Don’t tell someone you’re interviewing that a previous employee walked out on you (resigned without prior notice). It suggests that the work situation was so bad and unresolvable that it drove the employee to the breaking point.
Archive for the ‘Interview’ Category
Employer Self-Inflicted Black Eyes: Admitting An Employee Walked Out During An Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Conflict, Employees, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Work, Workplace Conflict on 2012/04/02 | Leave a Comment »
Interview Thank You Notes Sent During Business Hours May Give The Wrong Impression
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Thank You Notes, Work on 2012/02/29 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re employed while interviewing for a new opportunity, do not send interview thank you notes during business hours - even if you told the prospective employer you’re taking that time off. People are forgetful, and seeing a time stamp from an hour in which you are expected to be working implies that you are not working the [...]
Ensure You Understand The Message
Posted in Business, Getting Ahead, Improving Relationships, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Behavior, Communication, Employment, Etiquette, Getting Ahead, Interview, Jobs, Office Politics, Successful Management, Workplace Conflict on 2011/10/02 | Leave a Comment »
In business, it’s important to effectively read between the lines. If you’re unsure what a person is trying to communicate, tell them you don’t understand or are confused by their message.
Sometimes, A Degree Can Hurt A Job Applicant
Posted in Education, Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Bachelors, College, Employment, Job hunting, Job Search, Masters, Phoenix, Resume, Strayer, University on 2011/09/29 | Leave a Comment »
From the perspective of a hiring manager, obtaining a degree from a nonconventional for-profit university such as Phoenix or Strayer can actually be a strike against job applicants to white-collar jobs requiring licensure, such as in Accounting or Law, in vertically fluid work environments. Degrees from universities such as these can suggest that the candidate prefers [...]
Arguments With Less Filling Are More Convincing
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Argument, Business, Communication, Debate, Getting Ahead, Interview, John Kerry, Law, Success, Unemployment on 2011/09/13 | Leave a Comment »
If trying to convince someone to agree with you, such as in regards to a legal matter (e.g. an unemployment filing) or an interview, keep your arguments simple. Identify (a) what is necessary to meet the threshold you’re trying to reach, (b) what information is necessary to demonstrate that the threshold has been met, and [...]
Pros & Cons To Disclosing Visa Status On Resumes
Posted in Interview, tagged CV, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes, Visa on 2011/08/31 | Leave a Comment »
Employers are permitted to inquire into your visa status. If you are a non-U.S. citizen seeking employment in the U.S., you can add visa considerations to your resume. Some advisors will recommend doing so. We recommend not doing so as it might immediately disqualify you from consideration by potential employers. Because employers must jump through many [...]
If You Think It’s Necessary, Bring It (From List Of Items To Exclude From Your Resume)
Posted in Interview, tagged CV, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes, Visa on 2011/08/30 | 1 Comment »
In regards to yesterday’s post identifying items to exclude from one’s resume, we’d like to emphasize that this general guidance pertains to applications within U.S.A. Different expectations apply in cultures outside the U.S. For example, collegiate information is more common on CVs in Canada, and a person’s sex is disclosed in a number of countries outside the [...]
List Of Items To Exclude From Your Resume
Posted in Interview, tagged CV, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes on 2011/08/29 | 4 Comments »
Following are things to exclude from your resume, unless relevant to the job for which you are applying: itemized list of classes you attended while pursuing a degree, grades from specific courses, GPA (unless required or of high rank), your sex or gender, family, religion, politics, age if you’re over 18, previous employment unrelated to the job [...]
Noteworthy Site For Employment Guidance: Ask A Manager
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, Noteworthy Sites, tagged Ask A Manager, Direct Report, Employment, Employment Advice, Getting Ahead, Happiness, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Satisfaction, Job Search, Jobs, Manager, Office Politics, Site of the Week, Successful Management, Tips, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2011/08/15 | Leave a Comment »
The site Ask A Manager is a great, interactive resource for credible and thoughtful employment guidance. In addition to authoring the site since 2007, Alison Green has written and co-authored books and articles dispensing management and work advice. An attribute of Ms. Green’s publications is that they aim to construct a collaborative and mutually rewarding relationship between managers and direct reports, which [...]
