The Ins and Outs of Exit Interviews

How to Exit Like a Pro and Keep Good References
by Susan Johnston, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Exit interviews are one of the last items on your to-do list as you leave a job. Though you might be itching to just finish the job already and say "sayonara" to a micromanaging boss or a position you've outgrown, human resources managers appreciate it when employees take the time to give a thorough and thoughtful exit interview.

Here's how to handle an exit interview and leave on a positive note.

1. Ask for anonymity.

You'll feel more comfortable discussing management styles or communication issues if you know that your interviewer will not mention your name when sharing feedback with management. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) considers anonymous exit interviews a best practice, because it ensures honest, open communication.

Deb Keary, director of human resources at SHRM, adds that "If I were the employee, I would ask and make sure you like the answer before you give out comments."

Hannah Seligson, author of "New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches," takes this a step further: "Unless it's in writing that what you say at an exit interview is confidential, I would assume not that it's confidential ... don't just assume things will be kept confidential; put it in writing."

2. Anticipate the important questions.

Chances are you will be asked why you are leaving and what (if anything) would have persuaded you to stay. According to Keary, "They want a candid answer. HR hates turnover, and they hate to lose good people. You should anticipate and give an honest answer."

Keary adds that employees leave for any number of reasons: They were offered more money or more career growth, they wanted to change industries, or simply needed a new environment. You probably already know your reason, so think of a diplomatic way to explain it without pointing fingers.

3. Offer constructive solutions.

Maybe you didn't work well with your manager or took the fall for an error that wasn't your fault. "If blame was misappropriated to you because of leadership or communication issues, an exit interview can be a good time to clear that up," notes Seligson. "However, make sure it doesn't sound like you are pointing fingers, or that could come off sounding too victimized."

HR departments appreciate recommendations instead of rants. "I hope you're not leaving angry," says Keary, "but if you are, it's better to talk in generalities. For instance, 'My department's management could use some guidance in interpersonal relations.' They can't do much with 'So-and-so is a witch.' Offer suggestions to help. I'd be in the recommending mode rather than the taking-it-out-on-HR mode."

When HR departments hear the same comments about certain departments, they get the gist without you spelling it out. And by taking the high road instead of bad-mouthing a boss or coworker, you'll be better positioned for a reference later on.

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Moving Forward After a Job Loss

by Marc Hertz, Robert Half International


You've been with your company for a few years and enjoy what you do. Then one day, you get called into your boss's office and are told the organization is making some changes -- you've been let go. What do you do next?

If you've lost a job, the future can feel uncertain, especially in today's economic climate. But with a plan in place and the right attitude, you can increase your chances of finding a new position quickly.

Here are some tips:

Mourn the loss. Take the time you need to recover from the shock, but try not to dwell on the situation. Realize that as difficult as a layoff is, you will get through it. In fact, most people have lost a job at some point in their careers, and some even feel it has led to better opportunities.

Do some soul searching. You may need to find a job immediately and can't afford to be picky about what you do next. But if you have the luxury of time, consider if you want to follow the same career path or veer in another direction. It's possible that you weren't passionate about your former job or that you've thought about other options that you have yet to pursue. Consider your interests and how they align with your skills and experience.

It's easiest to seek something related to what you've been doing so you can take advantage of your transferable skills. For instance, if you've worked as a legal secretary and you're interested in becoming a paralegal, you can utilize your background working in law firms. Keep in mind, though, that you may have to pursue additional training or earn a specialized credential, such as a paralegal certificate.

In addition, if you're in an industry like manufacturing, where downsizing has occurred, you may consider looking into sectors that offer growth prospects, such as health care.

Use your network. This is the time to utilize the network you've built over your professional career. Get in touch with former coworkers and supervisors, business contacts, friends, and family members to let them know that you're looking for new opportunities. Be specific about what skills you can offer a potential employer and what type of position you seek to give people a better chance of helping you. Meanwhile, continue to expand your network. Attend industry conferences and alumni functions, and explore online networking avenues such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

Register with a staffing firm. As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one. When you register with a staffing firm, a representative from the company will look for a suitable full-time or temporary position for you, effectively doubling your job search efforts. You also can build skills and earn money by taking on interim assignments. In addition, a staffing manager can help you revamp your resume, and you may have access to free training so you can fill any skills gaps you might possess.

