Interview Rules

Monster.Com provides the following 10 Interview Rules:

1. Do Your Research

Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company's needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview. You also should find out about the company's culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job. 

2. Look Sharp

Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don't want to look like you slept in your outfit. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly. 

3. Be Prepared

Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. For extra assurance, print a copy of Monster's handy interview take-along checklist. 

4. Be on Time

Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

5. Show Enthusiasm

A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky. 

6. Listen

One of the most neglected interview skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said. 

7. Answer the Question Asked

Candidates often don't think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure. 

8. Give Specific Examples

One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance. 

9. Ask Questions

Many interviewees don't ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job. 

10. Follow Up

Whether it's through email or regular mail, the interview follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don't miss this last chance to market yourself.

It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One way to do that is to be prepared to the best of your ability. There is no way to predict what an interview holds, but by following these important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to positively present yourself.

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-preparation/ten-interviewing-rules/article.aspx

Following these rules should help prepare an applicant for critical job interviews.  I recognize that preparation at this level requires a great deal of time and effort; however, if one’s objective is to get a job offer, the effort will be rewarded.

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com your additions to this list of interview rules.

Thanks!

Glyn

Reemployed After Extensive Unemployment

“Finding a Job After Months Without Work”, an article in the July 20, 2014, edition of The Dallas Morning News, on page 1A, by Sheryl Jean discusses individuals who have been out of work for an extended period and finally became employed.

In many cases workers find new jobs after making a sacrifice: living away from family, relocating to a new city or state, or training for a job in a new field.

The article profiles four Dallas-area workers who found work after being unemployed for months. Here is a summary of their biggest mistakes and the best advice they received:

Biggest mistakes:

1. Being too specific in the early days of unemployment about the type of jobs they sought

2. Getting conflicting advice from many people

3. Not applying for unemployment insurance immediately

4. Spending too much time on job websites

Best advice:

1. Take any interview they get for practice – one might lead to something else

2. Willing to relocate

3. Do one thing each day outside of your comfort zone

4. Find a headhunter in your field

Certainly these findings are from different people in various situations and may or may not be suitable for anyone else.  I think that the bottom line is that job seekers should consider finding a job as a full-time job and be willing to subordinate personal pride when seeking a job!  Try to view each day with a positive attitude and avoid becoming discouraged.

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com your suggestions for the long-term unemployed who are seeking a job.

Thanks!

Glyn

Working at Home Using Working Solutions

After reading articles about STEM jobs, a column the July 13, 2014, edition of The Dallas Morning News, on page 1J, by Hanah Cho, “Making Work at Home Pay Off,” got my attention.

The article is a recap of an interview Ms. Cho had with Tim Houlne, an executive with Working Solutions – “Working Solutions, founded in 1996, was the first company to utilize an entire workforce of home-based customer sales and service agents.” 

(http://www.workingsolutions.com/about-us/who-we-are.aspx)

Mr. Houlne says that an independent professional workforce is an emerging trend in our mobile society and provides the following suggestions to potential home based consultants:

1. Prepare now for the home-field advantage – Look at what you do best and if companies will buy your service.  Consider getting technology upgrade and take advantage of work-at-home tax breaks.

2. Get motivated – Improve your technical skills and become proficient in technology, industry knowledge, and business development.

3. Expand your markets on finding work – Search nationwide and perhaps worldwide for jobs tagged “work remote or virtual”.

4.  Be resourceful – Seek both short-time and long-term work by focusing on your skill set.

5.  Recalculate your skill often – Join professional organizations and update technical capabilities skills that are missing on your resume.

 

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com if you have experience with the services of Working Solutions.

Thanks!

Glyn

Job Markets Improve!

As job openings increase, opportunities for individuals to transition to better jobs will also increase.  Of course, such transition means that one must leave an existing job and move to a new one.  An article in the July 6, 2014, edition of The Dallas Morning News, on page 1J, “Switch jobs with grace and decorum” provides advice as one makes a job transition.

Here are its suggestions for one who departs a job without burning bridges:

1. Have a definite reason for leaving so you can move with confidence and conviction.

2. Provide enough notice to the company for it to replace you without incurring any major hardship.

3.  Meet with your boss first before announcing your decision to other employees in order to avoid embarrassment to the company.

4.  Continue to do your job to the best of your abilities during your notice period.

5. Avoiding making any negative comments when telling others your reasons for leaving.

6. Maintain decorum even if it was not your idea to leave.

The article states that Shakespeare said that a person is remembered for his entrances and exits.  This statement is also true in the workforce.

Please comment in this bIog or email at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com your experiences with job transitions.

Thanks!

Glyn