Who knew making a first impression could be so complicated?
Showing posts with label Interview Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview Articles. Show all posts
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
You have pressed the suit, coordinated matching accessories, and polished your shoes. You are sure to walk in the door looking like a winner. With 30 minutes to spare, you sit down for your breakfast. Right on cue, you dribble juice down the white shirt and slide your sleeve in the butter. That is just one of many mishaps that can add stress to the big interview day.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
One strategy for preparing for behavioral interviews is to use the STAR Technique, as outlined below. (This technique is often referred to as the SAR and PAR techniques as well.)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Most interviewees spend time thinking about and preparing for the questions they will be asked in a job interview and how they should answer.
What very few jobseekers spend time thinking about is the questions which they should ask in an interview!
But if you want to be one step ahead, you must.
In this article we'll tell you why and give you some good questions to ask.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
If you have been selected to have a Microsoft job interview, congratulations. Microsoft is one of the most prestigious and successful companies in the world, and only considers the very top candidates for positions with the company.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The interviewer is examining the candidate for the following criteria:
- Qualified to do the job
- Willing to do the job and advance corporate goals
- Able to fit in with the current corporate culture
There are some things you can say that could knock you out of the running. The following statements send an alarm to the interviewer that you may not meet one of the above criteria.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
To guarantee that you make the most of your job interview, you should master the secrets of how to follow up after a job interview. Though most people assume that there is nothing that they can do to help their chances after the job interview is over, this is not exactly correct.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Are you a Jobseeker? Need to update your knowledge or need to prepare for a job interview? Check out this collection of 64 Toughest Interview Questions...
- Question 1 Tell me about yourself.
- Question 2 What are your greatest strengths?
- Question 3 What are your greatest weaknesses?
- Question 4 Tell me about something you did - or failed to do - that you now feel a little ashamed of.
- Question 5 Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
- Question 6 The "Silent Treatment"
- Question 7 Why should I hire you?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Job interview is not a easy task. In fact many job seekers have trouble with the same set of questions. To ease the process of interviewing, Interview Star listed the Top 10 Hardest Job Interview Questions. Focus on these job interview questions, study them, learn them, research them, and ace your next job interview!
Friday, January 15, 2010
- Why did you choose your major?
- Why did you choose your school?
- Describe a recent leadership experience.
- Which courses have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why?
- What is your GPA?
- If you could do so, how would you plan your education differently?
- Describe your most rewarding college experience. Your most challenging.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Friday, January 8, 2010
This is a list of interview puzzles used at Google.
You have to get from point A to point B. You don’t know if you can get there. What would you do?
Imagine you have a closet full of shirts. It’s very hard to find a shirt. So what can you do to organize your shirts for easy retrieval?
What method would you use to look up a word in a dictionary?
You have to get from point A to point B. You don’t know if you can get there. What would you do?
Imagine you have a closet full of shirts. It’s very hard to find a shirt. So what can you do to organize your shirts for easy retrieval?
What method would you use to look up a word in a dictionary?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
Depends on the circumstances.
What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?
Talk about books, sports or films to show that you have balance in your life.
What is the toughest part of a job for you?
Be honest; remember, not everyone can do everything.
Are you creative?
Yes. Give examples
How would you describe your own personality?
Balanced.
Are you a leader?
Yes. Give examples.
What are your future goals?
Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-range goals.
What are your strong points?
Present at least three and relate them to the company and job you are interviewing for.
What are your weak points?
Don't say you have none. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer presses. Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."
Depends on the circumstances.
What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?
Talk about books, sports or films to show that you have balance in your life.
What is the toughest part of a job for you?
Be honest; remember, not everyone can do everything.
Are you creative?
Yes. Give examples
How would you describe your own personality?
Balanced.
Are you a leader?
Yes. Give examples.
What are your future goals?
Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-range goals.
What are your strong points?
Present at least three and relate them to the company and job you are interviewing for.
What are your weak points?
Don't say you have none. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer presses. Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."
If you have not had the benefit of a coop, internship or temp assignment yourself, here are ten other ideas you can explore:
- Contact the school you graduated from and see if they would work with you and the local employers to create a post graduation internship. Start with the department you majored in and/or the career planning office on campus.
