~Careers~
Meeting Formula Builds Success

A formula called the "Four P's" can help you sound smart at office meetings and further your career, says Alberto Paz, president of Robert A. Becker Inc., a marketing firm based in New York.

The first P is for PURPOSE-
Always know the reason why a meeting is being held, so you can plan for it.

The second P is for PARTICIPANTS-
If you know who will be at the meeting, you'll be better able to define your role at the gathering.

The third P is for PREPARE-
Know what is expected of you at the meeting, and be sure to have with you the information you'll be asked for.

The fourth P is for PARTICIPATE-
"You don't necessarily have to come up with the most brilliant solution to the problem being discussed," Paz said, but if you don't take part, your bosses and co-workers will think you have no ideas.

Paz said executives often underestimate the importance of business meetings. That can ruin their careers down the road.



































~Workplace~
Casual dress a priority for grads

College students want to dress down to go to work. An online survey conducted by the tax and consulting firm KPMG, found that three out of four students consider dress code an important factor during a job search. They believe a dress code is an indicator of a company's internal culture, KPMG said.

"Today's college students have noticed a shift in the corporate environment and regard it as a positive one," said Jeri Calle, a partner at KPMG.

The survey found that 76 percent of students are more likely to accept a job offer from an employer with a casual dress policy. Twenty-three percent said casual dress would not make them more likely to accept a job.

~Management~
Delegating assignments key to job

A vital part of a manager's job is to delegate assignments, along with decision-making authority, according to Margaret Mary Gootnick and David Gootnick, authors of Action Tools for Effective Managers.

They said the following guidelines should be kept in mind:

  • "Demonstrate trust in members of the team by delegating as much authority as they can handle.
  • "Develop employees and build their independance and initiative by entrusting them with both responsibility and authority.
  • "Relieve some of the pressure on his or her own time by delegating the day-to-day duties of the department to those who are willing and able to handle them."




























~Longevity~
Few will stay with firm three years

The workforce is changing. New employees no longer believe that they will stay with an employer for more than three years.

Instead they will build up their resumes with multiple employers and a variety of positions. Jobtrak.com, the nation's leading online job listing service for students and alumni, released the results of its First Job Poll.

It found that 78 percent of students and alumni only plan to stay with their first employers no longer than three years.

More than 2,500 college students and recent graduates responded to the question, "How many years do you think you will stay with your first employer?" Answers were:
One year, 27 percent;
two years, 31 percent;
three years, 20 percent;
four years, 5 percent;
five or more years, 17 percent.






























~Credentials~
16.7% of executives misrepresent

The percentage of executive candidates misrepresenting their educational credentials was 16.7 percent in 1999, says Jude M. Werra & Associates.

That's higher that the 14.6 percent fibbing average over the previous three years, says the Milwaukee-area executive-search firm.

Werra bases its "Liars Index" on the whoppers it uncovers while checking out resume claims.