Three Ways To Distinguish Your Resume From The Competition’s
Posted in Interview, tagged Awards, Candidate, Degree, Employment, Interview, Job Market, Job Search, Jobs, License, Recognition, Resume on 2011/08/13 | Leave a Comment »
In employment markets such as the current market, candidates must distinguish themselves from the competition. The following items can dress up a resume, and are entirely appropriate to use. List any awards or recognition received, including those received from your department or team. Disclose any licenses for which you are eligible or a candidate (e.g. waiting [...]
Don’t Be An Interview Dictator
Posted in Interview, tagged Candidate, Control, Direction, Employment, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Jobs on 2011/08/12 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re an interviewee, do not try to control or direct an interview, except to the extent necessary. Interviewees control or direct interviews by spending most of the interview dictating the conversation, usually via questions. Controlling an interview might be necessary to fill lulls in conversation, change the tone of an interview, gain insight to better form your answers, [...]
Make Your Worst Your Best For Success
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Getting Ahead, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Perspective, Unemployment on 2011/08/03 | Leave a Comment »
A general recommendation for success in interviews is to make your worst attribute your best. For example, if your ability to communicate effectively is a weakness, provide an example of where you communicated effectively with very positive results. If you were laid off or expect a bad reference from a company, provide examples of what [...]
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Communication, Confidence, Employment, Feedback, Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Insecurity, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Results on 2011/07/23 | Leave a Comment »
Don’t ever express any concern about your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of or ability to adapt to a role during an interview unless you are trying to communicate to the interviewer that you do not want the job.
Consider Posting A Card
Posted in Interview, tagged Card, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Thank You, Thank You Notes on 2011/06/27 | Leave a Comment »
The general recommendation for post-interview Thank You notes is to send them within 24 hours via email. However, if you’d like to differentiate yourself from the competition and/or renew your chances of consideration, send your thank you note through a small unique yet tasteful card.
Converting An Interview Into A Conversation
Posted in Interview, tagged Comfort, Communication, Conversation, Conversational Tone, Employment, Getting Ahead, Interview, Interviewer, Job Search, Jobs, Perspective, Psychology, Set the Tone, Tone on 2011/06/19 | Leave a Comment »
A key to good interviewers is comfort. One way to make yourself comfortable during an interview is to actively seek to make the interviewer comfortable. Often, this can be done by introducing a conversational tone into the interview.
Maximize Paid Overtime While Interning
Posted in Education, Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged College, Happiness, Intern, Internship, Job Search, Overtime, Pay, Skill Development, Skills, University, Wage on 2011/06/06 | Leave a Comment »
Take advantage of every opportunity to work overtime in a paid internship. Not only does it translate into a 50% wage increase for overtime, but, it offers additional opportunities to gain expertise.
Intern Often
Posted in Education, Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged College, Future, Getting Ahead, Intern, Internship, Job Search, Jobs, Summer, Summer Job, University on 2011/06/05 | Leave a Comment »
To the extent possible, try to intern each summer while you are in college. It will differentiate you from other graduates, advance your skills, and improve your understanding of course subjects. Paid internships are available in most fields. If you are unable to apply for internships through your program or school, try one or more [...]
When Entertaining An Offer, Act Strategically
Posted in Interview, tagged Getting Ahead, Job Offer, Job Search, Jobs, Strategy, Unemployment on 2011/06/04 | Leave a Comment »
In this market, if you receive a job offer that you’re not totally satisfied with, accept the offer and continue looking for another opportunity. If you stall in order to wait for another offer, you risk losing the first offer. Then, if you don’t receive the second offer, and you’re unemployed, your marketability will most [...]
Bring Your Back-Up To An Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Employment Reviews, Evaluation, Feedback, Getting Ahead, Interview, Job Hopping, Job Search, Jobs, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Performance Review, Professional Review, Reference, Review, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2011/05/17 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re a job hopper or worried about being disparaged by a vengeful former employer, bring copies of stellar performance evaluations with you to interviews. The evaluations illustrate the returns previous employers received from their investment in you, and refute attempts to discredit you. Expunge confidential information. Permit the interviewer to view the copy only, not keep [...]
