Author: zerophoid

When you hand in your resignation, your boss may present you with a counter-offer. A counter-offer is usually a revised offer to your initial job offer, and may appear to be better. It may include a higher salary, a slightly better position, or more room for growth within the company. While this may all seem very appealing, you should think very carefully before accepting it.

In fact, we’d strongly recommend that you decline any counter-offers, as it could very easily stifle your career. Research has shown that those who do not accept counter-offers are often more successful as a result of personal growth, job satisfaction and promotions.

Here are some reasons not to accept counter-offers:

1. Once you have resigned, you have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy, and your relationship with colleagues may become very uncomfortable.
2. Working conditions may only improve temporarily, and the same reasons that you resigned will most likely be repeated in the future.
3. Accepting a counter-offer of a higher salary insults your integrity, because it shows that you were bought back.
4. A monetary counter-offer may also be your next salary increase that you are just receiving early.
5. You could be ignored for future promotions because your commitment to the company is uncertain.
6. If there are staff cutbacks in the future, you could be the first to go.
7. If your original reasons for interviewing at the new company still stand, it would be a mistake to pass up the opportunity and return to the previous job that you were unhappy in.
8. Good offers from top companies are few and far between. Take the opportunity when you’ve earned it.

Counter-Offer Statistics

Here are some interesting statistics that have been tabled internationally about employees who accept counter-offers:

1. 50-80% of employees voluntarily leave their employer within six months of accepting the counter-offer because of promises that were not kept.
2. The other employees who accepted counter-offers involuntarily leave within twelve months of accepting the offer.
3. Counter-offers may look appealing, but they drastically decrease your chances of achieving your full career potential.

When you are being interviewed for a potential job opportunity, your body language could make or break the deal when the employer decides whether or not to hire you.

Have a firm handshake

The very first thing you should do is offer the interviewer a firm handshake. Weak handshakes reflect poorly on you and you may appear unreliable. Be careful not to crush the interviewer’s hand though.

Remember to smile

Smiling can help you during the interview as it can make you appear more friendly and approachable.

Retain good posture

Having good posture shows that you are confident and prepared. Hold your head high when you walk, and do not slouch in the chair while you are waiting for the interviewer, as you will also make an impression on other employees.

Do not fidget

Fidgeting makes you seem nervous, and portrays a lack of confidence. Although you may very well be nervous during the interview, do your best not to show it.

Maintain eye contact

Always maintain strong eye contact during the interview. A lack of eye contact can make you seem untrustworthy. However, don’t stare at the interviewer and create an uncomfortable situation.

Listening

Listen carefully to the questions that the interviewer is asking, and then answer appropriately. Don’t waffle as the interviewers may lose interest. If you do not understand the question that is being asked, ask them to repeat it or rephrase it.

Be aware of the space around you

Don’t sit or stand too close to the interviewer, as this may appear to be pushy. Don’t sit or stand too far away either, as this may make you appear to be off. Maintaining the right distance from others is vital if you want to give off the right signals.

The purpose of an interview is for the client to establish your suitability for the vacancy, as well as whether you will add value to the organisation and fit in with the company culture.

1. Diarise the location and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name and designation.
2. Read over your CV and brush up on your previous employment and your work history.
3. Think carefully about your achievements and how to describe them.
4. Practice your interviewing skills with a friend a day before the interview.
5. Find out the company dress code and dress appropriately. First impressions count!
6. Arrive on time.
7. Introduce yourself politely.
8. Have a firm handshake, and make eye contact. Giving a limp handshake and avoiding eye contact shows that you are not confident in your own abilities.
9. Listen carefully to the questions that the interviewer is asking, and then answer appropriately. Don’t waffle as the interviewers may lose interest. If you do not understand the question that is being asked, ask them to repeat it or rephrase it.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure as to what the interviewer is asking. You have one opportunity to make a good impression, and it would be better to have clarity, rather than to guess an answer.

The purpose of an interview is for the client to establish your suitability for the vacancy, as well as whether you will add value to the organisation and fit in with the company culture.

Here are some things that you could prepare to ask the interviewer:

1. A detailed description of the position
2. What the culture of the company is
3. What the company growth plans are and how would I fit in with this if I’m successful?

Making a good first impression with a future employer starts with your CV. It is the only way you can communicate to a prospective employer that he or she needs to take your application seriously.

Take your time when compiling your CV. Keep it concise, and don’t enhance the facts or overinflate your achievements. Being dishonest will not make a good impression.

Be sure to include the following information in your CV:

Your gross salary expectation
Your notice period or availability

Personal Information:

• Full name
• E-mail address
• Gender
• Age
• Marital status
• Driver’s license
• Type of transport
• Residential area
• Contact details

Education:

• Last school attended
• Qualifications attained
• Courses attended
• Please indicate the institution names and completion dates

Employment History:

• Company name and job title
• All duties and responsibilities
• Employment dates
• Reasons for leaving

References:

• Indicate references of previous employers and a reference person, their position and contact details.
• A reference person needs to be in a management position, or someone who you directly reported to.