HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

Overcoming a Great Divide

Because of the recession, resume gaps are more common than ever. But that doesn’t mean job candidates aren’t being questioned about periods when they’ve been out of work. In a Robert Half survey, nine out of 10 (93 percent) executives polled said gaps in a person’s work history would raise a red flag for them in the interview process. Properly addressing employment gaps in your cover letter or during the initial interview is the best way to overcome doubts from potential employers. Here are some additional tips:

• Highlight the positive. Use a resume format that draws attention to your achievements, specific skills and strengths, and other compelling aspects of your work history versus dates of employment.
• Stick to the facts. If you’ve been out of work for a while, it can be tempting to stretch the truth about your dates of employment. Resist this urge; not only is it dishonest, it’s also easily discovered by prospective employers.
• Seek out referrals. If your resume doesn’t capture all that you can bring to a prospective employer, enlist help from your network of friends, business colleagues and mentors who can recommend you for job openings.
• Fill in the gaps. If you’re unemployed, seek out temporary assignments while you’re looking for a full-time job. A staffing firm can help you identify opportunities. Another alternative is to offer your expertise to a nonprofit or volunteer organization. You’ll build your skills and demonstrate that you’ve been productive while seeking full-time work.

Workplace Clichés
Being able to effectively communicate with your colleagues is one of the most important skills to possess. But what happens when the language you use feels as fresh as day-old bagels?
In a survey by our company, executives identified the most overused buzzwords in the corporate world. Here are some of their responses:

• “Leverage”
• “Reach out”
• “It is what it is”
• “Viral”
• “Game changer”
• “Disconnect”
• “Value-add”
• “Circle back”
• “Socialize”
• “Interface”
• “Cutting edge”

Because buzzwords are so prevalent, it’s easy to incorporate them into your vocabularies. When words or phrases become overused, however, they can lose their impact and appear clichéd. If you find buzzwords popping up in your speech, consider how to convey your thoughts more clearly.

The Right Response for Unprofessional Colleagues
Chances are you’ve had a colleague who has rubbed you the wrong way. Twenty-nine percent of workers we surveyed said they currently work with someone who is rude or unprofessional. What’s the best way to deal with these individuals? Here is some advice:

The Break Room Bully. Bullies put others down in an effort to make themselves feel better. Put-downs, demeaning remarks and disparaging comments are common trademarks of this person.
            How to deal: By remaining calm and standing up for yourself, you’ll diffuse a bully’s insults. 
           
The Gossip Girl. Office gossips spread rumors and have the ability to ruin a hard-won reputation. 
            How to deal: Be cautious with this person; anything you say can and will be used against you. Also, don’t be afraid to walk away from a conversation with a gossip if you feel the topic is veering into dangerous ground.  

The Loafer. This person shirks responsibilities. The Loafer often claims he is too busy to get his work done, but he somehow finds time for water-cooler chats and web surfing.
            How to deal: When working with this person on a project team, be sure he carries his weight. Document the responsibilities of each member of the group and ask for regular status reports. Hold everyone accountable for his or her portion of the project, and be firm with deadlines. 

Heard in the LunchroomSM 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.