Improve Success By Inventorying Performance Evaluations
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, References, tagged Employment, Feedback, Getting Ahead, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Performance Evaluation, Performance Review, Professional Review, Review, Unemployment on 2011/05/16 | Leave a Comment »
Hang on to your performance evaluations and create a record or index of highlights within each. Your evaluations serve as a reminder of accomplishments, aiding future job searches, interviews, and reference requests. They provide a means of tracking changes and documenting improvement. Good evaluations can be cathartic during periods of melancholy.
Using Visualization To Achieve Success At Work
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Manage Successfully, Personal Enrichment, tagged Advancement, Aspirations, Basketball, Behavior, Career Advancement, Career Growth, Confidence, Employment, Getting Ahead, Golf, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Networking, Office Politics, Performance, Promotion, Raise, Results, Study, Success, Successful Management, Visualization, Visualize on 2011/04/01 | Leave a Comment »
If you feel there is something within your control that is preventing you from achieving success, try picturing yourself without the inhibitors. Visualize yourself as you’d like to be. Studies have shown that people can use visualization to achieve certain forms of success, such as improving one’s ability to shoot hoops, play golf, give a speech, or take [...]
You Might Not Get It In A “Gotcha”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Communication, Employment, Ethics, Etiquette, Gotcha Moment, Hiring Decisions, Hiring Managers, Interview, Interview Technique, Jobs, Office Politics, Successful Management, Workplace Bullies on 2011/02/13 | Leave a Comment »
Hiring Managers: Gotcha moments in interviews are counterproductive and give you a reputation. Often, the moments result from an interviewer’s misinterpretation or misunderstanding, and, can get the company in trouble if the interviewer communicates her conclusion as an accusation.
Maintain A List When Interviewing
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Jobs, Life, Networking on 2011/02/02 | Leave a Comment »
Job seekers: maintain a list of places to which you’ve applied and the people you’ve interviewed with. It might come in handy during your current and future job searches.
If An Interviewer, Be Considerate
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Successful Management on 2011/01/30 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve scheduled a phone interview with an employment candidate, call him at the time set. Calling at your convenience, either more than five minutes early or late, communicates that you prioritize your schedule over theirs.
If You’re Interviewing, Be Timely
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search on 2011/01/29 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve scheduled a phone interview, call or be available at the time set. Calling or being available at your convenience, either more than five minutes early or late, communicates that you prioritize your schedule over the interviewer’s – a really bad idea if you truly want the job!
Even If You Don’t Want The Job, Don’t Burn Bridges
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search, Networking on 2011/01/25 | Leave a Comment »
Send a “Thank You” note following an interview, even if you do not want the job. It’s better to maintain goodwill rather than burn bridges.
If Temping, Don’t Get Locked Into A Single Recruiter
Posted in Interview, Recruiters, tagged Contractors, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Recruiters, Temping, Unemployment on 2011/01/22 | Leave a Comment »
If, while unemployed and seeking a job, a recruiter places you in a temporary role, work with another recruiter to find a permanent role. With 40 to 60% margins, recruiters can make more placing people through temporary employment than perm. The first recruiter has an incentive to keep you in the temporary role.
#1 Question To Ask Interviewee
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Communication, Employment, Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Interview Questions, Interviewee, Interviewer, Job Search, Jobs, Questions, Successful Management, Unemployment on 2011/01/19 | 1 Comment »
An important question to ask an interviewee is what he would like to get out of the job. The more broadly the question is asked, the more revealing the answer might be. In responding to this question, an interviewee may convey what are his long term interests, if he is collaborative or competitive, if he’s a socializer or mouse, the team and management style with which he [...]
