Article Category : Interview Tips

Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for a new employment opportunity, your information will filter through the Human Resources department. Since every company has their own hiring process, understand that you cannot always control when HR will call you. Our philosophy is that a prepared candidate will have a higher chance of success than an unprepared candidate.Here are a few things to keep in mind if HR does call:

1. Remain calm: Very few HR departments will take the time or effort to call candidates they are not interested in. Regardless of the tone or tenor of their voice, a call from HR should be seen as a step forward in the process. Even if it is only telephone contact, you do have a chance to make an excellent impression. Be confident, sound interested, and engage the person on the other end. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count.

2. Always be prepared: Yes, it could turn out that the HR representative knows nothing about your skill set or area of expertise. Actually, that is the case more often than not. Take this in stride and make certain you answer all their questions as appropriately as possible. We generally recommend staying away from questions concerning your salary history or desired compensation. Rather, keep this item open for discussion at a future time, preferably the face to face interview. Always keep a copy of your resume handy, preferably next to the telephone.

3. Collect contact information and topics of discussion: If not during the call, do this immediately afterwards. Write down all pertinent information including questions or topics covered. Be certain to get the name and other contact information from the person you spoke with. Finally, if they did not specify what the next step was, make certain you do. Ask directly what the next step in the process will be and when it will occur.

4. Offer additional information: For candidates that normally maintain additional career information such as coding samples or art portfolios, make certain you offer to supply these as further evidence of your skills and interest. Do not assume that the HR person knows to ask for this. Offer it. It will generally benefit you in the end.

HR departments, and their representatives, are generally the first chance a candidate has to make a great impression. Knowing how to handle calls from HR will assist you in the process from start to finish.

Executive recruiter William Werksman is a frequent columnist to job boards including http://www.NevadaJobBoard.com addressing both the candidate’s and employer’s perspective. Werksman’s expertise has been featured in business magazines, national newspapers and television news segments. His firm, Resource Partners, is recognized as the leading source of specialized and executive talent in the Casino and Gaming industry. He manages a staff of recruiters out of his firm’s Las Vegas, Nevada headquarters. He may be reached at: Bill@CareerInsider.com

Great Interview Skills

Article Category : Interview Tips

Going for a job interview can be a harrowing experience. The reasons are varied: A job applicant may not have the necessary relevant working experience or may be worried about the inability to answer difficult questions. Even the pressure of needing a job to pay for the living expenses can cause a job applicant to “freeze” or go numb with anxiety during the interview.Being appropriately attired and well groomed is a definite must. Punctuality is also an important criterion. Here are some more pointers to help make your job interview a relaxing and effective experience.

Speak Clearly:

The interview is going to be a useless exercise if the interviewer cannot make out what you are talking about. Thus if you are nervous, take a deep breath and focus on the interview questions. Don’t rush through your answers or make unqualified statements. Most interviewers take down answers just in case a group of job applicants are short-listed.

Bring Supporting Documents:

Remember to bring supporting documents that you did not include in your initial resume. This can be a letter of commendation, ECA achievement or even the journal of an overseas field trip. These documents can supplement your strengths and provide a positive impression to the interviewer that you can provide intrinsic benefits to the workplace.

Don’t Rebut the Interviewer’s Questions:

It is rude to rebut the interviewer’s questions. Here is a case in point: The interviewer asks you about your achievements in school ECA and your curt reply is that the information can be found in your resume. The interviewer may have the intention of hiring you and wanted you to elaborate more on your other achievements to confirm that his decision is sound.

Give Consistent Answers:

When answering the interview questions, you must remember to be consistent. Do not make unsubstantiated statements because you will have a high chance of singing to a different tune in another related interview question. This may reflect that you are not serious about getting the job, which may not be your intention.

Think “Team-Player”:

Do not get too caught up with your achievements and forget that you are working in a team. The “team player” concept is important. Thus your strengths must be relevant to helping your department excel in what it has set out to achieve.

Show That You have Researched About The Company:

You must do some groundwork before your interview. It is essential that you find out about your job specifications and about the industry competitors. This will put you in a good position when you are asked about how your strengths can benefit the organization and department.

Importance Of Skills Upgrading:

During the interview, you should also convey the message that skills upgrading is important to you. This gives the interviewer the positive impression that you will continually improve yourself, which will provide direct rewards to your organization. On the other hand, the interviewer is also reminded of your expectation for his organization.

