5 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview

 1. My last company's boss was really bad.Never ever badmouth a former employer in an interview even if you really had a really bad boss. You need to be very careful about what you are saying especially when you are explaining why you have left your last company.2. The answer to this question is on my resume.If you are asked about a particular job or experience, answer clearly without mentioning that everything is given in your resume. A hiring manager wants to see your communication and social skills. So, use the opportunity to show your skills even if the required information is written on your resume. 3. My next goal is to start my own business.Most employers want to hire people who are willing to work for them for a long time.If they know that you have a plan for starting your own business shortly then they probably won't offer you the job.4. Do you want to see my references?If an employer wants your references, he or she will ask for them.5. I don't have any question to ask.You should show interest in the company you have come to give job interview for.Not having any question for the interviewer shows that you’re not interested in the company you want to work for. Prepare a list of important questions to ask the hiring manager so that the employer understands you are keen to join the company.---Rumki Sen

Posted on: 28 September 2023 | 8:10 am

5 Tips for Returning to Work After a Career Gap

1. Be honest about the career gap.2. Rewrite your resume.3. Explain your employment gaps honestly in your resume and cover letter.4. Remain confident. Don’t be apologetic. Don’t be embarrassed.5. Prepare yourself for job interviews. Explaining the reason for a career break positively and honestly can help in the job interviews.All the Best!!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rumki Sen

Posted on: 30 August 2022 | 7:53 am

The Basic Writing Skills Required for Writing

Writing is a medium of communication and having writing skills would help you to express ideas, opinions, and thoughts in an easy and clear way. To have the basic writing skills:1. Learn to write in simple language. Avoid slang, fancy words and abbreviations.2. Use paragraphs so that the readers do not get bored. The transition from one paragraph to another must happen smoothly so that there is a connection between the paragraphs.3. Use proper punctuation, correct spellings and grammar and develop fine vocabulary.4. Proofread and edit. Once you finish your writing, it is the time to do editing and proofreading. For instance, check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, voices, speech, and sentence formation and other errors. Also, check for commonly misused words like ‘affect’ and ‘effect’, ‘your’ and ‘you’re (you are)’, ‘its’ or ‘it’s’ (it is), 'there' or 'their', etc.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 27 April 2022 | 6:43 am

Develop Excellent Communication Skills for Job Interviews

Communication is an integral part of any interview process and if you can develop the skills to communicate properly with the hiring manager, then you can be successful in getting the job you want with ease.Talk SlowlyTalk slowly so that you can answer the interview questions with a calm mind even if you are feeling nervous. Don't panic. Your slow pace in talking will help you in dealing with the anxiety you are having  during the job interview.Use the Right WordsPractise which words to use in a job interview to convey the message you want to as using the right words will help you in expressing yourself with greater clarity.Ask the Interviewer QuestionsIn a job interview, it is not only the interviewers who ask questions to the job candidates. You can also ask the interviewers questions that are essential for you to know the company and the position you are giving interview for better. It is always a good idea to prepare a list of important questions that you want to ask during the job interview as this will give you a control over the flow of the interview.Listen carefullyCommunication involves both speaking and listening. So, make eye contact with the interviewer and listen to what he or she is saying. This will help you in understanding the questions properly and answering them perfectly.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rumki Sen

Posted on: 28 March 2022 | 6:48 am

Tips for Group Discussions in Job Interviews

1.  No aggression in Group Discussions.2. Develop excellent listening skills and listen carefully.3. Dress professionally, sit up straight, make eye contact while speaking and listening, remain calm and never appear nervous.4. Give others time to speak.5. Even if there are disagreements, remain polite to respect other people's opinions.6. Show confidence so that your group members take you seriously and listen to what you are saying.

Posted on: 10 February 2022 | 10:06 am

Apply for Jobs on Company Websites

If you know the nature of work of the companies you are interested in, then directly go to the websites of those companies. Apply for jobs directly on the company websites and your applications will go directly into the company's applicant tracking system. On many company websites, the job listings are done for all level positions - from part-time hourly jobs to top management positions. Apply for the one that suits you most.Please follow all the instructions given on the websites while filling up the forms for applying for jobs online. You may need to fill out a profile, including your educational and professional experiences and skills or upload your current resume or take an employment test as a part of the online application process. If your profile matches with their requirements, you will be called for an interview.What are you waiting for? Start applying for jobs online from today only.

Posted on: 5 November 2021 | 7:23 am

What Is Success?