Report Dates In Years On Your Resume
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Employment, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Unemployment on 2011/01/18 | Leave a Comment »
If you have a lot of job movement on your resume, or have limited work experience, report dates on your resume in years, rather than months and years. For example, if you were employed in a role from July 2007 through January 2009, listing the dates as “2007 – 2009″ will make your work experience look [...]
Unscientific Survey Of Professional Opinions Regarding Excluding Information From Resumes
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Manage Successfully, Recruiters, tagged Employment, Ethics, Hiring Decisions, Hiring Managers, HR, HR Manager, Human Resources, Job Search, Jobs, Opinion, Perspective, Polling, Recommendation, Recruiters, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes, Seeking Employment, Survey, Unemployment on 2011/01/15 | Leave a Comment »
As mentioned in our 1/14/2011 post, General Professional Opinion On Excluding Job Experience From Resumes, we have performed a very informal, unscientific survey of recruiters, HR managers and hiring managers for their opinion on excluding previous work experience from resumes. Following is a synopsis of what we have learned. Recruiters: The recruiters’ negative responses were based [...]
Don’t Be Afraid To Counter A Job Offer
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Counter Offer, Employment, Etiquette, Job Offer, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2011/01/10 | Leave a Comment »
If you receive a job offer, do not hesitate to counter with a higher salary. Take the risk. It’s very unlikely that an employer will withdraw an employment offer solely as a result of a counter.
Poll: Is it improper to exclude job experiences of less than one year from a person’s resume?
Posted in Interview, Polls, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Experience, Job Search, Jobs, Lay Off, Lies, Manipulation, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Resume, Truth, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2011/01/09 | 1 Comment »
Interviewer Translation: “Let Us Know…”
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Feedback, Interviewers, Job Search, Jobs, Results, Translation, Unemployment on 2010/12/30 | Leave a Comment »
Generally, if a potential employer tells you to apprise it of developments in your job search, it means you’re a second shelf or back up candidate, not a top shelf candidate. If an employer is highly interested in you, they’ll let you know by providing, or expressing an intent to provide, an offer within 24 to 48 hours.
It May Suck That You Didn’t Get The Job, But Get Over It – QUICKLY!
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Unemployment on 2010/12/22 | Leave a Comment »
If your application for employment is rejected, try to get over it quickly. There’s a good chance you’ll freak out the employer, thereby impairing potential future opportunities with that employer (and possibly others through word of mouth), if you contact the employer frequently after the rejection. The best response is to communicate once that while you’re [...]
Don’t Make Yourself Into A Victim
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Business Expenses, Discretionary Expenses, Employer Policies, Ethics, Etiquette, Getting Ahead, Job Search, Office Politics, Reimbursement, Successful Management, Workplace Conflict on 2010/12/21 | Leave a Comment »
If an employer – even a potential employer - is willing to pay for things, let it. Do not volunteer to pay for business or discretionary expenses (such as bagels) that the employer will cover – it reflects low self-worth and confidence. Letting the employer cover costs forces it to increase its value (through its investment) in you. Good employers [...]
Admit When You Are Rusty
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/19 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer inquires into a matter in which you have not worked for a while, don’t try to bluff your way through a response. Just tell the interviewer that you’re a little rusty but it won’t take any time to return to speed.
At The End, Tell Them You’re Interested
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/17 | Leave a Comment »
At the end of an interview or round of interviews, communicate to the employer whether or not you are interested in the role. If you’re interested in the role, tell the employer. For example, tell the interviewer that you hope the company is as excited about you as you are about the company, team and [...]
Things To Not Do While Waiting For An Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Performance, Unemployment on 2010/12/16 | Leave a Comment »
Following is a list of things to avoid doing while waiting for an interview in or around the employer’s premises. Be discourteous to anyone within the area. Correct your clothes or appearance anywhere other than in a bathroom. Talk loudly on your cell phone. Say anything negative about your previous employer or previous interview to anyone, [...]
Key Items To Communicate During Interviews
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/12 | Leave a Comment »
Following are key items to communicate during interviews. Things that you are interested in on a professional and personal level that enhance your qualifications or emphasize the contributions you can make to the role, team and company. If there are deficiencies in your job history such as large gaps between employment dates or a lot of [...]
