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Winning resumes lead to winning interviews: Resume writing services with a 100% guarantee. Resume posting on all the top 80 job sites Resume blasting - 8,000+recruiters
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Interview Situations Get the job you interview for -- without ‘interview jitters’, embarrassment, or being stumped by trick interview questions. Matt & Nan DeLuca and the job-interview.net experts will prepare you for your interview with the Complete Interview Guide.
_________________________ INTERVIEW IN DEPTH What is the Situation Task Action Results (S.T.A.R.) method? This is another term for behavior based interviews. Tell stories that explain a situation...what was the task that you faced...what action did you take and what were the results. Questions usually sound like: "Tell me about a time when...." "Have you ever faced.....What did you do?" List all the behaviors needed for the job. attention to detail, ability to deal with difficult clients, making fast decisions, being creative. Now, look at your past work experience (and outside of the job too!) for examples of how you exhibited this behavior. jot down facts so that if pressed you can tell a short story to illustrate ---prove---that you can do this for the prospective employer too. In fact, you can use this practice yourself...insert short, concise stories when asked factual questions. "Can you use XYZ software?" "Yes...in fact, I was the first employee trained on it on my last job and then became so proficient that I trained my whole staff." With some research and preparation this is a great interview tool for the interviewee...get to talk about the one subject you should be an expert in...YOURSELF! What is the proper way to ask for relocation packages and interview fees? The proper way to ask for trip reimbursement is to ask for it when making arrangements for the interview. You need to do it with confidence and not apologetically. Ask if you will be reimbursed for the trip for the interview and then be quiet. Don't preface it with "I hate to ask..." or end it with something like "... because I really can't afford it otherwise." When asking, you need to project "this is something I know is usually offered" and you have to ask it like you mean it. To build your confidence practice raising the issue either in front of a mirror or with a friend. Beware when actually on the interview that you may incur the wrath of the person you are dealing with and s/he may withdraw the offer for the interview. You need to determine how badly you want the interview. If you will go on the interview regardless, you may introduce the subject with the following words, " I want you to know that I will come mee t with you in any event but do you reimburse for expenses incurred for my visit to meet with you?" The second part of the answer addresses the matter of relocation payments. Usually if an organization does not want to pay for relocation you usually will see the fact mentioned in the advertising copy they use for the position. Do not assume thought that if the statement is missing that they will automatically pay. Keep your eyes and ears open but do not raise the issue until an offer is made. Your potential employer will know if you need to relocate for the job as soon as they see your resume and/or employment application. Let them mention it. To insist too early is to risk losing the opportunity and besides if the offer is so great you may consider eating the cost of relocation for the opportunity. One last point, if you are thinking of relocating, that will put you in a more favorable position because if you include in your cover letter the fact that you are going to move to the area and are looking for a job then you are putting the issue on the table and your saying you were going to move anyway so relocation payment from a local employer will not be requested, that will put your application ahead of all those requesting (or demanding) that relocation be a part of the employment offer. I have been employed as a temp with different companies. How do I answer the question, "Why have I had so many employers in the last two years?"" First---redo your resume and stress the continuity of employment (presumably doing similar/related work). Use a functional resume to stress your skills, experience and qualifications. Include any and all skills that you have picked up at these various companies. Secondly, with the current interview pending, stress the # of years experience and it was a wonderful way to get on the job training in various companies. You will have to face the obvious question...why temp? Was it a choice or did you fall into it (took one job to tide you over while looking and more temp jobs came your way! success bred more success) One thing that is seemingly more true is that organizations are blending their employee staff with a mix of full-time and temp/contract workers. You were just ahead of the curve. Do not apologize for being a temp. Be proud that you were so able to fit into different companies and make a contribution from day 1. You were reliable, a quick learner and you had to have obvious people skills to be able to be effective in different environments. Stress the positive aspects of temping...You got an education while earning a living and now, having seen what other organizations offer, you are able to target the job/organization where you wish to work as well as have a clear understanding of your personal skills and career goals. What steps can I take to increase my effectiveness in a telephone interview? At least you are on an equal footing with all other distance interviewees over the telephone. Prepare an agenda in advance for a telephone interview with particular care. You have the same disadvantage in not being able to read the interviewer's reactions, nor gage his/her concentration. You need to be certain to hit all you key selling points...the reasons why you want the job and why you are a great/best candidate. Also plan a strong closing: "I really appreciate the time in speaking with you Mr/Ms/Mrs. ___________ about the position of _______ at ______ Company. The information about _____ makes it sound even more exciting! I am extremely interested in the position and feel that my background in _____/my ___ years experience in really make me a strong candidate. What will be the next step? I certainly would be willing to meet with you in person." If your telephone skills are not as strong as you wish, practice. Ask a friend to call you and hit you with some questions; then give you feedback. Also plan to have a comfortable area to take the calls, where you can sit and take notes or pace while you talk (another advantage to a phone interview to release some of that nervous energy!) Many candidate fail to ask for the job, respond to information given to them in the interview and leave with a strong statement. Not to mention knowing what is next!! Keep paper & pen & agenda by the telephone and have your notes on the organization and job ready to take response calls for jobs. I am a female seeking a job in a male-oriented profession. How do I show the interviewer that I am not afraid to get my "pretty, clean hands dirty"? Words would not suffice with some interviewers who still do not 'get it'. Even so, listing jobs and projects where your support and involvement entailed getting dirty would be the best route. Tell some stories...
