks. On the other hand, other virtual assistants post updates on social media or write blogs for the company.
Apart from that, the company can also hire an individual who is well-rounded and can handle other tasks like travel arrangements, data entry, scheduling, file storage, etc.
👨🏻💻Qualification Of Virtual Assistants
To become a virtual assistant, there are no proper educational requirements. However, most companies prefer those individuals who have a higher level of education. Moreover, getting special administration and virtual assistance training helps a lot in this regard.
Apart from that, some online companies and community colleges offer certifications and courses on virtual assistance. Hence, if you are unsure where to start, you can look for various virtual assistant courses on top platforms offering professional skills.
Generally, a virtual assistant must be tech-savvy and have enough skills to understand various computer software and business platforms.
For instance, if you are good at bookkeeping as a virtual assistant, you must also be able to perform basic accounting tasks. These include account reconciliations and double-entry bookkeeping.
Virtual Assistant Jobs: How To Get One?
The following are the major steps you must take if you want to get a virtual assistant job for yourself:
1. Develop The Skills
Before searching for virtual assistant jobs, you must assess your current skills. For instance, it is really important to have skills like communication and time management. However, you also need technical skills like MS Excel, Content Management System, HR systems, and more.
Moreover, you must be willing to conduct research and know how to deal with clients. Also, check job descriptions to learn about specific software or processes you need to learn. If possible, get the necessary training for the skill you need to learn.
2. Create A Business Plan
If you want to work as a freelance virtual assistant, you first need to create a business plan. Once you write a business plan, it will help bring structure to your career plans. Hence, you can define your target market, services, financial goals, and more.
Also, you can include information about how to handle your clients. Moreover, you can focus on the pricing structure of your business. Apart from that, you also need to handle invoices and payments for your virtual assistance business.
3. Create A Home Office Space
You need a dedicated home office space to work as a virtual assistant for your business. However, you do not need an entire room for it. All you need is an organized and quiet space to work from.
Apart from that, you must also set up a phone line using a virtual phone system. This will help you take business calls.
4. Create A Professional Portfolio
As you grow as a virtual assistant, you must consider showcasing your skills and experience to potential clients. Also, make sure to get resume tips to build a professional resume for your job role.
Additionally, you can include client testimonials, past projects, and relevant certifications. Moreover, you can create work samples if you want to get client work at the start.
5. Develop A Strong Online Presence
Apart from having a portfolio of your projects and achievements, you must also have a strong online presence. This will increase your credibility as a virtual assistant. Apart from that, you also need to have active social media accounts and listings in business directories.
Moreover, you can build your online presence faster if you respond to potential clients. Furthermore, you can use online platforms like LinkedIn to network with other professionals.
6. Start Networking On Various Platforms
One of the most effective growth strategies is word-of-mouth advertising. This can help you grow your virtual assistance business faster. Here, you can contact your friends, alumni, and family and tell them about your services.
Apart from that, you must develop new connections. To do this, you can attend networking events, conferences, and seminars to help you network with other virtual assistants.
7. Start Looking For Jobs And Client
As you continue your interview prep, you must research quality clients. One of the best ways to get quality clients is to stick to top platforms. However, you must be proactive with your follow-ups and communicate professionally.
How To Get A Virtual Assistant Job Without Any Experience?
To get a virtual assistant job without any experience, you will need to do the following:
Start developing your software skills by learning about different software systems that virtual assistants use.
Learn how to create a business plan.
Create your own portfolio by working on internships and projects.
Build your network on top professional platforms like LinkedIn.
Basically, you must understand that most employers look for experienced managers when they want virtual assistants. Hence, it is better for a beginner (with no experience) to start as an intern.
Getting Your Virtual Assistant Job
If you are looking for a virtual assistant job, you do not need previous experience. However, it always helps if someone knows how to work remotely. Moreover, you can take courses to learn communication and administrative software to enhance your virtual assistance skills.
Do you have more suggestions on how to get a virtual assistant job? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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