Your Salary Expectations:

During the interview, you may be asked about your salary expectations. It is good practice not to reveal a figure but provide a range. You can justify by saying that you are willing to accept the lower end of your salary expectation if there are other fringe benefits or training programme.

Ask For Clarification If Necessary:

Do not feel ashamed to ask for clarification if you do not comprehend the interviewer’s questions. You can politely ask him to re-phrase the question. This is much better than providing an inappropriate answer. It also shows that you have initiative.

Thank The Interviewer:

No matter how the interview turns out, remember to thank the interviewer for providing you with the interview opportunity. It does not take too much effort to be courteous. Who knows? Your paths may meet again.

About The Author

Colin Ong TS is the Managing Director of MR=MC Consulting (http://www.mrmc.com.sg) and the Founder of the 12n Online Professional Networking Community (http://www.mrmc.com.sg/12n) - colin@mrmc.com.sg

Why Should We Hire You?

Article Category : Interview Tips, Resume Presentation

This is one of those broad questions that can take you down the wrong road unless you have done some thinking about what to say ahead of time. This question deals with your ability to sell yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy? 

Answers that WON’T WORK -

‘Because I need a job.’ — This answer is about YOU — ‘they’ want to know what you can do for ‘them.’

‘I am a hard worker.’ — This is a really trite answer — almost anyone can say he or she is a hard worker.

‘I saw your ad and could do the job.’ — This answers lacks passion and purpose.

STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the interviewer’s attention –

‘Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar environment.’

‘Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job - solve customer problems using my excellent customer service skills.’

‘Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is required in this position.’

This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer) know what your product (YOU) can do for them and why they should listen to what you have to offer. The more detail you give the stronger your answer will be. This is not a time to talk about what you want. It is a time to summarize your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.

Product Inventory Exercise

Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is the employer emphasizing as requirements of the job? What will it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements on one side of a piece of paper.

Next, do an inventory to determine what you have to offer as a fit against those requirements. List your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of two or three key qualities you have to offer that match each requirement that the employer is seeking. Don’t underestimate personal traits that make you unique — your energy, personality type, working style, and people skills.

The Sales Pitch — You are the Solution

From the list of requirements and your matching list of what you have to offer, merge the two into a summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It should be no more than two minutes long and should stress the traits that make you unique and a good match for the job.

Example

‘With my seven years of experience working with financial databases, I have saved companies thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My high energy, and quick learning style enable me to hit the ground running and rapidly size up problems. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations, and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I know I would be a great addition to your team.’

Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will give you the edge when asked questions like, ‘Why should we hire you?’ or ‘What can you bring to this position?’ This will be your chance to let the interviewers know that you are the solution to their problem.

About The Author

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, ‘Interview Fitness Training Workbook’ and ‘Boost Your Interview IQ’ (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole’s FREE 9-week job interview e-course by visiting her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com or http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com.

You Should Interview the Interviewer, Too

Article Category : Interview Tips

I know what you are thinking. You’re thinking, “Wait a minute. Wouldn’t that be somewhat presumptuous if I were to ask the interviewer questions?” No. The truth of the matter is they want to see that you have enough intelligence and business sense to ask questions requiring informative answers. Most human resource professionals and hiring managers believe having an applicant ask questions is one of the most important aspects of the interview. They are able to tell more about you by the questions you ask than the answers you give in response to their questions.Most everybody expects to have an opportunity to ask questions. However, many assume the interviewer is expecting questions that consist of compensation matters and they don’t want to appear to be focused on self centered issues. Invariably, they pass up the opportunity to delve further for more information about the job.

What they don’t realize is they should be asking questions regarding what will be expected of the employee and opportunities for growth in order to learn more about the job offered. Finding the right job and finding the right applicant is a two way street. The employer is looking for somebody that can and will meet their needs. You, on the other hand, are looking for a job that will fulfill your career aspirations.

The interviewer will obviously get to question you and your abilities so they can decide if you will be a good fit for them. You need to ask the questions to determine if the position is the right fit for you and this stage of your career. They want to know that you are coming into the employer/employee relationship with them with a good understanding of the expectations on both sides. Posing your own questions also demonstrates your communication skills in addition to showing your ability to accurately assess matters at hand.

Here is a list of five questions to ask that will show them you are someone they can count on to dig deeper for more answers, especially in high pressure situations.

1. What are the top priorities of the position?
2. What are the major challenges facing the company in the next few years and how does this position contribute to overcoming them?
3. What do you believe my weaknesses to be and how do you think they will affect my performance?
4. What do you see as my strengths and how beneficial do you believe they will be for the company?
5. Does this company value employee growth and, therefore, provide opportunities to further one’s training or education and career advancement?