The ability to maintain a positive attitude has a lot to do with being able to recover from a job loss. Don't overlook the value of getting support from loved ones. Chances are that some of them have gone through similar experiences, and they can offer valuable advice that will help you as you move forward in your professional life.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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Working Vacation: Jobs in a Winter Wonderland

by Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com


Considering the recent economic turbulence, you might have given up on a winter getaway this year. Who can afford the time off work, much less the high price of flights, hotels, and rental cars? Hang on, snow lover! There is a golden path to free lift tickets! Why not work for a season at your favorite ski resort?

Whether you'd like an easy job that lets you ski most days or you're actually looking for career advancement, there are plenty of options for getting away this winter without breaking the bank. Check out these two success stories for some inspiration.

Hard-Core Ski Nut

Does the sight of fresh powder sailing past your goggles make you come alive? Well, you should consider following the tracks of Jeremy Milo. A Stanford University grad planning to get an MBA, Milo decided to take a break before business school and work ski patrol at North Star ski resort near Lake Tahoe. Now working for Google, Milo wistfully recalls the joys and challenges he experienced during that awesome winter.

Great friends. Milo especially enjoyed the interesting folks he met from around the world. He says, "A lot of the people would be seasonal then go to South America or Australia to work during winter there. It was a very international crew."

Paid with perks. Just how much is that season's ski pass worth to you? Hopefully, a lot -- since you're unlikely to find a high-paying seasonal gig outside of waitressing and bartending. Milo recalls making barely more than $8/hour in 2001. But, for him, it wasn't about the paycheck; it was about more moguls. Plus, he says that resorts often work together so that you can ski for free on nearby mountains and trails. This is a great advantage, Milo says, because "sometimes skiing where you work is the last thing you want to do on your day off."

Physically demanding. Whether you drive a snow plow, stand at the lifts all day, or fit ski rentals, mountain gigs can be hard work for your body. If your current job has you sitting at a desk all day, some physical activity might come as a welcome relief. Ski patrol is an extreme example of that, says Milo: "You're an ambulance on skis out there. You feel like you worked hard at the end of day."

Spa Bunny

Maybe you'd like to experience the relaxed mountain lifestyle but don't want to work outdoors. There are always office, retail, and restaurant gigs to choose from. Or, how about working in a spa? Sarah Komyate moved to Big Sky Resort in Montana a year ago to join an independent massage practice.

"When I finished massage school in Seattle," she says, "I found an ad looking for a massage therapist out here. I came on vacation in February 2007, interviewed, and moved out for the job last November."

Plenty of clients. Business really thrives in the winter because demand is high. "Our massage business has a location in the village, a room in one of the hotels, and we do a lot of outcalls to people's homes," Komyate says.

Back to nature. For most seasonal workers the greatest perk of working in a ski town is the natural beauty. "We get to live in a remote, very peaceful place in the world. We rarely drive on the freeway, there is wildlife all around us, and it's beautiful here," says Komyate. She adds that despite the increasingly high amount of clients and busy days on the job, "It's just a low-stress place. If you're looking for some peace, solitude, and a few good people then definitely [try working a season]."

Deep discounts. While working for an independent firm doesn't score you unbridled free access to the mountains, your employer may be able to afford you discount lift tickets. Komyate says, "I would rather work for a small business and make better money." Meanwhile, her employer is still able to afford her a sizable discount on a pass for the whole season: $500 off the retail price.

So, if you find yourself daydreaming of double black diamonds, apply now! Seasonal positions are already filling up for this winter. Just pick your favorite place -- Breckenridge, Jackson Hole, Alta, or Sugarbush -- and make your "working vacation" happen this year.

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You Already Have What It Takes to Be a Manager

How School-Yard Lessons Can Pay Off
by C.J. Liu, PayScale.com


Remember all the advice you got as a kid about playing fair at recess, sharing in the classroom, and doing your homework on time? Being a great manager requires pretty much the same set of skills. The only difference is that this time around you get to be the captain of the kickball team.

