A Successful Job Interview

Posted on November 10th, 2008

As you may know, when you apply for the Canadian visa, you must attend to an interview with a Visa officer.

Ive helped people from all over the world get ready for their interviews, and based on my experiences with them, Ive prepared hundreds of useful tips that people looking for a job can use to succeed in any job interview!

Here are some of them…

It’s the moment you’ve been anticipating. You’ve been steadily sending off resumes for the last two weeks and now the phone is ringing. On the other end is the disembodied voice of a business professional saying, We’ve received your resume, and we’d like to have you come in for an interview. What do you do?

Getting responses to our resumes can be exciting because it means that the employer is interested. Very few employers call in every single applicant since they don’t have that kind of time. So, in most cases, being called for an interview means that we’ve successfully passed the first round of screening. There was something on our resume that attracted their attention.

Now what?

All of us go through this when we are searching for a job. The problem is that most of us don’t realize that the job interview actually began the moment we pick up the phone and greet that caller. How you handle yourself on the phone gives the interviewer some idea of what you’re like in person. Any one can look good on paper, but the majority of people have more difficulty faking it during an impromptu phone conversation.

Of course, not all of these calls will be made by the actual interviewers. In some cases, these individuals will ask their secretaries or assistants to arrange the interviews for them. However, you’ll still want to make a good impression on these individuals. For one, you may not know until it’s too late whether you are talking to the interview or his/her representative. Plus, these representatives may pass along their opinion of your performance to their boss anyway. Therefore, you should always treat the caller as if they are someone important from the company; someone who will have a hand in determining whether or not you get the job.

Preparing for Calls

As soon as you begin sending out resumes, you should also begin to prepare to receive phone calls from employers. Remember that your contact information should be clearly marked on your resume and on your cover letter so that potential employers can get in touch with you. That contact information should include several possibilities, including your home number, your work number (if you have a private number that isn’t screened by your current employer), your cellular number, and your e-mail address. You can also list specific times for each contact method. For example, You can reach me at 555-5555 any time after 5 pm. Before 5 pm, please call XXX-XXXX. That will make it easier for potential interviewers to reach you. With that in mind, you need to prepare all of your contact channels for these potential calls.

Alex Berez is an expert in Canadian immigration and founder of http://www.stepbystepimmigrationcanada.com

Tags: career, careers, finding a job, job interview, jobs
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Job Interview What Can The Employer Ask?

Posted on October 5th, 2008

How do you prepare for an interview with a potential employer? When you ask people about it, often it is very surprising what they tell you. Theoretically, it would seem obvious: just think over the answers to all possible questions, prepare a story about yourself, have some information about the company-employer etc. In reality many people dont prepare for an interview at all except for their appearance, hoping they do well. And of course they receive the deserved result rejection. But if they prepare properly, the result could be totally different.

It sounds strange but some people that receive an interview invitation dont find time to check on who actually invited them. Meanwhile, this information is very important. How can you go there if you dont know where it is? First of all, this kind of attitude is not serious at all. You have to at least value yourself and your time. Also, there is a chance that you wont find the company at all. Secondly, you should have at least the minimum information about the employer, especially, if it is a well-known company in the market: what are the main directions of the company, prospect, and plans? Answers to these questions can be found easily on the Internet. If you have information about the company you will feel more comfortable during the interview and the questions wont confuse you.

Everyone who is looking for a job must understand one main thing: it is necessary to prepare for the interview. First of all, find some information on the Internet and read it. You will be able to find some useful resources that provide the common questions that employers like to ask. To tell you the truth, answering them without preparation can only be done by a very quick-witted person. Tell me about yourself is not the only question that an employer asks. By the way, the majority of personnel managers begin the interview with this question. You have to prepare and practice the answer at home. The answer must contain important information, the information that is related to the job, the information that shows your positive attitude about future position, your experience and skill to make effective decisions…

Besides that one, here is a list of standard questions that employers like to ask:

-Why you are looking for a new job?
-Why did you leave the previous job?
-What did you like/ dislike in your previous job?
-What are your qualities?
-What kind of mistakes did you make in your previous job?
-What are your professional achievements?
-Give me the reasons why we should hire you?
-Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?

