As professional recruiters, we have learned over the years there one question we can ask of almost any job candidate prospect to determine their level of willingness to cooperate with the hiring process, and their ability to adapt their preconceptions of the hiring process to the practical aspects of a professional job search. Everyone answers that one question pretty much the same. The question: “Who can present your credentials best, you – the person who actually lived your experiences, or me?” Well the obvious answer is “you,” the person who lived your experiences. But that is the wrong answer. Which illustrates why so many folks have difficulties with job interviews, often wondering later why things didn’t turn out better. Why would your recruiter be a better person to present your credentials than yourself? Because a recruiter will organize your credentials so they appear as a solution to the employer’s needs. Typically, when job candidates present their own resume and supporting credentials in an interview, they present their background in a way that is the most flattering, not necessarily the most effective or logical for getting the job at hand. This article reviews how a job candidate can organize and present their credentials in a job interview so it is to their best advantage. The best way to prepare for a job interview is by learning which questions will likely arise in a job interview, and having some predetermined answers for those questions – answers that both illustrate your skills and successes and present your experiences as the solution to the job you seek.
Often, face to face interviews are preceded by a telephone screening, whereby a key Human Resources or other representative contacts the job candidate directly by phone to ask some basic questions. While the strategies described herein apply to phone and on-site job interviews, the objectives differ. In the telephone interview, the objective should be to quickly illustrate your interest in the job and skills you bring to bear so as to generate a job interview. With the face to face interview, the objective should be to lead to a job offer. Attempting to get a job offer differs from actually getting the job. A job candidate who asks for the job offer by selling themselves to the company as the best fit and most motivated candidate, will likely leave the job interview with an offer in hand.
MOST IMPORTANT JOB INTERVIEW CONSIDERATIONS:
DON’T BE ON TIME – BE EARLY
It is important you arrive at the interview 20-30 minutes early. Obviously, being late sends a negative message about you to the interviewer. Many interviewers don’t meet with candidates who arrive late. Plan ahead. Investigate traffic patterns relative to the time of your job interview. Don’t expect the interviewer will be sensitive to delays caused by traffic congestion or an unexpected traffic accident. They expect you will allow for those eventualities, just like they do.
DRESS & LOOK PROFESSIONAL
Women: A skirt, dress or dress-suit or pant-suit are the most appropriate for the female candidate. Make sure your clothes are neat, clean and well pressed and make sense. Avoid controversial garb, anything too revealing or too trendy. You want to look professional, not like you are there to get a date or express a fashion statement.
Men: A dress suit, shirt and tie is the most appropriate clothing for the male candidate. Make sure your clothes are neat, clean and well pressed. Avoid flashy colors, jeans, T-shirts or tennis shoes. Wear your hair neat (including facial hair), clean and well groomed.
Oh yeah, and please cover tattoos and body piercings. While your private friends may enjoy the current fad of body art, most likely, a new employer isn’t impressed, in fact, may look upon those expressions as somewhat immature – regardless of how you may feel about them. If such corporate attitudes are uncomfortable for you, find another prospective employer who is more open to such un-requested expressions of personality. Otherwise, be professional, dress professional, behave professionally.
PREPARE
Have a pen, notepad and extra copy of your resume and references with you. Make notes of questions you want to ask that relate to the job and company. Put those items in a place that will be easy for you to get to when you need them in the interview. If you currently use a daily/weekly planner, bring that with you too. You should try to arrive at your interview well rested, with a clear mind and a plan for presenting your credentials and supporting materials like references.
GREET JOB INTERVIEWER ENTHUSIASTICALLY
Smile, be friendly, not nervous, offer a solid handshake and say something friendly, like: “Good morning, pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the opportunity to visit with you today.” Show your enthusiasm about the opportunity to work for their company. Remember, they are interviewing you for a job that requires specific skills and genuine enthusiasm -- if you don’t express that at the interview, they many not be convinced you have the stamina required for the job.
DON’T HIGHLIGHT NEGATIVES
For the job interviewer, it is all about filling the job with the right person. Believe me, most job interviewers don’t want to hear about your antique tin can collection, or how you landed that elk last year on your vacation. An interviewer wants your undivided attention on their job needs. Your personal habits distract from that focus. Such personal comments may include topics like: smoking, chewing gum, nervous finger or feet movement, tapping a pencil or a fork, humming, whistling, stretching, cleaning finger nails, clearing your throat, excessive “ums” in conversation, or focusing too much time on unrelated topics. Don’t make negative remarks about your past or present employers or workmates. Negative remarks will not help your cause, and will seem as though you are blaming others for poor results.
RESEARCH THE COMPANY THOROUGHLY
Learn as much as you can about the company and the duties of the job position which interests you, like income range and associated benefits. Family and friends are sometimes sources of information about the company you seek for employment. But don’t rely on hearsay, try to talk to someone in the company about the requirement and expectations of the job you seek. And utilize more than one source of comments about the company you are considering. Any positive things you learn about the company, make sure you mention them to the interviewer as a way to express your long term interest in the job you seek. Be prepared to answer questions about why you want to work for their company, offering sensible reasons that are practical in results.
PREPARE TO ASK QUESTIONS
You don’t want to confuse the interviewer with too many questions. Remember, they are interviewing you, so be prepared to answer all their questions smartly. But challenge the interviewer with some of your own questions – determine those questions before you arrive to the job interview. Keep good eye contact when you ask your questions. Don’t get into lengthy discussions. The idea is to engage the interviewer, to show them you can take charge when required and get the information you need. You should strive to create a list of questions that go to the heart of the job you seek.
KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE
Be confident and knowledgeable and you will express a good attitude. But don’t seem over confident in your abilities. Remain relaxed, answer questions sincerely. Be interested in the job and the company. Lighten up some and use a little humor! Your job interviewer should be made to feel you really want the job and their company. Show serious interest so that you will be considered a serious candidate. Do not mention offers of interviews with other companies, unless asked.
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO EXPECT
When answering questions that have a pre-determined answer, remember to offer a straight forward and immediate answer, and keep it simple. Avoid yes/no answers, unless you are offering an example to illustrate your answer. In fact, as much as possible, try and offer your key answers in a format of : Strategy-then-example. In that sense, if you were to discuss aspects of how to build a team of your workmates, you could answer with a short comment about your overall strategy of how to build a team, then follow that up with a quick real-time example of how you recently utilized that strategy and the results you got. Something like – “I build a team by making sure everyone involved understands our mutual goals, the timing, and their influence on those goals. When I did that last Spring, as we were introducing a new product, the goal was to sell more product by training team members to up-sell the new product to existing customers – we increased sales over 20-percent in one month.”
“TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF”
Most people feel their personal lives are important, so when this question is asked they talk about everything from their children to their wives to their religion and even their favorite hobby or television show. Job interviewers want to hear some of that, or they don’t feel they did a proper interview. But, the truth is, the job interviewer is more interested in getting the right skills and experience for the job. So keep your personal comments superficial, and in answering those personal questions, spin your answers in a manner that your answer reflects the skills and knowledge required for the job. After all, you are interviewing for the job, not a hobby partner.
“WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS”
This is your primary time to express how your experience and skills match up to the requirements and needs of the job you seek. Be specific, but don’t spend an hour. Keep your words simple. Write out as many of the answers as possible before the interview, so you can be comfortable when you explain your skills. Again, be brief and use examples.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Mature thinkers tend to know their weaknesses. That is why most job interviewers ask this question. Will you admit you have weaknesses, and if so, how do you manage those? Is the weakness too major to allow you to be successful in the job you seek? Meaning to say, know in advance how you will answer this question. For instance, many hard workers are accused of working to many hours. Sometimes it’s to do with the workload, sometimes it’s just a matter of poor time-management. So if you say you are accused of being a “workaholic,” temper that answer by admitting you do work hard, but that you always maintain a reasonable workload for you and your team, so you and your team (if there is one) are active, but you are not really behind in your work. So admit a weakness or two, but express how your results don’t suffer.
DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE?
If you are seeking a management oriented position, describe your management style. Is it more hands-on? Is it analysis based? Do you delegate and verify results? Whatever your style, describe it specifically, not generically. Don’t offer hourly-wage answers, offer management oriented answers; hourly wage answers include comments like: “I’m always to work on time; I always get my work done; I get along with others;” and such. Those are the attributes a manager expects of the people who report to them. Make your answers relative to management. Describe your ability and success when you delegate; your success with smart, accurate analysis and reporting and how those reports lead your activities; outline strategies you use to motivate or influence team members. Be detailed, but in short answers.
“WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR CURRENT JOB?”
There is nothing wrong with leaving one job for a better one. Make sure the interviewer sees you as being in that mind-set. If there are serious issues afoot in your current or recent job, don’t spend time discussing those, keep the focus on how you are a good match for the job at hand, and how you are motivated to improve and advance. A good response might be something like: “ I am always looking to better myself. I heard positive things about your company and this job in particular, so I wanted to explore my options”.
“WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FIVE YEARS”
This isn’t a trick question, like most people believe, having two sides: 1) To show how ambitious are you. 2) Are you loyal. It’s okay to say you want to advance, if that is the case. But do it politely, a good generic response may be something like: “I want to be a better manager than I am now.” Or, “I would be actively working towards promotions in this company.”
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED TO ANSWER:
Obviously, there are too many hiring scenarios to try and cover all pertinent job interview questions here. But, there are some basic questions that may likely arise, and for which you should generate pre-fabbed answers, so you can offer an intelligent and job related response if such questions come up in conversation. Write out your answers to each of these questions.
How will you be an asset to our company (good opportunity to mention prior achievements, without being boastful.)
Why did you pick this industry?
Describe a unrelated leadership role that you held.
What has been your greatest challenge in your career?
Give me an example of a problem that arose in your job, and how you solved it.
Tell me about a project you initiated and the results.
What types of situations put you under pressure and how did you deal with it?
Give me a situation in which you failed, how did you deal with it?
How do you work with difficult people?
What was your greatest accomplishment?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
What motivates you?
If I asked people who know you to describe you, what three words would they use?
Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult. How did you handle it?
What traits are most important for a good manager?
Tell me a about a team project of which your are particularly proud of. What was your contribution?
What type of environment appeals to you the most?
What characteristics are most important in a good manager? How have you displayed one of them?
What makes someone a good leader?
What are your expectations of a good employer?
What do you do in your spare time?
The whole idea here is to leave nothing to chance. Literally write out your answers in advance. Most job candidates do not follow this good advice, believing they already know how best to present their credentials. Don’t make that mistake. Organize your answers in advance, put them in perspective of how your skills and know-how best fit the job for which you are interviewing. By organizing these simple tasks to prepare for your job interview, you will greatly increase your odds of getting hired. Don’t leave your next great job to chance. Prepare for it now.
Mark Baber has 20 years experience as an Executive Search recruiter. For one-on-one job search help visit: http://www.mcbaber.com
Mark is Recruit Consultant to http://www.JobNewsRadio.com where Jobseekers access 2 Million job transactions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Baber
RESUME
Job Seek
Sunday, November 15, 2009
How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews
Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a job interview is to anticipate questions, develop your answers, and practice, practice, practice.
There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing the types of questions to expect can be very useful. But knowing how to answer those questions can mean the difference between getting the job and getting the "reject letter."
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
First, know these important facts:
1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.
2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as GUIDES only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer the questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.
3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL. They allow you to show why you are the best person for the job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in.
Now, take these actions:
1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for the position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.
2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your OWN list of probable questions based specifically on the job for which you are applying. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find the best person for this job?
3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study the job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note the phrases they use when describing the desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if the announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."
4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for the interview.
Be A (Short) Story Teller
Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.
For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of the dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me the moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used the Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (NOTE: I know nothing about dog grooming; I made the Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)
Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered the question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by the interviewers.
In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.
Keep the Interviewer's Perspective in Mind; Answer His "What's in it for Me?" Question
While many questions asked during job interviews appear to focus on your past accomplishments, here's an important tip: they may be asking about what you did in the past, but what they really want to know is what you can do NOW, for THEM.
The key is to talk about your past accomplishments in a way that shows how they are RELEVANT to the specific job for which you are interviewing. Doing advance research about the company (such as at their website or at http://www.hoovers.com) and the position will be extremely helpful.
Here's another example with Joe and Mary. The interviewer asks, "What is the most difficult challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it?" Joe answers with, "In one job I was delivering pizzas and I kept getting lost. By the time I'd find the address, the pizza would be cold, the customer would be unhappy, and my boss was ready to fire me. I overcame this problem by purchasing a GPS navigation device and installing it in my car. Now I never get lost!" Mary answers, "In my current job at Stylish Hounds, management ran a special promotion to increase the number of customers who use the dog-grooming service. It was a bit too successful because we suddenly had more customers than we could handle. Management would not hire additional groomers to help with the workload. Instead of turning customers away or significantly delaying their appointments, I devised a new grooming method that was twice as fast. Then I developed a new work schedule. Both efforts maximized productivity and we were able to handle the increased workload effectively without upsetting our customers."
Joe's answer shows initiative and commitment (he bought that GPS gadget with his own money, after all). But Mary's answer relates specifically to the job they are applying for (dog groomer). And Mary had done research about the company and discovered it was about to significantly expand it's dog-grooming operations. So she picked an example from her past that addressed an issue the interviewer was likely to apply to a future situation in his company. See the difference?
Here's one more example. Joe and Mary are asked, "What's your greatest accomplishment?" Joe answers, "I won two Olympic Gold Medals during the 2000 Olympics in the high-jump competition." Mary answers, "I was named Stylish Hounds's Dog Groomer of the Year in 2003 for increasing productivity in my section by 47%."
Joe's accomplishment is pretty spectacular. But remember the interviewer's perspective. He might be impressed, but he's thinking "What's in it for me? What does being a world-class high-jumper four years ago have to do with helping me to increase sales in my dog-grooming department?" Mary's answer is much less spectacular than Joe's, but it's relevant to the position and indicates that she has what it takes to be successful in this particular job. It tells the interviewer, "I have what you're looking for; I can help you with your specific needs."
Looks like Mary has a new job!
Do Not Lie
Last but not least, tell the truth. It's sometimes very tempting to "alter" the truth a bit during a job interview. For instance, say you quit instead of being fired. But the risk of being discovered as a liar far outweighs the potential benefit of hiding the truth.
If you are thinking about telling a lie during the interview, ask yourself these questions (this technique has helped me make many major decisions): "What is the BEST thing that could happen? What is the WORST thing that could happen? Is the best thing WORTH RISKING the worst thing?" In this instance, the best thing would be getting the job. The worst thing would be getting discovered as a liar, which could lead to getting fired, which could lead to unemployment, which could lead to more job searching, which could lead to another interview, which could lead to the stress of deciding whether to lie about just getting fired, and so on… a cycle that can go on indefinitely. Is all that worth getting the one job, perhaps on a temporary basis?
Always consider the consequences of your actions.
