What to Do When Nobody Listens to You at Work - The Muse

What to Do When Nobody Listens to You at Work - The MuseWhat to Do When Nobody Listens to You at Work Youre in a team meeting, hashing out how to resolve an issue that everybody has been repeatedly battling with.What if we changed the process so that the sales team saw the report first? you suggest, That way the plan team could step in with all of the information there- without having to re-format graphics later.Perhaps a few somewhat courteous colleagues mutter a maybe or a nonchalant that could work, but then the conversation quickly moves on to something different. Youre annoyed, but you decide to let it go for now.The next week youre in that regular team-wide meeting, and the same problem is on the table for discussion. One of your co-workers chimes in with, You know, I was thinking about this- what if we changed the process so that the sales team saw the report first?You can hardly believe what youre hearing. Not only is he speaking up with the exact suggestion you pitched brde week, but everyones nodding along as if thats the greatest idea since the lightbulb. Ive been there, so I know how frustrating this is. Knowing that your voice isnt heard is enough to make you ball up your fists and clench your jaw, and its made even worse by the feeling that youre totally helpless. What can you do- aside from apparently try to speak louder?Well, heres the good news There are a couple of things you can try when nobody listens to you at work. The Moment You Feel Ignored Advocate for YourselfWhen everybody just breezes by your contribution without so much as a second glance, whats your first reaction? If youre anything like me, it involves rolling your eyes and making a strongly-worded mental leide to vent about that situation later.But, what does that actually accomplish for you? Nothing.The moment that you feel like your idea isnt being given the consideration it deserves, dont be afraid to gently push for a continued conversation. Meet those noncommittal maybes wit h some thoughtful questions, such asDo you think that could work?Do you see any issues with that approach?What would be our next step in getting that implemented?Itll be a lot harder for people to leave your idea in the dust if youre forcing them (respectfully, of course) to consider it. If you do that and youre still stuck in that Twilight Zone scenario in which a colleague spits out your same suggestion and gets a totally different reaction? Go ahead- speak up and ask something like, Can you explain how thats different from what I suggested in last weeks meeting?Your co-worker will likely be slack-jawed in response, and- while its not your goal to embarrass him or come off as condescending- thats an effective way to remind people that you actually do have some valuable thoughts to share. After You Speak Up Approach Your supervisorinWhen youre used to having your ideas steamrolled or forgotten, I know that speaking up in that way can feel a little aggressive- and, your team members might even be a little taken aback by the fact that youre suddenly standing up for yourself. Afterwards, its smart to approach your boss for a brief one-on-one conversation. During that chat, you can explain that you hope you didnt come off as too forward, but that you want to make sure that youre heard and able to make a valuable contribution to your team.You can also ask your boss something like, Is there something else I should be doing to ensure that my voice is heard in these meetings?Not only does this soften the blow by placing at least a little of the responsibility back on your shoulders, but it can also open your eyes to any team norms you might not be aware of.For example, if youre new to the company, perhaps youre not in the loop on the fact that they have a brainstorming session at the end when you could chime in- because they prefer to not have other people jumping in while others are talking.You dont always want to assume malicious intent when you feel you arent bein g heard. So, make sure you have these important conversations and cover your bases before you jump to conclusions.When Nothing Is Changing Start Your HuntYouve done everything you can think of. Youve spoken up and advocated for your ideas in team meetings. Youve sat down with your boss (a couple of times, actually) to explain to her that you feel like your contributions arent being given equal weight. And yet, absolutely nothing is improving. You still feel just as ignored and unheard.Now what? Well, my friend, heres the brutal truth Its probably time for you to start looking for a workplace where both you and your ideas are valued. You deserve that much.Does that mean youre entitled to a team in which every single one of your suggestions is met with applause and then implemented immediately? Absolutely not- every idea you have wont be a good one. However, you are justified in expecting a certain amount of respect and acknowledgement.So, if you truly do feel like youll continue to g o unnoticed in the office- despite your best efforts to change that- it could be a sign of a larger problem within the organization, as opposed to something to do with you specifically. I know firsthand how discouraging it can be to feel like absolutely nobody listens to what you have to say in the office. And, its a tricky situation to navigate.Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make it a little less easy to ignore you. Give these suggestions a go, and youll hopefully feel supported- rather than steamrolled.