Answering questions, do not forget, that is not allowed to speak negatively about the previous employers, unconcernedly speak about work, etc. Do concentrate on the positive moments, mistakes should not be shocking, your task is to show how quickly and successfully you solved them. Dont give them abstruse answers but dont be limited by cheap ones either. Be prepared and keep the interview under your control.

Preparing for the interview, it is necessary to think over all the possible questions that you need to ask them. When the candidate only nods his head, expressing silent understanding and consent, it doesnt add points to his advantage. More likely, they would think that you dont really care about the work, that you just need a job. Dont expect that the employer will hire you.

There is always something to ask about the position or company. You can ask about responsibilities, salary, and the companys culture. There are no unimportant things when you are looking for employment.

To learn more about the questions that can be asked on an interview visit http://www.welcome-to-self-improvement.com/blog/

Willie Krut is the core provider of a selection of self help products that truly help people to improve their life, health and career. Subscribe to the free Willie’s Newsletter, visit the http://www.welcome-to-self-improvement.com site.

Tags: career, interview questions, job, job interview, Self development
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How To Prepare For A Job Interview

Posted on August 25th, 2008

So you have the call letter for a job interview in your mail. Get going and do your homework done immediately. Find out all about the company, the job you applied for, the competitors, the products and all other relevant information by browsing the Internet, company literature, the annual report. Get the facts in your application right. If you perceive a weak area be prepared with convincing answers - if you spend enough time on it, you will find some. There is no reason why you should not be able to answer any question about you if you are prepared.

While preparing for the interview, get your perspective right. Pitch in hard for the job by showing your best side. By showing a good learning attitude and displaying qualities such as team spirit, ability to communicate well, ability to take upon responsibility and to think independently, you will make a positive impression on employers.

All your preparation for the job interview will pay because the interviewer will instantly know how serious you are about the job. One thing about preparation is that it shows in small ways. It is as simple as a layman who can make out the difference between a performing artist on the stage who has prepared and one who has not.

Once you have packed your soft skills well it is time for you to make the best physical impression. Dress well in clothes and colors that suit you (in conservative shades). Some clothes make you feel more confident than the others, so get those clothes out. Dress like a thorough professional in business clothes. Get your hair, beard, fingernails etc done. Use colognes or perfumes that are subtle and not too loud. Check your papers and leave for your interview early to avoid any unforeseen traffic delays etc. Land up at the venue early, relax and enjoy the process.

Be prepared to answer all the regular questions that interviewers ask such as why you want the job, something about yourself, how you fared in your last job, your strengths and weaknesses, why you think you are good fro this job, how you would be contributing to the job, why you want to work for the company, what you know about the company and the industry, whether you will be willing to travel, what is the salary you expect etc. Similarly be ready with your own set of questions about the organization. You may want to know your growth prospects, the hierarchy, job responsibilities, company’s future plans, company’s expectations from your job, training and other such questions.

Do not forget to ask about when they will decide on your interview results. Practice all the questions in front of a mirror or have someone ask you the questions while you answer.

Prepare your entry into the room as well. Walk in confidently but without being brash or overly aggressive. Smile, wish everybody, shake hands firmly and warmly. Speak clearly. Look at the entire interview panel in the eyes. Sit straight, be relaxed (not too loose and not too stiff). Keep your legs together (don’t shake them nervously), bend slightly forward (show receptivity, no slouching), use your hands if you wish to be more expressive etc. Do not say negative things, do not lie or fib (its simpler to say that you don’t know the answer), do not speak too fast or unclearly, do not drop names, make excuses, speak badly of ex-employers etc. Please switch off your mobile phones, do not smoke, do not be aggressive. Or shy.

Concentrate on what the interviewers are saying, ask them to repeat themselves politely if you have not understood the question, smile and be relaxed and confident. At the end of the interview thank the interviewers for their time and ask them the next step in the hiring process. Shake hands firmly, smile and make eye contact with everyone. Follow up the interview with thank you letters to the interviewers and a call at the appropriate time to know the decision regarding your interview. But with all this preparation, there is a good chance that you would have bagged the job already.