You've probably read all the job search books and reviewed your answers for the standard questions you expect to be asked on an interview. But what about those questions from left field? The ones you didn't expect. These can be the most difficult because they will demonstrate how well you think on your feet. They may also be so charming or disarming that you may fall prey to the interviewer's trap and reveal aspects of yourself or your personality that you weren't prepared to come clean about.
1. "What are you reading lately?" I was asked this by three different federal judges in interviews for legal clerkships. I told them what novels I was reading. One judge never heard of Tom McGuane, another said I was reading only western Montanan authors, and the third knew the novel's author and also shared my tastes in journalism (New Yorker, New Republic, etc) - Anne Marie,
Our advice: It is best to think always in terms of how the question relates to the job at hand. Better than proposing novels you are reading would be law related journals and books that are hot in your field. While you might just find an interviewer who understands your taste in literature, the question really suggests that the interviewer wants to know how up-to-date you are in the field.
1. "What are you reading lately?" I was asked this by three different federal judges in interviews for legal clerkships. I told them what novels I was reading. One judge never heard of Tom McGuane, another said I was reading only western Montanan authors, and the third knew the novel's author and also shared my tastes in journalism (New Yorker, New Republic, etc) - Anne Marie,
Our advice: It is best to think always in terms of how the question relates to the job at hand. Better than proposing novels you are reading would be law related journals and books that are hot in your field. While you might just find an interviewer who understands your taste in literature, the question really suggests that the interviewer wants to know how up-to-date you are in the field.
Friday, December 11, 2009
More employers are using behavioral interviewing in the hiring process. This type of interview is based on the idea that the best way to predict your future performance is to examine your past and present performance in a similar situation. It focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills and abilities that are job related.
The following interview answers should help you with the How to
Common Job Interview Question 1. Tell me about yourself:
The most commonly asked question to start with interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.
Job Interview Question 2. Why should you be hired for this job?
Point out how your talents and how they meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other job candidates and try to make a comparison. Try to tie a few things to your career path and how it is a good fit. Answer this question with confidence. Do not waffle. You show already know why you should be hired. If you have doubts or are tentative about this answer, your interviewer might also have doubts.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
For guys, it's simple�a suit and tie will do just fine in any situation. But for women, knowing what to wear to the interview can be more complicated than knowing the elements to the periodic table
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Conducting an interview for an article, book or research paper is a highly specialized skill. It takes experience, practice, and just the right personality type. Here are a few ideas to help you get started on the right foot.
Read More:
Read More:
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Introduction
Your Time to Shine
Success during on-site interviews
Everyone knows the first interview is tricky, but when you’re invited back to one of your top companies for an on-site second interview, your stress levels can go through the roof. Everything you did to prepare for the first interview—all the research, the preparation, the practice—you have to multiply by 10. Or more!
The stakes are obviously much higher for the second interview. If everything goes well, you will be taking your first step into the professional realm. However, this is not the time to give into fear or anxiety. You should instead give every on-site interview the attention and appreciation it deserves.
What to Expect
As opposed to your on-campus interview, an on-site interview might involve a number of interviewers over several hours. The questions will be much more in-depth and will test your knowledge of the industry, the company and your own abilities. You also might have the chance to talk more casually with interviewers during the day. Don’t let your guard down; these informal chats can be just as important as more formal conversations.
When you attend an on-site interview, you may meet with human resource representatives, supervisors, potential co-workers and other members of your prospective department. And, depending on the company, your day might include a social gathering, such as lunch or dinner. You’re going to have to be “on” for quite some time and impress a number of different personalities, so make sure to arrive well-rested and prepared.
All-Important Second (and Third) Impression
There are a few things to keep in mind throughout the interview: 1. You obviously made a great first impression to the recruiter when he or she was on campus. 2. That first impression no longer means anything.
Yes, you’ve made the cut. You should feel good about that and use the boost of confidence throughout your on-site interview. But keep in mind that you’re not the only one who made it through that first elimination. The competition has only become greater, and you are going to be making more first impressions all day long.
Stand out from the crowd with confidence. Be the person who greets the interviewer with a firm handshake. Dress sharp and maintain the conversation. Don’t be the one who says, “Oops, I guess I forgot my resume at home!”