 

Posted on: 9 September 2021 | 1:08 pm

How To Handle A Hostile and Difficult Job Interviewer

 1. Remain calm.2. Be confident.3. Be Patient.4. Smile and do not lose temper.5. Use the challenges given by the difficult job interviewer as opportunities to highlight your strengths. Have examples and results to show.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 26 July 2021 | 6:46 am

Importance of Using Action Verbs in Resume Writing

"Action verbs or action words in resumes are used to present responsibilities & achievements and make the sentence complete in an effective manner."Some very powerful Action Verbs are:AcceleratedAdvisedAnalyzedCreatedDesignedDirectedManagedEstablishedGeneratedImprovedIncorporatedInstructedMaximizedNegotiatedOversawPresentedProgrammedRecruitedTrainedImportance of Using Action Verbs:1. Action Verbs have a greater impact.2. They are shorter. You can condense the description from six words down to three words.3. They help an employer visualize you doing the work.4. Using appropriate action verbs you can make your resume unique. It increase the strength of your writing and helps you make a strong first impression.5. Using these action verbs you can convey that you have accomplished something important.6. These verbs show the hiring manager what actions you have taken in previous jobs and experiences.

Posted on: 26 April 2021 | 7:38 am

Famous Quotations on Words

Words indeed have power. My favourite quotations on words:1. "Words are free. It's how you use them that may cost you."2. "Be mindful when it comes to your words. A string of some that don't mean much to you, may stick with someone else for a lifetime."3. "Two hearts in love need no words."4. "Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word."5. "Words are all we have."6. "Don't mix bad words with your bad mood. You'll have many opportunities to change a mood, but you'll never get the opportunity to replace the words you spoke." 

Posted on: 24 February 2021 | 6:43 am

Five Guidelines for Learning Spelling and Six Ways for Practicing Spelling

Practice makes permanentDid somebody tell you practice made perfect? That's only if you're practicing it right. Each time you spell a word wrong, you're 'practicing' the wrong spelling. So, if you're not sure how to spell the word, find out, then practice that spelling. Keep an ongoing notebook of words, so you've got your own personal dictionary and you can see your progress. Start small, though! Don't try to learn all the words at onceEven if you learn them all in one sitting, practice them a few at a time. Find out what works best for you — it may be one or two words or as many as three or four. Then, add another word to your list, or start on different ones. Each time you learn another word, go back and practice the ones you learned before it, because, after all, practice makes permanent. Review, and review some more! If you already know some of the words on your list, practice them once or twice each before you start tackling the ones you don't know yet. It's a good confidence booster (and besides, practice makes permanent). Practice spelling as if you expect to spell those words right when you're writing There's more to learning to spell than passing a spelling test. There are lots of ways to get from guessing to knowing what to write down on a test, AND spelling words right when you're writing sentences and paragraphs. You want to train your hands to write the correct letters in the right order when you think a certain word. Use the "six ways to practice spelling" listed here. Use the words you've practiced That's the point to learning them, anyway. Have a list of words you're learning handy, in a notebook, and you can look them up to make sure you're spelling them right. Besides, using them is practicing them, and practice…you know…makes permanent.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author: Susan Jones Read the full article here:https://www.readingrockets.org/article/five-guidelines-learning-spelling-and-six-ways-practicing-spelling