Good luck!

Yulin Peng is a recruiting researcher and the owner of http://www.job-employment-guide.com. Please visit his site for more free employment tips.

Tags: how to prepare for a job interview, job interview, job interview dressing, job interview tips
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Salary Negotiation Tips You Can’t Miss

Posted on August 12th, 2008

The interview was good and now its salary negotiation time. The employer asks you an open-ended question about the salary you are expecting. You know that your answer could affect your chances of getting further because if you quote a figure that is too high then he might mentally strike you off the list and if you quote too low you will be short selling yourself. It is an important part of the entire process because it puts a value on your capabilities. You ought to know the value you bring. This is one question that you cannot be caught drivel about so its better you get some information and fix your true value. And the market price for that job as well.

First and foremost find your true value. The base value comes out of your qualifications and experience and the previous value affixed to it. If you are going to stay in the same line of business, i.e. if you have developed some core competencies in your area, you would certainly be looking to get more than what you were previously offered and a higher responsibility. Additionally if you have accumulated some more qualifications along the way it will certainly add to your price tag. The place of posting, size and type or organization, growth prospects etc will certainly matter while you consider your value. Apart from merely making a self-assessment it also helps to go through a recruiter or hiring agencies because they are more aware of the market price that organizations are willing to pay. Apart from making a purely objective and business oriented decision they will give you a fair approximation of your market value.

Secondly, gather information about what the market is paying for the job you applied for. Look up sites on the Internet, check out the recruiting agencies, speak to fellow professionals, refer to industry journals and get an approximation of what the job is likely to pay. There are some fee based services as well that give you this kind of information. Now you know what the job pays and what you think you are worth. Zero down to a figure in the range depending on your experience and qualifications. Never ever let it be known that you are desperate for the job because that will drastically shift the power in the employer’s favor during the negotiations. Here all the research you have done will come in handy. Know all about the packages being offered in terms of allowances and such so you are not caught on unsure ground.

While negotiating the salary, it is best not to venture out information first. Ask the employer the range they pay for this position and what a fair and just compensation would be according to them. If they give some figure, you can always improve on it. Start on the higher end of the scale because they will negotiate as well. It is best to quote a range to begin with so everyone can feel around for the kind of figure that is mutually acceptable. If you have done your homework you can convince the employer why you think you deserve the kind of compensation you have quoted. Normally if the employer feels that you fit the job, they will go some distance to get you. It is up to you to convince your employer that you are worth it.

It is always best to leave the negotiations open ended in the end. You could say that you are open to their offer and that you will expect a fair and just compensation package from them. Take your time to think about the package and use your good judgment in terms of career move, growth prospects etc while considering their offer.

Good luck!

Yulin Peng is a recruiting researcher and the founder of http://www.job-employment-guide.com The website provides employment guide to job seekers and recruiting research services to recruiters.

Tags: job interview, salary negotiation
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Job Resume Issues How To Fix Them

Posted on August 11th, 2008

In this high tech Twenty-First Century it’s not uncommon for a job seeker to unexpectedly misapply or misunderstand some aspect of their own resume. After all, resumes advanced from the basic one page outline of a person’s work history, till now they can arrive in one of a hundred different key-character font styles, with fancy backgrounds, customized digital stationary, even with full facial photographs; or in one of dozens of various file formats. Enough variation to create a sense of some minor confusion for an eager job seeker who doesn’t pay attention.

This article addresses four key areas of resume focus:

anti virus
use of snail mail
resume url & resume file format match
use of Objective in modern resume and Cover Letter usage

It is important that you keep your computer virus protection up to date. Many anti-virus software packages include email scan functionality. Make sure yours is turned on. If you are not sure, consult the product documentation that came with your anti-virus software. If you dont have anti-virus software, get some. Many email anti-virus software firms offer excellent packages. Several good products even offer their products free with automatic virus definition upgrades. It will never help your chances of getting hired if you send a computer virus into the company where you want to work. Such viruses, if they exist in your PC, can get hooked into innocent documents and thusly become transferred from and tracked directly back to your resume. Protect your email from viruses. Its considered good manners and will help you get hired faster.