In Summary, Here's What You Need To Do When Preparing To Answer Job Interview Questions:
1. Study the job announcement.
2. Research the company.
3. Anticipate likely questions.
4. Prepare answers to those questions that are relevant to the position and the company.
5. Promote your best "selling points" (relevant qualifications, capabilities, experience, personality traits, etc.) by working them into your answers.
6. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Lowe
There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing the types of questions to expect can be very useful. But knowing how to answer those questions can mean the difference between getting the job and getting the "reject letter."
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
First, know these important facts:
1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.
2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as GUIDES only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer the questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.
3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL. They allow you to show why you are the best person for the job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in.
Now, take these actions:
1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for the position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.
2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your OWN list of probable questions based specifically on the job for which you are applying. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find the best person for this job?
3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study the job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note the phrases they use when describing the desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if the announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."
4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for the interview.
Be A (Short) Story Teller
Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.
For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of the dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me the moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used the Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (NOTE: I know nothing about dog grooming; I made the Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)
Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered the question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by the interviewers.
In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.
Keep the Interviewer's Perspective in Mind; Answer His "What's in it for Me?" Question
While many questions asked during job interviews appear to focus on your past accomplishments, here's an important tip: they may be asking about what you did in the past, but what they really want to know is what you can do NOW, for THEM.
The key is to talk about your past accomplishments in a way that shows how they are RELEVANT to the specific job for which you are interviewing. Doing advance research about the company (such as at their website or at http://www.hoovers.com) and the position will be extremely helpful.
Here's another example with Joe and Mary. The interviewer asks, "What is the most difficult challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it?" Joe answers with, "In one job I was delivering pizzas and I kept getting lost. By the time I'd find the address, the pizza would be cold, the customer would be unhappy, and my boss was ready to fire me. I overcame this problem by purchasing a GPS navigation device and installing it in my car. Now I never get lost!" Mary answers, "In my current job at Stylish Hounds, management ran a special promotion to increase the number of customers who use the dog-grooming service. It was a bit too successful because we suddenly had more customers than we could handle. Management would not hire additional groomers to help with the workload. Instead of turning customers away or significantly delaying their appointments, I devised a new grooming method that was twice as fast. Then I developed a new work schedule. Both efforts maximized productivity and we were able to handle the increased workload effectively without upsetting our customers."
Joe's answer shows initiative and commitment (he bought that GPS gadget with his own money, after all). But Mary's answer relates specifically to the job they are applying for (dog groomer). And Mary had done research about the company and discovered it was about to significantly expand it's dog-grooming operations. So she picked an example from her past that addressed an issue the interviewer was likely to apply to a future situation in his company. See the difference?
Here's one more example. Joe and Mary are asked, "What's your greatest accomplishment?" Joe answers, "I won two Olympic Gold Medals during the 2000 Olympics in the high-jump competition." Mary answers, "I was named Stylish Hounds's Dog Groomer of the Year in 2003 for increasing productivity in my section by 47%."
Joe's accomplishment is pretty spectacular. But remember the interviewer's perspective. He might be impressed, but he's thinking "What's in it for me? What does being a world-class high-jumper four years ago have to do with helping me to increase sales in my dog-grooming department?" Mary's answer is much less spectacular than Joe's, but it's relevant to the position and indicates that she has what it takes to be successful in this particular job. It tells the interviewer, "I have what you're looking for; I can help you with your specific needs."
Looks like Mary has a new job!
Do Not Lie
Last but not least, tell the truth. It's sometimes very tempting to "alter" the truth a bit during a job interview. For instance, say you quit instead of being fired. But the risk of being discovered as a liar far outweighs the potential benefit of hiding the truth.
If you are thinking about telling a lie during the interview, ask yourself these questions (this technique has helped me make many major decisions): "What is the BEST thing that could happen? What is the WORST thing that could happen? Is the best thing WORTH RISKING the worst thing?" In this instance, the best thing would be getting the job. The worst thing would be getting discovered as a liar, which could lead to getting fired, which could lead to unemployment, which could lead to more job searching, which could lead to another interview, which could lead to the stress of deciding whether to lie about just getting fired, and so on… a cycle that can go on indefinitely. Is all that worth getting the one job, perhaps on a temporary basis?
Always consider the consequences of your actions.
In Summary, Here's What You Need To Do When Preparing To Answer Job Interview Questions:
1. Study the job announcement.
2. Research the company.
3. Anticipate likely questions.
4. Prepare answers to those questions that are relevant to the position and the company.
5. Promote your best "selling points" (relevant qualifications, capabilities, experience, personality traits, etc.) by working them into your answers.
6. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Lowe
Monday, November 2, 2009
Job Interview Cheat Sheet - Top 6 Questions & Mental Strategies
If an interviewer adopts a competitive or adversarial attitude toward you in an interview, you should not take it personally. Many interviewers adopt a confrontational style to screen candidates for jobs which may involve some form of regular conflict, such as sales management or customer service supervisor. In order for you to pass the interview with flying colors, it is highly recommended that you prepare and rehearse the answers to these questions prior to the interview, and that you remain calm and rational throughout your interrogation.
The first consideration when preparing answers to these questions is honesty. You will need to read and analyze the description of the job you are pursuing, and match your skills and experience as closely to that job description as you can. It would also be of use for you to research the company as a whole, and attempt to discover what their culture and prevalent attitudes are. This information can help you frame your responses.
Finally, as you prepare your responses, consider carefully the purpose of each question. When an interviewer asks tests questions such as these, they may be looking for something other than simple information. They may be looking more for how you respond than what the content is of your response. Remember the importance of retaining your composure and professionalism as you answer the following in any interview:
1. Why are you leaving your current job?
If there is an issue or set of issues that you have as a candidate that may have affected your performance in the past, these same issues may well affect your performance for the company with whom you are interviewing. The interview is probing you for information about why you have chosen to leave your last employer, so he or she can assess whether or not you will leave this company for the same reasons. Therefore, respond from the perspective of yourself as a professional pursuing a career. Leave your former employer out of it. If you make critical or negative statements about your old boss, your prospective boss may get the idea that he or she is next in line for your negativism. Simply state that you are looking for a position that will challenge you to grow as a professional, and offer your thoughts as to why the position you seek is a good career move for you at this time.
2. Why should we employ you rather than one of the other candidates?
Testing you on your own knowledge of your unique strengths is a basic interview technique. In order to respond effectively to this question, you must have researched the company and analyzed the job description in great detail. You will then be in a position to compare and contrast the requirements of the job against your training, skills and accomplishments, point for point, while simultaneously demonstrating your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
As loaded questions go, this one is a doosie. The person conducting the interview is looking for you to demonstrate how well you can assess yourself, and that you are continually looking to improve. When you respond, keep your answer in the context of the job interview. Present career strengths and contributions. Select a weakness that may seem like a strength in another context, such a being a perfectionist who puts in too many hours. Then offer a specific example of how you have successfully addressed this weakness, to demonstrate your desire to become a more complete professional. Keep yourself in a positive light throughout your response, and never mention any weakness that is directly related to the job under discussion.
4. Tell me about yourself.
Far from an invitation to idle chit-chat, this query is designed to let the interviewer determine how well you fit the job the company is offering. Confine your answer to two minutes or less, and keep the focus on how well your skills and accomplishments match both the position in particular and the company at large. Again, having researched the company and studied the job description will pay off.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Whenever a company hires a new employee, it is a major expense, both financially and administratively. They want some assurance that you intend to be around for awhile. By presenting a well-considered five year plan, you can assure them that you are worth the risk, especially if you have done your homework about the position and the company. If your defined goals are philosophically in line with those of the company, and you can communicate that you see this position as an important career step for you, you will be that much closer to an offer. If you can truthfully add that you plan to continue your professional development within the company, and will actively seek to advance within the organization, so much the better.
6. Why do you want to work for our company?
Quite simply, the person conducting the interview wants to know if you’ve done your due diligence. When you do your research and analysis, catalog what things about the company impress you or appeal to you. Demonstrate that you have uncovered what you could about the company on your own, and that you understand its challenges and its place in the industry. Above all, be positive and enthusiastic.
Obviously, your success in an interview is directly proportionate to the amount of preparation you are willing to do. The act of analyzing the job description from the perspective of your resume, and the process of researching the company through the Internet and your personal professional network of people… these activities are key to your success, along with formal preparation and rehearsal of your responses to these questions. By using the preparation process we’ve just outlined, you will leave an impression of competent professionalism when you walk out of any interview.
Good Luck With Your Job Search
Mark Baber has 20 years experience as an Executive Search recruiter, with placement background in many industries, including: Retail, Manufacturing, Sales, Accounting/Finance, MIS/IT, and many others. Mark is Recruit Consultant to http://www.JobNewsRadio.com where Jobseekers access 2 Million job transactions monthly, and can submit their Resumes Free and have them distributed freely to Employers they choose by industry, vocation, City or Region. Further JobNewsRADIO offers FREE Job Seeker resources like career and personality assessments, free Trade magazines, free Job Search tutorials that help increase your odds of finding a career job position, and many other valuable resources. Or visit Mark's recruitment web site at http://www.mcbaber.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Baber
The first consideration when preparing answers to these questions is honesty. You will need to read and analyze the description of the job you are pursuing, and match your skills and experience as closely to that job description as you can. It would also be of use for you to research the company as a whole, and attempt to discover what their culture and prevalent attitudes are. This information can help you frame your responses.
Finally, as you prepare your responses, consider carefully the purpose of each question. When an interviewer asks tests questions such as these, they may be looking for something other than simple information. They may be looking more for how you respond than what the content is of your response. Remember the importance of retaining your composure and professionalism as you answer the following in any interview:
1. Why are you leaving your current job?
If there is an issue or set of issues that you have as a candidate that may have affected your performance in the past, these same issues may well affect your performance for the company with whom you are interviewing. The interview is probing you for information about why you have chosen to leave your last employer, so he or she can assess whether or not you will leave this company for the same reasons. Therefore, respond from the perspective of yourself as a professional pursuing a career. Leave your former employer out of it. If you make critical or negative statements about your old boss, your prospective boss may get the idea that he or she is next in line for your negativism. Simply state that you are looking for a position that will challenge you to grow as a professional, and offer your thoughts as to why the position you seek is a good career move for you at this time.
2. Why should we employ you rather than one of the other candidates?
Testing you on your own knowledge of your unique strengths is a basic interview technique. In order to respond effectively to this question, you must have researched the company and analyzed the job description in great detail. You will then be in a position to compare and contrast the requirements of the job against your training, skills and accomplishments, point for point, while simultaneously demonstrating your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
As loaded questions go, this one is a doosie. The person conducting the interview is looking for you to demonstrate how well you can assess yourself, and that you are continually looking to improve. When you respond, keep your answer in the context of the job interview. Present career strengths and contributions. Select a weakness that may seem like a strength in another context, such a being a perfectionist who puts in too many hours. Then offer a specific example of how you have successfully addressed this weakness, to demonstrate your desire to become a more complete professional. Keep yourself in a positive light throughout your response, and never mention any weakness that is directly related to the job under discussion.
4. Tell me about yourself.
Far from an invitation to idle chit-chat, this query is designed to let the interviewer determine how well you fit the job the company is offering. Confine your answer to two minutes or less, and keep the focus on how well your skills and accomplishments match both the position in particular and the company at large. Again, having researched the company and studied the job description will pay off.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Whenever a company hires a new employee, it is a major expense, both financially and administratively. They want some assurance that you intend to be around for awhile. By presenting a well-considered five year plan, you can assure them that you are worth the risk, especially if you have done your homework about the position and the company. If your defined goals are philosophically in line with those of the company, and you can communicate that you see this position as an important career step for you, you will be that much closer to an offer. If you can truthfully add that you plan to continue your professional development within the company, and will actively seek to advance within the organization, so much the better.
6. Why do you want to work for our company?
Quite simply, the person conducting the interview wants to know if you’ve done your due diligence. When you do your research and analysis, catalog what things about the company impress you or appeal to you. Demonstrate that you have uncovered what you could about the company on your own, and that you understand its challenges and its place in the industry. Above all, be positive and enthusiastic.
Obviously, your success in an interview is directly proportionate to the amount of preparation you are willing to do. The act of analyzing the job description from the perspective of your resume, and the process of researching the company through the Internet and your personal professional network of people… these activities are key to your success, along with formal preparation and rehearsal of your responses to these questions. By using the preparation process we’ve just outlined, you will leave an impression of competent professionalism when you walk out of any interview.
Good Luck With Your Job Search
Mark Baber has 20 years experience as an Executive Search recruiter, with placement background in many industries, including: Retail, Manufacturing, Sales, Accounting/Finance, MIS/IT, and many others. Mark is Recruit Consultant to http://www.JobNewsRadio.com where Jobseekers access 2 Million job transactions monthly, and can submit their Resumes Free and have them distributed freely to Employers they choose by industry, vocation, City or Region. Further JobNewsRADIO offers FREE Job Seeker resources like career and personality assessments, free Trade magazines, free Job Search tutorials that help increase your odds of finding a career job position, and many other valuable resources. Or visit Mark's recruitment web site at http://www.mcbaber.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Baber
3 Ways to Succeed on Your First Job (Or Any Job)
You've heard the real estate cliché: the three factors that determine a property's value are location, location, location.
Well, here's an instant cliché about creating value on the job: to succeed, you need to work, work, work.
But there's more to success than 80-hour workweeks.
You have to do the right things in the right amount to get ahead, according to employment expert Ramon Greenwood. He's a former Senior Vice President at American Express and author of the book, "How to Land Your First Job and Make a Success of It." He operates CommonSenseAtWork.com.
Greenwood's insights, while especially relevant for new graduates entering the workforce, will help anyone of any age who has to earn a paycheck.
Here are three of his most valuable tips for success on the job.
1) Work hard at the right things.
"First, understand what it is you're doing and why you're doing it, so you can figure out how to do it better," says Greenwood.
In other words, make sure you know why you're on the payroll. What exactly are you getting paid to do? Make money? Save money? Both? Ask your boss to spell out which job duties will determine your success. Then focus on doing those critical few things well.
Once you know what to do, a great way to get more of it done is to arrive early and stay late.
"Get to work 30 minutes before the starting time. You can get routine chores out of the way and organize your day's work before the interruptions start. Often you will find your boss is in early, too, so this is a great time to get better acquainted with him or her. At the end of the day, stay at least 15 to 30 minutes after hours. Clean up your work place and make a list of actions to take the next day," advises Greenwood.
This one thing -- starting 30 minutes early and staying 30 minutes late -- will give you an extra 20 hours of productivity every month. That's equal to six full working weeks every year. Now, do you think you might get noticed by the boss if you worked six weeks more than everyone else?
2) Seek out responsibility.
Most people instinctively run from responsibility, like cats from a hose. Call it human nature. But this opens the door for anyone willing to take on new, more challenging tasks.
"When it comes to responsibility, you can dodge it, accept it when you have no other choice, or seek it out and take it on," says Greenwood.
Prove this for yourself. Look around your office. You'll find the most successful people at work are those who seek out new responsibilities. (If not, you're likely at a company where the top employees all refer to the boss as "Mom" or "Dad.")
