Job interviews are an odd ritual. You’re supposedly there to demonstrate your qualifications for the job, your likability, and your impeccable personal hygiene. And yet, beyond the expected Q&A, so much goes on behind the scenes. So much is implied. Both sides hold their cards as close to the proverbial vest as possible.
Don’t underestimate the interview – it is a veiled sparring match, a poker game where the stakes are your future job and the interviewer’s reputation. To go into a job interview expecting mere small talk is to doom yourself to the “we-appreciate-your-interest” letter.
Go into your next job interview prepared. Along with a healthy sense of confidence and your most professional outfit, having an awareness of the pitfalls that await you will let you put your best foot forward without sticking it in your mouth. Check out the following five most common interview pitfalls, courtesy of ClassesandCareers.com, a free college information service:
1. “Tell me about yourself” – Where to start? “You” is a pretty vast topic. For starters, don’t tell them your life story. Don’t tell them your favorite movies, colors, or ice cream flavors. They’re asking for a brief summary of what kind of employee you are, what you do better than anyone else, and what assets you will bring to their company. Our suggestion: write it out and rehearse it. Great personal summaries don’t come by just shooting from the hip.
2. Problems with Co-workers – Don’t interpret this as a chance to gossip about past workplace soap operas. Rather, see this as a chance to show your ability to resolve interpersonal conflict. Be very careful about how you describe negative individuals. Especially avoid saying what race or gender they are. The last thing you want is to be perceived as a bigot, a sexist, or a racist. Companies generally avoid these people like the plague as a legal liability.
3. Your Biggest Weakness – This odd question is more common than you might think. It may seem like an invitation to shoot yourself in the foot, but it’s not. The interviewer only wants to see that you are self-evaluating, manageable, and, heaven forbid, humble. Therefore, the best way to answer this question is to find a weakness that you actually have and turn it into a positive. Also, don’t go with any seriously detrimental personal flaws.
For instance, don’t say, “I lose my temper, say terrible things, and throw things at people.” This sends up about a hundred red flags. A better approach would be to say, “I am very passionate about my work. I really put my heart and soul into projects. Sometimes I need someone to pull me back and help me keep sight of the big picture.” Responses like this show an ability to evaluate yourself, rely on others, and work passionately- all great plusses. Practice this one beforehand to make sure you say it just right.
4. The Facts – My tip: get them straight. If your resume says that you closed a $2-million deal, be careful not to inflate that number in the interview to $3 million. At best, it signals that you’re not quite sure. At worst, it indicates that you are lying and can’t be trusted. Avoid this pitfall by keeping your resume visible during the interview.
5. Salary Requirements – This high-stakes question separates the pros from the schmoes. Just throwing out an arbitrary number is dangerous. If you go too high, you disqualify yourself. If you go too low, you set yourself up for a disappointing salary later on if you get hired. Both mistakes make you look unknowledgeable. Conclusion: don’t just guess.
The only way to nail this one is to give a well-informed range (low to high) and an explanation of where you think you fit in that range. Ask people who have experience in your prospective job can be a great second opinion. Responding with a well-researched range will make you look like a pro and give you great bargaining position later on when you get offered a job.
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]]>The purpose of this article is to outline how you can create, beautify, and even airbrush your resume in order to make a lasting impression.
Getting Started - Begin your resume by constructing a framework that includes your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Make sure the information is current and accurate. Most good resumes locate this information at the top (so that it’s easy for employers to read) but keep it relatively small and low-key. You don’t want to detract from the real meat of your resume.
Objectives & Statement of Purpose – Once you’ve completed the heading, you may want to write a simple “objective statement” or “statement of purpose” that clearly indicates the work you want to do. This is the thesis of your resume — the single statement that every other part of the resume will attempt to support. Try to tailor it to each employer and to each job. Avoid the grandiose “philosophy-of-life” objectives. Just be direct and keep it simple.
Education – Typically, the section that immediately follows the objective statement deals with education. At the very least, education should include any degrees or certificates earned, as well as when and where it was received. Many job seekers also include their GPA (if it’s worth mentioning), and any academic honors they may have received.
In some instances, you may also want to include a list of courses that would apply to a specific job. For instance, if you’re applying for a computer programming job that specializes in JavaScript, and you took three classes in Java, put it down.
Work Experience – Relevant work experience is perhaps the most important section of the resume and one that employers study closely. Most resumes list jobs chronologically, with the most recent — or current — job listed first.