Include some examples of 'we' projects---shows that you can work with and support a team effort. Let your experience speak for yourself... If they cannot see the results for themselves based on what you have achieved and accomplished, then they lose. And, would you really want to work for a place like that? Make a list now of key achievement, major responsibilities and projects that show you are hands-on...flesh them out with some details and you have a group of stories to tell. Make the stories concise and have them illustrate key skills...managerial as well as skill-related. I have just been released from jail. Any suggestions about interviewing with a felony record? Since this question is part of almost every application form, this subject will come up regardless whether you bring it up or not if you are asked to complete an application. The question on the application is usually asked this way. "Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If yes, please provide the details." This gets the matter out in the open as soon as the application is completed. Be ready to provide the details. We suggest you jot down the details -- dates and final charge(s) of conviction as well as venue. The key here in terms of do's is to be open and honest but do not say more than is asked. This is where the application really helps. This way you can mention it in writing for all to see and you cannot be accused of hiding information later. If there was any jail time and it was for an extended period (more than three months), there is terminology that may be provided by social workers and career counselors so that you are honest but not sharing more than you need to. Less than three months need not be mentioned unless all time needs to be accounted for elsewhere on the application. In terms of don'ts -- do not lie on the application or during any interviews in the hope of the employer not finding out. Last, before starting your job search, take advantage of any public job counselor assistance, such as the Vera Institute of Justice. Additionally, there is always help at the unemployment office and good career counselors will know employers who have identified themselves as being interested in hiring persons with a felony record. Also keep in mind that this is a tight job market -- there are more jobs than people so it is a good one because employers may be more willing to accept a felon than in a job market with loads of applicants for each job. And--- remember If the question is not asked on the application or during an interview, you are not responsible for mentioning it. I have a job interview and my baby is due in three weeks. The company does not know that I am expecting. Legally, the interviewer will not be able to ask any questions about your pregnancy, your marital status or your childcare plans. I am assuming that you are obviously pregnant so the subject will come up in the interviewer's mind. Secondly, what are your plans for a starting date? After baby is born? Playing the role of the interviewer and ignoring the pregnancy issue, obvious questions would be why are you looking now? Why leave last job? Why looking to work here? A little research and planning on your part could go a long way towards impressing the interviewer as well as calming your fears. Is this a child/family friendly business? How can you tell in advance? Flexible working hours versus overtime on demand. Child care on premises. Liberal maternity/paternity/childcare leave policy. Women as well as men in management. Do you know someone who works there already? The issue of your pregnancy cannot be ignored. It would be best if you offered a plan since they cannot ask and it will show that you are astute in anticipating their thoughts as well as being professional about your career. State your anticipated due date, when you feel you are able to start work and outline your plans for child care. If you have other children and have been through this before, bring this out....it shows that you are 'experienced' in balancing family and career. It would be nice to operate in a world where, for women, childcare and family are not considered options but part of daily life in terms of a career. It is smart on your part to share your plans with a prospective employer. If there is or is not a spouse in the picture, that is still up to you to share with them. They cannot ask. Just state that you have child care arrangements well in hand and provide brief details. "A trusted family member will provide daily child care and is willing to stay late on those days that I may have longer working hours. I have even made back-up arrangements with a neighbor who is home with their own children so I can concentrate completely on my work during the day." |
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