Posted on: 29 December 2020 | 6:51 am

Top 5 Rules of English Grammar

Communication is effective when we follow certain rules. These rules make the written words understood. A writer should make the reader's job easier by communicating what he or she wants to communicate. If you also want to write, pay respect to your readers. Don't take them for granted. Learning and understanding the basic rules of English Grammar, you will surely be able to avoid ill-formed, confusing sentences. Hence, following and applying the rules of English Grammar and thereby producing a good writing can help the readers save their time from trying desperately to guess what you mean. This article covers the top 5 rules of English Grammar.Subject-Verb Agreement – Errors in agreement are the most common mistakes made in writings. To avoid this, just follow the simple rule: A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.Wrong: Identification of these goods have been difficult.Right:   Identification of these goods has been difficult. (‘Identification’ is the subject here) Wrong: The best way to keep your children happy are to give them enough responsibilities. Right: The best way to keep your children happy is to give them enough responsibilities. (Use a singular verb if the subject is a phrase or clause) Awkward: Neither John nor I am interested in this project. Better: John is not interested in this project; nor am I. (If you write an awkward sentence, consider rewriting it) Exception: Use a singular verb if a compound subject refers to the same person or thing. Example: Milk and breads is a typical breakfast for many people.Tense – Tense refers to time. It tells when an action is happening: in the present, in the future, or in the past. Whatever time it is, it should remain consistent throughout your whole piece of writing. There are three main tenses - Past Tense, Present Tense and Future Tense.  Here is an example of writing with mixed tenses:   Wrong: John wanted to know why Rebecca is sad, but she will not tell him. Right: John wanted to know why Rebecca was sad, but she would not tell him. Present tense, Past tense and Future Tense each has the following four forms. The examples below will help you understand that:Past Tense Simple Past – I spokePast Continuous – I was speakingPast Perfect – I had spokenPast Perfect Continuous – I had been speaking Present Tense Simple Present – I speakPresent Continuous – I am speakingPresent Perfect – I have spokenPresent Perfect Continuous – I have been speaking Future Tense Simple Future– I shall/ will speakFuture Continuous  – I shall/ will be speakingFuture Perfect – I shall/will have spokenFuture Perfect Continuous – I shall/ will have been speaking Double Negatives – Two negative words create a positive meaning, which may be just the opposite of what you have intended to convey. Wrong: I don’t have nothing to say. Right: I don’t have anything to say. Wrong: Tom couldn’t hardly believe what Jack said. Right:  Tom could hardly believe what Jack said.Modifiers – Words that describe or limit other words are called modifiers. Adjective is a word or group of words that modifies a noun or pronoun, whereas Adverb is a group of words that modifies a verb, adjective or other adverb. Avoid misplaced and dangling modifiers. Wrong: Thomas told her that he wanted to marry her frequently. Right: Thomas frequently told her that he wanted to marry her. Wrong: Nicole picked up a girl in a blue jacket named Agatha. Right: Nicole picked up Agatha, a girl in a blue jacket. Wrong: Walking across the busy street, a bus almost hit me. Right: As I walked across the busy street, a bus hit me. Usage – If you are going to use a word, you must know how to use it. Use simple words. Many people have the tendency to use big, difficult words while writing. Avoid fancy words and phrases when simpler ones convey the idea. Omit unnecessary words. A piece of writing, containing long words strung together in complex sentences, turns out to be poorly written and not impressive. You will have fewer chances for grammatical errors if you can cut a word out which can be cut out. Stuffy: I will make modifications in the document. Simple: I will change the document. Wordy: You should remember to consult your watch in order to keep a person from waiting for you when you have decided to meet him at a particular time. Translation: Be punctual. To conclude, the more you remember the basic rules of English Grammar and practice good writing, the better your writings will be. The process is simple and easy. Keeping a good dictionary is essential in searching for the right word and finding out the actual meanings that will help you in selecting the right words. Usage of proper English Grammar and selecting the right words will make it more likely that your writings stand out from the rest. So, keep enjoying the process and keep writing.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Author: Rumki Sen. This article was first published on Rumki Sen's own website at https://www.perfectediting.com/rules-of-english-grammar.html

Posted on: 2 September 2020 | 7:26 am

5 Positive Thoughts You Should Have Before Appearing for a Job Interview

1. I am calm and confident; I know I can face any question now. 2. I am an ideal candidate for this position. 3. I love job interviews and my positive attitude is my strength. 4. I always speak the truth. My honesty impresses the interviewers. 5. I always maintain eye contact with the interviewers and my confident smile will show my eagerness to work for the company. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 16 March 2020 | 8:38 am

How to Grow a Network You’ll Actually Love

Everyone knows the importance of networking to career success. But many of us rank the activity as about as enjoyable as vacuuming underneath the sofa (and do it about as often). Instead of viewing networking as a chore, might there be ways to improve the process so that it becomes more bearable? Yes! Take a look at the strategies below to grow a network that’s both productive and pleasant. Here’s how to grow a network that you’ll love: Know what you want. Networking gets frustrating when it doesn’t seem to lead to meaningful relationships. Increase the odds of meeting people you truly care about and are interested in staying connected with by evaluating your needs. “The key is to create a written list of the traits and characteristics you seek in your contacts, colleagues, strategic partners, and friends,” says Patti DeNucci, author of The Intentional Networker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business. She suggests asking yourself these questions: What traits do you value most? What kinds of people energize and inspire you? What types of resources, skills, and knowledge will complement yours and help you be successful in your work? "Add other questions to help you create a basic—or even very detailed—profile of the people who will be most valuable to you, help you get things done, and ensure you are learning and growing and enjoying what you do," DeNucci says. "This exercise actually recalibrates your brain’s Reticular Activation System, which acts as a personal radar. You will know when you’ve met someone who fits your criteria—and when you’ve met someone who has not!" Choose pleasant settings. Sharing an interest with those around you or working for a common cause oftentimes makes interactions easier. You’re bound to come into contact with people of diverse ages and backgrounds while doing volunteer work. Or head to an alumni event and discover others who thought Psychology 101 rocked. Tongue-tied at professional meet-and-greets? Join the organizational committee. You’ll get to know the other members, plus you’ll have natural icebreaker opportunities by passing out name tags or helping people find assigned seating. Utilize LinkedIn. Great for introverts and extroverts alike, this online platform facilitates connections. Meet interesting people by joining a LinkedIn group. Follow the career progress of people in your network. See who might know someone at that company for which you’re dying to work. Before attending a networking event, check out the profiles of people you might encounter. You’ll get a leg up on remembering names and faces, and knowing a bit about someone can help spur topics of conversation. Make bond-building a routine. Asking a friend for help or advice feels much more comfortable than suddenly approaching someone you barely know. Consistently strengthen ties with acquaintances so that interaction with them becomes natural rather than forced. Set regular coffee dates, send a birthday card, pass along articles on a subject of mutual interest—actions that will keep you in contact throughout the year, not just when you need something. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author: Beth Braccio Hering

