Archive for the ‘Interview Tips’ Category
December 17th, 2009 | 
Author: Well, what we feared has suddenly happened. The Labor Department reported that the official unemployment rate for October rose from 9.8% to 10.2%, in September. (don’t be fooled, it’s actually higher) And just today they announced another 485,000 lay-offs last week. Just one week before Christmas; what a great Christmas gift! Everyone feared this was coming and just wondered how long it would take. Hundreds of thousands of people are unemployed and job opportunities on a large scale just aren’t available.
So now the next question; what are we to do now?
There seems to be a spirit of cynicism and foreboding everywhere. It’s frightening! This is an age of political divisiveness, there is a huge dose of bashing and finger-pointing. The plain truth is we have collectively allowed our manufacturing base to be stripped away and it doesn’t look like it’s coming back any time soon.
Don’t expect Obama to rescue you, no matter what he promised in his campaign speeches. The plain truth: you’re on your own. There is no magic bullet that will solve this problem. In fact the way the current majority political party is going it just may get worse. Many of the over 15 million unemployed are not going to find a job again. ANY job. Am I being pessimistic? I don’t believe so.
Many of our icons that we thought would be here forever are gone are on the verge of going. Many companies are barely surviving, their management are on shaky ground and know it. It’s time to change your thinking from “it’s all about me” frame mind. It’s extremely difficult when the rent’s due and you’ve had no income or possibilities. One solution remains, companies have problems to solve and if you are a problem solver you have a product to sell and lots of buyers.
Look for ways to show that you are a problem solver. Answer this question: “How can I help them solve their problem NOW?” This simple change in mentality serves a great purpose in your resume writing or during your job interview.
Start making a list. (be specific) Then boil it down and refine it then do it again till you are convinced it’s the best. These are problems that you’ve already solved. This what employers will buy today. Don’t just rely on the Internet but take your message out there to the real world to get an audience.
Networking is where it happens, but that could be as simple as talking to someone in line at the supermarket or mall. You have to be “on” all the time. So develop a great elevator pitch that’s short and sweet. It should sound natural and reflect exactly how and why you’re a problem solver. That’s what it will take and you can do it. I have a friend who does this in California. She calls her company “Corporate Solutions”.
Not everyone is buying right now but there are jobs. And even if it’s not the ideal job it’s an opportunity for you to shine. You’ll snag one only if you’re “on” and ready to offer someone solutions for the immediate future because of problems you’ve solved in the past. So get that resume polished and I mean as the military calls it; put a “spit shine” on it. If you need help getting that resume to shine, here are two sources for a professionally written resume — Resume Rabbit and Resume Edge. — I know you are thinking; “that’s too expensive”, without even checking it out. Don’t do that, check it out! Both companies are the best in the business.
Now, if money really is in short supply here’s an alternative! Resume On A Budget is a site where you can get excellent resume templates and professional resume help for less. This site offer resume help the same way that Legal Zoom offers legal help. Resume templates, resume help, job interview help all prepared by professionals. Go to — ResumeOnABudget.com – you will be glad you did.
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This article is a little bit of a rant. But here goes. Although I host this blog, I also have a day job. At this job we are currently hiring for some entry level positions.
A woman just came in to be interviewed and walked right past my desk. She was wearing a pair of capri pants (the kind that hug the leg), a cotton blouse with a Hawaiian pattern that was tied at her waist, and a pair of flat sandals that went “flip, flop” with every step. To cap it all off she had her hair done up with a clip and was carrying a big purse. She looked like she was out running errands for the morning, and “Oh, yah. I’d better stop in for that interview!”
Somewhere during the morning she looked in her closet and made a conscious decision to dress that way for an interview with a major corporation, in an office environment. I guarantee you that she won’t get hired.
Now I work in an office. But what about the person reading this that’s trying to get a job in retail? Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a retail job is not worth dressing up for. You may not think that a job at the mall, or Wal-Mart, is all that glamorous – but keep in mind that the store manager has decided to make a career of working there and treat the position (and the manager) with respect by dressing nicely.
So how do you know what to wear or NOT wear? Here’s a quick tip. If you look like you’ve just popped out for lunch with a friend, or ran an errand to the store, you are not dressed right. Why do I say this? Because a lot of very qualified people lose out on jobs because they showed up in clothes that looked like weekend wear instead of office attire.
So a quick word of advice. It’s hard enough to get a job in this tough marketplace without you shooting yourself in the foot by dressing too casual. Always dress as nice as you possibly can. Even if you feel “overdressed” the person interviewing you will respect you more for showing up looking professional.
You’ve worked hard to get here. You’ve sent out 31 resumes, networked, attended job fairs, enrolled in school for more education – you’ve taken all the right steps.