Current conventional wisdom has it that we are in an employers market — which means that the employer has the upper hand. With nearly one hundred qualified applicants for every position, there is some real truth to this view. So, when you respond to a job posting that requests a rsum via standard post, print out your rsum and cover letter, fold them up, put them in an envelope, address it, put a stamp on it, and put it in a mailbox. Do not try to be creative. Dont follow up by sending a digital version via email unless requested. Sometimes the modern way is to do things the old fashioned way.

Similarly, when instructed to submit a rsum digitally, do not submit the URL (web page location) for a web page that contains your rsum. Submit an actual digital version of your rsum instead. Even seemingly insignificant departures from instructions that employers post for submission of your credentials can be cause enough for your removal from the process. Follow resume submission rules. The appropriate way to distinguish you from others — is to communicate clearly and follow their rules. Show yourself as the ideal choice for this position by not bending the rules to your own advantage.

Some new considerations In the past, there has been some dispute over the effectiveness of having an OBJECTIVE statement at the top of ones rsum. Some felt the Cover Letter was the place to present that information. In light of the fact that nowadays a job seekers resume will be included in one or more prospective employers candidate database, the OBJECTIVE statement now becomes the spot on the rsum where you indicate the position you prefer or other pertinent information that often would only appear in a Cover Letter. The idea is, that most candidate databases dont include a candidates Cover Letter, only the resume.

By including a brief entry in the OBJECTIVE area, a candidate can be certain anyone reading their resume will also know the candidates employment preferences. The days when you might have been able to mail a rsum in to a personnel manager, and he or she might look it over for you, and see if they have any openings that might fit your talents and experience, are almost gone for good. In such an environment as we have now, much less personal, following proven strategies of netiquette can make your resume stands out from the others, for a start. By customizing your resume to carry your important career skills and accomplishments, and also to present some basic aspects of your career preferences, you send a polite message to every hiring agent who may find you in that candidate database, that you are capable and focused.

There is a good argument that an online job search does not require a resume COVER LETTER. In the digital realm, a cover letter adds an extra attachment, extra time for the processors, something unexpected that someone will have to deal with. In the case of submitting your rsum via the web, a cover letter is nearly superfluous, unless it contains crucial information not easily written into your rsum, such as physical handicaps or other special or extenuating circumstances. In which case, your cover letter should be short and to the point. Do not use the cover letter to market yourself to the company, or you run the risk someone thinks you are trying to manipulate their system.

BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Mark Baber has 20 years experience as an Executive Search recruiter. Visit http://www.mcbaber.com for direct job search assistance.

Mark is Recruit Consultant to http://www.JobNewsRadio.com

Mark is also Consultant to http://www.smarthiredirect.com

Tags: career, employment, hiring, internet, job, job interview, job search, online, resume
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Online Job Search Resume Submission Secrets

Posted on August 9th, 2008

Follow the rules when submitting a resume for consideration by a possible employer or job-bank. Address prospective employers through the resume submission channels and in the formats that they request. Those aspects of resume submission will usually vary employer by employer and by job site. Dont be creative with their processes. Many of us are tempted to embellish and send five references when the employer only asks for three, as one example or, as happens frequently, a job candidate will submit their resume to an employer in a document file format that doesnt match what the employer uses, so no one at the company can read it. Follow procedure.

Sometimes you will be instructed to send your rsum in the body of an email, and not as a file attachment. Sometimes, the request is to send the resume only as a file attachment, and only as a ASCII-text file. Sometimes youll be asked to submit your credentials via a online submission form, or other alternate method. Requirement change frequently, so you have to be adaptable. The variances in file type requests are prompted by many considerations bandwidth usage, how a company may distribute resumes they collect, sometimes its for computer virus management as viruses often ride in on email attachments, to name just a few of the reasons you should follow resume submission guidelines thoroughly. And though it may be hard to accept now, there will come a time when all the cool custom design work you put into your rsum if you did - will never be seen.

