31 Mar 11 How to be invited for Interviews
Once the application has been sent and the resume has been received the next thing that would possibly happen is that the employer will be
calling to test communication skills by means of an interview. Allowing oneself to be given the option on which employer is best fitting the
applicant is one characteristic of being pro-active. Consider being called by multiple employers for a job interview in a day a good sign.
This only means that they were really impressed with the documents submitted, therefore, deserving a personal communication on how
most likely an applicant would land on the job.
Resumes can present an individual very well. Seventy-five per cent of employers say that applicants with resumes passing their standards
would definitely be invited for a job interview. Allow two or more interviews.
Tags: Communication Skills, Interviews, Job Interview, Personal Communication, Resume, Resumes
22 Dec 10 Tips in a Job Interview
The second step in getting the job is meeting the potential employer for an interview. The first step that an applicant has successfully completed was sending your application and passing the screening process of the company.
The employer got the resume through a variety of sources that can be from an ad that was posted, a referral from a friend or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application by logging on the companys website.
Here are a few tips that will help in having a successful interview;
Before going to an interview, it is best to do some research about the company one is applying to.
It is also best to practice with a friend or family member mock up questions that the employer will likely ask so you do not choke during the real interview.
When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that the person is punctual and serves as a good attribute in a potential employee.
When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of the resume and other documents that are needed if asked certain questions. A good example is architects and photographers who are professionals in the respective fields who have a portfolio of the works done which may impress the interviewer.
It is always best to dress appropriately. This shows the employer sincerity on the part of the applicant applying for the job. One must have finger-nails and hair well groomed for the interview. The outfit worn should be professional. This would mean that shoes must be used to match the outfit. If you typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and tone it down for the interview.
When you are in front of the employer, smile and greet the interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake which is always a good start to get the interview moving.
During the course of the interview, listen very well to the questions asked. Each must be answered truthfully and confidently to be able to sell yourself to the potential employer.
Afterwards, the applicant should thank the recruiter for the time that was given to meet for the interview.
An interview almost invariably closes with the potential employer asking if you have any questions. Often an applicant will ask for clarification on benefits -insurance, vacation time, etc. While these are obviously important for you to know, they plant a seed in the interviewers mind that maybe you are more interested in what the job can do for you than in how you can help the employer.
Try to have three or four questions ready to ask that demonstrate your interest in the company and your desire to be a problem-solver.
If you have been able to do some research, trot out a question or two that came to mind. If you have been able to come up with some ideas that relate to the problem, throw them out to see how the employer reacts.
If you have been able to identify some trends or problems in the industry, ask how that is going to affect the company and what they are doing to deal with it. Show your concern about industry developments and what that may bode for the future.
If some current challenges have been brought up earlier in the interview, ask for clarification and more detail.
The more the interviewer interacts with you as if your concerns are mutual, and that possible solutions are something you could consider together, the more you will be seen as a valuable future member of his team and the more likely you will be asked to join that team.
Tags: 15 Minutes, Architects, Attribute, Extra Copy, Family Member, Finger Nails, Handshake, Headhunter, Interviewer, Jewelry, Job Interview, Moving, Photographers, Portfolio, Referral, Resume, Shoes, Sincerity, Smile, Variety
02 Jun 10 How to Overcome Being Overqualified
Have you ever gone through the interview process, felt confident that youd performed extremely well, and then heard these dreadful words: Im sorry, but we feel youre overqualified for this position.
Arrggh!!
When I was told that after an interview, several thoughts went through my frustration-fogged mind What kind of crazy excuse is that for not hiring me? So what if Im overqualified dont employers always want to hire the person with the best qualifications? If Im willing to take this job, overqualified or not, why is that a problem? This isnt fair! Whats the real reason they dont want to hire me?
When interviewers say you are overqualified, heres what they are concerned about:
(1) Youll be bored in this position;
(2) You wont be satisfied with the salary theyre offering;
(3) Youll leave as soon as you get a better opportunity;
(4) Theyll have to go through the time-consuming and expensive process of hiring and training someone all over again.
They may or may not make you feel better about being overqualified, but you must admit those are legitimate concerns.
If you get the overqualified excuse once, youll be wary about getting it again. So if you apply for other jobs that may be at a lower level than warranted by your background, skills, education and experience, you may be tempted to dumb down your resume and omit things like college degrees. But lying about your background is not the way to go.