From my own 20+ years of experience, I can verify that anyone who volunteers for the tasks and responsibilities that nobody else wants will make himself indispensable. You can literally become "fireproof" this way and create real job security for yourself.
3) Don't be afraid to ask for help.
We all know men hate to ask for directions. (That's why man put GPS navigation systems in cars.) But work is different. Man or woman, you'll never become an all-star employee if you never seek assistance.
"It takes courage to ask for help, but you'll be better off when you do and ultimately, you'll be better respected," says Greenwood.
After all, you can't be expected to know everything. Asking for help is a sign of strength. It shows to others that you are confident and focused on producing results.
So, find a mentor who will take you under their wing and share their experience. Good news: this is easy to do, since roughly 100% of folks are flattered and willing to help when asked for advice. Just be sure not to abuse the privilege and dump every minor problem in your mentor's lap.
These real-world tips from a former executive won't guarantee you a promotion in 30 days. But they will increase your odds for success on your current job and throughout your career.
Best of luck to you!
Kevin Donlin is contributing co-author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0." Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. For a free Guerrilla Job Search audio CD, visit http://www.MyNewJobHunt.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Donlin
Well, here's an instant cliché about creating value on the job: to succeed, you need to work, work, work.
But there's more to success than 80-hour workweeks.
You have to do the right things in the right amount to get ahead, according to employment expert Ramon Greenwood. He's a former Senior Vice President at American Express and author of the book, "How to Land Your First Job and Make a Success of It." He operates CommonSenseAtWork.com.
Greenwood's insights, while especially relevant for new graduates entering the workforce, will help anyone of any age who has to earn a paycheck.
Here are three of his most valuable tips for success on the job.
1) Work hard at the right things.
"First, understand what it is you're doing and why you're doing it, so you can figure out how to do it better," says Greenwood.
In other words, make sure you know why you're on the payroll. What exactly are you getting paid to do? Make money? Save money? Both? Ask your boss to spell out which job duties will determine your success. Then focus on doing those critical few things well.
Once you know what to do, a great way to get more of it done is to arrive early and stay late.
"Get to work 30 minutes before the starting time. You can get routine chores out of the way and organize your day's work before the interruptions start. Often you will find your boss is in early, too, so this is a great time to get better acquainted with him or her. At the end of the day, stay at least 15 to 30 minutes after hours. Clean up your work place and make a list of actions to take the next day," advises Greenwood.
This one thing -- starting 30 minutes early and staying 30 minutes late -- will give you an extra 20 hours of productivity every month. That's equal to six full working weeks every year. Now, do you think you might get noticed by the boss if you worked six weeks more than everyone else?
2) Seek out responsibility.
Most people instinctively run from responsibility, like cats from a hose. Call it human nature. But this opens the door for anyone willing to take on new, more challenging tasks.
"When it comes to responsibility, you can dodge it, accept it when you have no other choice, or seek it out and take it on," says Greenwood.
Prove this for yourself. Look around your office. You'll find the most successful people at work are those who seek out new responsibilities. (If not, you're likely at a company where the top employees all refer to the boss as "Mom" or "Dad.")
From my own 20+ years of experience, I can verify that anyone who volunteers for the tasks and responsibilities that nobody else wants will make himself indispensable. You can literally become "fireproof" this way and create real job security for yourself.
3) Don't be afraid to ask for help.
We all know men hate to ask for directions. (That's why man put GPS navigation systems in cars.) But work is different. Man or woman, you'll never become an all-star employee if you never seek assistance.
"It takes courage to ask for help, but you'll be better off when you do and ultimately, you'll be better respected," says Greenwood.
After all, you can't be expected to know everything. Asking for help is a sign of strength. It shows to others that you are confident and focused on producing results.
So, find a mentor who will take you under their wing and share their experience. Good news: this is easy to do, since roughly 100% of folks are flattered and willing to help when asked for advice. Just be sure not to abuse the privilege and dump every minor problem in your mentor's lap.
These real-world tips from a former executive won't guarantee you a promotion in 30 days. But they will increase your odds for success on your current job and throughout your career.
Best of luck to you!
Kevin Donlin is contributing co-author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0." Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. For a free Guerrilla Job Search audio CD, visit http://www.MyNewJobHunt.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Donlin
Friday, February 27, 2009
Job Guidelines- Top 5 Ways To Get Your Job And Succeed
Job Guidelines- Top 5 Ways To Get Your Job And Succeed by Nick Jackson
Many People These Days See As An Advisor, Thsy Ask Me How They Can Make Money, They Ask Me How They Can Get More Traffic, And They Ask Me How To Get A New Better Job Thats Suits Them, They Ask Me This Because They Have Tried Many Times To Get A Job But They Get Too Nervice And Underpressure Becuase They Quit Their First Job And Are trying To Get A Second, Well I Have Help To Offer To Them And EVERYONE Else, Just Read, And Start.........
1. Calm Down. Many People (Especially Those Nervice And Underpressure) Can't Calm Down. Its Always Like, Oh No What Am I Going To Do." When This Happens, They Lose Confidence And Then They Begin To Doubt Themselves. They Then Don't Go To The Interview, Reducing Their Chances To Zero. Well What I Have T Say Is Calm Down, All You Need To Do Is Calm Down, As Long As Your Calm, In A True Peacful State Of Mind, You Will Get More Things (Like The Job You Want) To Keep You Peaceful. But Remember You Have To Be TRULY Peaceful.
2. Get Ready-Part 1-Clothes Before You Walk Into That Interview, You Need A Plan And This Will Take Some Time, (Especially If You Still Have Little Confidence.) Well First Thing Most People Will Do Is Get Their Outfit Out, Wear Something That makes You Look Calm And Cool, But Serious At The Same Time ( For Guys, What Might Work Best Is A Regular Job Shirt But Short Sleves, Then You Can Wear Some Dark Blue To Black Jeans And Some Work Shoes, For Ladies, A Dress With Not Such A Light Color, Like Purple, Black Or Gray, Make Sure It's Not Over The Top But Don't Make It Look Boring, Because What You Wear Describes You. I Hope This Helps( Remember This Is Not A Demand This Is A Request, Just Think bout It.)
3. Get Ready-Part 2-Questions Here Is Another Part Of The Interview, The More Important Part And It Is The Questions You Will Be Asked. Before You Step In You Have To Look At Every Single Case Scenario Of Any To Every Kind Think Of Questions Like "What Made You Want To Have Job Like This? Or, What Can You Bring To Our Company That You Think We Need? Also They Might Ask You About The Company So Know A Little About It. Questions Like Those, If You Can Think Of Things Like That, Then You Will Do Fine As Questions Go, Now On To The Next Part.
4. Get Ready-Part 3-Personality This Is The Thing That Gets People To Like You And Stick Up For You, It Is Because Of Personality. Stay In A Likeable Mood (Happy, Or Friendly.) Make Eye Contact With Your Interviewer, Let Them Know that You Are Strong, peak In A Happy Mood, And Try To get The Interviewer Happy (Don't Try To Had Because Some Of Them Are There To Work And Not To Joke And They Might Get Annoyed. If Not, Then Try To Get A Laugh Out Of Them, If Your Not The Jokestor Then You Don't Got To Do That, Just Be Positive, Have A Positive Mind Set And Body Language, Do That And This Will TRULY Help.
5. Get The Call And Get Ready Now That Youv'e Got The Job, Get Ready For It, You Came Into The Interview Prepared, Now Its Time For The Company. Know A Little Bit More About It, And Try To Befriend People As Quickly As Possible, Once You Are Getting Along With People, You'll Enjoy Your Job, The People, And Your Life And Thats What Makes You Liek A Job.
Follow These Steps And Bigger Things Can Happen For You, You Will Be Happier, More Secure, And Better Off. I Know You Can Do It, So Don't Be Afraid And Believe In Yourself. Thank You For Reading This Article.
About the Author
Written By Nick Jackson Of The Help Me Help You Corporation
Check Out My Jobs Page And Jump Start Your Way To Getting The Job You Want And Sign Up For One Of Them And Get Extra Tips, Guides, And MUCH MORE.
http://www.helpmehelpyoucorporation.webs.com
Many People These Days See As An Advisor, Thsy Ask Me How They Can Make Money, They Ask Me How They Can Get More Traffic, And They Ask Me How To Get A New Better Job Thats Suits Them, They Ask Me This Because They Have Tried Many Times To Get A Job But They Get Too Nervice And Underpressure Becuase They Quit Their First Job And Are trying To Get A Second, Well I Have Help To Offer To Them And EVERYONE Else, Just Read, And Start.........
1. Calm Down. Many People (Especially Those Nervice And Underpressure) Can't Calm Down. Its Always Like, Oh No What Am I Going To Do." When This Happens, They Lose Confidence And Then They Begin To Doubt Themselves. They Then Don't Go To The Interview, Reducing Their Chances To Zero. Well What I Have T Say Is Calm Down, All You Need To Do Is Calm Down, As Long As Your Calm, In A True Peacful State Of Mind, You Will Get More Things (Like The Job You Want) To Keep You Peaceful. But Remember You Have To Be TRULY Peaceful.
2. Get Ready-Part 1-Clothes Before You Walk Into That Interview, You Need A Plan And This Will Take Some Time, (Especially If You Still Have Little Confidence.) Well First Thing Most People Will Do Is Get Their Outfit Out, Wear Something That makes You Look Calm And Cool, But Serious At The Same Time ( For Guys, What Might Work Best Is A Regular Job Shirt But Short Sleves, Then You Can Wear Some Dark Blue To Black Jeans And Some Work Shoes, For Ladies, A Dress With Not Such A Light Color, Like Purple, Black Or Gray, Make Sure It's Not Over The Top But Don't Make It Look Boring, Because What You Wear Describes You. I Hope This Helps( Remember This Is Not A Demand This Is A Request, Just Think bout It.)
3. Get Ready-Part 2-Questions Here Is Another Part Of The Interview, The More Important Part And It Is The Questions You Will Be Asked. Before You Step In You Have To Look At Every Single Case Scenario Of Any To Every Kind Think Of Questions Like "What Made You Want To Have Job Like This? Or, What Can You Bring To Our Company That You Think We Need? Also They Might Ask You About The Company So Know A Little About It. Questions Like Those, If You Can Think Of Things Like That, Then You Will Do Fine As Questions Go, Now On To The Next Part.
4. Get Ready-Part 3-Personality This Is The Thing That Gets People To Like You And Stick Up For You, It Is Because Of Personality. Stay In A Likeable Mood (Happy, Or Friendly.) Make Eye Contact With Your Interviewer, Let Them Know that You Are Strong, peak In A Happy Mood, And Try To get The Interviewer Happy (Don't Try To Had Because Some Of Them Are There To Work And Not To Joke And They Might Get Annoyed. If Not, Then Try To Get A Laugh Out Of Them, If Your Not The Jokestor Then You Don't Got To Do That, Just Be Positive, Have A Positive Mind Set And Body Language, Do That And This Will TRULY Help.
5. Get The Call And Get Ready Now That Youv'e Got The Job, Get Ready For It, You Came Into The Interview Prepared, Now Its Time For The Company. Know A Little Bit More About It, And Try To Befriend People As Quickly As Possible, Once You Are Getting Along With People, You'll Enjoy Your Job, The People, And Your Life And Thats What Makes You Liek A Job.
Follow These Steps And Bigger Things Can Happen For You, You Will Be Happier, More Secure, And Better Off. I Know You Can Do It, So Don't Be Afraid And Believe In Yourself. Thank You For Reading This Article.
About the Author
Written By Nick Jackson Of The Help Me Help You Corporation
Check Out My Jobs Page And Jump Start Your Way To Getting The Job You Want And Sign Up For One Of Them And Get Extra Tips, Guides, And MUCH MORE.
http://www.helpmehelpyoucorporation.webs.com
How To Conduct Yourself At The Interview
How To Conduct Yourself At The Interview by JobCareerAdvice
Your cover letter dazzled them, your resume is the best the Hiring Manager has ever seen and all your efforts have paid off because now you've been offered the interview. The final hurdle.
Let's agree the majority of people going for an interview will be nervous, scared and apprehensive. But they are no reasons for not conducting yourself in a proper way and being polite. Put yourself in the shoes of the Hiring Manager.
Do you want someone sitting opposite you:
* with their hands in their pockets
* with no eye contact
* mumbling their answers
* telling offensive jokes
You wouldn't and nor would I.
It's easy to conduct yourself well and be polite.
To give yourself an advantage over others follow these polite practices:
Arrive ahead of time.
It's bad manners to walk into an interview after the agreed start time. It really annoys me and the applicant will have to be outstanding to win the job. Of course, there are going to be times when circumstances are outside of your control. If that were to happen, I would suggest you call ahead and let the Hiring Manager know you are going to be late. But always aim to arrive at least ten minutes early so you can freshen up, catch your breath, sit quietly in the lobby reviewing your notes.
Listen and Focus.
Focus your mind and take in what the interviewer is saying. If you miss a detail or don't understand what is said, ask politely for it to be repeated. It may help to have a small notepad and pen in your hand. (You can enter the interview with a pen and notepad. You can have your personal work experience examples written down. The interview is not a memory test - you can have a pad of notes to refer to).
Jot down items that are of importance to you while the interviewer is speaking. You might even tell the interviewer ahead of time that you'll be taking notes because you don't want to miss anything. Ask if that is OK? I do. That too, is a sign of good manners. You're letting the other person know that you're serious about the job in question.
Maintain good eye contact.
How does it feel when you are talking to someone who just won't look at you? Horrible! Untrusting! So make sure you do maintain eye contact with the Hiring Manger, as it is not only polite, it's good business practice. It assures the other person of your sincerity and genuine interest. And it will remind him or her to return the eye contact.
Say thank you.
At the close of the interview, be sure to shake hands, smile and express how much you appreciate the time and the information you received.
Remember, everyone likes to be acknowledged and thanked. Those who express gratitude will not be forgotten because it is so rare for people today to share genuine thanks. Then follow up with a thank you note in your handwriting.
For example:
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the position of xxxxxx with me. After meeting with you and getting the opportunity to see and hear more about your plans for the future of xxxxxx, I was certainly impressed.
I am convinced that my experience and customer service skills coincide well with your needs and in addition, I can promise to bring the commitment and enthusiasm that are so important in a position such as this.
I look forward to hearing from you concerning your decision of the hiring process and, once again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Simple and to the point.
That will seal the deal and give you a good chance of winning a second interview--or even the job itself.
So make sure you overcome the final hurdle of the interview, keep your conduct professional and are offered the job.
About the Author
JobandCareerAdvice provides the latest ideas, tips and trends in the tough job hunting world - so you are ahead of the crowd. Signup for the free brand new e-course that shows you the latest secrets to ensure your resume gets read! Go now to http://www.jobandcareeradvice.com/
Your cover letter dazzled them, your resume is the best the Hiring Manager has ever seen and all your efforts have paid off because now you've been offered the interview. The final hurdle.