More often than not, employers want text-only resumes. No colors, or background patterns, or digital artwork. Plain text. If you are unaware of the mechanics of saving your files as text-only files, or other text formats, or how to prepare your rsum for scanning and database inclusion, ask someone with some computer savvy to explain it to you and walk you through the procedures. Or search online, where there are many free tutorials on those topics These are not difficult tasks to perform or learn. And you will use such basic digital skills time and again in a modern job search.

On the other hand, there are times when a company will request your rsum be sent as a MS WORD file, which is not a text-only document. So it makes sense for you to have your rsum ready as a text-only file and as a MS WORD document too. A MS WORD document has a file name that ends with the file suffix .doc. The text-only ASCII file ends with a .txt after the dot. These two file formats will allow you to ship your resume as either a ASCII or MS WORD format, if requested. Whatever format the employer asks you to use, it is the system they have devised to process applicants quickly and efficiently. By complying with their requests, you help keep their workload to a minimum, and you show your own willingness to be polite, cooperative . Another choice, ask the potential employer if its okay to send your resume the easiest way possible copy/paste your rsum directly into the body of an email. Eliminates the need for attachments. Once you do that, your brief comments at the top of the email become like a brief, basic cover letter, leading the reader directly into your resume, which resides below.

One job search strategy has job seekers sending resumes to multiple contacts within the same company. In some cases, that is a viable approach to market one’s skills. But be aware, sending copies of your rsum to multiple persons in the same company is now beginning to be seen as a breach of netiquette. Get permission first. If you are requested to submit your resume via email, dont send it by standard post too unless requested. Should you make changes to your rsum, submitting a single second copy is acceptable, as long as the body of the email that carries the attachment explains that there are revisions, and points out to the reader where he or she may find them in the body of the rsum. You should also feel free to resubmit your rsum after ninety days if there is no immediate progress. Most companies purge candidates from their active databases in cycles of ninety days, so quarterly submittals will keep you current in the database of a company for which you have a strong desire to work.

Smart job seekers should realize there are some critical requirements for submitting resumes online, whether via web form, email, as a file attachment or some other method. Do it wrong and your resume is lost or side-tracked. Do it right and your resume is to the hiring decision maker by morning. The resume submission strategies outlined in this article may seem to exert a weak force on your job search universe. When you consider how many things can go wrong in a job search - sometimes it’s as if gravity itself steps in and pulls your job search to the ground fast, or propels it foward at a sprint, depending on what balance and focus you exert. Same holds true for resume submission. Attend to details. Follow the rules.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Mark Baber has 20 years experience as an Executive Search recruiter. For job search assistance, forward your resume to Mark at: http://www.mcbaber.com

Mark is Recruit Consultant to http://www.JobNewsRadio.com ;and to http://www.smarthiredirect.com, a low cost, effective recruit, hiring and job applicant tracking system for recruiters, HR staff and employers at all levels.

Tags: career, employment, hiring, human resources, job, job interview, job search, online, resume
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The Art Of Career Planning

Posted on August 3rd, 2008

Career planning is an exercise that is well worth the time invested in it because it sets you going on the path that leads to where you would like to go. This exercise provides you with a lot of clarity regarding your career objectives as well and it best done before you embark on your job search.

Often most people get stuck at the very beginning of the planning process itself. There seem to be too many choices that are throwing themselves at you with all kinds of material gains, fame and wealth, comfort and luxury, glamour and beauty. From acting to singing, writing to banking, software programming to business, choices confuse you. Naturally feelings of self-doubt might creep in at this stage. Am I good enough for that, you may ask, or how do I become successful at this. After some time of pondering over many career paths you may end up thinking that maybe you are no good for any of these things after all.

Here is where a bit of career planning helps. There are two ways of starting off. One is to find out what you really like doing and do it irrespective of the gains and growth patterns and the second is to find out what really motivates you, find out which among the careers gives you what you want and build up competencies for it. Either way you will get what you want - in the first method the journey itself is your reward (though many will discourage you on this path, but don’t worry, many have tread this path and quite successfully at that too) and in the second you are carefully working your way to your reward which could be clearly spelt out to be a consequence of your work or occupation.