Posted on: 9 October 2019 | 9:50 am

6 Ways to Proofread Your Resume

1. Read every word of your resume silently and slowly. 2. Use the “spell check” feature of your writing application software but don’t completely depend on it. While it will point out most spelling mistakes, it won’t always correct the grammatical errors or if you have used the wrong word. 3. Be careful with contractions and the possessive tense. People often confuse there, their and they’re, you’re and your, its and it’s, etc. 4. Check whether you have maintained your consistency in capitalization, punctuation, spacing, and bullets. 5. Click any active hyperlinks (e.g., email, your online background details, etc.)  you have included in your resume to ensure they reach their destinations correctly. 6. Check your verb tense. For jobs you have left, use the past tense (e.g. “Managed a team of 20 members”). For your present job, use the present tense or present continuous tense (e.g. Manage and maintain data in the system by entering enquiries received via email, phone, website, fax etc.”). Ensure to use the same tense for each bullet point under a given job. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 14 August 2019 | 7:55 am

Tips for Interviewing People With Physical or Intellectual Disability

1. Always speak directly to the person with disability instead of using a companion or an interpreter. 2. If you want to offer any help, please wait to see whether the person with disability is willing to accept your help. Provide the necessary assistance only if your offer is accepted. 3. Be patient and wait for the person with disability to finish what he or she is saying. 4. If you fail to understand what the person has answered to a particular question you have asked, don't pretend you have understood. Instead, repeat your question and allow the person to respond again. 5. Don't shout. Use a normal tone of voice while interacting with the person with disability. 6. Don't touch, lean on or move a wheelchair without permission. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 4 June 2019 | 11:31 am

How to Answer Interview Question on Why You Left Your Job

You may answer in any of the following ways: 1. Looking for better career prospects, professional growth and work opportunities. 2. I wanted to take on new responsibilities that this role and company couldn’t offer. 3. I was hired for a particular role, but I was no longer being given the opportunity    to do the work I was interested in. 4. Want a change in career direction. 5. I was no longer enjoying my work. 6. I didn’t feel the job was using my abilities to the fullest or challenging me enough. 7. I resigned from my last job to take care of a family issue. The issue is resolved, so I am able to    work full time again without any problem. Always be positive while explaining your reasons for leaving a job: Never badmouth, especially if you were fired. Don’t make it sound like money is the only thing you care about. Don’t say you had a fight with a colleague or your previous boss. Don’t try to blame him/her for it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 9 March 2019 | 6:44 am

How to Adjust to a New Job

1. Expect your adjustment to take a while. 2. Build relationships in your new office. Stay positive. 3. Learn your new job. 4. Don't be afraid to ask for the help you need. Ask lots of questions. 5. Don't talk about how you did things at your old job or how things were in your previous office. 6. Acknowledge your mistakes if you have made them. 7. Be yourself.

Posted on: 3 February 2019 | 6:41 am

How Long Should You Wait for a Job Offer?

The average time from interview to job offer is 2-4 weeks, depending on the company. If the company has completed the interview phase, it may be having trouble to make a final decision. Perhaps there were two well-qualified candidates and the interview team could not decide who the job should be offered to. The time from job offer to acceptance is also about two weeks. However, this is the average for one sector of the job market. For others, offers are received within 2 days of job interviewing. Sometimes again, the hiring process is dragged onto for weeks, and even for months.