Let's agree the majority of people going for an interview will be nervous, scared and apprehensive. But they are no reasons for not conducting yourself in a proper way and being polite. Put yourself in the shoes of the Hiring Manager.
Do you want someone sitting opposite you:
* with their hands in their pockets
* with no eye contact
* mumbling their answers
* telling offensive jokes
You wouldn't and nor would I.
It's easy to conduct yourself well and be polite.
To give yourself an advantage over others follow these polite practices:
Arrive ahead of time.
It's bad manners to walk into an interview after the agreed start time. It really annoys me and the applicant will have to be outstanding to win the job. Of course, there are going to be times when circumstances are outside of your control. If that were to happen, I would suggest you call ahead and let the Hiring Manager know you are going to be late. But always aim to arrive at least ten minutes early so you can freshen up, catch your breath, sit quietly in the lobby reviewing your notes.
Listen and Focus.
Focus your mind and take in what the interviewer is saying. If you miss a detail or don't understand what is said, ask politely for it to be repeated. It may help to have a small notepad and pen in your hand. (You can enter the interview with a pen and notepad. You can have your personal work experience examples written down. The interview is not a memory test - you can have a pad of notes to refer to).
Jot down items that are of importance to you while the interviewer is speaking. You might even tell the interviewer ahead of time that you'll be taking notes because you don't want to miss anything. Ask if that is OK? I do. That too, is a sign of good manners. You're letting the other person know that you're serious about the job in question.
Maintain good eye contact.
How does it feel when you are talking to someone who just won't look at you? Horrible! Untrusting! So make sure you do maintain eye contact with the Hiring Manger, as it is not only polite, it's good business practice. It assures the other person of your sincerity and genuine interest. And it will remind him or her to return the eye contact.
Say thank you.
At the close of the interview, be sure to shake hands, smile and express how much you appreciate the time and the information you received.
Remember, everyone likes to be acknowledged and thanked. Those who express gratitude will not be forgotten because it is so rare for people today to share genuine thanks. Then follow up with a thank you note in your handwriting.
For example:
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the position of xxxxxx with me. After meeting with you and getting the opportunity to see and hear more about your plans for the future of xxxxxx, I was certainly impressed.
I am convinced that my experience and customer service skills coincide well with your needs and in addition, I can promise to bring the commitment and enthusiasm that are so important in a position such as this.
I look forward to hearing from you concerning your decision of the hiring process and, once again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Simple and to the point.
That will seal the deal and give you a good chance of winning a second interview--or even the job itself.
So make sure you overcome the final hurdle of the interview, keep your conduct professional and are offered the job.
About the Author
JobandCareerAdvice provides the latest ideas, tips and trends in the tough job hunting world - so you are ahead of the crowd. Signup for the free brand new e-course that shows you the latest secrets to ensure your resume gets read! Go now to http://www.jobandcareeradvice.com/
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tips for a Successful Interview
Tips for a Successful Interview by Steve McMains
People often get nervous in the name of job interview.It does not make any sense.Interviews might seem tough but they can be made enjoyable with the right approach. An interview is a good opportunity for both the employer and the employee to judge each other.While you go for an interview remember that the employer not only looks for your academic background and your skill but the qualities that are needed for the vacant post.
Whether it is an individual interview or a group discussion try to highlight the qualities within you that will help you to stand out in the crowd.Take time to greet and answer the questions with honesty,confidence and enthusiasm.Don't be afraid. It is your chance to prove yourself so make the most of it with a few simple tips.
Dress Properly
Before going for an interview be well prepared and remember the basic things.First of all you should be dressed properly. Your look matters a lot as far as first impression is concerned.Always wear a formal dress while going for an interview. Your dress should be clean and ironed and your shoes should be polished.
Carry Several Resumes
Spend much time over resume writing as it creates the first impression.Go through the ad thoroughly and write the resume according to the requirements.When you go for an interview never forget to carry the hard copy of your resume.Always carry more than one resumes because you don't know how many rounds will be there.You might need to submit your resume more than ones.
Reach Early
If your interview time is 10 am you should reach the office at 9:50 am.You should always arrive at the interview venue 10 minutes early.It will create a good impression and show that you are punctual.It is unnecessary to say that punctuality is a quality that every organization looks for in its employees.
Know About the Company
Many of the candidates go for the interview without knowing anything about the company.This is a wrong approach.You should research about the company before the interview.Ask relevant questions to show that you show that you know the business,target market,clients,objectives and goals of the company.
Body Language
During an interview the employer not only judges your skills and capabilities but also your body language and attitude. He/she will see whether you can also contribute to the cultural environment of the company.So sit with a smiling face and your arms and legs uncrossed.Make eye contact and listen carefully what the interviewer is saying.
Ask About the Company Benefits
You don't need to hesitate to ask about the benefits offered by the company.However ask about the salary and other facilities at the end.After all you are not going to do social service.
Close the Interview with a Positive Note
Close the interview very strongly.End it with a firm handshake.Don't forget to get a business card of the employer to send him/her a thank you note.You should also let him/her know that it was a good experience for you.Your positive attitude will surely leave a good impression.
You have as much power as the employer.Believe in yourself.Follow these tips and you will find preparing for a job interview is not that tough.
About the Author
Steve McMains is a media professional and writes for different online publications on media and advertising industry.For more information on journalism jobs or tv jobs he recommends you to visit http://www.mediajobmarket.com.
People often get nervous in the name of job interview.It does not make any sense.Interviews might seem tough but they can be made enjoyable with the right approach. An interview is a good opportunity for both the employer and the employee to judge each other.While you go for an interview remember that the employer not only looks for your academic background and your skill but the qualities that are needed for the vacant post.
Whether it is an individual interview or a group discussion try to highlight the qualities within you that will help you to stand out in the crowd.Take time to greet and answer the questions with honesty,confidence and enthusiasm.Don't be afraid. It is your chance to prove yourself so make the most of it with a few simple tips.
Dress Properly
Before going for an interview be well prepared and remember the basic things.First of all you should be dressed properly. Your look matters a lot as far as first impression is concerned.Always wear a formal dress while going for an interview. Your dress should be clean and ironed and your shoes should be polished.
Carry Several Resumes
Spend much time over resume writing as it creates the first impression.Go through the ad thoroughly and write the resume according to the requirements.When you go for an interview never forget to carry the hard copy of your resume.Always carry more than one resumes because you don't know how many rounds will be there.You might need to submit your resume more than ones.
Reach Early
If your interview time is 10 am you should reach the office at 9:50 am.You should always arrive at the interview venue 10 minutes early.It will create a good impression and show that you are punctual.It is unnecessary to say that punctuality is a quality that every organization looks for in its employees.
Know About the Company
Many of the candidates go for the interview without knowing anything about the company.This is a wrong approach.You should research about the company before the interview.Ask relevant questions to show that you show that you know the business,target market,clients,objectives and goals of the company.
Body Language
During an interview the employer not only judges your skills and capabilities but also your body language and attitude. He/she will see whether you can also contribute to the cultural environment of the company.So sit with a smiling face and your arms and legs uncrossed.Make eye contact and listen carefully what the interviewer is saying.
Ask About the Company Benefits
You don't need to hesitate to ask about the benefits offered by the company.However ask about the salary and other facilities at the end.After all you are not going to do social service.
Close the Interview with a Positive Note
Close the interview very strongly.End it with a firm handshake.Don't forget to get a business card of the employer to send him/her a thank you note.You should also let him/her know that it was a good experience for you.Your positive attitude will surely leave a good impression.
You have as much power as the employer.Believe in yourself.Follow these tips and you will find preparing for a job interview is not that tough.
About the Author
Steve McMains is a media professional and writes for different online publications on media and advertising industry.For more information on journalism jobs or tv jobs he recommends you to visit http://www.mediajobmarket.com.
Interview Red Flags: Ever Felt Like THESE People? (I Have!)
Interview Red Flags: Ever Felt Like THESE People? (I Have!) by J.T. O'Donnell
I saw this video a while back and couldn't stop laughing. I don't know if it's the kid doing the interview, the one over-the-top guy that connects with him about a monkey mug, or how crazy the interview questions are, but I guarantee anyone that's ever interviewed for jobs has felt the way these interviewees felt at least once. It takes everything in our power not to want to get up and leave an interview that is going wrong, and yet, we stay in hopes of getting the offer. Why do we want the job so bad? Shouldn't red flags be waving wildly through our heads that we should chalk it up to a bad fit and move on? Nope. Instead, something inside us says, "I just got to get this job offer." Well, I say, if it felt wrong in the interview, it's going to feel wrong on-the-job too.
I should know, it happened to me...
Many years ago, I was living at home after college. I graduated in the last recession and the job market was horrible for new grads - just like it is now. I was miserable in my hometown and desperately trying to find a job back in Boston where I went to college. I finally got the call from a small company I had applied to that specialized in translating documents. I had spent a year abroad and spoke French, I also had a degree in Engineering - it was these two points that got me the interview. I should have known the moment I got there that something wasn't right. The first person to interview me was the CFO and he asked me questions like, "How well do you take criticism? Do you have a high tolerance for being yelled at?" He proceeded to explain the owner of the agency was a bit challenging to work with. He defended him by saying he was a very intelligent guy (went to MIT, etc.), but his people skills left something to be desired. I, eager to get out of my hometown, squelched the desire to leave the interview and simply said, "Oh, no problem. I've got really thick skin." I was asked similar questions by the other two managers who interviewed me, but again, instead of being honest, I gave them the answer they wanted to hear.
Finally, I was then ushered in to meet the owner. He was disheveled-looking in clothes that made me wonder if he slept in them. He began asking the most random questions I have ever heard. I was stuck in his office for over an hour while he went on-and-on about with random stories about translation that had no relevance as far as I could tell to the job I would be doing. Once again I should have known, as I finally escaped the interview two hours later, this job was not for me. But, I was young and naive.
The next day they offered me a job - the VERY next day. (C'mon now, who does that?) Yet, I swallowed my concerns and said 'yes,' thinking I could at least stand the job long enough to get settled in Boston and start looking for a new one. What a critical error on my part. The job was a nightmare. The office dynamics I experienced make the ones on the show "The Office" look ideal. There was screaming and crying almost daily. I was so drained leaving there every day, it left me with no energy to look for a new position. My husband was my boyfriend at the time. He felt helpless watching me become depressed. I gained 20 pounds as I tried to eat my problems away.
And then I snapped...
On my year anniversary, I anxiously awaited my paycheck, which was supposed to include my raise. I had been told it was significant and my hard work would be rewarded. I was proud of the fact I had dealt with the male version of Miranda from "The Devil Wears Prada" for 52 weeks. I was sure I would see big $$$. I was making $28,000/year. I opened the check, calculated the increase, and realized I had only gotten a $1000 raise. I imploded. I walked into the CFO's office and resigned. He chased me down the hall, begging me to go home and think about it. He said, "Please! You are the longest person we've ever had in this role!" I returned the next day and said I would stay on, but that was the first day of my last days there. I went on a mission to find a new job. It took four months to find one. When I resigned, the owner wouldn't speak to me and asked me to leave immediately. The employees wouldn't look at me either. I think they just hated the idea I was free.
Taking that job changed the way I looked at interviews for ever. So tell me….what was your worst interview like? Did you accept the job when it got offered to you? How'd it go? Can you relate to what I experienced?
About the Author
J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated advice columnist, author and founder of CAREEREALISM. Her work has been recognized by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for it's timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals (ages 18-40). For more articles, visit her at www.CAREEREALISM.com.
I saw this video a while back and couldn't stop laughing. I don't know if it's the kid doing the interview, the one over-the-top guy that connects with him about a monkey mug, or how crazy the interview questions are, but I guarantee anyone that's ever interviewed for jobs has felt the way these interviewees felt at least once. It takes everything in our power not to want to get up and leave an interview that is going wrong, and yet, we stay in hopes of getting the offer. Why do we want the job so bad? Shouldn't red flags be waving wildly through our heads that we should chalk it up to a bad fit and move on? Nope. Instead, something inside us says, "I just got to get this job offer." Well, I say, if it felt wrong in the interview, it's going to feel wrong on-the-job too.
I should know, it happened to me...
Many years ago, I was living at home after college. I graduated in the last recession and the job market was horrible for new grads - just like it is now. I was miserable in my hometown and desperately trying to find a job back in Boston where I went to college. I finally got the call from a small company I had applied to that specialized in translating documents. I had spent a year abroad and spoke French, I also had a degree in Engineering - it was these two points that got me the interview. I should have known the moment I got there that something wasn't right. The first person to interview me was the CFO and he asked me questions like, "How well do you take criticism? Do you have a high tolerance for being yelled at?" He proceeded to explain the owner of the agency was a bit challenging to work with. He defended him by saying he was a very intelligent guy (went to MIT, etc.), but his people skills left something to be desired. I, eager to get out of my hometown, squelched the desire to leave the interview and simply said, "Oh, no problem. I've got really thick skin." I was asked similar questions by the other two managers who interviewed me, but again, instead of being honest, I gave them the answer they wanted to hear.
Finally, I was then ushered in to meet the owner. He was disheveled-looking in clothes that made me wonder if he slept in them. He began asking the most random questions I have ever heard. I was stuck in his office for over an hour while he went on-and-on about with random stories about translation that had no relevance as far as I could tell to the job I would be doing. Once again I should have known, as I finally escaped the interview two hours later, this job was not for me. But, I was young and naive.
The next day they offered me a job - the VERY next day. (C'mon now, who does that?) Yet, I swallowed my concerns and said 'yes,' thinking I could at least stand the job long enough to get settled in Boston and start looking for a new one. What a critical error on my part. The job was a nightmare. The office dynamics I experienced make the ones on the show "The Office" look ideal. There was screaming and crying almost daily. I was so drained leaving there every day, it left me with no energy to look for a new position. My husband was my boyfriend at the time. He felt helpless watching me become depressed. I gained 20 pounds as I tried to eat my problems away.
And then I snapped...
On my year anniversary, I anxiously awaited my paycheck, which was supposed to include my raise. I had been told it was significant and my hard work would be rewarded. I was proud of the fact I had dealt with the male version of Miranda from "The Devil Wears Prada" for 52 weeks. I was sure I would see big $$$. I was making $28,000/year. I opened the check, calculated the increase, and realized I had only gotten a $1000 raise. I imploded. I walked into the CFO's office and resigned. He chased me down the hall, begging me to go home and think about it. He said, "Please! You are the longest person we've ever had in this role!" I returned the next day and said I would stay on, but that was the first day of my last days there. I went on a mission to find a new job. It took four months to find one. When I resigned, the owner wouldn't speak to me and asked me to leave immediately. The employees wouldn't look at me either. I think they just hated the idea I was free.
Taking that job changed the way I looked at interviews for ever. So tell me….what was your worst interview like? Did you accept the job when it got offered to you? How'd it go? Can you relate to what I experienced?