Heres a better strategy: address it head-on. Be the first one to raise the overqualified issue with a potential employer. If you bring it up yourself, you can discuss it openly and convince the interviewer that it
wont be a problem.
They key as with every job interview issue is to anticipate and prepare. Before you go to the interview,think about what youll say and how you will convince them that they should hire you, even if you are overqualified.
After explaining how you will be a great asset for their company, tell them why you are applying for a lower-level position. Do not say, I cant find anything else and I really need a job. Though that may be the case, this approach is a little too honest and will reinforce their fear that you will leave
at the first opportunity.
Say something like, You can tell that Ive worked at a higher level before, but this position is exactly what Im looking for. Then, depending on the job and your circumstances, explain why. For example:
* Ive always wanted to work for your company [or in this industry], and Im willing to take a lower-level position to get that opportunity.
* It will allow me to use my skills and expand my experience in a new field.
* Im looking for something a little less stressful, with fewer responsibilities, so I can spend more time with my family.
* This position provides the stability and long-term growth potential Im looking for.
* The salary is not my top priority. Id have no problem with earning less than Ive earned in the past.
Be very enthusiastic about the job. Explain how you can meet their needs now and in the future as the company grows. And most important of all, convince them that you will not quit as soon as something better comes along.
If you are convinced that this job would be worth it, you might even try this: offer to sign an agreement stating that you will stay on the job for a minimum of 12 months. Whether the hiring manager actually takes you up on that offer or not, it will definitely make a very positive impression!
If you anticipate the overqualified issue and address it up front, it will not be a drawback to your success!
Tags: Background Skills, College Degrees, Excuse, Frustration, Interview Issue, Interviewer, Interviewers, Job Interview, Jobs, Legitimate Concerns, Real Reason, Resume, Salary, Skills Education
02 May 10 How to Kill Your Chances for Being Hired
The job interview is the only chance you have to present yourself in a positive light
to a potential employer. If you fail to do that, you kill your chances for being hired.
Of course, most of us do not fail at interviews by choiceit is simply the employers
choice to hire someone else. However, some things a person may do that are
completely out of line and will kill all of their chances of being hired.
Being late to the interview
Although there may be some circumstances that are beyond your control, for the
most part if you schedule your time properly, there should be no reason for not
arriving at the interview on time. Things such as an unforeseen traffic delay or
being unable to find the employers place of business are acceptable if you have
allowed enough time initially. Do make sure to call and communicate with the
interviewer.
Inappropriate dress for the interview
In most cases it is inappropriate to go to an interview wearing jeans, shorts or
other casual attire. If this is acceptable the interviewer will tell you at the time they
schedule the interview. If you are leaving one job to go for the interview, make
sure to let the interviewer know that ahead of time in the event your current job
allows casual dress.
Taking calls on your cell phone during the interview
At no time is it acceptable to accept a phone call during an interview or to provide
the interviewers phone number to others. If you have children that may become ill,
make other arrangements for their care. The employer is going to see this as a sign
you will be unwilling to arrange care for your children and will expect to leave any
time they are ill.
Discussing personal business with the interviewer
Although the interviewer may ask you a series of personal questions during the
interview, do not offer any information that is not directly related to the job. For
instance, if you dont drive, he may ask how you will get back and forth to work if
there is no public transportation and you can say that your husband or boyfriend
will take you and pick you up, but there is no need to discuss other issues. The
interviewer doesnt care if you are buying a new house, getting married next week,
or having problems at home.
Tags: Casual Attire, Casual Dress, Cell Phone, Circumstances, Control, Interviewer, Interviewers, Jeans Shorts, Job Interview, Personal Business, Personal Questions, Phone Call, Phone Number, Place Of Business, Public Transportation, Reason, Traffic Delay
12 Dec 09 How to be invited for Interviews
Once the application has been sent and the resume has been received the next thing that would possibly happen is that the employer will be
calling to test communication skills by means of an interview. Allowing oneself to be given the option on which employer is best fitting the
applicant is one characteristic of being pro-active. Consider being called by multiple employers for a job interview in a day a good sign.
This only means that they were really impressed with the documents submitted, therefore, deserving a personal communication on how
most likely an applicant would land on the job.
Resumes can present an individual very well. Seventy-five per cent of employers say that applicants with resumes passing their standards
would definitely be invited for a job interview. Allow two or more interviews.
Tags: Communication Skills, Interviews, Job Interview, Personal Communication, Resume, Resumes