This is another chance for you to show your willingness and desire to be prepared for the job. If asking intelligent questions of the person conducting the interview seems to put them off, it could be a clue to you that this isn’t the right job for you. If you see them sit up, take notice, and answer your questions readily, it’s a clue that your input as an employee will be valued and respected.

Go ahead. Now that you understand the importance of interviewing the interviewer go prepare your own list of questions. When it’s your turn to pose your questions, pay as much attention to body language as you do the verbal answers. By the time you leave the meeting you will probably have a good idea whether or not the position is a good fit for you if you are offered the job.

Compelling, targeted resumes that will open doors to interviews developed by Angela Betts. For more career and job search tips sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.resumeritr.com. Contact Angela at 501-467-8768 or info@resumeritr.com to request a free resume critique or resume development services.

Job Offer Negotiations Tips: Getting What You Want

Article Category : Interview Tips

You have worked hard at finding your next job. You have come through many obstacles and have reached your career objective. You have received a job offer. You’re thrilled. Mission accomplished. After all, what else is left to do?A majority of job candidates do not negotiate their offer. They are happy just to have received it. They just want to start their new job and start getting paid again. Besides, there’s a myth that the process of negotiating could turn the employer off and cause the offer to be rescinded? Does this kind of thinking sound familiar?

Offer negotiations are certainly an optional part of the job search process. You don’t have to negotiate. Should you? Absolutely! In fact, when you don’t negotiate, negative ramifications can occur.

For example, you’re in Sales or Customer Support or any other profession that requires a persuasive style. As a final “test”, an employer may extend to you the position contingent upon how persuasive you are at negotiating the offer. If you don’t negotiate, or negotiate poorly, you lose. A runner-up may be offered the position on a similar basis.

Even if you are not in a profession that requires a persuasive style, you should seriously consider engaging in a negotiating process. Employers expect you to negotiate. There is always a higher amount that you can receive over and above the compensation you are initially offered. How much more will be a function of the bargaining chips you have, and the finesse used to negotiate them.

Let’s take stock of the bargaining chips you may have:

? Your educational degrees

? Being currently employed (assuming you are)

? Your level of expertise and number of years in the field

? The salary you currently command

? Your assessment of your true worth

Depending upon the type of position you are seeking, each of these areas has validity and relevance, and a specific “chip” value that can be called upon when negotiating. Probably the most esoteric yet most valuable of these is your own assessment of worth.

Your true worth is far greater than your current compensation, or what a salary calculator would reveal. Your worth can be defined by what you bring to the table that is unique and valuable. Look at the skills, strengths, core competencies, marketable assets and accomplishments you can declare as your own. This is what describes your uniqueness. It is what differentiates you from the crowd.

What number would you associate with your worth? If you’re having difficulty coming up with a figure, just ask your spouse or best friend how much they think you are worth. You’ll probably get a surprisingly high yet fairly accurate number. Let’s assume you came up with one million dollars. I know, that doesn’t even come close. The point is, can you expect an employer to pay you this amount as your compensation?

For sure, salary negotiations based on your true worth or unique gifts take on a whole new dimension. No, you probably won’t be compensated one million dollars; however, with the right blend of negotiating skills and patience, your efforts will be substantially rewarded!

I have seen up to forty thousand dollars added to starting compensation through diligent negotiations. It is common for signing bonuses, stipulations calling for substantial six-month performance-based increases, several weeks of additional vacation time, stock options, profit sharing, and more to be added as part of a negotiated package.

Negotiating is an opportunity to get what you truly want, and deserve. It is a way to significantly raise your standard of living and sense of self, simply by taking stock of what you have and then knowing how to use it for your advancement. Remember, what you receive now becomes your benchmark for future positions.

We all have choices. Some people would rather keep things the way they are. That’s ok. However, you have worked very hard to come to this point, so why stop short of getting what you truly want, and deserve. Wouldn’t you rather be compensated more on the basis of what you’re worth than on some arbitrary figure designed to keep the status quo? Go for what you are worth ? your life will never be the same!