Be yourself. As a leader you want to be authentic. Know your strengths, skills, and what you stand for. Your job is then to make your actions, thoughts, and words line up with who you are. Your employees will appreciate your consistency.

Do the right thing. No one wants to follow someone they don't trust. Trust is earned by walking your talk. If you want people to be on time to meetings, do it yourself first.

Be nice to others. Believe it or not, you can treat your employees respectfully and see big profits at the same time. When your team stays late to hit a last-minute deadline, take the time to acknowledge them and offer some comp time as a reward. They'll be more likely to stand by your side and less likely to complain.

Use your words. Clear communication is the key to success as a manager. Make sure that your employees understand the team's goals and what success looks like. Everyone should know who is responsible for which tasks and what the deadlines are. This method keeps finger-pointing to a minimum and reduces the chance that things will fall through the cracks.

Clean your room. There will be times when you have to do things you don't like to do. Saying "no," firing someone and delivering hard feedback are tough tasks for any leader. Before pulling the trigger, make sure you have all of your facts straight and aren't acting impulsively. Instead, act for the good of the whole. That way you'll have better luck sleeping at night.

Follow the rules. Just like the playground, your organization has both stated and unstated rules of conduct. Pay attention so you know which behaviors are considered out of bounds. Is it going to be career suicide if you don't play hoops with the boys on Fridays? Will wearing heels and pearls help or hurt your chance at a promotion?

Pick a winning team. Similar to picking sides for kickball, you want the most skilled group with the best ability to produce results. Choose people who compliment your strengths and make up for your shortcomings. If you're good at staying organized but struggle to come up with fresh ideas, be sure to hire at least one person who is creative and can help you dream big.

C.J. Liu is a certified professional coach, who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers leadership training retreats and also has taught for the University of Washington.

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The Secret Technique of Hiring Managers

How to Anticipate and Succeed in Behavioral Interviews
by Jen A. Miller, Experience.com


Let's be honest: Coming out of college, you probably don't have that much real world experience. So how are you going to talk about past experiences in a job interview for a sales position if you haven't sold anything? And how is a potential employer going to gauge whether you'd be a good fit for the company?

Hiring managers have a secret -- it's called behavioral interviewing, a technique developed in the 1970s for employers who were frustrated that the people they interviewed turned out to be much different than the people they actually hired.

What Behavioral Interviews Show

Why the big deal about it? One study showed that behavioral interviews were 55 percent predictive of future job behavior while traditional interviews clocked in at only 10 percent. And behavioral interviewing also cuts through resume exaggerations -- according to the Society of Human Resource Management, 51 percent of resumes have inaccuracies.

If you're being asked open-ended questions that force you to draw on events that have happened in your life to answer, you've got yourself a behavioral interview. The difference between "What's your weakness"? and "Tell me about a time you failed at something" might not seem like much, but it forces you to give a different kind of answer.

"Employers love behavioral-based interviewing because it allows them to see patterns that are often missed when people are answering basic questions," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, principal of Human Resource Solutions, an HR consulting firm. "Employers can get past what a candidate says and focus on how they respond."

Behavioral interviewing also helps employers get over that hurdle of experience, so any experience you've had is fair game -- extracurricular activities, Greek life, relationships. You can even go back to things that happened to you in Boy or Girl Scouts, or on a sports team.

Simple Preparation Tips

Some employers like behavioral interviews because they think you can't prepare for it. Think again. No matter how many employers say you can't prepare for them, you can still dig deep into your memory before the interview and be ready to talk experiences that could fit situations your potential employer throws at you.

Here are some questions you might encounter, courtesy of Scott Weighart, author of "Find Your First Professional Job: A Guide to Co-ops, Interns and Full-Time Job Seekers":

Tell me about a time you:

* failed at something
* had to take an unpopular stand
* really had to go way above and beyond
* had to show exceptional attention to detail
* dealt well with a difficult colleague/co-worker
* showed that you can multitask under pressure


Make sure you prepare your stories, too -- you might be able to wing it, but you won't give the best answers if you do.