About the Author
J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated advice columnist, author and founder of CAREEREALISM. Her work has been recognized by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for it's timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals (ages 18-40). For more articles, visit her at www.CAREEREALISM.com.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Tips For Getting Ahead in Your Career
Tips For Getting Ahead in Your Career By Tony Jacowski
Think Ahead
Unfortunately many of us don't necessarily plan for the future of our careers. We think about the here and now.
We close our eyes and hope for the best. However, to be really successful - unless you just happen to be lucky - the key to a successful career is to think and plan ahead.
Choose Your Degree Wisely
Majoring in liberal arts or English Lit might sound like more fun, but how will it read in the corporate environment?
A degree in business, math, or science is going to look far more impressive to your employer.
Don't Stop at Your Bachelor's Degree
Online colleges make getting a degree easier than ever. That means more employees will at least have their bachelor's degree.
So, in order to stand out to your employer, you need to go above and beyond a bachelor's degree. Strive to get a master's degree, or even a PhD.
Be Willing To Take the Odd Assignment
Not only do these odd assignments make a great addition to your resume, they tell employers that you are fearless, flexible, and willing to think "outside the box".
Market Yourself Enthusiastically
Telling people how wonderful we are may sound a bit like bragging. And, for many of us, it's one of the most difficult challenges affecting our ability to move ahead in our careers.
But, unless you've got some incredibly unique skill that no one else in the world can do, it's what you must do to have your abilities recognized and to help you stand out above the competition.
Big Cities Is Where It's At
Career-making Meccas like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami are the places to go if you want to see your career move in a positive upwardly-mobile direction.
Not only is there more money to be made working in a big city, the growth opportunities are virtually limitless.
Don't Be Afraid To Change Jobs
While you don't want to look like you're job-hopping by changing jobs too frequently, it's not unusual to find yourself up against a brick wall i.e. a not so good supervisor, or perhaps you're lacking enthusiasm you're your current position.
At any rate, changing jobs can add some pizazz back into your career.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski
Think Ahead
Unfortunately many of us don't necessarily plan for the future of our careers. We think about the here and now.
We close our eyes and hope for the best. However, to be really successful - unless you just happen to be lucky - the key to a successful career is to think and plan ahead.
Choose Your Degree Wisely
Majoring in liberal arts or English Lit might sound like more fun, but how will it read in the corporate environment?
A degree in business, math, or science is going to look far more impressive to your employer.
Don't Stop at Your Bachelor's Degree
Online colleges make getting a degree easier than ever. That means more employees will at least have their bachelor's degree.
So, in order to stand out to your employer, you need to go above and beyond a bachelor's degree. Strive to get a master's degree, or even a PhD.
Be Willing To Take the Odd Assignment
Not only do these odd assignments make a great addition to your resume, they tell employers that you are fearless, flexible, and willing to think "outside the box".
Market Yourself Enthusiastically
Telling people how wonderful we are may sound a bit like bragging. And, for many of us, it's one of the most difficult challenges affecting our ability to move ahead in our careers.
But, unless you've got some incredibly unique skill that no one else in the world can do, it's what you must do to have your abilities recognized and to help you stand out above the competition.
Big Cities Is Where It's At
Career-making Meccas like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami are the places to go if you want to see your career move in a positive upwardly-mobile direction.
Not only is there more money to be made working in a big city, the growth opportunities are virtually limitless.
Don't Be Afraid To Change Jobs
While you don't want to look like you're job-hopping by changing jobs too frequently, it's not unusual to find yourself up against a brick wall i.e. a not so good supervisor, or perhaps you're lacking enthusiasm you're your current position.
At any rate, changing jobs can add some pizazz back into your career.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski
I WILL Get That Job - The Power of Positive Thinking
I WILL Get That Job - The Power of Positive Thinking By Amanda Pavis
If you are going to give your career any chance of success and you want to really make a difference to your job prospects, then you simply have to adopt positive thinking. Every day, every hour, every second, you need to challenge old, negative ways of thinking and start thinking about success.
But isn't that easier said than done? After all if we all thought in a positive way, then we would all still face disappointment as only 1 person can succeed in any job interview?
Well that in itself is a negative way of thinking and it should be eradicated. Instead what you have to focus on is success. Imagine yourself at interview: calm, collected, engaging with the interviewing panel, articulate and charming. Then you need to think about how you will react when you are offered the job.
Always make these images as clear as you can. Focus on what you are wearing, how your voice sounds. Can you make your voice stronger, calmer? Can you make the image stronger?
Concentrate on the image above every day for at least 10-20 minutes. Every day make the image clearer and your voice stronger and so on.
Take time every day to repeat positive affirmations; such as 'I am calm, confident and I succeed'. Repeat these affirmations at least 20 times per day.
Imagine success. Imagine the good feeling that it brings. Feel it. How tall do you feel? How alive and vibrant do you feel? Then carry these feelings with you as much as possible and if ever a negative thought creeps into your head, then refresh the feeling of success and banish those negative thoughts forever.
The power of positive thinking really is immense. Most if not all of the best recruitment agencies attest to the fact that the people who are most confident and think more positively will be the ones to secure the best jobs, the highest salary etc. So what are you waiting for: kick-start your career with some positive thinking this instant.
Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the Uk from PA Jobs Receptionist Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Pavis
If you are going to give your career any chance of success and you want to really make a difference to your job prospects, then you simply have to adopt positive thinking. Every day, every hour, every second, you need to challenge old, negative ways of thinking and start thinking about success.
But isn't that easier said than done? After all if we all thought in a positive way, then we would all still face disappointment as only 1 person can succeed in any job interview?
Well that in itself is a negative way of thinking and it should be eradicated. Instead what you have to focus on is success. Imagine yourself at interview: calm, collected, engaging with the interviewing panel, articulate and charming. Then you need to think about how you will react when you are offered the job.
Always make these images as clear as you can. Focus on what you are wearing, how your voice sounds. Can you make your voice stronger, calmer? Can you make the image stronger?
Concentrate on the image above every day for at least 10-20 minutes. Every day make the image clearer and your voice stronger and so on.
Take time every day to repeat positive affirmations; such as 'I am calm, confident and I succeed'. Repeat these affirmations at least 20 times per day.
Imagine success. Imagine the good feeling that it brings. Feel it. How tall do you feel? How alive and vibrant do you feel? Then carry these feelings with you as much as possible and if ever a negative thought creeps into your head, then refresh the feeling of success and banish those negative thoughts forever.
The power of positive thinking really is immense. Most if not all of the best recruitment agencies attest to the fact that the people who are most confident and think more positively will be the ones to secure the best jobs, the highest salary etc. So what are you waiting for: kick-start your career with some positive thinking this instant.
Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the Uk from PA Jobs Receptionist Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Pavis
Saturday, January 31, 2009
How Cover Letters Can Help or Hurt Job Seekers
How Cover Letters Can Help or Hurt Job Seekers by Stephen Van Vreede
I have to say that I have been feeling badly lately for the poor cover letter. Actually, I have been feeling badly lately for the poor job seeker who tends to neglect the cover letter, passing it off as just a quick intro to presenting the more important piece, the resume.
I certainly understand how that happens. After all, we are becoming a nation of job seekers successfully sold on the concept that we need a professionally written resume in order to conduct an effective job search. So much emphasis has been placed on the resume that the cover letter is often an afterthought.
As a former hiring manager who reviewed hundreds of resumes AND cover letters, I can tell you that the cover letter should be anything but an afterthought. When I was looking for top-quality candidates, I used to focus my attention first and foremost on cover letters.
In fact, I would use the cover letter as my first screen of candidates. Like most hiring managers in large-scale corporations, HR would send up to me their top picks after reading through the dirge of applicants and conducting phone interviews. My first order of business was to read the cover letter. If the cover letter was fraught with spelling and grammar errors, sounded like it was written for any and all potential employers, and was nothing more than some scripted template, I refused to even read the resume.
Why? Because I saw the cover letter as the job seeker's chance to communicate with me directly. After all, the letter was supposedly written to me or to my company. The resume, I knew, was targeted toward my industry or to someone hiring for a particular position. I figured that someone who lacked an ability to communicate with me, knowing that they were applying for a position in my company, was not the kind of individual I wanted to fill my position.
Listen. I recognize how hard it is for job seekers to put together quality resumes and cover letters, much less to find the time to get them out the door. But, hey, last time I checked, they were looking for work…. I don't think it is too much to ask to take a few extra moments and personalize the letter a bit more.
Here is what always impressed me:
1. Why are you choosing to apply here? (Whatever you do, make it sound like you are interested in the company as a whole, not just because you want a job.)
2. What do you know about my company?
3. What do you know about the products/services we provide?
4. What types of clients do we serve?
5. How do you see yourself fitting in to the mission of our organization?
A simple perusal of the company website can certainly help answer these questions. I don't think anyone expects you to have insider knowledge. But it is nice to know that you are considering a candidate who took a few extra minutes to tailor the letter to your company. No one likes to think they are potentially hiring someone who is willing to work anywhere, even if that is true.
About the Author
My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I am an MBA and certified professional résumé writer (CPRW). Feel free to give me a call toll-free at 1-866-755-9800 or sign up to receive my free Job Search Advice eGuide today. In February 2009, I am launching a new group job hunting networking site called Noddle Place. Check it out at http://www.noddleplace.com.
I have to say that I have been feeling badly lately for the poor cover letter. Actually, I have been feeling badly lately for the poor job seeker who tends to neglect the cover letter, passing it off as just a quick intro to presenting the more important piece, the resume.
I certainly understand how that happens. After all, we are becoming a nation of job seekers successfully sold on the concept that we need a professionally written resume in order to conduct an effective job search. So much emphasis has been placed on the resume that the cover letter is often an afterthought.
As a former hiring manager who reviewed hundreds of resumes AND cover letters, I can tell you that the cover letter should be anything but an afterthought. When I was looking for top-quality candidates, I used to focus my attention first and foremost on cover letters.
In fact, I would use the cover letter as my first screen of candidates. Like most hiring managers in large-scale corporations, HR would send up to me their top picks after reading through the dirge of applicants and conducting phone interviews. My first order of business was to read the cover letter. If the cover letter was fraught with spelling and grammar errors, sounded like it was written for any and all potential employers, and was nothing more than some scripted template, I refused to even read the resume.
Why? Because I saw the cover letter as the job seeker's chance to communicate with me directly. After all, the letter was supposedly written to me or to my company. The resume, I knew, was targeted toward my industry or to someone hiring for a particular position. I figured that someone who lacked an ability to communicate with me, knowing that they were applying for a position in my company, was not the kind of individual I wanted to fill my position.
Listen. I recognize how hard it is for job seekers to put together quality resumes and cover letters, much less to find the time to get them out the door. But, hey, last time I checked, they were looking for work…. I don't think it is too much to ask to take a few extra moments and personalize the letter a bit more.
Here is what always impressed me:
1. Why are you choosing to apply here? (Whatever you do, make it sound like you are interested in the company as a whole, not just because you want a job.)
2. What do you know about my company?
3. What do you know about the products/services we provide?
4. What types of clients do we serve?
5. How do you see yourself fitting in to the mission of our organization?
A simple perusal of the company website can certainly help answer these questions. I don't think anyone expects you to have insider knowledge. But it is nice to know that you are considering a candidate who took a few extra minutes to tailor the letter to your company. No one likes to think they are potentially hiring someone who is willing to work anywhere, even if that is true.
About the Author
My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I am an MBA and certified professional résumé writer (CPRW). Feel free to give me a call toll-free at 1-866-755-9800 or sign up to receive my free Job Search Advice eGuide today. In February 2009, I am launching a new group job hunting networking site called Noddle Place. Check it out at http://www.noddleplace.com.
How To Write A Resume - Skills And Experience Section
How To Write A Resume - Skills And Experience Section by Leslie Kearney
Fact #1: Most resume's are boring. The average resume reads like an outline for a term paper. A,B,C, 1,2,3. BORING.
Fact #2: Most of us are not born writers and writing about ourselves is extremely hard.
So how do you outline all your great skills and assets in an interesting (if not exciting and dynamic) way? In this article we'll give you a resume sample to get you started. Let's begin with the basics and perhaps if you discover the "hidden writer" within you might work up to exciting and dynamic.
Professional Experience
The experience section is where you really get to shine. This is where you break out what you did for your last employer(s) and tell that prospective new employer exactly what an awesome employee you're going to be.
This is also where most people fall really flat. By just outlining job duties in a paragraph (typed letters, managed inventory, made coffee, ran errands, shot myself in the head from boredom . . . ) you are virtually guaranteeing that your resume will be put in the "round file."
Before you begin grab a pen and paper and do some real, deep down, thinking about your last job. Were you given goals to achieve? Did you exceed them? Did you do anything above and beyond? Where and how did you "stand out?" Did your prior job contain elements that the new employer is looking for? For instance, if you did the payroll for your last employer is the new employer looking for someone experienced in payroll?
Resume Sample Of A BAD Experience Section
"General bookkeeper for small construction company."
"Managed day to day activities and schedules."
"Reconciled books and did payroll. Paid quarterly taxes."
"Kept track of inventory and supplies."
"Paid bills."
Why is this bad? Because while you MAY have done all those things, you don't tell the employer how you stood out from the crowd! Lots of people have the skills outlined above. What can you bring to the job that someone else might not?
Resume Sample Of A GOOD Experience Section
"Maintained all accounting and bookkeeping records for multiple construction sites."
"Implemented new cost accounting and inventory control that saved the company $1 million dollars on one single construction site alone."
"Generated payroll for over 100 employees in 5 states."
"Maintained accurate books and paid quarterly taxes - that used to be done by professional CPA firm."
"Created new cost-accounting system that tracked all costs associated with construction site and saved company over $100,000 by eliminating duplicate reimbursements to construction sites."
Use action words and positive phrases. In the sample resume piece above "Saved, Implemented and Created" are a few action words an employer might look twice at.
At this point you're probably saying, "but I didn't do anything special at my job." Well, yes - you did (unless you're a slug, then I highly suggest you start thinking about how you might perform above and beyond at your next position). Most people get "writers block" when it comes to bragging about themselves. Don't be nervous. Take a breath and start thinking.
Were you hired for one job and before long you were given 10 others too?
Why did they give you those extra jobs?
Were you were more efficient than your co-workers?
Did you create a special tracking spreadsheet? Because you were more organized?
Did you train any other employees? Even just through mentoring?
Did you reorganize something or streamline it in some way?
For instance, A long, long time ago I reorganized an entire filing system and created a color-coded key for it. This saved people a lot of work trying to find the right files. You bet I mentioned that on my resume for future executive assistant positions!
NOBODY just sits like a lump and does only what they are initially hired for. We always take on extra jobs. Problem is that after a while we are so comfortable doing them we forgot that we weren't originally HIRED to do those.
So, think hard about what you started out doing and what was added to your position and think about how you can "brag" about it.
SKILLS
Skills can be broken out in two ways. You can use them to brag about yourself more by stating things you've achieved. For instance:
Successfully managed 15 accounting employees processing over $1 million dollars a day in billing.