Tips For Web Chat Interviews
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Technology, Tips, Unemployment, Web Chat on 2010/12/10 | Leave a Comment »
Following are tips for being interviewed via web chat from your computer rather than a local office or center. Test the system prior to the interview. View your image, check the volume, and test the recording sound clarity before you begin. Dress nice from head to toe, in case you need to stand during the interview or more than [...]
Questions To Ask Interviewers
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Interview Questions, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/09 | Leave a Comment »
Following is a list of interview questions that may help you in the interview. An objective to interview questions should be determining whether the employer and opportunity provide you with what you are looking for in your next role. Why is the role open? Who would the role report to? Who reports to the role? [...]
Don’t Subsidize The Employer
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Unemployment on 2010/12/07 | Leave a Comment »
Employment candidates: don’t pursue out-of-state opportunities or opportunities requiring long-distance travel during the interview process if the employer is unwilling to pay for the travel expenses. It means the employer is not invested in you. People are more likely to take you seriously and assign greater value in you if they have to make a financial [...]
Don’t Improvise If You Don’t Remember
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Performance Evaluation, Unemployment on 2010/12/06 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re being interviewed and the interviewer requests details on an item in which your memory is hazy, just say that you don’t remember the specifics and provide a general description. If you make an error trying to remember or improvise, it could negatively impact your chances of getting the role.
Record Key Points During Your Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Unemployment on 2010/12/05 | Leave a Comment »
While interviewing for a job, record key elements of the conversation, items on which you feel you provided a weak response, items on which the interviewer seemed exceptionally interested or any other item that you would like to address in your thank you note.
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 3
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/23 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve inventoried all the benefits you can bring to an acquiring company for purposes of convincing the company to retain you longer, make a reasonable and supportable estimate of the amount of time necessary to complete related groups of projects.
If The Recruiter Says No, Just Ask The Employer
Posted in Interview, Recruiters, tagged Contractors, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Recruiters, Temping, Unemployment on 2010/11/20 | Leave a Comment »
If, while unemployed and seeking permanent employment, a recruiter tells you an employer will not consider you for temporary employment unless you agree not to search for jobs while temporarily employed, confirm this with the employer. The recruiter has an incentive to keep you temporarily employed. The prospective temporary employer might be willing to help you in your [...]
Do A Little Recon
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Networking, References, Unemployment, tagged Employment Reviews, Feedback, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2010/10/12 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re concerned about what a former employer might be saying about you, ask friends to interview there. They can inquire into why previous employees left and what the employer would like to change from the previous employee/s. If your employer is the type for which you should be concerned, they’ll let your friends know.
Let Them Down Easy, Or Not At All
Posted in Interview, Networking, tagged Attorneys, Bla Bla Bla, Communication, Dianna Abdala, Email, Employers, Employment, Etiquette, Job Search, Networking, Office Politics, Professional, Recruiters, Rejection, Retaliation, William A Korman on 2010/10/07 | Leave a Comment »
Believe it or not, some employers do not respond well to rejection. You don’t have to be employed to suffer retaliation from an employer. The worse time to experience any form of retaliation – deserved or not – is while you’re looking for a job. Remember the experience of Dianna Abdala, the employment rejection “heard around the world?” Her story [...]
Practice Interviewing
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Job Search, Networking on 2010/09/18 | Leave a Comment »
Practice interviewing with a friend, family member, recruiter or professional service prior to your formal interview. Collections of interview questions are available through several online websites. See our Resources page for a list of a few. Interview questions that might be specific to your industry or the company might be available through sites such as Glassdoors. Consult with [...]
Approach An Interview From The Interviewer’s Perspective
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Job Search, Perspective on 2010/09/06 | Leave a Comment »
Keep in mind that once an interview concludes, there’s a good chance the interviewer will remember less about the interview than will you. To the interviewer, it’s not personal - it’s not something directly impacting his/her immediate life. Consider the interviewer’s objectives. The interviewer wants to discern whether you can perform the responsibilities, will get along with the group, and if [...]
