by Keith Thompson

Tis' season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you believe in law of reciprocity, and if your business is least bit successful you must; you know that giving back is not only right thing to do, but it's very smart business as well. Let's look at some of benefits and mechanics of Christmas and holiday gift-giving.

* WHY DO IT AT ALL? Gift giving is an excellent way to not only say thank you for all business and continued loyalty your clients and customers have shown over past year, it help to solidify relationships and in some cases, actually tilt playing field in your favor. A well-conceived business gift will speak volumes on your integrity, thoughtfulness and sincerity and may make difference between you and a competitor. As for employees, days of 50 years and a gold watch are long gone, so a token of appreciation during holidays or other special occasions can turn a mediocre relationship into one of fierce loyalty.

* WHEN TO DO IT? Obviously Christmas and season surrounding it are major themes here. Other times of year, such as Thanksgiving, Easter, Labor Day etc., may also present golden opportunities as it is not expected then. Other times to consider might include occasions such as a business anniversary, marriage, births, promotions, new offices or branches, and possibly retirement(ESPECIALLY of a competitor!)

"Confidence is probably number one factor that employers are looking for in an interviewee," said Hugh Priddy, senior campaign manager for Chandler Hill Partners, a career advancement and job search firm. "Most people are communicating their confidence more by their body clues than by what they are saying."

Chandler Hill Partners' professional career consultants suggest that jobseekers always present a professional image while interviewing regardless of nature of interview. "Unless you are told not to dress formally-a business suit shows your respect for person to whom you are speaking," said Priddy.

A firm handshake and looking interviewer in eye are only first step in communication of confidence. An interviewee must be aware of what he or she is doing and be able to listen clearly to questions being asked. Chandler Hill Partners suggests that jobseekers practice responding to interview questions in front of a mirror or conduct mock interviews in front of a video camera.

"Preparation is key to winning interviews," said Priddy. "You must be aware of what you are saying, what you are doing and what person in front of you is asking."