Or you can actually list your skills:
MS Office • QuickBooks • Photoshop • ABC Accounting Program
And then list your certificates:
"HR1 Certificate"
"Certified bookkeeper through the ABC College of Accounting"
Education should be kept simple:
If you have a college degree then don't list your high school. That's implied.
Spell out the name of your college. With the hundreds of colleges out there it's impossible for everyone to know their initials. Plus it just looks more professional.
DO NOT exaggerate or lie about your education. Most companies hire professional background checking companies and you WILL be found out.
You do not need to put the year you graduated down (this gives them a hint at your age) but you may have to list it on the background check information if you're hired.
DO NOT list your GPA - unless you're fresh out of college and the job you're applying for is in the field you studied. DO NOT list college clubs or activities unless they apply to the job or show some sort of leadership ability (for instance being on the student government or donating your time to, or founding a charity)
Be careful to not list any political activities you might have been involved in. You never know the politics of the person you'll be interviewing with so don't give them an opportunity to exclude you before interviewing you.
So that's it in a nutshell! I hope these resume samples have helped. Now sit down with a pad and paper and put your thinking cap on! You know you were a stellar employee, now all you have to do is make your resume show it!
Please keep in mind that these lessons are for the person just entering the job market or in entry-level or lower-level management. If you've been in the workforce for a while and are on the rise in your field then you definitely will want to consider hiring a professional resume writing service.
About the Author
Leslie Kearney is a web author and owner of Resume Help Blog. If you are looking for help finding a professional resume writer, or learning how to write your own resume we can help! We also have up-to-date lists of top companies that are still hiring and helpful information on job searching and interview tips.
Fact #1: Most resume's are boring. The average resume reads like an outline for a term paper. A,B,C, 1,2,3. BORING.
Fact #2: Most of us are not born writers and writing about ourselves is extremely hard.
So how do you outline all your great skills and assets in an interesting (if not exciting and dynamic) way? In this article we'll give you a resume sample to get you started. Let's begin with the basics and perhaps if you discover the "hidden writer" within you might work up to exciting and dynamic.
Professional Experience
The experience section is where you really get to shine. This is where you break out what you did for your last employer(s) and tell that prospective new employer exactly what an awesome employee you're going to be.
This is also where most people fall really flat. By just outlining job duties in a paragraph (typed letters, managed inventory, made coffee, ran errands, shot myself in the head from boredom . . . ) you are virtually guaranteeing that your resume will be put in the "round file."
Before you begin grab a pen and paper and do some real, deep down, thinking about your last job. Were you given goals to achieve? Did you exceed them? Did you do anything above and beyond? Where and how did you "stand out?" Did your prior job contain elements that the new employer is looking for? For instance, if you did the payroll for your last employer is the new employer looking for someone experienced in payroll?
Resume Sample Of A BAD Experience Section
"General bookkeeper for small construction company."
"Managed day to day activities and schedules."
"Reconciled books and did payroll. Paid quarterly taxes."
"Kept track of inventory and supplies."
"Paid bills."
Why is this bad? Because while you MAY have done all those things, you don't tell the employer how you stood out from the crowd! Lots of people have the skills outlined above. What can you bring to the job that someone else might not?
Resume Sample Of A GOOD Experience Section
"Maintained all accounting and bookkeeping records for multiple construction sites."
"Implemented new cost accounting and inventory control that saved the company $1 million dollars on one single construction site alone."
"Generated payroll for over 100 employees in 5 states."
"Maintained accurate books and paid quarterly taxes - that used to be done by professional CPA firm."
"Created new cost-accounting system that tracked all costs associated with construction site and saved company over $100,000 by eliminating duplicate reimbursements to construction sites."
Use action words and positive phrases. In the sample resume piece above "Saved, Implemented and Created" are a few action words an employer might look twice at.
At this point you're probably saying, "but I didn't do anything special at my job." Well, yes - you did (unless you're a slug, then I highly suggest you start thinking about how you might perform above and beyond at your next position). Most people get "writers block" when it comes to bragging about themselves. Don't be nervous. Take a breath and start thinking.
Were you hired for one job and before long you were given 10 others too?
Why did they give you those extra jobs?
Were you were more efficient than your co-workers?
Did you create a special tracking spreadsheet? Because you were more organized?
Did you train any other employees? Even just through mentoring?
Did you reorganize something or streamline it in some way?
For instance, A long, long time ago I reorganized an entire filing system and created a color-coded key for it. This saved people a lot of work trying to find the right files. You bet I mentioned that on my resume for future executive assistant positions!
NOBODY just sits like a lump and does only what they are initially hired for. We always take on extra jobs. Problem is that after a while we are so comfortable doing them we forgot that we weren't originally HIRED to do those.
So, think hard about what you started out doing and what was added to your position and think about how you can "brag" about it.
SKILLS
Skills can be broken out in two ways. You can use them to brag about yourself more by stating things you've achieved. For instance:
Successfully managed 15 accounting employees processing over $1 million dollars a day in billing.
Or you can actually list your skills:
MS Office • QuickBooks • Photoshop • ABC Accounting Program
And then list your certificates:
"HR1 Certificate"
"Certified bookkeeper through the ABC College of Accounting"
Education should be kept simple:
If you have a college degree then don't list your high school. That's implied.
Spell out the name of your college. With the hundreds of colleges out there it's impossible for everyone to know their initials. Plus it just looks more professional.
DO NOT exaggerate or lie about your education. Most companies hire professional background checking companies and you WILL be found out.
You do not need to put the year you graduated down (this gives them a hint at your age) but you may have to list it on the background check information if you're hired.
DO NOT list your GPA - unless you're fresh out of college and the job you're applying for is in the field you studied. DO NOT list college clubs or activities unless they apply to the job or show some sort of leadership ability (for instance being on the student government or donating your time to, or founding a charity)
Be careful to not list any political activities you might have been involved in. You never know the politics of the person you'll be interviewing with so don't give them an opportunity to exclude you before interviewing you.
So that's it in a nutshell! I hope these resume samples have helped. Now sit down with a pad and paper and put your thinking cap on! You know you were a stellar employee, now all you have to do is make your resume show it!
Please keep in mind that these lessons are for the person just entering the job market or in entry-level or lower-level management. If you've been in the workforce for a while and are on the rise in your field then you definitely will want to consider hiring a professional resume writing service.
About the Author
Leslie Kearney is a web author and owner of Resume Help Blog. If you are looking for help finding a professional resume writer, or learning how to write your own resume we can help! We also have up-to-date lists of top companies that are still hiring and helpful information on job searching and interview tips.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Career Success - How To Stand Out From the Competition
Career Success - How To Stand Out From the Competition by Alvah Parker
Everyday we hear about more layoffs. You will want to be proactive by starting a job search before it happens. That is a smart move but you must be careful. If your current boss gets wind of it you might be the first to be laid off. Of course if you have already successfully lined up a job, it won't matter much!
There are going to be lots of people looking for jobs now. How do you distinguish yourself from the others? This is a really important question. The good news is that you can save months of job searching by simply using one or two of these ideas.
When there are lots of people looking for work how do you get noticed? You must stand out from the crowd. How do you do that? Having a unique skill is one way. You'll need to highlight it on your resume. At an interview you will want to back it up with success stories about how the skill has solved a problems for your past employers.
Another way to be memorable is to tell a compelling story. I recall years ago hearing that someone always told the story of how he was on a plane that was high jacked. People always referred to him as "the fellow who was high jacked". He stood out!
Another way to stand out is to take a risk. We are usually encouraged to follow all the rules when applying for a job. Don't rock the boat so to speak. Following all those rules makes us all alike!
I loved the story I heard recently at an event where Shirley Singleton co-founder of Edgewater Technology was the keynote speaker. In the early 80s after being laid off as a teacher she signed up for and completed a computer programming class.
After sending out hundreds of resumes with no response she answered a help wanted ad in the newspaper only to learn they had already filled the job. In desperation she begged them to just interview her even though she knew they had no opening for her. She just wanted to know what it was like to be interviewed! They agreed to help her.
When she returned home from the "interview" there was a message on her answering machine saying they were creating a job for her! Out of frustration she had taken a risk and as a result she was hired.
Lots of times clients tell me they are perfect for a particular job and can't understand why they were not hired. One job candidate who was really upset when she was turned down for a job sent a gift of candy to that hiring manager telling her how much she had enjoyed meeting with the team. Several months later the hiring manager called her about another job. The gift had made an impression that lasted.
It is important never to burn any bridges and to stay connected to those you meet even the ones who turn you down. You never know who will eventually help you find that perfect job!
So whether you are already laid off or just think you might be, now is the time to think about how you will make yourself memorable to those you meet, what kind of risk you are willing to take to get a great job, and how you can stay connected to those who have the potential to help you in the future. Now is the time to make sure you stand out!
Take Action
1. What kinds of attributes do you have that make you memorable? Is it a skill, a talent, a hobby, an experience? How does it fit into your career goals?
2. What risk would you be willing to take to get yourself noticed? What is the upside? What is the downside? How do you make the decision to follow through?
3. Who have you met recently that has the necessary connections to help you with your job search? How do you stay connected with him/her?
About the Author
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor for Attorneys and a Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine with career and business information. Subscribe now to these free monthly publications at her website free monthly publications and receive a free values assessment along with your subscription.
Everyday we hear about more layoffs. You will want to be proactive by starting a job search before it happens. That is a smart move but you must be careful. If your current boss gets wind of it you might be the first to be laid off. Of course if you have already successfully lined up a job, it won't matter much!
There are going to be lots of people looking for jobs now. How do you distinguish yourself from the others? This is a really important question. The good news is that you can save months of job searching by simply using one or two of these ideas.
When there are lots of people looking for work how do you get noticed? You must stand out from the crowd. How do you do that? Having a unique skill is one way. You'll need to highlight it on your resume. At an interview you will want to back it up with success stories about how the skill has solved a problems for your past employers.
Another way to be memorable is to tell a compelling story. I recall years ago hearing that someone always told the story of how he was on a plane that was high jacked. People always referred to him as "the fellow who was high jacked". He stood out!
Another way to stand out is to take a risk. We are usually encouraged to follow all the rules when applying for a job. Don't rock the boat so to speak. Following all those rules makes us all alike!
I loved the story I heard recently at an event where Shirley Singleton co-founder of Edgewater Technology was the keynote speaker. In the early 80s after being laid off as a teacher she signed up for and completed a computer programming class.
After sending out hundreds of resumes with no response she answered a help wanted ad in the newspaper only to learn they had already filled the job. In desperation she begged them to just interview her even though she knew they had no opening for her. She just wanted to know what it was like to be interviewed! They agreed to help her.
When she returned home from the "interview" there was a message on her answering machine saying they were creating a job for her! Out of frustration she had taken a risk and as a result she was hired.
Lots of times clients tell me they are perfect for a particular job and can't understand why they were not hired. One job candidate who was really upset when she was turned down for a job sent a gift of candy to that hiring manager telling her how much she had enjoyed meeting with the team. Several months later the hiring manager called her about another job. The gift had made an impression that lasted.
It is important never to burn any bridges and to stay connected to those you meet even the ones who turn you down. You never know who will eventually help you find that perfect job!
So whether you are already laid off or just think you might be, now is the time to think about how you will make yourself memorable to those you meet, what kind of risk you are willing to take to get a great job, and how you can stay connected to those who have the potential to help you in the future. Now is the time to make sure you stand out!
Take Action
1. What kinds of attributes do you have that make you memorable? Is it a skill, a talent, a hobby, an experience? How does it fit into your career goals?
2. What risk would you be willing to take to get yourself noticed? What is the upside? What is the downside? How do you make the decision to follow through?
3. Who have you met recently that has the necessary connections to help you with your job search? How do you stay connected with him/her?
About the Author
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor for Attorneys and a Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine with career and business information. Subscribe now to these free monthly publications at her website free monthly publications and receive a free values assessment along with your subscription.
Who Has The Best Job
Who Has The Best Job by Shaun Parker
You know, there are a lot of jobs in this world that are the envy of others - most of them consist of the types of jobs that look like they require very little effort for a great deal of money!
Take the job of a celebrity for instance. There are so many people that rate TV and film personalities as people to be looked up to that they would do anything for a piece of their action. They see them swanning around in nice clothes, attending fancy functions and generally living it up and this is what they believe they get paid for.
Personally speaking, I think those that offer high class cleaning services have a pretty enviable job! Work your way up in the cleaning world and you become privy to a lot more than the general populace see on a daily basis.
Take, for instance, those celebrities we talked of earlier. Now, very few of them are going to be cleaning their own homes. They will call in the cleaning services from their area and have their laundry picked up, their baths cleaned, their carpets vacuumed and their pets walked - all to make their lives easier.
The lucky company that gets a cleaning services contract with a celebrity becomes party to all manner of the inner workings of their lives and believe me the shine soon wears off! They have the same toilets to clean, the same toenails to vacuum up and all the other business that goes with it. You get to see the inner workings of a celebrities life and you realise they are no different to us. They still look rough when they get up in the morning and they still row with their partners!
However, working for cleaning services when you are doing this type of work can be fun, it can get you near to the rich and famous like you wouldn't normally have thought possible, but it also comes with a degree of responsibilities.
These celebrities know that their cleaning services have to supply trustworthy people. After all, their homes are full of celebrity memorabilia that could easily be sold on the black market should it be stolen. No-one in the public eye wants their laundry or their rubbish scrutinised yet some moral free people would do this to make fast money.
An actor's life may well be full of shows and events but they do still have to work. We might watch a two hour film and think we could get paid for doing that but it certainly doesn't take two hours to make. It can take a year or more to make one film and the actors have to be available at all times. It takes a great deal of research to get into the role of a particular character, everything from mannerisms to accent to walks need to practiced and practiced and practiced. Lines have to be learnt.
All these things will take up at least the amount of hours an average person works in a menial job, if not more. This is exactly the reason why they would need to employ cleaning services instead of being able to do it themselves. Acting is not really the type of job you can easily switch off to, particularly those who are in the middle of forming a character. Therefore, this is one type of professional who would absolutely value the cleaning services of a professional company.
About the Author
Shaun Parker is a leading employment expert with many years of experience in domestic staff placements. Find out more about cleaning services at http://www.pro-ductclean.com
You know, there are a lot of jobs in this world that are the envy of others - most of them consist of the types of jobs that look like they require very little effort for a great deal of money!
Take the job of a celebrity for instance. There are so many people that rate TV and film personalities as people to be looked up to that they would do anything for a piece of their action. They see them swanning around in nice clothes, attending fancy functions and generally living it up and this is what they believe they get paid for.
Personally speaking, I think those that offer high class cleaning services have a pretty enviable job! Work your way up in the cleaning world and you become privy to a lot more than the general populace see on a daily basis.
Take, for instance, those celebrities we talked of earlier. Now, very few of them are going to be cleaning their own homes. They will call in the cleaning services from their area and have their laundry picked up, their baths cleaned, their carpets vacuumed and their pets walked - all to make their lives easier.