Copyright ?2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

David Richter is a recognized authority in career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management spanning most industries and professions. David founded TopDog Group in response to the needs of job candidates to have a higher quality of career coaching and support available on the Internet. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers. His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers. David holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. David’s website address is: http://www.procareercoach.com

Category : Job-Offer

How To Discuss Your Accomplishments During the Interview

Article Category : Interview Tips

When preparing for your interview, you need to be ready to discuss your accomplishments. Surprisingly, many people are reluctant to talk about their accomplishments. But this is exactly what the interviewer wants to hear from you.Discussing your accomplishments separates you from the rest of the people applying for the job. It helps you stand out and show that you are more qualified than the others. Remember, the whole point of an interview is to sell yourself to the interviewer. He or she needs to know that you are the right person for the position.

Below are some of the subjects you need to be ready to discuss during the interview. Think of what accomplishments you made in each of these subjects. For the last subject, which is about the company you want to work for, make sure you do your research on the company before the interview.

If the interviewer asks you what do you know about their company, and you don’t know what industry their in, their mission statement, who their customers are, then the interviewer will probably determine that you aren’t the right person to represent their company. Here are the subjects:

Work History

• Where did you work?
• How long did you work there?
• How much did you make at your current or previous job?
• What position(s) did you hold there?

Skills

• What skills do you have?
• What skills do you plan on learning?
• How have those skills helped you in your previous positions?

Personal Characteristics

• What are your career short term and long term goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are you looking for in a company if employed there?

The Company Where You Want To Be Hired

• What is the company’s mission statement?
• What is their product or service?
• What are the requirements for the job?
• Does the company offer opportunities for advancement?

If you want the job, you have to sell yourself. The interviewer wants to hear about your accomplishments because it helps them determine whether you are the perfect person for the job or not.Michelle Roebuck provides job interview tips and resume writing advice at http://www.job-interview-and-resume-tips.com. Sign up for her free newsletter at http://www.job-interview-and-resume-tips.com/newsletter.html

Job Interviews: Six Steps to Acing a Telephone Interview

Article Category : Interview Tips

Telephone interviews are becoming more popular these days. Whether that’s good or bad depends on how you handle them!Sometimes telephone interviews are used as a pre-screening technique for all candidates. Other times they are reserved for candidates who live far away.

Regardless of the reason, you must take them as seriously as an in-person interview.

In other words, you must be prepared if you’re going to ace the test. Here are six steps that will help you do just that:

#1. Take the call when you’re ready. If an employer calls and wants to do the interview when you’re not expecting it (instead of setting up an appointment), excuse yourself politely (”I’m in the middle of something right now?”) and offer to call back in ten minutes. This will give you time to prepare.

#2. Get rid of distractions. Take the call on a phone in a quiet room - away from co-workers, radio, television, family, roommates, or anything else that may make noise or take your attention away from your task.

#3. Gather your tools by the phone. These include:

? Your resume

? Pen and paper to jot down notes, including the interviewer’s name

? Company research (with relevant information highlighted)

? Questions to ask about the company and position

? A list of your selling points to mention, and items to cover as you talk about the position. These include your best qualities, specific experience and skills related to the position, and personal traits such as dedication, enthusiasm, and team-building skills.

#4. Stand up to talk. Your position affects the quality of your voice. If you are sitting down relaxing, you don’t project the same enthusiasm and intensity as you do if you’re standing up. Also, smile as you’re talking. It will come through in your voice.

#5. Make a good sales presentation. You are selling yourself, so make sure you do it well… Just as you would during an in-person interview. Ensure that you’ve covered all the selling points on your list. (You do have a list, don’t you?)

#6. Let the employer end the interview. When it’s obvious the conversation is over, don’t try to drag it on. Say “Thank you for your time,” reiterate your interest in the position, and ask what the next step will be.

Follow these steps, perform well on the telephone, and you’ll be invited to an on-site interview with the hiring manager!

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

Job Interviews: Succeeding with Panel Interviews

Article Category : Interview Tips

These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of three-to-six interviewers.A “team approach” to finding the best candidate can be beneficial for the employer. Each member brings a different set of skills, experience and judgment to the team, and can point out pros (and cons) about a candidate that the other interviewers might miss.

Panel interviews can also be beneficial for the job seekers.

In a one-on-one interview you only have one shot at making the best impression. With a team doing the interviewing, your odds are increased!

Say for example that Interviewer No. 1 had a bad experience with your past employer and unconsciously (or consciously) holds that against you, even though you had nothing to do with what happened. Interviewers No. 2, 3, and 4 have no such prejudices and so could sway the vote in your favor.

While panel interviews often seem more intimidating than one-on-one interviews, here are some steps you can take to ease your stress and ensure a successful outcome.