Posted on: 17 January 2019 | 7:37 am

How to Deal With an Angry Boss

1. Maintain professionalism. Interact politely but assertively. 2. Have a conversation. Stay calm. 3. Don’t let his/her anger affect your work. 4. Identify triggers. 5. If you did something wrong, own up to your mistakes and apologize. 6. Offer a solution. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 8 November 2018 | 6:22 am

Why is it Important to Smile During an Interview?

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight – even your career!” Whether you are a model, dentist, teacher or painter, a genuine smile can take you very far in life. A smile is a symbol of well-being and self-confidence, both in your personal as well as professional life.  And the power of a warm smile is often underestimated during the process of a job interview. However, it is a very integral part of positive body language - which is again very important during an interview. Employers are always looking for someone who can gel easily with a team, and create a happy and positive work environment, thus boosting the company’s productivity. Here’s why you shouldn’t forget to smile at your job interview: 1. for a good first impression It is a fact that it only takes about 6-7 seconds for an average person to form an opinion about someone, when they are meeting for the first time. And when it comes to interviews, a good first impression can lead to better things in future. So along with the all the interview preparation you do, a smile can instantly help you leave a good impression on your recruiter, right at the very beginning. You would come across as an amiable and enthusiastic person, who is easy to talk to – something that recruiters are always looking for, in a candidate. 2. Shows your confidence Imagine a situation where, you are at your workplace, and you need some help with the work that has been assigned to you. You look over at your colleagues and see one with a frowning face, and another with a smiling one. Who would you approach for help? Obviously the smiling one! Remember that recruiters are always on the lookout for those smiling colleagues, not the frowning ones. Nothing reveals the best things about your personality better than a smile. A genuine smile will always instil trust, exude confidence and at the same time convince people around you that you are approachable. All these qualities are highly desirable in an employee. Hence, it is important that you showcase these qualities right from the start. 3. Lets you recover from your mistakes Studies reveal that if you smile after committing a small social mistake, it can actually help you to take control of the situation and rectify it. An embarrassed or sheepish smile is a sign that you realized you’ve made a mistake, accepted it and are ready to move on. You may make a mistake during an interview process, probably due to nervousness, and the best thing to do for handling such a situation, is to shrug it off with a smile and rectify the mistake. This is a much better option compared to ignoring or denying the problem, and going back with regrets. 4. For a desirable and pleasant environment Have you noticed the fact that you tend to get happy when you see people around you smile, even if you are meeting them for the first time? A smile is very contagious, and majority of people will smile back at you if you greet them with one. Smiling is also known to reinforce and promote happy feelings of pleasure and joy. Therefore, if you want to enjoy your interview and create a lighter atmosphere in the process, make sure you smile when you meet the interviewer. 5. Smile in telephonic interviews Interviews are not always face-to-face; they could be telephonic as well. Interview platforms like interviewfox.com, allow you to schedule and take telephonic pre-screening interviews and create an audio profile as well. Just because the interviewer can’t see you in a telephonic interview, don’t forget to smile! The sound of your smile reaches the interviewer through your voice. Smiling not only makes you sound confident and excited, but also takes away your nervousness and makes you feel better. You will be more attentive and engaged during the whole process, making your recruiter convinced that you are the best candidate for the job. Beware of the Fake Smile “Fake a frown, you hurt others. Fake a smile, you hurt yourself.” A genuine and positive smile is important as it can prove to be a very big advantage during an interview. However, what is more important is that you do not force or fake a smile during the process. People can easily recognise a fake smile, especially an interviewer who is well aware of the different body languages and behaviour of candidates. A fake or a forced smile is often associated with hiding your true self, by not letting the world know what you truly are. This can have a negative effect and you may come across as an insincere and dishonest person. In some situations, it can also make the interviewer feel uncomfortable, and you may lose the job opportunity even before realising where you went wrong. Remember: You can practice introducing yourself or answering questions in front of a mirror, with a smile, to make sure that you are not overdoing it. Smiling will mean showing your teeth. So if you have eaten anything just before an interview, check that there are not remnants of food stuck in the teeth that can lead to an awkward moment later! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article Source: https://www.interviewfox.com        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted on: 3 September 2018 | 2:18 pm