In addition to the job title, name of company or employer, and the length of time you’ve held this job, you should also indicate your work responsibilities and any awards or recognition you’ve received. Don’t be modest. A resume is one of the few places where people expect you to toot your own horn.
That being said, it’s important to quantify and qualify your work experience. Exaggerating or misrepresenting your work experience or skills is professional suicide.
Other Categories – Once you have the basic components of a good resume, you may want to include other categories as well. Recruiters and career counselors agree that not every resume needs to look exactly the same, so feel free to take some liberties.
For instance, your resume might include a section on special skills, such as fluency in a foreign language, or proficiency in specific computer programs. You could also include sections on leadership experience, service, or even hobbies. The important thing is to customize your resume so that it emphasizes your individual strengths and shows what makes you interesting and unique.
Layout & Typography – Finally, a word on the look and feel of your resume. As mentioned earlier, a resume is like your professional headshot. As such, make sure that its overall appearance compliments and strengthens its content.
Use a simple, legible font and standard margins, and be selective about using excessive bolding or underlining. Avoid graphics or photographs. Proofread carefully for errors, as mistakes communicate to employers that either you are uneducated or careless — neither of which is good.
Finally, print your resume on white or off-white paper and make sure it looks clean and crisp. Resumes are now an indispensable part of recruitment and hiring. The question is not whether you need a resume but whether your resume will be an advantage or a liability. Remember that a well-conceived and well-executed resume can secure an interview, influence discussions of salary and benefits, and even secure your dream job.
Follow these basic guidelines and you’re well on your way to creating a more striking and more memorable resume.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Kari Whitaker is a technical as well as creative writer. In addition to articles on education and careers, she also enjoys writing short stories, essays, and poetry.
Benjamin Welch has been a college instructor in writing and composition for nearly six years. When he’s not teaching or playing golf, he offers advice for students seeking information about online education and online degrees.
My Newcastle Jobs, a Jobsite to help you find jobs in Newcastle and across the North East region.
Improve my CV or Resume - Words Worth Reading offers a variety of writing and editorial services for CVs / Resumes, Application Forms, Cover Letters and Personal Statements.
Resume: Publish your resume online and have your own web page. Offering resume writing tips and examples.
Professional Resume & Career Development Service - Expertise in professional resume writing, selection criteria preparation, job interview coaching, career guidance and job search skills.
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However, now the hard work really starts…
Now it’s time to actually land the job!
The interview itself is the most difficult part of securing job. Not only do job interviews consist of many difficult questions, but you will most likely be faced with some fierce competition. Therefore, you should thoroughly prepare yourself each and every job interview.
Unfortunately, job interviews vary from one person to the other and from one industry to the next. However, all job interviews do have some similar characteristics and you can follow some basic rules that will help you face your next job interview with confidence.
Here are three things everyone interviewing for a job should do…
1. Communication – Whether it is verbal phone calls or written emails, poorly stated or disorganized communication shows a lack of professionalism. Also, during an interview, don’t be shy or soft spoken. Your speaking style will influence the interviewer’s opinion of you. Also, maintain eye contact with the interviewer and carefully listen to everything they say.
Answer the interview questions confidently without the use of slang or street language. In fact, make sure to use the jargon of the profession.
2. Body language – The fact is you are being judged from the second you walk into an interview. That’s right, before you even say a word the interview committee is already judging you just based upon your body language.
Do NOT underestimate how important body language is during an interview.
There is no doubt that your physical appearance plays an important role in getting you a job. If you are dress too casually you won’t be taken seriously for the job. Dress in a nice suit or other formal clothes that make you look organized, sharp, and controlled. When undecided about what to wear always weigh on the side of caution and dress more formal than less.
Hand shakes also play a big part of body language. A soft handshake doesn’t make an impression while a firm handshake indicates you have drive and confidence.
Also, while seated, you should always sit with your back straight, keep a smile on your face, be attentive, and maintain eye contact with all interviewers.
3. Ask Questions – Having sat on countless interview committees I am always shocked at how many candidates do not ask us, the interviewers, any questions. Asking questions gives the impression that not just any job will do, but that you are looking for the right job…the right fit for you. As much as possible try to make the interview seem more like a two-way conversation rather than a one-way interview.
Again, while job interviews will vary from person to person and from one industry to the next, by following these basic guidelines you will be much more confident and that will shine through during your interview.
By: Adam Waxler
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