Turn Weaknesses Into Strenghts
Posted by Robert on Apr 25, 2008
Ask Men, asked the question: “If you were asked by the interviewer what your weakness is, what would you answer?” The problem with this question is that if you say you have no weakness, your credibility dies, if you chose the the wrong “weakness” then you may not be able to land the job. The article mentioned five possible weaknesses that will work to your advantage:
“I tend to talk too much”
Make sure you emphasize that you’re a good communicator.
“I project self-expectations”
It means that you expect a lot from yourself and your team mates. Be careful not to ham it up too much as it may backfire on you.
“I get attached to projects”
It shows that you’re willing to stay on a task until it is absolutely finished.
“I assume the leadership role when it’s not designated to me”
This weakness shows that you are willing to take up responsibilities beyond your job description to finish the job with your teammates.
“I’m a workaholic”
This one shows that you are willing to go the extra mile. Just don’t over do it as it may turn out to be a daily thing for you.
Surprising Job Hunting tips
Posted by Robert on Apr 24, 2008
If there are somethings you thought you knew when you do job hunting, throw it out of the window and read some of these mind blowing secrets from the Brazen Careerist blog:
- There’s one trick to all trick questions.“All trick questions, even the really scary psychological questions, are crafted so that you will give a negative answer.”
The truth is that positive people are hired more often. And in an interview, people can show that they are that type of person by intentionally presenting their information in the most positive way.
- A thank-you note is too late to express enthusiasm for the job. “A hiring manager’s mind is made up in the first twenty minutes of an interview, and often nothing can be done to change that.”
During this twenty minutes, most hiring managers are subconsciously screening for enthusiasm. Because people want coworkers who are excited about their job.
How to Fail the Interview
Posted by Robert on Apr 19, 2008
The best resume in the world can’t save you if you fail in the interview. Carole Martin is a worldwide expert on the subject of Job Interviews. Here are some of the worst ways you can totally screw up your chances in an interview:
Poor Non-verbal communication
“Interviewing effectively is about demonstrating confidence. Things like standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake are all vitally important,” says Martin.Failure to listen actively
“From the moment you start talking, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening actively, you’re missing out on a major opportunity,” says Martin.Talking too much
“Telling the interviewer more than they need to know can be a fatal mistake. Candidates who don’t prepare ahead of time tend to ramble, sometimes talking themselves right out of the job,” says Martin.Appearing desperate
“As a rule, if you interview with a ‘Please, please, hire me,’ mind-set, you will appear less confident. Maintain the three Cs during your next interview: Cool, Calm, and Confident! You know you can do the job. Make sure the interviewer knows you can, too,” says Martin.
Good luck with the interview!
Find a Job Fast!
Posted by Robert on Apr 14, 2008
Here are some secrets from the experts about finding a job fast!
Don’t sit back—be aggressive!
Be persistent and call up the decision makers of the company. It might mean that you’ll get the phone slammed into your ear more than once, but it sure beats waiting for a call from the HR department.Research for insights
Most financial information is now available on the web. You can even see them in the Business section of your local newspaper. Get to know companies who might benefit having someone as skilled as you are.Plug into your network
This means contacting your religious leaders or head of the chamber of commerce in your city. Or better yet, directly call on the VP of the company you’d like to apply for.
Look Professional
Posted by Robert on Apr 12, 2008
Wearing the appropriate attire in an interview can make or break your job employment chances. Although the clothes don’t make the man, it does leave an impression; and first impressions during an interview is extremely important.
What and how you wear it says a lot about you. It shows how you feel about yourself, your attention to detail, and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job. Dress professionally and conservatively so they’ll treat you the same way.
Don’t over-rely on your looks though, it just makes you easier to look at, but your skills and potential should shine through once your inside the interview room.
Action Plan for Job Searching
Posted by Robert on Apr 10, 2008
Looking for a job is like war. You need to have a plan of attacking your problem: reaching prospective employers. Besides writing and sending out resumes, and waiting for that “call,” what else can you do?
Here are just some avenues on getting your resume to the right people:
Newspaper ads Job Boards On-line job sites Networking Job Fairs State Employment Agencies
In order to plan your job hunt well, you need to have a specific goal in mind. Here are some question guides:
What kind of job working in what type of organization making how much money? How many hours do you see yourself working? Do you expect to work alone or as part of a team?
Next, identify what needs to be done to achieve the goal. An updated resume, an appropriate cover letter, etc. After that, you need to describe the tasks that needs to be done. Break them down to doable tasks so you won’t be overwhelmed. Lastly, remember that job hunting is hard work. Always keep that in mind, and never rest on your laurels.
Salary Range Questions are Traps
Posted by Robert on Apr 6, 2008
Interviews can go well or it can go to hell.
It’s about how you answer certain tough questions. One of the toughest one is: “What’s your salary range?” Why? If you answer with a higher rate than the job can offer, then basically the interviewer will think you’re too high. If you answer lower, than the interviewer will fall silent and you might have been shortchanged.
How do you answer this then? The first one who gives the number loses. Here are some ways to sidestep these traps:
What salary range are you looking for?
“Let’s talk about the job requirements and expectations first, so I can get a sense of what you need.” That’s a soft answer to a soft way of asking the question.
I need to know what salary you want in order to make you an offer. Can you tell me a range?
“I’d appreciate it if you could make me an offer based on whatever you have budgeted for this position and we can go from there.” This is a pretty direct response, so using words like ‘appreciate’ focuses on drawing out the interviewer’s better qualities instead of his tougher side.
More here
Want a Job? Actively Listen
Posted by Robert on Apr 2, 2008
Networking is a hidden job market. Maybe it’s because the main reason for hosting the event is not to find a job. In these kinds of situations, the goal is to socialize and develop mutual relationships. In some case, it leads to job offers.
Everything depends on what you say and do. You have to realize that few people go to networking events just for fun. Everyone is there for his or her own reason.
How do use this info to your advantage? Listen to them. Ask them some questions and let them talk about themselves. It’s a great way for you to know if this person is someone you’d like to work with. It also means that they’ve taken interest in you. Once they do and they have an opening or they see you as a benefit to their line of work, they might just give you a job on site or they may refer you to someone they know who can use use your skills.
Dealing with the Past
Posted by Robert on Mar 13, 2008
The past is the past, and there’s nothing you can do about it, but learn from it. Mistakes and failing in your previous job should be taken positively because the next employer will ask you about it.
Never bad-mouth your previous employer. To the interviewer, it looks as though you’re unprofessional and have a bad attitude towards work. Instead, calmly tell them that you have decided to move on despite the challenges you experienced with your previous employer and what you garnered from the experience.
Don’t act like a victim, be a survivor. Being downsized and fired is an unpleasant fact. Accept the situation for what it is rather than vent it all on the interviewer. It shows that you have the capability to adapt quickly to any situation.
Never burn bridges with your former employer, your experience with them will help you in getting the next better job.
Focus and the Money Question
Posted by Robert on Mar 13, 2008
The first interview is always important; it’s your chance to shine, so you should bring out your best. Below are some tips on how to make your interview a pleasant experience.
Always stay focused on the subject at hand. If the interviewer is asking for your educational background, it’s better if you give the facts and get straight to the point. Interviewers get easily irritated with “around-the-bush” type of answers. It just shows that the applicant is unsure or is hiding something from him or her.
Don’t ask about the compensation yet. Doing so, we’ll make you look too much of a money-centered person. Let the interviewer discuss this in his or her own time. This information is usually provided on the second or third interview. Right now, they’re just concerned if you’re the right person for the job or not.
More interview tips on the next post.