How to master a Skype interview

Job interviews over Skype are becoming increasingly common. You might be able to see one another, but a virtual interview over the internet is not the same as one face to face and you need to prepare accordingly. Here are some considerations to help you embrace technology and master a Skype interview. Dress professionally Should you still dress as if you are in a face-to-face interview? Yes – general interview etiquette still applies. “The dynamics are different, with body language being the main barrier, so it is vital to make a good impression based on your dress and surroundings,” says Matthew Roberts, CEO at NonExecutiveDirectors.com, a network site for employers. Don’t be tempted just to dress smartly from the waist-up, assuming that’s all the interviewer will see, warns Graham Oates, CEO of Norrie Johnston Recruitment. “I’ve been in plenty of Skype interview situations where the candidate has had to stand up.” Being in formal dress will also help you to feel like it is a formal interview and put you in the right frame of mind, he adds. Pick your backdrop wisely How much attention will be paid to where you are sitting for the interview? The safe rule of thumb is to assume that a lot of attention will be given to your surroundings – so set up well in advance and take time to look at how the interviewer will see you. “Find a neutral, tidy spot if possible. Mess, pot plants or food may subconsciously impact an interviewer’s view of the meeting and reflect badly on you,” says Jonathan Bennet, a director at Capita Resourcing. His advice is to set yourself up so the interviewer can see your face, hair, shoulders and upper torso. Consider the lighting and how you are sat too. “They don’t want a giant, poorly lit face talking at them for an hour.” Also, make sure you are in a quiet room which will not be interrupted. Get to grips with the technology beforehand Before you begin, make sure you’ve got to grips with the technology to avoid any last minute panic, especially if you haven’t used Skype before. “Set up a practice interview with a friend to make sure you are happy with how you come across on screen as well as being able to confidently use the system,” suggests Roberts. Check your microphone is properly set, your voice is audible, the picture quality is good and that you are in a spot with a strong internet connection. But if technology fails midway through, don’t panic, says David Cairncross, director at Hays. “If a problem with your technology throws you off during your interview, just remain professional,” he says. The interviewer will be aware that some things are out of your control, should anything happen start the call again to regain a connection, and quickly make contact to update the interviewer so you can continue as soon as possible. Don’t be late “You wouldn’t dream of turning up late for a face-to-face interview, so having to delay one over Skype because you haven’t done your technical groundwork is inexcusable,” says Oates. Call and get it all setup a few minutes early to avoid any awkwardness. Equally, have your notes ready and a glass of water to hand so you aren’t fiddling with papers or getting a dry mouth once you make a start. Remember body language Skype interviews leave little room for those informal interactions you might have on the walk from reception or the ride in the lift - so it is important your eye contact and facial expressions are not compromised by the technology either. “Remember to look at the camera – not the screen – that way the interviewer will feel you are maintaining eye contact,” says Oates. “Remember to smile and have an engaged and pleasant facial expression. Try to forget you are talking to a computer screen and imagine the interviewer being physically in the room with you.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author: Kirstie Brewer

