Thursday, February 28, 2013

Top 6 Interviewing Mistakes to AVOID!


OK….so you’re prepared for all the goofy questions a prospective employer can throw at you, now let’s talk about what NOT to do during the interview process.

Avoid these Top 6 Interview Mistakes* at all cost:

1. Forgetting the Interviewers name. This is a big one! When you set up a time to interview, ask for the names of any potential interviewers and be sure to write them down! This way you can avoid any embarrassing time looking up a name you have clearly forgotten.
2. Running late. There is NO acceptable excuse for arriving late to a job interview. Remember to look up, and print if necessary, directions to the interview location the day before to guarantee quick, safe, accurate passage! That said, arriving too early can also be disruptive and show poor planning skills on your part. Arriving fifteen minutes early is a safe bet.
3. Not answering a difficult question. There are typical interview questions used by employers in many interviews, particularly for entry level opportunities. A Question like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” can be difficult to answer, but practice can lead to perfect! Blanking and not coming up with an answer shows that you are not quick on your feet and that you are not a gifted problem solver. When you are asked a question that really makes you think, take a deep breath, organize your thoughts for a few seconds and give your best answer with confidence!
4. Not offering references.  ALWAYS bring a list of at least three current, reachable, verifiable references to an interview. Include phone numbers and email addresses for each reference to facilitate a quick an easy contact process for your potential employer. Causing your potential employer to waste precious time tracking down your references could be just enough of an excuse to ice your candidacy for good!
5. Not asking questions. Interviews usually end with the interviewer asking the interviewee what questions they have about the job or the company. Asking questions is a sure-fire way to show your potential employer that you are interested in the job and knowledgeable about the company. Not asking any questions at the end of the interview is the equivalent of telling your interviewer you just don’t care how you are perceived or whether or not you get the job.
6. Using your cell phone. Vibrating phones are every bit as rude and disruptive as ringing phones! LEAVE THE PHONE IN THE CAR.

*Tips adapted from Mashable.com (2012) and “ADVANCE for Healthcare Careers” magazine (2009).

Monday, February 25, 2013


Unconventional Interview Questions

Oh, the stress of interviewing for a new job! How can you alleviate some of the stress and know you are ready for even the most off-the-wall questions? Glassdoor.com* compiled a list of quirky interview questions that were asked during interviews in 2012. Here are a few of those questions:

  • If you were to get rid of one state in the U.S., which would it be and why?
  • How many cows are in Canada?
  • What song best describes your work ethic?
  • Can you say 'Peter Pepper picked a pickled pepper' and cross-sell a washing machine at the same time?
  • You are a head chef at a restaurant and your team has been selected to be on Iron Chef. How do you prepare your team for the competition and how do you leverage the competition for your restaurant?
  • What's your favorite song? Sing it for us.

Oddball questions, yes….but they are often peppered throughout the interview along with the more standard fare like “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “What will your skill set bring to this company?” If you encounter these off-beat questions in an interview, just remember, the interviewer is not looking for right or wrong answers, but instead judging how fast you can think on your feet or how you may go about tackling a difficult problem. 

What are some other weird or interesting questions you have encountered on an interview? What were your answers?

*The full list of questions can be seen here. Published Jan. 15, 2013.


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Helpful Resume Tips for the Eager Job Seeker


What does your resume really say about you? Does it represent not just your skills and experience, but your heart and your spirit? Is the reader seriously compelled to interview you after reading it?  When you put yourself out there to prospective employees, don’t short change yourself or give them a reason to rule you out before they’re finished reading your phone number!

1. Stick to one clean, standard font. Whether you chose Times New Roman or a sans serif font like Arial doesn’t matter, just make sure to pick one and stick with it. This makes your resume look clean and easy to read.  Using multiple fonts makes your resume look crowded and disorganized.
2. Keep the important points at the top of the page. Most employers take about 15 to 20 seconds to skim over a resume, so make sure to keep the key points of your experience and skills towards the top half of the page. Imagine that employers are going to skim your resume just like you would skim the headlines of today’s newspaper; highlight your most impressive and relevant information by giving it top billing.
3. Don’t be a Stiff.  This is the first impression employers get of your skills AND more importantly in many cases, your personality. Let your light shine! It’s ok for your personality to show through! The key words and phrases you choose should show prospective employers that you are a confident, friendly and personable – while still professional – individual. 
4. Update your resume regularly. This is may be the most important tip for a great resume. Proof read (or have a friend or family member proof read) your resume before EVER sending it out. Typos and spelling errors are the fastest way to ensure your resume lands in the trash!  Even more importantly, update your skills, information, and accomplishments regularly so that when you find that dream job posting you go after at the last minute, you can send your best ever resume with confidence!

*Tips adapted from Chelsea Gladden at Mashable.com – published Jan. 13, 2013.