1. Relax. Remember that being faced by a panel of strangers (versus one) is better for you.

2. Smile. Everyone in the room will smile back and you’ll all get off to a great start.

3. Greet each interviewer individually. Shake hands with each person. Repeat their names as you are introduced (everyone likes to hear their own name, and it will help you to remember them).

4. Include everyone when answering questions. Face and make eye contact with the person who asks the question, but then extend your eye contact to everyone in the room. You’re speaking to all of them, not just the person who asked the question.

5. Get their cards. Before leaving, get a business card from each person in the room. These will come in handy when it’s time to send your thank-you notes. (If they don’t have cards, ask for their names again if you don’t remember them; jot them down. You can contact the HR person or receptionist later to get their email or mailing address.)

6. Send individual thank-you notes. Immediately send a thank-you note to each member of the interview panel, but don’t make the notes identical. Make it more personal by pointing out something that person said or asked. For example, “When you asked me about my marketing experience, I forgot to mention that in addition to my three years as a marketing representative at ABC company, I also participated on several marketing focus groups while working at XYZ company.”

Remember, a panel interview is an opportunity to shine in front of not just one person, but a whole team!

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

Job Interviews: How to Answer the How Do You Handle Stressful Situations? Question

Article Category : Interview Tips

When answering the “How do you handle stressful situations?” question during an interview, the best strategy is to give some examples of stressful situations you’ve dealt successfully with in the past.Everyone faces some form of stress on the job now and then. They probably won’t believe you if you say, “I’ve never been in a stressful situation.”

So take some time before the interview to think back over your career and come up with some stressful situations you can talk about. Make sure they are situations that had a happy ending, thanks to your positive action.

(If this is for your first job, think of a stressful situation during school or other aspects of your life.)

Tell how you used time management, problem-solving techniques or decision-making skills to reduce stress. Mention stress-reducing activities such as exercise, stretching and taking breaks.

Don’t be afraid to admit that you would ask for assistance if you began to feel overwhelmed.

If it’s true, say you actually work better under pressure.

Some jobs are much more stressful than others. This question is often given as a hint of things to come. In other words, they won’t be asking about stress if it’s a totally restful and relaxing job!

So give serious thought not only to the question itself, but why they are asking it.

If you absolutely do not want a stressful job, have an answer ready that makes this clear. It may eliminate you from the running, but you probably wouldn’t want the position anyway if it’s going to stress you out.

Sample Answer:

“I’m not easily stressed. One of my previous bosses even referred to me as ‘unflappable.’ I know the importance of being flexible and am good at adapting to changing situations and shifting priorities. But if I do start to feel stressed, I’ll take a break to stretch or get a little exercise and clear my head. If the stress is affecting my work, and due to something beyond my control, I’ll discuss it with my boss.”

Then mention a specific example:

“I remember one situation when I was working at ABC Company where an important client demanded that we finish his project two weeks ahead! of sche dule. At first that seemed like an impossible task. But instead of letting the stress overwhelm me, I took action. I looked at our other projects and found a way to shift some schedules around. It wasn’t easy, but we did manage to meet the customer’s demand, and he was very happy with the result.”

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

Job Interviews: Use the Personal Touch to Get a Job

Article Category : Interview Tips

A study conducted by the Journal of Consumer Research in 1995 showed that sales people who used their prospects’ names generated a 239% increase in sales. In today’s fast-paced world, that personal touch is even more important.The simple act of using a name can have a dramatic impact on your own ultimate success in landing a new job!

During your next interview, focus on remembering the names of the interviewers. Find a reason to say their name at least three times during your conversation. Repeat their name at the end of the interview to make a lasting impression.

But don’t stop at that. Make it a point to remember and use the names of the other people you meet — the receptionist, the HR person, anyone you speak to during your visit. They’ll remember YOU and maybe nudge the boss in your direction when it’s time to make the hiring decision!

Here’s a personal touch that you must plan ahead for. After the interview, go out to your car and take out the nice notepaper you’ve brought along for this purpose. Write your thank-you notes while the interview is fresh in your mind.

In our modern high-tech world, a handwritten note is becoming a scarce — and appreciated — commodity.

Place the note in an envelope and write the name of the interviewer on it (do separate notes and envelopes for each interviewer, if more than one). Go back inside and hand-deliver them to the receptionist… smile and use his/her name when asking that the notes be delivered.

Do you think any other candidate will do this? Heck no! (Not unless he/she reads this article!)

Have an instant advantage by using the personal touches of: (1) remembering and using names; and (2) handwriting and immediately delivering thoughtful thank-you notes!

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

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