Preparation
We’ve often discussed the topic of preparation in Cheat Sheet. It’s at the heart of every phase of the job search. If you’re really prepared, your on-site interview will seem—dare we say—easy. Or maybe,easier.Know the company. Research! Know the company’s mission statement, the names of the senior management, and the primary products or services. Look up recent news articles. Browse Web sites, see how the company defines itself. Ask your career services office to put you in contact with recent alumni who work at the prospective company; they can be an invaluable resource. Prepare yourself so you can talk about the company as if you already work there.
Know yourself. During the interview you will undoubtedly be asked a question like, “What can you bring to this company?” It is helpful to think of an adequate answer in advance. Think about: Why are you pursuing this job? What is it about your skills and education that makes you want to work for this company? Why do you think you will succeed in this position? And while you’re at it, consider your long-term goals. You’re going to have to sell yourself to many people to get the job you want, so you should be confident talking about your background, education and professional aspirations.
Mind your manners. Get an honest appraisal of your interviewing skills—and your social skills. Do you slouch? Do you avoid eye contact? Are you soft-spoken? How’s your handshake? Can you get through a four-course meal without having to ask, “What do I do with this fork?” If you need help in any of these areas, your career center can assist you. There are also many books on these topics.
Details, details, details. The logistics associated with on-site interviews can be intimidating. Remember, this interview might entail more than just putting on your business suit and printing out a few copies of your resume. Make sure you have a full understanding of how you get to the interview site, where you will stay if it is out of town, your travel expenses, and who you will meet with. Have it all in writing, and don’t let the details overwhelm you.
Know What’s Next
Before you leave the interview, make sure you know what your next move is. Did you leave with an offer? If so, then the ball is in your court, and you need to respond in a timely manner. Or, will human resources follow up with you and set up a following meeting?
Regardless, you should get a business card from everyone you meet with. Follow up with thank-you notes.
The on-site interview can be overwhelming, but just approach it as you would a classroom presentation. The more you know about your project, the more confidently you’re going to present it. . . and the higher you’re going to score.
Ultimately, your goal during any interview is to be able to talk about the company intelligently, form insightful questions for your interviewees, give specific reasons why you’re the best candidate for the job, and to show yourself to be a mature, polished professional.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Introduction
How to add a little luster when applying for a job.
By Gordon Ross
How to add a little luster when applying for a job.
By Gordon Ross
I'm sitting in the CEO's office. My suit is making me itch something fierce and I'm trying not to squirm. Then he asks:
"Why should I hire you?"
Before I can even answer, he spends the next 15 minutes berating me on how I lack creativity and he's only seeing me because he's doing my cousin a favor. He goes on to tell a story of how someone once sent him a plaster cast of his foot with a note that read, "I'm just looking to get a foot in the door." He thought it was brilliant.
Are you kidding me?
After realizing this was a complete waste of both of our time, I politely thanked him and got the heck out of there. I was 22, living in New York City, and felt sick about my prospects of finding a job.
I wasn't sure which was making me feel worse: the humiliation this jerk put me through or the thought he might be right. Here I was, a recent college graduate, competing for a job with tens of thousands of other graduates. Why should they hire me? What makes me different from the next guy?
I've got news for you: everyone else applying for the entry-level jobs you want are the same as you. You need to stand out in this competitive world, especially in this economy where the jobs aren't as plentiful as they were when you started college.
Don't Stand Out For the Wrong Reasons
First of all, don't send a cast of your foot; it turns out that guy didn't get hired either. Secondly, don't give your intended employer a reason to laugh at you. Once I received a resumé from a student looking for an internship at our software company. The cover letter, which was part of the body copy of his e-mail, was well written, that is, until his e-mail signature, which contained his name followed by "Pimp Daddy of 'em All." His cover letter made the rounds in the office and sparked laughter all afternoon while his resumé went in the trash.
At the risk of sounding obvious, proofread your resumé and cover letter. "Duh," you might say, but you would not believe how often applicants' papers end up in the trash because of carelessness and haste.