Request Feedback: Interview Edition
Posted in Interview, tagged Feedback, Interview, Job Search, Networking on 2010/09/05 | 4 Comments »
Following an interview, do not hesitate to request feedback from an interviewer. Not only is it an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and leverage your strengths, but, it provides a valuable networking opportunity. Give the interviewer a day before reaching out to her. If you do not receive a response immediately, try contacting the interviewer [...]
Even In Interviews, Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Job Search, Jobs on 2010/08/23 | Leave a Comment »
In business and friendships, people are generally attracted to people who are similar. As such, during an interview, set the interviewer at ease by practicing “mimicking behaviors.” Imitate the interviewer’s mannerisms. If your interviewer leans back in his chair, then lean back in yours. If he leans forward, you lean forward. Don’t make it obvious that you [...]
Site Of The Week: That Recruiter
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Noteworthy Sites, Recruiters, References, Unemployment, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Site of the Week, Unemployment on 2010/08/20 | Leave a Comment »
That Recruiter shares insights from its author’s journey through unemployment to employment, with valuable guidance from both sides of the Recruitment field.
Poll: What Were Your Worst Interview Experiences?
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Manage Successfully, Polls, Unemployment, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Poll, Unemployment on 2010/08/17 | 1 Comment »
When Not To Listen To The Experts
Posted in Interview, tagged Industry, Interview, Job Hopping, Job Search, Lay Off on 2010/08/16 | Leave a Comment »
Some job-search experts suggest that you ask what reservations about hiring you an interviewer has at the end of an interview. Don’t listen to these experts! The last thing you want to do is remind a person why they don’t want to hire you – especially at the end of an interview. By the end of the [...]
When Interviewing, Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
Posted in Interview, Job Search, tagged Industry, Interview, Job Hopping, Job Search, Lay Off on 2010/08/15 | 2 Comments »
When interviewing for a role, it’s important to convert your weaknesses into strengths. For example, if you’ve hopped around, turn job hopping into a strength by pointing out that it has enabled you to adapt to new technologies quickly. If you were laid off, point out that you introduced a lot of efficiencies into the [...]
Rejection Doesn’t Have To Be The End – Employment Edition
Posted in Interview, Networking on 2010/08/12 | Leave a Comment »
If, after an interview, you learn that you will no longer be considered for the role, write a short Thank You note recognizing the employer’s decision, summarizing what you liked about the company, thanking them for their consideration and asking them to keep you in mind for future positions. This leaves a door open for other opportunities.
Thank You Notes Are Investments
Posted in Interview, Networking on 2010/08/11 | Leave a Comment »
In most cases, the decision whether to hire you has been made by the time you write a Thank You note to the interviewer. Even though the note might not impact the decision to hire you for the current position, it is an opportunity to positively influence the decision to consider you for future positions.
A Game Plan To End Stong In An Interview
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/10 | Leave a Comment »
To ensure you end strong, wear a watch that is easy to read and continuously reflects time into your interview. Wear the watch so that the face is on the inside of your wrist – this will enable you to check the time without being apparent. Instead, it might look as though you are glancing at your [...]
Start Strong & End Strong – Don’t Worry About The Middle
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/08 | Leave a Comment »
It is key that you start strong and end strong in an interview. Don’t worry about mistakes made in the middle. Go in with a planned approach. If you find that you’ve gone off plan, return to it and stay focused on it to the end.
Don’t Leap To Respond To Interview Questions
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/07 | 2 Comments »
Before responding to interview questions, take a few seconds and focus on the following. Identify the interviewer’s intent. What does the interviewer hope to learn from your response? Formulate an answer that responds to the interviewer’s intent. Evaluate the response from the interviewer’s perspective. Eliminate anything that might be contrary to the open position (e.g. saying you most enjoy tasks not available in the current [...]
Interviewees: Make It A “Thank You” Note
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/05 | Leave a Comment »
Just because “everyone” says something doesn’t mean it’s right. For example, the general consensus is that interviewees should immediately follow-up an interview with a Thank You letter recapping why the interviewee is the best choice for a role. However, many interviewers do not read these. (But, they do notice if they do not receive one!) If the letter is [...]
