HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

Cube Courtesy

While partitioned workspaces can increase opportunities for interaction with coworkers, the simple truth is that cubicles lack privacy. Being sensitive to this fact will be appreciated by your fellow cube dwellers and make your job more satisfying.
           
Here are four tips for fostering respectful relationships with coworkers and improving productivity when working in close quarters:
           
Be courteous. Before entering a colleague’s work area, always knock gently on the side of the entrance. This allows the individual to signal whether he or she can afford to be disturbed at that moment. If you see your colleague on the phone, return another time. If a matter is urgent, jot a note that you’d like to speak with the person once the call is completed.
           
Use your ‘library voice.’ In today’s deadline-driven workplace, people must be able to concentrate on completing tasks without constant distractions. Whenever possible, use a quiet tone when speaking to coworkers or on the phone so you don’t disrupt others. 
           
Curb casual conversation. Socializing in the office is a great way to build camaraderie with coworkers, but some topics are just not appropriate for the workplace. Not everyone wants to know about the strange blind date you had last night — and those who do shouldn’t be trusted with the details! It’s both unprofessional and unwise to spend more than a few minutes talking about your personal life during office hours. 
           
Avoid cell phone faux pas. If you must leave your cell phone on during work hours, make sure that it’s always with you and that the volume is turned down or the phone is silenced altogether. And use a standard, professional-sounding ringtone.
           
Creating Compelling Cover Letters

With so much emphasis placed on the resume, you may not realize that it’s often the cover letter that determines whether or not you will be invited for an interview. This document serves as the hiring manager’s introduction to you since it’s often read before the resume. It’s also your first opportunity to make a positive impression.

When writing your cover letter, keep the following tips in mind:

• Know your stuff. Your first step should be to learn as much as you can about the potential employer so you can customize your letter to the specific opportunity. Visit the firm’s website and scan industry publications to familiarize yourself with recent news about the company and its business needs.

• Start strong. A good cover letter begins with a powerful opening paragraph. Identify the position you are applying for, how you learned about it and why you are a superb candidate. If you and the hiring manager have a mutual acquaintance, mention the person’s name — this is a good way to ensure the reader will continue on.

• Keep it short. The most effective cover letters are concise and straightforward. A busy hiring manager does not have time to search for hidden meanings, so make your letter clear and to the point.

• Offer an enticement. The body of the letter should expand upon, not simply repeat, the key points in your resume. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job opening, and provide concrete examples of how you can benefit the company.

• Be bold. Close your letter by expressing your desire to learn more about the job during an interview. Stating when you will contact the hiring manager to follow up allows you to be proactive and also shows enthusiasm.

• Don’t forget to proofread. Research conducted by Robert Half indicates that just one or two typographical errors are enough to discourage a hiring manager from calling you back. Use your computer’s spell- and grammar-check functions to avoid errors, but also ask friends and family to review your work.

Heard in the Lunchroom^SM is provided by Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm and a leading authority on workplace and management trends.  For more information, visit www.rhi.com.