Make Your Resumé Stand Out
These days, companies are making it easier than ever to apply. Online forms on company websites allow you to just copy, paste, and send your information with little effort. Hey, that's great, except that your information will look like everyone else's. So how can you stand out when all formatting is the same?
Many of these application forms remove the formatting from your slick Word Document-formatted resumé and will often add spaces or other funky characters you didn't intend on using. A way to prevent this is by copying your document into Notepad, TextEdit, or another text editing program that removes all formatting. For areas that you normally would use bold text (i.e. headings like Experience and Education), consider making the whole word uppercase. Make sure to use your returns and spaces effectively to get a look that works. Use this version to paste into the forms.
Back it up by sending that slick Word Document-formatted resumé by snail-mail. These days, a company's human resources department receives most applications via e-mail or online forms. A nicely formatted outline of experience printed on quality paper (that is, good stock—not brightly colored) doesn't come into HR as often as you think. The mailed piece says you are serious about the position, and your resumé will stand out among the stacks of unformatted drivel printed on thin white sheets.
Your resumé should be a constant work in progress. Tweak the wording to correspond to each job post.
The Cover Letter
Often, job sites have the field for cover letters marked optional, leading you to question its importance. I've got two words for you—it is! For years I've heard people tell me that cover letters get tossed into the trash as soon as they come in. Not true, in fact, a cover letter can help you break through the clutter, especially if many of the resumés are so similar.
The cover letter is your introduction to the company—their first impression of you. You will need to make them feel like they are the only company you're applying to. It can be so easy to write a generic letter and swap out the company name and position title, but don't fall into that lazy trap.
Your personality should come through in your cover letter. You can discuss what you've learned and how it relates to the position advertised. Be specific about qualifications the company is seeking and tell them why you want to work for their organization. Subtle humor doesn't hurt as long as you make sure you let them know you are still serious about the job.
Do you have a friend who is a name-dropper? You know, that guy who always knows someone, or knows someone who knows someone at every school or every city in the universe? As annoying as he is, he has a definite advantage over you when it comes to seeking employment. If you can, name-drop in your cover letter, for example, "Gordon Ross recommended I apply for this position." Having some sort of connection to that company can give you an advantage. If you have no connection, ask around. A friend of mine once updated his Facebook status to ask if anyone knew anybody who worked at a certain company he was applying to. It turned out someone did, they got in touch with each other, and three weeks later he was hired.
The Follow Up: Part One
This is often an overlooked step, but it is an excellent way to get your name in the minds of those who received your resumé. A simple e-mail to verify your information was received can bring about a response that gives you a correspondence with the potential employer. They also might pull your resumé from the pile for verification thereby putting yours on top.
No phone calls please. Yes, that means you.
The Interview
If you made it this far, you've obviously caught their attention. You now have a foot in the door, and you didn't have to send any plaster casts! Make sure the clothes you choose to wear are not a topic those interviewing you discuss afterward. With appropriate business attire, you can't go wrong.
Eye contact. It's amazing how many people fail in this simple category. It shows confidence, respect, and interest. A nice smile exudes confidence as well.
If your interview is in the office of the interviewee, take a quick scan of the room. Is there something innocuous that can give you an opportunity for a casual inquiry (i.e. an autographed baseball, skydiving photo, etc.)? Just don't ask about anything personal if there are only family photos around.
Ask a lot of questions about the position and the company itself. Refer to the job posting and be prepared to discuss projects you worked on as it relates to the position. Make sure you ask for a business card.
The Follow Up: Part Two
After your interview, write a thank you letter to everyone you met. Refer to specific items in your conversation. Reiterate your desire for the position mentioning your particular skills suitable for the job. Employers are more impressed by a hand-written letter as opposed to an e-mail, unless your penmanship is atrocious.
Remember, the hiring process can take several weeks, so don't be surprised if you don't hear from a company for a while. If a month passes and you haven't heard, just send a quick e-mail to Human Resources to inquire if the position has been filled.
Good Luck
Let's face it, it's not a great job market out there. Don't get discouraged! Finding your first job out of college is a long process. You can do everything right and still come up short. Eventually your hard work will pay off and make your hiring that much sweeter. Standing out doesn't mean not being you (unless your instinct is to mail a cast of your foot), it means taking the time to do the little things employers will notice.