Then, one afternoon the phone rings. “Yes, we’d like you to come in for an interview. Is next Tuesday at 10:00 alright with you?” Alright???!!! You can be there in 10 minutes! But you gather your composure, pretend to rifle through your “appointment book” and calmly reply, “Yes, Tuesday at 10:00 works for me. See you then.” Now what?
The sequence goes like this: the resume gets you an interview; the interview gets you the job. This is when you become more than a bunch of employment dates and workplace accomplishments. This is your opportunity to shine. It’s show time!
Go in cold and you’re working at a disadvantage. You prepped the perfect resume, now it’s time to prep for that all-important interview. Here are ten steps you should take before you show up at the interviewer’s door.
Review Your Resume
Sure, you know it by heart. But what was it that caught the eye of this recruiter or the HR pro? Specialized experience? Unique training? A steady history of career advancement? Revisit your resume from the point of view of the interviewer. It may provide insight into the company’s employee needs – something that would certainly be advantageous to know going in.
Get Back On-Line
Visit the company web site again and start taking notes. Corporate officers, the latest press releases, the company’s annual report. Gather as much information as you can on your soon-to-be-employer.
Study, Study, Then Cram
The more you learn about the company, the better you’re going to feel walking in that door. Knowledge is power. Knowledge will make you more confident in your attitude and your answers. You know this stuff. You’ve studied it! Knowledge of company products, services, protocols and procedures shows the interviewer that you’re proactive, with an eye for detail and an appreciation for the power of preparation. In other words, you’ll make a positive impression.
How can you rehearse for something that doesn’t have a script? Write one. You know the typical questions you’ll be asked so write down some of your most insightful, witty thoughts. Be prepared to describe past positions, responsibilities and accomplishments. This is not a time for false modesty, so don’t be afraid to highlight your professional strengths and play down your terrible typing skills. Remember: it’s no brag if it’s the truth. Ask your spouse, your child or a friend to play the role of interviewer so you become more comfortable speaking about yourself in front of others. Again, this is a confidence builder. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be.
Develop Your List Of Questions
Your interview shouldn’t be seen as some type of interrogation. It’s a “getting to know you” meeting, so feel free to ask questions. However, your first question shouldn’t be “How much do I get paid?” or “How’s the 401k plan, here?” Instead, ask questions that show you understand the job and the company’s needs. Be quick to pick up on the interviewer’s comments and ask relevant questions.
Interviewer: We’ve had some issues with field reports coming in late recently.
You: How are the reports transmitted?
(Oh, you’re good. Very good.)
An interview is a performance with people playing different roles. Your role is successful job prospect. Play the part. Whether you’re female or male, the conservative business suit is the recommended attire for any interview. If your business suit needs a pressing, send it to the dry cleaners. If you don’t own a suit (you’d be surprised at the number of us who don’t) go out and get one. It doesn’t have to be an $800 designer suit, but it should be conservative black, blue or gray. And did you know, you can rent them at a Tux shop?
Get Cut Or Coiffed
You’ll have 15 minutes to make a good impression. Treat yourself to a visit to the local hair stylist. You bet looks matter. They’ll be plenty of time to show your talent once you land the job. For now, look like a success, feel like a success – be a success.
Practice Positive Visualization
Professional athletes do it. So do actors, yoga instructors and new age thinkers who sleep under makeshift pyramids to absorb that mystical energy. It’s called positive visualization – and it works. It really does. In the days leading up to the interview, picture yourself sitting opposite the head of HR. Picture yourself relaxed, comfortable, at the top of your game. Play that clip over and over in your mind until it becomes so familiar, it actually becomes a part of your self-image. It simply can’t be stated too often – your confidence during an interview should be obvious and genuine.
Gather Your Materials
The day before the interview, gather your materials and place them in a briefcase or attaché. Don’t have one? Buy one or borrow one. It’s another opportunity to project that professional image you wear so well. Bring extra copies of your resume in a manila envelop. Bring a pad and pencil to take notes. Bring a calculator (you never know). Bring your address book and copies of your business card. If you’ve been asked to provide additional information (school transcripts, e.g.) make sure you’ve got clean copies ready to hand over.
Sleep Tight
You’ve done it all. You’ve prepared yourself; you’ve built your confidence so you can look the interviewer straight in the eye. You are ready to rock ‘n’ roll! Okay, too psyched. You’ll never get to sleep. The night before the interview, go to bed early. Have some warm milk, coco or herbal tea (stay away from the 3rd scotch). Relax. Set the alarm and sleep comfortably in the knowledge that you’re as prepared as you’ll ever be. No, not every interview will be a success.
You can increase the chances of success by presenting a professional, prepared, and confident you to the interviewer. That’s how you turn an interview into a job offer.
You’re Hired!
By Teena Rose is a columnist, public speaker, and a professional resume writer with Resume to Referral.
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