And don't even think of making stuff up. "You don't want to invent stories about yourself that aren't true. Those would be seen through pretty quickly because you need so much detail," says Weighart.


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10 Workers to Tip This Season

When and How to Say Thanks
by Bridget Quigg, PayScale.com


Tipping this holiday season may sound too fancy for your budget. But when you consider that many of the people you tip get anywhere from 8 to 68 percent of their income from tips, you may want to give these helpful folks a break and plan for an added service charge.

1. Bartender
Base Pay per Hour: $7.30
Tips per Hour: $10.30
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 59%

Fortunately for this service provider, we all tend to get a little more generous as the night goes on. But, it's a good thing when you consider that bartenders are getting the majority of their income from the extra dollars we place on the bar. Typical tip: 10-15 percent of the bar bill.

2. Waiter/Waitress
Base Pay per Hour: $4.60
Tips per Hour: $9.90
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 68%

Wow, nearly 70 percent of your waiter's income is based on that tip that you give. So, if you think that a bottle of wine would make a nice addition to your steak dinner, be ready to pay the service charge along with it. Typical tip: 15-20 percent of the bill, 20 percent at fine restaurants or if you have a large group.

3. Massage Therapist
Base Pay per Hour: $26.30
Tips per Hour: $4.80
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 15%

Between lugging heavy shopping bags, traveling thousands of miles and trying to tolerate your family's funky quirks, you may be a little tense. Wouldn't a rejuvenating rub down clear you mind? Typical tip: 10-20 percent of the total, 20 percent if it is a really great massage.

4. Hairstylist
Base Pay per Hour: $9.90
Tips per Hour: $3.50
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 26%

Oh, if you could only get that perfect cut and color before those annual holiday get-togethers. You can! Just remember that your hairstylist relies on you to provide nearly 30 percent of their income. Typical tip: 15 percent of the total.

5. Concierge
Base Pay per Hour: $13.80
Tips per Hour: $1.50
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 10%

How about an evening in the big city, complete with a hotel stay, a stage show and a romantic table for two? It sounds nice but could require some planning. Let your concierge do all the work and then make sure to say thanks. Typical tip: $5-10 is average, more for special services or favors.

6. Doorman
Base Pay per Hour: $11.00
Tips per Hour: $4.90
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 31%

Nothing is quite as exciting as getting dressed up to go out on the town then having the front door magically swing open in front of you as the doorman whistles for your taxi. How much does he deserve for this luxurious treatment? Typical tip: $1 dollar or more for help with luggage or finding a taxi on the street.

7. Parking Attendant
Base Pay per Hour: $8.90
Tips per Hour: $3.70
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tip: 29%

You toss them the keys and when they toss them back, how much do they get? Typical tip: $1-2, depending on how far they travel to get your car.

8. Van Driver
Base Pay per Hour: $10.20
Tips per Hour: $1.30
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 11%

Whether you're off to visit grandpa and grandma or are helping coordinate their arrival at your house, you will likely need to tip an airport or hotel van driver. Typical tip: $1 or more per bag, especially if they help you with your luggage.

9. Musician/Singer
Base Pay per Hour: $49.10
Tips per Hour: $4.10
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 8%

No holiday party is complete without a jazzy guitar riff playing in the background or a bright-lipped brunette cooing about winter. But, what are these pleasant sounds worth? Typical tip: $35-75 per person.

10. Taxi Driver
Base Pay per Hour: $16.10
Tips per Hour: $4.40
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 21%

Taxi drivers zig-zag through congested main strips and zoom along back roads to get you there on time. What sort of tip do they deserve? Typical tip: 15 percent of fare, $1 per bag up to 5 bags, $2 per bag for 5 or more bags or if bags are very heavy (50 lbs. each).

Sources: Median base pay per hour, median tip per hour and percent of total hourly income in tips data are provided by Payscale.com. Tipping data provided by The Original Tipping Page.

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Client and Coworker Gifts on a Budget

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


Tightening your belt but still want to open your wallet to spread some cheer among clients and colleagues this year? You can give fun gifts that won't break your bank account but will still leave a lasting impression on recipients.