Whichever path you choose, it is most important to know your individual strengths and weaknesses. Sit down and assess yourself honestly. Think of all your accomplishments, of all the compliments you got, of all the work that really inspired you, of the times when you worked with passion at and jot them all down. You will find that as you note down your victories, your achievements etc a pattern will emerge. You can find that you are good at organizing, at making people comfortable, at leading, at solving puzzles, at physical activity, at playing music or games. Each of these represents a career option by itself or throws up some characteristic in you - qualities that could be good assets in your future career options.

Now list out things that motivate you, that you aspire for, your dreams - things you would want more than anything else in the world. Find your fit between the person you are and the dream you wish to achieve. As this picture gets clearer you become more aware, confident and purposeful. Attributes that serve you well along the way. You have now formed a sharp picture of yourself with specific saleable qualities.

Based on your aspiration level and your aptitude, you can also identify the careers that offer the kind of lifestyle or returns that you wish. If you wish to frequently travel and be in command of a dynamic business you can zero down to careers in marketing with a goal to set up your own firm or to head a large company (the same may not be possible if you inherently like to paint for long hours). It is best to be honest with yourself at this stage because most people take decisions based on glamorous misconceptions about certain careers and later change them. For example if you wish to be an airhostess, check out the sources available to the kind of work that is associated with being an airhostess. Only if you really enjoy doing that kind of work and the rewards that come with it must you opt for it. Else look further for what really fits you. Growth, rewards, recognition and most importantly job satisfaction and a good quality of life come from one thing -loving your job.

Having decided on a particular direction, build competencies. Specific careers need specific education and training. Whichever area you choose to be in, you will fare well if you strive to be the best in it. Leave your individual brand on it. Learn the ropes by acquiring information, by taking up courses, by taking up internships and summer jobs, by learning the economics of the job, by adding special skills that help in handling the job with greater proficiency.

All careers without exception would certainly require a good writing and verbal communicating ability so please work on that, a pleasing and well-mannered personality, a professional work ethic and good inter-personal skills. Work on these important soft skills along with as you plan your career.

A final word! If you have a goal then be clear about it and start walking towards it. You will learn along the way. You will acquire skills and competencies that help you along. The important thing is to start the journey.

Good luck!

Yulin Peng is a recruiting researcher and the owner of http://www.job-employment-guide.com Please visit his site for more free employment tips.

Tags: , career planning, job interview, job search
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What’s Your Interview Approach?

Posted on August 1st, 2008

It is now time for the interview and you need to get your interview approach right. There is no better approach to an interview than to prepare well and in time. By preparing carefully and well in advance, all details are taken care of in an organized manner. So you have prepared for all kinds of commonly asked questions, practiced your answers, got your industry and company information ready, your questions ready, you are dressed out well for the interview and now here it is ?the big hour. You are nervous. Despite all your preparation the interviewer could ask you the one thing that you might not have prepared for or the one thing that you might forget. You conjure up images of all that could go wrong, you are sweaty in the palms and nervous as you anticipate the interviewers tearing you apart. What if they find someone much before your turn comes? How come everyone else looks more relaxed and knowledgeable? What if you cannot answer a single question?

Here is where your interview approach comes in. Relax. Close your eyes and take a deep breath into your abdomen. Feel the abdomen rise and fall like a baby抯. Do it a couple of times until you feel your nerves steadying a bit. The first thing you need to do as you approach the interview is to relax.

Remember that you have prepared as hard as you could. There is nothing you can do now except put your best foot forward. Enjoy the scenery, read a book or a magazine. Stop looking at everyone else around wondering if you should be cramming for some more information.

Think of the nice times. Think of your victories. Of all your achievements. Your accomplishments. The moments that made you feel good about yourself. Feel your inner confidence boost you up.

Think positive thoughts. Stop all negative thoughts about what might happen if they ask tough questions etc. Think positively and fill your head with positive thoughts of how you would be a success at the interview, at the job and at your career.

Visualize an easy and successful interview. Visualize yourself answering questions with ease. Visualize a friendly and amicable interviewer or a panel. It helps to alleviate your mood and in turn will make a favorable impression on the interviewers.