Posted on: 11 July 2018 | 8:46 am

11 Answers You Should Have Ready Before Any Job Interview

For any job interview, the overarching point you want to get across is why the prospective employer should hire you. The interview is your sales pitch that you are the ideal candidate for the job at hand. It is also a get-to-know-you conversation to show the company staff that they would enjoy working with you. So make your case and be likeable! Here are 11 questions to practice: How much do you make? This won’t be your opening question but you can count on compensation coming up early in the discussion. The company doesn’t want to waste its time if it turns out they can’t afford you. If you currently make more than the role advertises (for example, you are making a career change from a high-paying job) then focus on what you’re targeting for this role, so you can let them know that, yes, they can afford you. If you have been underpaid and don’t want the company to think they can get you cheaply, also focus on what you’re targeting for the role so that you keep the focus on the role at hand and not your low compensation. But you want to have something to say confidently and directly when the money talk comes up – don’t just wing it. Tell me about yourself. This also might be phrased as “Walk me through your resume” or “Walk me through your career” or simply “Why should I hire you?” It’s a common opening question where you get to summarize your background in order to point out the most relevant skills, expertise and accomplishments that make you the best hire. That second part is key – you want to highlight the relevant aspects of your background. You’re not just talking about yourself in general – that’s a date, not an interview. What is your biggest strength? Ideally you have already enumerated your strengths as you introduce yourself. But you may get a pointed question that asks you to choose one (or more) to specifically focus on. Pick your most relevant strength(s) for the job. Then give a specific example for each so that the interviewer can see exactly how your strength manifests itself in the workplace. What is your biggest weakness? On the flip side, you may get asked about your weaknesses. Here you pick a weakness that is NOT relevant to the job so that it’s clear it won’t impede your ability to perform. You also want to give a specific example to make crystal clear to the interviewer what you mean by your weakness, so that the interviewer isn’t left to imagine and possibly over exaggerate how bad the weakness might be. What is your biggest accomplishment (or biggest mistake)? Related to the strength/ weakness line of questioning, you may be asked for an accomplishment, or on the flip side, a mistake. While the strength or weakness is a quality or a skill, the accomplishment or mistake is an outcome that happened. Despite the subtle difference, this type of question should be handled similarly – pick an accomplishment relevant to the job and pick a mistake that isn’t so critical. Give me an example of __________ (where BLANK is a key function of the potential job) This line of questioning draws directly from the job description for the role you’re interviewing for. If a key part of the role is direct marketing, the employer may ask for an example of a successful email campaign. If the job requires managing a team, the employer may ask about your management experience and style. Go line-by-line through the job description and be prepared to give an example for each and every requirement. Why do you want this job? In addition to whether or not you can do the job, the employer will want to know that you want to do the job. Your motivation is very much under scrutiny in the interview process so you should have a genuine and excited response for why you want this job. Why did you leave your last job? Another way to gauge your motivation is by looking at past transitions. Why did you leave other jobs? Why did you make the career choices that you made? You will most probably be asked about your most recent job, but you may also be asked about every career decision you made. The interviewer is looking for what draws you toward and away from different opportunities. What do you know about our company? Yet another way to gauge motivation is by looking at how much preparation you did into learning about the company. When I recruited for a magazine publisher, I would ask candidates to list their favorite magazines that we published. I wanted to see how well they knew our products. If your interest is genuine you will know about the company and its industry, so the only right answer to this question is A LOT (and then proceed to share). Where else are you looking? Finally, motivation and genuine interest can also be gauged by how seriously you’re focused on the company’s industry and competitors. If you’re interviewing at a bank, but also a manufacturer and a leisure company and an energy company…, then your interests are all over the place. If you are pursuing diverse types of jobs, keep it to yourself lest you seem scattered and undecided. Let the employer know that you have eyes only for the role at hand. What questions do you have for me? The interview is a two-way conversation. This is your chance to learn more about the company and the role. Prepare thoughtful questions in advance. Having questions shows that you’re interested and curious. Having intelligent questions shows that you’re prepared and ready to talk business. In addition to general interview questions, you may be asked specific technical questions or case-based questions (the case style of interviewing is most popular with management consulting roles, though other industries use this line of questioning as well). Research the company in advance – what types of interviews do they conduct? Will you be taking a technical test? I have recruited for companies that gave coding tests or analytical tests or asked for writing samples. Prepare for all types of interviews you might encounter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author: CAROLINE CENIZA-LEVINE

Posted on: 1 June 2018 | 10:22 am

These 16 Job Interview Behaviors Are a Huge Turnoff (and Will Negatively Affect Your Chances of Being Hired)

Statistics show that on average every corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. This makes interviews more important than ever. We all know the importance of the job interview for getting hired. You can have a stellar résumé, a great record of employment, and terrific references, but if you blow the interview, chances are you're not going to get the job. According to statistics compiled by Glassdoor for Employers, every corporate job opening, on average, attracts 250 résumés. But only four to six of these people will be called for an interview, and only one of those will be offered a job. In a recent post, job search site Simply Hiredrevealed the results of its survey of more than 850 hiring managers -- men and women in the U.S. who have interviewed and hired employees as a part of their job, currently or in the past. In this particular survey, the hiring managers were asked what application and interview behaviors they viewed most negatively in job candidates. Here are the top 16 behaviors that every job applicant should be sure to avoid to make the best impression possible -- and hopefully land the job of their dreams: Arriving late to an interview (93%) Whining (92%) Showing lack of preparation (89%) Bad-mouthing a former boss (88%) Making grammar or spelling mistakes on a cover letter (86%) Using poor grammar in an interview (84%) Having unrealistic compensation requirements (84%) Being underqualified (80%) Answering questions incorrectly (77%) Lacking eye contact in an interview (76%) Bragging (73%) Lacking a résumé copy at an interview (65%) Rambling (63%) Dressing casually for an interview (59%) Using a gimmick (sending baked goods, gifts, etc.) (56%) Talking about other interviews (55%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author: Peter Economy, The Leadership Guy.