Loan Officer Interview Questions

Loan Officer Interview QuestionsLoan Officer Interview QuestionsThe interview questions asked for positions as a loan officer varies depending on the types of loans that you would be working on and the company where you are interviewing.There are numerous ways you can prepare for any kind of job interview, however, there are a number of specific questions that you are likely to be asked during an interview for a position as a loan officer. These include a combination of behavioral interview questions, as well as questions that focus on your lending experience and your ability to succeed on the job. Youll want to be prepared for all types of questions and to speak specifically about your background, skills, and experience in each area. Behavioral Questions Asking behavioral questions isacommon technique used by hiring managers to assess a prospective employees ability to fit into their team. They want to know more about who you are and what your ethics and personality are like. For each question, prepare a short anecdote that answers the question and paints you as a smart, qualified, hard-working and personable employee who will jump right into the tasks at hand. Below are some common examples of behavioral questions. What is your worst character trait?What is your best character trait?Tell me about a time when you worked effectively under pressure.How do you handle a challenge?Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it? Questions About Your Technical hintergrund Naturally, employers will want to know if you are qualified to be a loan officer, and again theyll want to hear some specific examples drawn from your experience. Here are some such questions to prepare to answer. What banking experience do you have?What licenses do you have (state and federal)?How familiar are you with banking and consumer lending laws and regulations?Do you have experience with FHA and VA as well as conventional loans?Can you work without a draw?How do you feel about c ommission based pay?Explain negative amortization. Why You Will Be the Best Loan Officer Once the employer has established that you are qualified, they will next want to know why they should hire you above other qualified candidates. Think back on your successes, how you fostered new business and how you navigated difficult situations. Have an example to speak to each of the following questions. How do you source new business?Tell me about your referral network.Describe how you build relationships with your network.Tell me how you have explained to clients the different types of loans and leistungspunkt options with terms of service.Describe a situation with an unsatisfied client and how you fixed the problem.Have you ever had a client get angry with you? How did you resolve the issue?How can someone be successful in an environment with rising interest rates?What methods do you use when deciding to grant an applicant a loan? Provide an example when your ethics were tested. Mo re About Your Current Job Finally, employers will want to know more about your current or most recent job. Be prepared to talk about various specific situations that explain the level of work with which you are currently, or were most recently, entrusted. What size portfolio do you have at your current position?Where are you with respect to your percentage of loan and deposit goals, year to date?Who was number one in your group last quarter? Where did you rank?How do you organize the financial information of your applicants?What is the status of your credit and loan files? How could you improve them?Describe an effective payment schedule which you created.Why are you looking to leave your current company? Once youve prepared answers to all of the above questions, you will be well prepared to make a case for yourself as your prospective employers next hire. Additionally, come prepared with a list of questions to ask your prospective employer. Good luck

4 Ways to Make Friends at Your New Office

4 Ways to Make Friends at Your New amtsstube4 Ways to Make Friends at Your New OfficeStarting a new job has its perks- like how nobody at your new gig remembers that time when you walked out of the office bathroom with your skirt tucked into your tights. But being the new girl can also be lonely. In the best-case scenario, your office mates will welcome you into their club with open arms, but in many cases, building relationships at work isnt quite that easy.Whether you find yourself in a close-knit office where everyone seems like theyve been friends forever, or youre just a little shy, follow these easy steps to break the ice with your new co-workers.Step 1 Get Those Friendship Juices FlowingThe key to striking up a conversation with anyone- be it a co-worker, a date, or the president of your company- is to ask her open-ended questions about herself. Ask your cube-mate where she got her fabulous skirt, how she spent her weekend, or where the photo on her desk was taken. Be sincerel y interested in her hobbies and family life, and try to remember a few details for future conversations.The real key here is to be sincere. Dale Carnegie, the grandfather of self-help books, said it best in the classic How to Win Friends and Influence People You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.Step 2 Be Someone Youd Want to be Friends WithI like to think of this step as channeling your inner Ellen DeGeneres. After all, when was the last time you heard anyone say they hate Ellen? Answer never. Everyone loves her because she doesnt take herself too seriously, shes funny without being snarky or mean, and she seems like a genuinely nice person.Im not saying you need to cut your hair short and do funky dances in the office, but next time youre feeling grumpy because you overslept or spilled coffee all over your blouse, ask yourself, Would I want to hang out with me right n ow? If the answer is no, chances are that your co-workers are feeling the same way.Step 3 Take InitiativeOnce your co-workers have gotten to know you in the office, dont be afraid to kick your relationships up a notch. Invite them to check out a new restaurant during lunch or celebrate an early Cinco de Mayo with happy hour margaritas. Office book clubs, too, are great for workplace bonding- what could be more fun than spending an hour every month debating which of your co-workers would win a real-life Hunger Games?If youre nervous about making the transition from work friends to real-life friends, you might want to try a more subtle approach. The next time one of your co-workers mentions that she wants to see a new movie or do some shopping after work, casually suggest that you go together. If she seems enthusiastic and offers to set a time and place to meet, youll know that youve found a true after-work buddy.Step 4 Remember, its Just a JobSo, what if youve tried everything above (even the Ellen dance moves) and you still arent jiving with your office mates? Thats okay. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, finding friends at work just isnt in the cards. It might take time, or your co-workers might be too cliquish, too socially awkward, or just too busy to invest any energy in building friendships.Mentally give yourself the Its not me, its you, pep talk and remember that while having a work BFF can be awesome, its paying the bills and advancing your career that really counts. Get your work done during work, and then spend your free time doing other things you enjoy or catching up with all of your other fabulous friends. Use your lunch hour to get some exercise, run errands, or have a one-woman picnic at the nearest park. Need some happy hour buddies? Snag some girlfriends who work at offices nearby.Most importantly, keep a smile on your face, and dont give up hope- you never know when something will spark a common interest or newfound friendship.Photo courte sy of Shutterstock.