Ella Goldin, founder and president of Chic Inspiration, a personal shopping consulting firm, says, "When it comes to colleagues, it's important to pay attention to price. In such hard financial times, most aren't expecting gifts, let alone expensive gifts."

Michelle Madhok, the mastermind behind SheFinds.com, a popular online shopping blog, agrees. "I think modest gifts are a good bet this year. Especially around the office, it might be uncomfortable to buy extravagant presents and get coworkers thinking about how much money you make or how secure you are in your job. Even if you can afford to give something over-the-top, this year is a good chance to be thoughtful instead of lavish," she says.

Ideas for Clients

Goldin suggests shopping at the online MoMA store for hip and affordable gifts. "They carry unique things for all age groups, interests, and genders," she shares. Some of Goldin's favorite things include:

For the office locavore: Fruit Loop Bowl

For the weary business traveler: Muji Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

For environmentally conscious clients: Solar Flashlight

For the office sophisticate: Wobble Cognac Glasses

For folks whose business is going global: World Time Clock

Ideas for Coworkers

Online shopping expert Michelle Madhok knows that giving gifts to professional associates can be tricky. She states, "Unless you're extremely close with a coworker or are friends outside of work as well, very personal gifts are inappropriate. If you plan to get many versions of the same gift for a group of coworkers, it's best to err on the safe side, with things like candles, soaps, or holiday candy."

Her suggestions include:

For stressed-out cube dwellers: Origins Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief
"This minty formula helps refresh and recharge when placed on pressure points," says Madhok.

For the office recycler: Envirosax Greengrocer Bag
"Reusable shopping bags from a socially conscious company, these are great for a green client or office."

For the workplace stylista: Gap Women's Long Gloves
"Classic styling in six colors, so you can personalize the gifts a bit."

For anyone: Slatkin & Co. Filled Winter Candle
"Burning up to 50 hours, this comes in an attractive silver holder that celebrates the season."

Even though gift cards can be risky in a weak economy (because a store could go out of business), Madhok says, "All in all, there's no reason to stay away from a Starbucks gift card if your cubicle neighbor's favorite indulgence is double-shot gingerbread lattes."

And if presents are beyond your budget, Goldin adds, "The most appropriate thing to give out is a holiday card with a personal message inside."


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5 Signs Your Job Is in Jeopardy

by Roberta Chinsky Matuson, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Are you one of the many people who have their heads hidden behind their cubicles hoping the latest economic storm will blow over? If so, you have a lot of company. However, hope is not a strategy. It is better to be prepared than to get caught in a landslide.

Below are five signs your job is in jeopardy.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions can mean only one thing to employees: duplication. In all likelihood, there is someone in the other company performing a similar job to the one you have in your company. In the end, only one of you will be left standing. Never assume that person will be you.

Jaguars Become Rabbits

A clear sign that your company has fallen on hard times is when the president trades in his posh Jaguar for a Volkswagen Rabbit. He may be telling everyone he is making the switch to conserve energy. Don't believe it. This is a drastic cost-cutting measure. Your job may be next.

People No Longer Seek Your Opinion

You used to be the "go to" person when people were seeking advice on critical projects. Now they seem to go to everyone else but you. Do they know something you don't know? Has your name been added to the layoff list?

You Are No Longer on the Invite List

Your calendar used to be filled to the brim with meetings. Now you have time on your hands to sneak in a manicure. Yet, everyone around you seems to be constantly in meetings. If you've gone from being an "A Player" to barely being ranked, then it's a clear sign you are no longer indispensible.

Why wait to be escorted out the door? Now is a good time to see what else is out there.

Your Competitors Are Slicing Their Workforces

Constant pruning by your competitors is a sign that your industry is in despair. Take the airline industry. Grounded flights, decreased services, and a reduction in the number of travelers can only mean one thing to employees in this industry. More layoffs on the horizon. It's only a matter of time before your company jumps on board.

Don't be caught waiting for the ax to fall. Be alert and notice the signs that your ties with your employer may soon be severed.


Roberta Chinsky Matuson is the president of Human Resource Solutions and has been helping companies align their people assets with their business goals. She writes a blog, Generation Integration, and she can be reached at Roberta@yourhrexperts.com.

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