The lucky company that gets a cleaning services contract with a celebrity becomes party to all manner of the inner workings of their lives and believe me the shine soon wears off! They have the same toilets to clean, the same toenails to vacuum up and all the other business that goes with it. You get to see the inner workings of a celebrities life and you realise they are no different to us. They still look rough when they get up in the morning and they still row with their partners!
However, working for cleaning services when you are doing this type of work can be fun, it can get you near to the rich and famous like you wouldn't normally have thought possible, but it also comes with a degree of responsibilities.
These celebrities know that their cleaning services have to supply trustworthy people. After all, their homes are full of celebrity memorabilia that could easily be sold on the black market should it be stolen. No-one in the public eye wants their laundry or their rubbish scrutinised yet some moral free people would do this to make fast money.
An actor's life may well be full of shows and events but they do still have to work. We might watch a two hour film and think we could get paid for doing that but it certainly doesn't take two hours to make. It can take a year or more to make one film and the actors have to be available at all times. It takes a great deal of research to get into the role of a particular character, everything from mannerisms to accent to walks need to practiced and practiced and practiced. Lines have to be learnt.
All these things will take up at least the amount of hours an average person works in a menial job, if not more. This is exactly the reason why they would need to employ cleaning services instead of being able to do it themselves. Acting is not really the type of job you can easily switch off to, particularly those who are in the middle of forming a character. Therefore, this is one type of professional who would absolutely value the cleaning services of a professional company.
About the Author
Shaun Parker is a leading employment expert with many years of experience in domestic staff placements. Find out more about cleaning services at http://www.pro-ductclean.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Job Search Basics - Five Actions Job Seekers Must Take to Find the Job of Their Dreams
Job Search Basics - Five Actions Job Seekers Must Take to Find the Job of Their Dreams By Alvah Parker
There is a big payoff to a successful job search and that is finding your dream job. Imagine being asked to work at a job that seems totally suited to your skills and talents. Better still you find that the work environment of the company is one in which you know you will thrive.
So how do you find that dream job? Starting out on the search probably feels like an uphill climb. There is so much information out there on job searches that it can be overwhelming.
Having coached hundreds of people in the midst of a job search there are 5 things that will insure a successful job search. Do all 5 every time you apply for a job that matches your ideal job criteria and you are bound to find the perfect match.
The first step is that you must tailor the resume to the job requirements. Every job seeker has accomplishments from their current and previous job but not all accomplishments are applicable to the job they are applying for. Carefully choose the accomplishments that bolster the case that you are perfect for this new position.
Your resume paints a picture of you and should give a very clear message about your strengths and skills. Get clear on your message. There are many times during the job search to reinforce your message.
The second thing you must do during the search is to make yourself memorable to the hiring manager by continually emphasizing your message. This means the cover letter reinforces that you have the right skills for the job as does the thank you note(s), any telephone follow up, the interview and all interactions.
Once you have your resume for that particular job complete, review the strengths and skills that you have highlighted along with your accomplishments. The third important piece of the job search is to think of 4 or 5 stories that you could tell the interviewer to highlight your skills. Emphasize a time when that skill or strength was critical to your success. You will use those stories to help you to answer the interviewer's questions. Practice telling them so you can tell them clearly.
The fourth strategy is to be sure to ask questions about the job and the company. Asking questions highlights your interest in the job and the company. This is the time for you to insure that this is really your dream job! Review your company research and your own criteria for the perfect job. Then write down your questions. Most interviewers ask the interviewee if he/she has any questions. Be sure to get your questions answered whether or not the interviewer asks for your questions!
Finally after the interview, be sure to send a thank you note. Hand written notes are more personal and in this day of email and instant messages they stand out as being different. If your writing is hard to read then a typed thank you note mailed through the postal service will stand out too.
During times of plentiful jobs it is often easy to move from company to company without an intense search. If jobs are scarce however you may have to do a more active job search than you are used to. By implementing all 5 of these strategies you'll be in a better position to reap the benefits of finding that dream job you are looking for.
Take Action
1. Update your resume with your most recent job and show 4 or 5 accomplishments of which you are proud. Be sure the accomplishments statements are examples of your key skills and strengths.
2. Write 4 or 5 stories to bolster your accomplishments that highlight your strengths and skills.
3. Write a description of your dream job so that you know it when you "see" it.
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor (The Attorneys' Coach) and a Career Changers' Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. Subscribe now to these free monthly publications at her website http://www.asparker.com/samples.html
Parker's Value Program© enables her clients to find their own way to work that is more fulfilling and profitable. Her clients are attorneys and people in transition who want to find work that is in line with their own life purpose. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alvah_Parker
There is a big payoff to a successful job search and that is finding your dream job. Imagine being asked to work at a job that seems totally suited to your skills and talents. Better still you find that the work environment of the company is one in which you know you will thrive.
So how do you find that dream job? Starting out on the search probably feels like an uphill climb. There is so much information out there on job searches that it can be overwhelming.
Having coached hundreds of people in the midst of a job search there are 5 things that will insure a successful job search. Do all 5 every time you apply for a job that matches your ideal job criteria and you are bound to find the perfect match.
The first step is that you must tailor the resume to the job requirements. Every job seeker has accomplishments from their current and previous job but not all accomplishments are applicable to the job they are applying for. Carefully choose the accomplishments that bolster the case that you are perfect for this new position.
Your resume paints a picture of you and should give a very clear message about your strengths and skills. Get clear on your message. There are many times during the job search to reinforce your message.
The second thing you must do during the search is to make yourself memorable to the hiring manager by continually emphasizing your message. This means the cover letter reinforces that you have the right skills for the job as does the thank you note(s), any telephone follow up, the interview and all interactions.
Once you have your resume for that particular job complete, review the strengths and skills that you have highlighted along with your accomplishments. The third important piece of the job search is to think of 4 or 5 stories that you could tell the interviewer to highlight your skills. Emphasize a time when that skill or strength was critical to your success. You will use those stories to help you to answer the interviewer's questions. Practice telling them so you can tell them clearly.
The fourth strategy is to be sure to ask questions about the job and the company. Asking questions highlights your interest in the job and the company. This is the time for you to insure that this is really your dream job! Review your company research and your own criteria for the perfect job. Then write down your questions. Most interviewers ask the interviewee if he/she has any questions. Be sure to get your questions answered whether or not the interviewer asks for your questions!
Finally after the interview, be sure to send a thank you note. Hand written notes are more personal and in this day of email and instant messages they stand out as being different. If your writing is hard to read then a typed thank you note mailed through the postal service will stand out too.
During times of plentiful jobs it is often easy to move from company to company without an intense search. If jobs are scarce however you may have to do a more active job search than you are used to. By implementing all 5 of these strategies you'll be in a better position to reap the benefits of finding that dream job you are looking for.
Take Action
1. Update your resume with your most recent job and show 4 or 5 accomplishments of which you are proud. Be sure the accomplishments statements are examples of your key skills and strengths.
2. Write 4 or 5 stories to bolster your accomplishments that highlight your strengths and skills.
3. Write a description of your dream job so that you know it when you "see" it.
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor (The Attorneys' Coach) and a Career Changers' Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. Subscribe now to these free monthly publications at her website http://www.asparker.com/samples.html
Parker's Value Program© enables her clients to find their own way to work that is more fulfilling and profitable. Her clients are attorneys and people in transition who want to find work that is in line with their own life purpose. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alvah_Parker
Resume Objectives
Resume Objectives By Dilan Davis
Guidelines in Writing Resume Objectives
Resume objectives research and writing can only be successfully done if you first of all understand what the resume object is all about and if you know what to add and what not to add to compose an effective cover letter. It is good to know that a resume objective is a very brief, yet strong declaration which is usually an indication to the employer that you are not only fit for the advertised position, but which gives your employer that impression that no other applicant than you is qualified for that position. This is going to be your arsenal against all other applicants. Remember that this should be clearly written and it should be composed in simple and understandable language. Keep in mind that there may be several applications or cover letter for resume to go through and if your resume objective is long and boring, it will simply be shoved aside.
How should you resume objective be written and what are the contents of your resume objective. Remember that not everything will be added to the contents of your resume objective. Include every positive feature which tells that employer or academic authorities that you are going to be of utmost value to them. If you have had some considerable work experience or academic background, it should be added into the resume objective. Also add any relevant work experience and skills you acquired on the job if you are switching to a new career and explain how you can blend all what you have to produce efficient results. It is important to note that the resume objective will be applicable only in cases that are making applications to a particular job or program.
If you are simply making an application to an organization or to no specific academic program, remember that you will not include a resume objective in your application. This is because it may limit your chances of getting into any of the openings for you. However, if you must submit a resume objective, make sure that you know the exact appellation of the program or job opening. Include any skills you have that may directly or indirectly be related to the position or program applied for. Make mention of the needs of the organization or program and mention how you are going to satisfy those needs. Always keep everything that you include to be short and simple. Avoid any negative words or words that might signal a wrong impression about you. Avoid any language that may tell that you are desperate for that position.
Resume objectives should always be written to tailor the needs of every application you make. Remember that no two applications should always be considered the same. You should also be very choosy in what you include in your resume objective. In writing the resume objective, you must know that you are the first reader. Put yourself into the position of the employer and sift what is relevant and important from what is not. Make sure that you place the information you have in order of priority. Knowing how to write resumes will also lead you to seek for help by looking at cover letter samples or examples of best resumes available over the internet.
Dilan Davis is a certified resume writer at GrandResume.com who provides useful information about resume objectives.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dilan_Davis
Guidelines in Writing Resume Objectives
Resume objectives research and writing can only be successfully done if you first of all understand what the resume object is all about and if you know what to add and what not to add to compose an effective cover letter. It is good to know that a resume objective is a very brief, yet strong declaration which is usually an indication to the employer that you are not only fit for the advertised position, but which gives your employer that impression that no other applicant than you is qualified for that position. This is going to be your arsenal against all other applicants. Remember that this should be clearly written and it should be composed in simple and understandable language. Keep in mind that there may be several applications or cover letter for resume to go through and if your resume objective is long and boring, it will simply be shoved aside.
How should you resume objective be written and what are the contents of your resume objective. Remember that not everything will be added to the contents of your resume objective. Include every positive feature which tells that employer or academic authorities that you are going to be of utmost value to them. If you have had some considerable work experience or academic background, it should be added into the resume objective. Also add any relevant work experience and skills you acquired on the job if you are switching to a new career and explain how you can blend all what you have to produce efficient results. It is important to note that the resume objective will be applicable only in cases that are making applications to a particular job or program.
If you are simply making an application to an organization or to no specific academic program, remember that you will not include a resume objective in your application. This is because it may limit your chances of getting into any of the openings for you. However, if you must submit a resume objective, make sure that you know the exact appellation of the program or job opening. Include any skills you have that may directly or indirectly be related to the position or program applied for. Make mention of the needs of the organization or program and mention how you are going to satisfy those needs. Always keep everything that you include to be short and simple. Avoid any negative words or words that might signal a wrong impression about you. Avoid any language that may tell that you are desperate for that position.
Resume objectives should always be written to tailor the needs of every application you make. Remember that no two applications should always be considered the same. You should also be very choosy in what you include in your resume objective. In writing the resume objective, you must know that you are the first reader. Put yourself into the position of the employer and sift what is relevant and important from what is not. Make sure that you place the information you have in order of priority. Knowing how to write resumes will also lead you to seek for help by looking at cover letter samples or examples of best resumes available over the internet.
Dilan Davis is a certified resume writer at GrandResume.com who provides useful information about resume objectives.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dilan_Davis
Sunday, January 25, 2009
How to Write a Resume
How to Write a Resume by Peter Nisbet
Over three million sites on Google offer information on how to write a resume. According to one of the best free keyword suggestion tools on the planet, almost 1,000 people a day search for information on résumé writing.
Regarding the proper spelling, the word is French and if the 'acute' is to be used, it should correctly be used twice. Hence, résumé and not resumé. You can also use the word without any accents. The correct word is the French résumé and not the English resume which has a totally different meaning, though it seems to be internet practice to use resume and this what will be used here.
A resume and a CV, or curriculum vitae, are much the same thing, though the term CV is more relevant to professional applicants, providing information on academic distinctions, posts held and theses that have been published. A CV is more of an informational document than a sales pitch, and used by doctors, scientists, solicitors, etc.
Here are the salient points to keep in mind when writing your resume:
* A resume is a sales pitch: you are the product and the employee reading it is the target.
* Your objective when you write a resume is to secure an interview - nothing else! It is a sales tool that you can use to your advantage, and give you a head start over your competitors.
* Sell yourself in writing, get the interview, and then sell yourself in person. Learn what you can about the company and sell yourself as filling the exact position being advertised.
* Stress how you can fill the job. Stress any previous experience IN THAT POSITION.
* Highlight your strengths when writing your resume and include numbers and figures. Include cash benefits you brought your last company.
* If you lost your last job, rather than leaving voluntarily, leave it for the interview. That's a different skill. If you must mention it, state something to the effect that you were a victim of your own cost cutting recommendations that the company took up too vigorously.
* Action words are always good - such as managed, developed, gained and presented. Do not use weasel words such as best, most, terrific. Don't bum yourself up. Be accurate and informative when writing. You're selling yourself, not an insurance policy.
* Use bullet points such as I am doing here, to the extent that the article directory allows. Use your strongest points, which are relevant for the job being offered, at the beginning. When writing a resume, you should always present information about your achievements in a positive manner. Don't state that "I was responsible for 10 other salesmen." Write "I was responsible for a sales department that secured $500,000 sales every month." Put yourself in the place of the reader and consider what would stand out to you.
Unless you are requested to do so don't include information irrelevant to the position such as your age, religion, hobbies or interests. Stick to RELEVANT employment history. If you don't think you have a lot of that, then perhaps you should find a job that is more relevant to your experience. An employer is not interested on your opinion on your abilities. Proven ability and experience are what are required.
Writing "I have done this job well and can demonstrate it" is meaningful. "I know I can do this job because it fits in with my abilities", is not.
You must be honest. If you try to make false claims you have a very good chance of being found out. This applies whatever country you live in. In the current litigious climate most companies will do what they can to avoid negligent hiring, and employment background checks and pre-employment screening are commonplace. Tell the truth, and if the truth is not good either do not write it, or add it to the bottom of your resume. The reader will probably not get that far and you can discuss your last position during your interview.
Keep in mind that a resume has 10 - 20 seconds to make it. Nobody is going to read all the way in that time. Sell yourself, and if you don't think you have the literary ability to do so, then hire a writer to do it for you. A professional freelance writer will be able to give you advice on how to write a resume, and even do it for you.
About the Author
As a former manager of two multinational companies Peter has much experience in reading resumes and knows what is required in writing them. More information is available on his web site http://www.article-services.com from which he provides freelance writing and ghostwriting services.
Over three million sites on Google offer information on how to write a resume. According to one of the best free keyword suggestion tools on the planet, almost 1,000 people a day search for information on résumé writing.