Posted on: 20 April 2018 | 9:19 am

10 Ridiculously Smart Questions You Should Ask in a Job interview

In a crowded job market, the last thing you want in a job interview to be is forgettable. Yet people do it every day with this one mistake: not asking any questions in a job interview. The mistake is understandable. You’ve been so busy preparing to answer questions, that you’re forgetting to show the curiosity that lets interviewers see what you really want to know. After all, even if every single one of your responses are flawless and on point, by not asking a question or two of your interviewer you run the risk of coming across as generic. On the other hand, you don’t want to ask terrible questions. That’s even worse. Here’s how to show the person interviewing you how you’re different and why you stand apart from the rest. Why did you join the company? Mark Phillips, who runs a top office for Sanford Rose Associates, one of the largest recruiting networks in the U.S. had a simple question that could be quite complicated. If the interviewer tells you it was because of vacation days or benefits, chances are good that there isn’t all that much below the surface. If, however, they tell you about the creativity or integrity of the brand, you know you’re potentially going to work for a winner. How does this role further your company’s mission? Kelly Lavin, chief talent officer for newly launched Canvas, the first text-based interviewing platform suggests you ask this because “While job duties and company culture are important to understand, determining why a company and role exists is just as, if not more, important.” It will also allow you to better understand if you “align with the company’s mission and will feel a sense of purpose in your new role.” Tell me about your most successful employees.  What do they do differently? Believe it or not, this one is almost a trick question for potential employers Lavin says. “The answer to this question will help a candidate understand how a company defines success and what specific behaviors can lead to that success.” In one fell swoop you’ll find out what success means to this company and how you can better achieve it. What do you expect someone in this position to accomplish in the first 60-90 days? University of Richmond Career Advisor Anna Young says, “Great candidates hit the ground running, find out how you will be expected to jump in and start contributing to the organization from day one.” And in case you’re wondering, it’s fine to modify the question for an internship and ask about expectations for the first few weeks. What, if anything, in my background gives you pause? Roberta Matuson, President of Matuson Consulting, says this is pretty much the one must ask question job seekers should ask in an interview. She says “By asking this question, you’ll be able to overcome any objections the interviewer might have before you leave the room.” And if you’re smart, you can find a way to combat any preconceived notions by addressing them in a follow up note. What is the turnover in your company, in the executive suite and in the department, I am interviewing for? Dave Arnold President at Arnold Partners says as a leading independent CFO search consultant for technology companies, he’s had 100’s of people go out to interview with clients, and he thinks that’s a question worth asking. While people no longer expect to stay at any given job for decades or more, it’s nice to know how long you can expect to stick around if given the opportunity. If the interviewer grows uncomfortable or shares the fact that turnaround at their company is higher than Dancing with the Stars, you might want to think twice before accepting the position. What are the opportunities for growth and advancement? Young says, “This can help you to understand the structure of the organization and if there are opportunities to move up and advance your career.” It’s also a great way of finding out about different ways to progress or move into different roles “Also, it could help you to learn if they offered continued training or professional development for employees.” If you had a chance to interview for your company again (knowing what you know now), what questions would you ask next time?  Ashley White, executive director for Human Resources for APQC, a member-based non-profit that produces benchmarking and best practice research suggested this toughie. This one is slightly sneaky because it also allows you to surreptitiously monitor the interviewer’s hidden signals. Do they suddenly look uncomfortable before spouting the company line? Do they greet this with a giant grin? You might have more answers to this question by what they don’t say, than even by what they do share. What haven’t I asked that most candidates ask? Phillips also suggested asking this question, which sets you apart immediately. On the one hand, you’re lumping all the other applicants together and showing a level of confidence; on the other hand, you’re gaining insight into your potential competitors: they asked this, but it never even occurred to me. One last thing: so that you don’t spend the coming days or weeks on pins and needles, it’s always a good idea to ask this next question. What are the next steps in this process? Young says, “If they haven’t already shared this information, it’s important to ask about their timeline so you’re aware of when you could be notified of a second interview, or a potential offer.” What to ask yourself  Shannon Breuer, President at Wiley Group was once one of 800 laid off at her former job, Shannon now draws on her own personal experience to provide clients with career coaching and transition services. She offers a list of questions you should ask yourself before an interview, and if needed – you can flip them and ask the interviewer. What level of work-life balance do you wish to enjoy?  How casual do you like to dress?  Is your ideal employer an up-and-coming small business, or a century-old corporation with time-tested values and a clear path for future promotions?  Do you like the management style of the leadership team?  What are the company initiatives you can stand behind? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author:  Rachel Weingarten is a marketing & brand strategist and president of 729.marketing. She's a pop culture and trends analyst who frequently writes about business and style and the business of style. Rachel's a sometimes professor, teaching personal branding on the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Posted on: 20 March 2018 | 6:09 am