Think of the interview as an animated conversation. Stop thinking of the interview as a stress filled interrogation and more in terms of an animated conversation you will be having with people in the same area of business. That will alter your approach from being defensive to being participative and show qualities of team work and receptivity in you.

Think of your strengths. Focus on your strengths. Forget about the weaknesses. There is not much you can do about them. If you have to think of your weaknesses, think of them as strengths turned inside out and word them accordingly instead of flaying yourself with them. Use them to your advantage.

Be punctual. Be early at the venue because that helps in acclimatizing to the environment and in learning or clarifying any bits of information that you may need to before your interview.

Use everything to your advantage. Try to use everything to your advantage. Remain courteous, unruffled, energetic and enthusiastic. This is an opportunity to show them the best side that you have, the side that will come out when there are challenges on the job. There is no point hiding your energy and enthusiasm for later. Put it up there during the interview. Be the best you can.

Now. Are you feeling better?

Good luck tiger!

Yulin Peng is a recruiting researcher and the owner of http://www.job-employment-guide.com. Please visit his site for more free employment tips.

Tags: interview approach, interview questions, interview tips, job interview
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Your Resume: Should You List It?

Posted on July 29th, 2008

Sometimes you can face a real dilemma regarding what to put on or leave off a resume. Essentially, a resume is simply a marketing tool that features the highlights of your qualifications; not every job must be listed as that is what the job application is for.

Still, there is so much misunderstanding regarding resumes. I have seen people list every job held, classes taken, achievements, etc. Some of these experiences are far from their intended career aspirations, but I generally dont have a problem with most of them as it can show that you are a well rounded person.

However, listing a job you held for a month or two can raise a red flag. If you list a short term job, be prepared to honestly explain your short stint, but if you leave it out you may be asked why you have a gap on your resume. Personally, I would leave most jobs held for six months off of the resume but include this information on the job application if one is utilized.

What you decide to do is your call and if you visit the various career sites on the internet youll find a variety of opinions on the subject, some of which offer conflicting advice.

Copyright 2006 For additional information regarding Matt Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.

Tags: careers, cover letters, employment, job interview, jobs, resumes, work
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Finding A Job Under Tough Circumstances

Posted on July 27th, 2008

Anyone can find a job. Thats right, I said anyone. And I meant it. But the caveat is: I didnt say what kind of job. You can go out and start flipping burgers, and whine about the tough breaks life handed you when your company down-sized, or you can reach higher, and go for that job you really want, and know you have the experience and enthusiasm for.

Reaching higher means being on your toes, in every sense of the words. Youll have to stretch yourself too- make that extra effort to overcome the obstacles in your way. Nobody said getting the right job would be easy. But its there, waiting, if youre willing to reach.

To show you what we mean, Im going to give you an example of one executives ego-crushing layoff. Down but not out, this man took personal circumstances that could have held him back, and built on them so that he stood on a solid foundation and put that perfect job within his reach.

Sean Davidson* was a senior level marketing manager. His company was downsizing, and in a performance review, it was felt that Sean was the staff member in that type of position that they could most do without. What followed was eight months of frustration, and confidence testing, as he attended job fairs, network events, and searched Internet employment sites. Then he landed an interview for a job that not only matched his skill set, but which he wanted badly. How did he overcome the negativity of his layoff?

When asked about the gap in his employment, Sean took the initiative and spoke about strategic mistakes he had made in his last position, and how the slow growth in their industry, had led to a decision to lay off staff. He then went on to talk about new growth areas and the how a company can make the most of the opportunities offered, and increase their market share. His explanation and proposals, not only showed his awareness of current market conditions, but also displayed his business competency.

He had turned the focus of the question from why he was laid off, to showing what he had learned from the business conditions that caused it, and how he could help the interviewing company to improve their position. And he got the job!

*Names changed to protect confidentiality

Copyright 2005 Joel Vance

Joel Vance is an Human Resources expert who has been in HR for 17 years and interviewed 3,159 people. He has also taught at 4 major universities around the country and currently has a best selling book on interviewing entitled The Perfect Interview at http://www.theperfectinterview.com

Tags: careers, interview, interview questions, interviewing, job interview
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