Ask Constructive Questions
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/05 | Leave a Comment »
While it’s commonly recommended that you ask questions during your interview, ensure your questions are consistent with what you want to communicate to the potential employer about yourself. Your questions should be thoughtful, not canned, and constructive. Consider how an interviewer might interpret your question. For example, asking about average number of hours worked may [...]
The “Bad News” Interviewer
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/02 | Leave a Comment »
If you ask an interviewer what he would like to change about his workplace, or what he doesn’t like about his workplace, and he responds with a very negative answer, then most likely it will not be a good company to work for. It may indicate that the interviewer plans to leave the company, there is [...]
The “Dirty Disher”
Posted in Interview on 2010/07/22 | Leave a Comment »
A potential employer that dishes dirt on its employees, especially employees it has terminated, is never a good sign. There’s a high likelihood that (a) the employer will do this to you, (b) the employer cannot be trusted to provide a positive reference after you leave employment and (c) you’ll never be able to satisfy the expectations of the potential employer. However, it is [...]
Appearances Do Matter When Interviewing
Posted in Interview on 2010/07/20 | Leave a Comment »
Appearances influence the hiring process. Get in shape. Trim and style your hair. Shave. Make sure your clothes fit, are ironed, in good condition, simple yet in vogue and appropriate to the role. Don’t wear anything dated, gaudy, bright or with heavy or obnoxious patterns. Practice speaking before the interview. Maintain a modulated and audible voice. Enunciate. [...]
The “Destroyer”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer tells you that with a single phone call he can learn anything he wants to know about you, and likewise, with a single call can destroy you, ensuring you will never work in that town again, remain polite, act interested in the person – the more freakishly interested the better – and [...]
The “Ranter”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer spends most of your interview ranting about how your previous employer didn’t hire her, do NOT accept an offer from her employer! It doesn’t matter if they insist she’s over it – she isn’t, and she’ll spend significant time and effort proving why your previous employer made the correct decision in not hiring her.
The “Anti-Family Planner”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer asks you if you plan to or currently have children, or an interviewer tells you he’s not interested in hiring anyone with children, do yourself a favor: get up, turn around and let yourself out. They are not going to hire you.
The “Yeller”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer begins yelling or screaming at you during the interview, end it immediately. There’s no way that interview is going to end well.
The “Talker”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer talks through most of the interview, he hasn’t heard a thing you’ve had to say; this isn’t an opportunity, it’s a reflection of future dynamics with the employer.
The “Slacker”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an employer makes an offer without having checked your references or contacting your past-supervisors, do not accept the opportunity. Not only does it stink of desperation, there’s a good chance the employer skimps on due diligence elsewhere.
Busted! The (False) “Accuser”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer suggests or accuses you of lying, call her on it and then call it quits. Anything more will be a waste of your time. The interviewer will never admit that she is wrong. Nor will she overcome the thrill she felt from the accusation and embarrassment from her error.
Journal Your Professional Experience
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
Each time you update your resume, create a journal or binder summarizing the key factors, principles, procedures and results underlying each item on your resume. Include any material successes or activities not reported in your resume. Then, before an interview, review the journal to refresh your memory on these activities. It will come in handy for technical [...]
Invitations To Avoid
Posted in Interview, Networking, Recruiters, References on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
Do not accept LinkedIn or other professional networking site invitations from persons that you’ve interviewed with or company recruiters until after you received the offer! They can use your network to find additional candidates for the role to which you applied.
Self-Sabotage
Posted in Improving Relationships, Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
Never make a comment that can be seen as condescending to yourself. If you don’t have confidence in all of your skills, why should the potential employer? This includes comments that suggest you’re in the same category as everyone else, such as “I know everyone does this….”
When To Move On
Posted in Interview on 2010/07/10 | Leave a Comment »
As a rule of thumb, if the primary interviewer does not express interest in you at the end of the interview/s, the employer is not interested in you. Move on.