Regarding the proper spelling, the word is French and if the 'acute' is to be used, it should correctly be used twice. Hence, résumé and not resumé. You can also use the word without any accents. The correct word is the French résumé and not the English resume which has a totally different meaning, though it seems to be internet practice to use resume and this what will be used here.
A resume and a CV, or curriculum vitae, are much the same thing, though the term CV is more relevant to professional applicants, providing information on academic distinctions, posts held and theses that have been published. A CV is more of an informational document than a sales pitch, and used by doctors, scientists, solicitors, etc.
Here are the salient points to keep in mind when writing your resume:
* A resume is a sales pitch: you are the product and the employee reading it is the target.
* Your objective when you write a resume is to secure an interview - nothing else! It is a sales tool that you can use to your advantage, and give you a head start over your competitors.
* Sell yourself in writing, get the interview, and then sell yourself in person. Learn what you can about the company and sell yourself as filling the exact position being advertised.
* Stress how you can fill the job. Stress any previous experience IN THAT POSITION.
* Highlight your strengths when writing your resume and include numbers and figures. Include cash benefits you brought your last company.
* If you lost your last job, rather than leaving voluntarily, leave it for the interview. That's a different skill. If you must mention it, state something to the effect that you were a victim of your own cost cutting recommendations that the company took up too vigorously.
* Action words are always good - such as managed, developed, gained and presented. Do not use weasel words such as best, most, terrific. Don't bum yourself up. Be accurate and informative when writing. You're selling yourself, not an insurance policy.
* Use bullet points such as I am doing here, to the extent that the article directory allows. Use your strongest points, which are relevant for the job being offered, at the beginning. When writing a resume, you should always present information about your achievements in a positive manner. Don't state that "I was responsible for 10 other salesmen." Write "I was responsible for a sales department that secured $500,000 sales every month." Put yourself in the place of the reader and consider what would stand out to you.
Unless you are requested to do so don't include information irrelevant to the position such as your age, religion, hobbies or interests. Stick to RELEVANT employment history. If you don't think you have a lot of that, then perhaps you should find a job that is more relevant to your experience. An employer is not interested on your opinion on your abilities. Proven ability and experience are what are required.
Writing "I have done this job well and can demonstrate it" is meaningful. "I know I can do this job because it fits in with my abilities", is not.
You must be honest. If you try to make false claims you have a very good chance of being found out. This applies whatever country you live in. In the current litigious climate most companies will do what they can to avoid negligent hiring, and employment background checks and pre-employment screening are commonplace. Tell the truth, and if the truth is not good either do not write it, or add it to the bottom of your resume. The reader will probably not get that far and you can discuss your last position during your interview.
Keep in mind that a resume has 10 - 20 seconds to make it. Nobody is going to read all the way in that time. Sell yourself, and if you don't think you have the literary ability to do so, then hire a writer to do it for you. A professional freelance writer will be able to give you advice on how to write a resume, and even do it for you.
About the Author
As a former manager of two multinational companies Peter has much experience in reading resumes and knows what is required in writing them. More information is available on his web site http://www.article-services.com from which he provides freelance writing and ghostwriting services.
Best Way to Find a New Job
Best Way to Find a New Job by Mitsu Fisher
If you think finding a job is hard then please read this article.
A great way to find a new job quickly is to get lots of interviews. Job interviews determine your ability to land a job. If you have five interviews you are sure to be offered a job or two by the time you have completed them.
How do you go about landing job interviews? You can use the same approach marketing people take to landing prospect appointments. That is to say, you should send out sales literature (your resume and a cover letter asking for a job). Then make follow-up calls and ask to schedule a job interview.
In order to send letters and make telephone calls to schedule job interviews, you first need a list of prospects. As a matter of fact the list is perhaps the most important thing you need in order to find a new job. A mailing list is something you can buy from a list broker.
When you look for a job search list you should first look at your CV and write down the names of the companies you have worked for during the last ten years. Then call a job list broker and have them find out what the SIC code is for the companies you have worked for previously. Then tell them that you want to obtain a list that contains only firms with the SIC codes you just determined, for the purpose of scheduling job interviews.
Tell the list broker that you are looking for about two hundred names (companies) with your target SIC code within sixty miles of your home to contact for a job. Also, tell them to match the company size (number of employees) of the companies you use to work for with the firms on your new list.
You will get job interviews more easily when employers realize that you have worked for companies that are similar to them (same industry, # of employees, etc.).
Now that you have your job interview company list, you can get to work. Mail a cover letter and resume to the head of the company. They will send the resume to the department head who is looking for someone like you, to schedule a job interview.
The next step is to telephone everyone you mailed your resume to for a job interview. Call and ask if they recieved the resume and if they are hiring and if you can set a job interview.
You will be happily surprised at how nice and helpful people are when they realize you are calling for a job. They will be able to relate because everyone has looked for a job at one time or another.
If you think finding a job is hard then please read this article.
About the Author
Mitsu Fisher is an expert at finding jobs because he applies sales and marketing techniques to the process.
http://how-to-find-a-new-job.blogspot.com/
If you think finding a job is hard then please read this article.
A great way to find a new job quickly is to get lots of interviews. Job interviews determine your ability to land a job. If you have five interviews you are sure to be offered a job or two by the time you have completed them.
How do you go about landing job interviews? You can use the same approach marketing people take to landing prospect appointments. That is to say, you should send out sales literature (your resume and a cover letter asking for a job). Then make follow-up calls and ask to schedule a job interview.
In order to send letters and make telephone calls to schedule job interviews, you first need a list of prospects. As a matter of fact the list is perhaps the most important thing you need in order to find a new job. A mailing list is something you can buy from a list broker.
When you look for a job search list you should first look at your CV and write down the names of the companies you have worked for during the last ten years. Then call a job list broker and have them find out what the SIC code is for the companies you have worked for previously. Then tell them that you want to obtain a list that contains only firms with the SIC codes you just determined, for the purpose of scheduling job interviews.
Tell the list broker that you are looking for about two hundred names (companies) with your target SIC code within sixty miles of your home to contact for a job. Also, tell them to match the company size (number of employees) of the companies you use to work for with the firms on your new list.
You will get job interviews more easily when employers realize that you have worked for companies that are similar to them (same industry, # of employees, etc.).
Now that you have your job interview company list, you can get to work. Mail a cover letter and resume to the head of the company. They will send the resume to the department head who is looking for someone like you, to schedule a job interview.
The next step is to telephone everyone you mailed your resume to for a job interview. Call and ask if they recieved the resume and if they are hiring and if you can set a job interview.
You will be happily surprised at how nice and helpful people are when they realize you are calling for a job. They will be able to relate because everyone has looked for a job at one time or another.
If you think finding a job is hard then please read this article.
About the Author
Mitsu Fisher is an expert at finding jobs because he applies sales and marketing techniques to the process.
http://how-to-find-a-new-job.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 24, 2009
You Have Been Invited For an Interview - What Are the Questions to Ask the Interviewer?
You Have Been Invited For an Interview - What Are the Questions to Ask the Interviewer? By Freddy Ngiam
You know all the answers to the questions, an interviewer may ask you in an interview session. Now, the big question is, do you know, what to ask the persons interviewing you? Most job-seekers answer to this question is a big no. They would rather the interviewer to ask the questions than them asking them. It is of paramount importance to ask appropriate questions to the interviewers so that you will be well versed with your prospective employers operations and work procedures.
The interview is generally a two way process. Your prospective employer will want to find out if you are really the person they are seeking for a specific vacancy and you will want to know if the position is right for you. You should ensure that you have enough information to make a good decision as to the vacant position and if it suits you.
The following are questions you may find yourselves asking your future employer.
-What will be my duties and responsibilities?
You should never take a job which you are not sure about in terms of responsibilities and duties. If you do so, you will find yourselves quite confused about any company's operations. Other lazy staff may take advantage of your ignorance and exploit you by overworking you with their responsibilities.
-Where will I fit into this company's organizational structure?
This is a very important question to ask your interviewer, it leaves no doubt that you are the right person for the job in question.
-Who will i report to?
-Who will report to me and how experienced are they?
-The person I'm reporting to, where does he or she fit in the overall company's structure?
-In the first three months, what level of performance is expected of me?
-Who are the company's customers?
-Do I have chances of promotion in this position and what will be my salary, benefits and bonuses?
This question should only be asked after the prospective employer is fully sold to you, do not bring it up in the early stages of the interview, if you do so, you are doomed to fail.
Lastly, do not forget to enquire about when the organization will decide on the appointment. These are some of the questions any job-seeker should arm themselves with when facing the interviewer. Asking these questions will leave a big impression about you, to the prospective employer thus clinching the much needed job for yourself.
By Freddy Ngiam, Founder & CEO http://www.JobSupermart.com a job portal in Singapore, Hong Kong & USA.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddy_Ngiam
You know all the answers to the questions, an interviewer may ask you in an interview session. Now, the big question is, do you know, what to ask the persons interviewing you? Most job-seekers answer to this question is a big no. They would rather the interviewer to ask the questions than them asking them. It is of paramount importance to ask appropriate questions to the interviewers so that you will be well versed with your prospective employers operations and work procedures.
The interview is generally a two way process. Your prospective employer will want to find out if you are really the person they are seeking for a specific vacancy and you will want to know if the position is right for you. You should ensure that you have enough information to make a good decision as to the vacant position and if it suits you.
The following are questions you may find yourselves asking your future employer.
-What will be my duties and responsibilities?
You should never take a job which you are not sure about in terms of responsibilities and duties. If you do so, you will find yourselves quite confused about any company's operations. Other lazy staff may take advantage of your ignorance and exploit you by overworking you with their responsibilities.
-Where will I fit into this company's organizational structure?
This is a very important question to ask your interviewer, it leaves no doubt that you are the right person for the job in question.
-Who will i report to?
-Who will report to me and how experienced are they?
-The person I'm reporting to, where does he or she fit in the overall company's structure?
-In the first three months, what level of performance is expected of me?
-Who are the company's customers?
-Do I have chances of promotion in this position and what will be my salary, benefits and bonuses?
This question should only be asked after the prospective employer is fully sold to you, do not bring it up in the early stages of the interview, if you do so, you are doomed to fail.
Lastly, do not forget to enquire about when the organization will decide on the appointment. These are some of the questions any job-seeker should arm themselves with when facing the interviewer. Asking these questions will leave a big impression about you, to the prospective employer thus clinching the much needed job for yourself.
By Freddy Ngiam, Founder & CEO http://www.JobSupermart.com a job portal in Singapore, Hong Kong & USA.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddy_Ngiam
Interview The Interviewer
Interview The Interviewer By Jason Monastra
This is a subject and conversation that I have had with so many people over the years. With it there comes a lot of strong opinions from all sides stating their perspective on why/why not to do this, or how to approach it. It surfaced this morning in a discussion about why people will not take certain jobs, and the fact that a high powered engineer we were working with has been turning down job offers in this economy. Do people do that I was asked......the answer is YES and for good reason.
Turning the interview on its head is what some people call it. I get a lot of fear when discussing this subject, as most people discuss being uncertain of how they will be perceived when asking serious and in-depth questions surrounding the role. Logically, I think when people really look at it, there fears are crazy. Why would anyone go into an interview, discuss their capabilities and really leave there not knowing exactly what the role is.
Now I say this with caution, as the approach and how one is to do this becomes ever more important. In speaking to some managers, they cannot stand when they feel the candidate is attempting to take over the conversation and really run the entire process. That is not at all what I saying here and really do not want that to be the point of the message. The real idea here is to leave with a conscious understanding of the role, with explicit information, without the manager feeling like he got grilled. And I think there is an easy way to do this.
One of the reasons most people get caught in not know enough information is the format of the interview. The candidate answers questions, waiting for the 10 second time frame at the end where the manager says "do you have any questions" leaving the candidate not knowing which of the 50 that are going through their mind should be asked first. The key is to re-format the interview without upsetting the flow. Create the flow by making the interview conversational and asking questions, or follow ups to certain subjects the interview wishes to discuss - as the interview is progressing. Doing this will allow you to get details answered without ending the interview with the 2 minute jam as much down the manager's mouth as I can session.
Interview flow - keep the interview progressing as any conversation. Asking and answering questions without taking over the conversation. Ensure to stay on subject, allowing client to get the information they need as well. They are interviewing you for a role. Do that and you will find it easier to leave the meeting knowing more, the manager knowing you, and the two of you knowing whether or not to continue the process.
Jason Monastra is a 10 year veteran in the recruiting industry and current partner with United Global Technologies, http://www.ugtechnologies.com, a leading recruiting and consulting firm serving the IT and engineering vertical based out of Charlotte NC.
Jason Monastra maintains a major career advice and job search blog at http://www.lambentpath.com, making it easy to access key informational points to better help navigate your search for your next position.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Monastra
This is a subject and conversation that I have had with so many people over the years. With it there comes a lot of strong opinions from all sides stating their perspective on why/why not to do this, or how to approach it. It surfaced this morning in a discussion about why people will not take certain jobs, and the fact that a high powered engineer we were working with has been turning down job offers in this economy. Do people do that I was asked......the answer is YES and for good reason.
Turning the interview on its head is what some people call it. I get a lot of fear when discussing this subject, as most people discuss being uncertain of how they will be perceived when asking serious and in-depth questions surrounding the role. Logically, I think when people really look at it, there fears are crazy. Why would anyone go into an interview, discuss their capabilities and really leave there not knowing exactly what the role is.
Now I say this with caution, as the approach and how one is to do this becomes ever more important. In speaking to some managers, they cannot stand when they feel the candidate is attempting to take over the conversation and really run the entire process. That is not at all what I saying here and really do not want that to be the point of the message. The real idea here is to leave with a conscious understanding of the role, with explicit information, without the manager feeling like he got grilled. And I think there is an easy way to do this.
One of the reasons most people get caught in not know enough information is the format of the interview. The candidate answers questions, waiting for the 10 second time frame at the end where the manager says "do you have any questions" leaving the candidate not knowing which of the 50 that are going through their mind should be asked first. The key is to re-format the interview without upsetting the flow. Create the flow by making the interview conversational and asking questions, or follow ups to certain subjects the interview wishes to discuss - as the interview is progressing. Doing this will allow you to get details answered without ending the interview with the 2 minute jam as much down the manager's mouth as I can session.
Interview flow - keep the interview progressing as any conversation. Asking and answering questions without taking over the conversation. Ensure to stay on subject, allowing client to get the information they need as well. They are interviewing you for a role. Do that and you will find it easier to leave the meeting knowing more, the manager knowing you, and the two of you knowing whether or not to continue the process.
Jason Monastra is a 10 year veteran in the recruiting industry and current partner with United Global Technologies, http://www.ugtechnologies.com, a leading recruiting and consulting firm serving the IT and engineering vertical based out of Charlotte NC.
Jason Monastra maintains a major career advice and job search blog at http://www.lambentpath.com, making it easy to access key informational points to better help navigate your search for your next position.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Monastra
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