Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Post-Interview Etiquette

We have already covered common interview questions, proper attire and general interview etiquette – but what happens after you shake hands and leave the interview? Is it over? Is there anything you can do to stay on the employer’s radar after the interview process is completed? Of course there is! Here are some tips on post-interview etiquette:
  • Thank you notes. A lot of job seekers don’t always realize how far a simple thank you note can go. Don’t forget to include everyone that helped you along the way to your interview, not just the person that interviewed you. Thank you notes can be either hand written or short emails.
  • Follow through on paperwork. It is completely normal to leave an interview with more paperwork, whether it be taking a drug test or getting your references in line. Being sure to follow through and complete the paperwork or tasks asked of you is another way to show you are really interested in the position.
  • Reach out to your references. If you were referred to a particular company by someone you know, it’s polite to keep them updated on the progress of your interview process. Keeping them updated may also give them a chance to put in another good word for you before the hiring manager makes a final decision – and if this one doesn't work out, they will likely keep you in mind for other jobs too!
  • Ask questions. After an interview is over, the employer will typically let you know to follow up with them if you have any questions once you leave their office and really, there is no reason not to follow through with this. Asking questions once the interview is over shows that you are still passionate about and very interested in the job and allows you to insert yourself back onto the employer’s radar.
  • Be available. Being available and easy to get a hold of after the interview process can make a hiring manager feel more confident about selecting you for the position over someone who is harder to get in touch with.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Top 10 Job Search Rules to BREAK!

From Liz Ryan, CEO and Founder of Human Workplace
  1. Follow the defined process – in other words, don’t simply email your resume to 100 job postings. Actually reach out to hiring managers personally – it could make all the difference!
  2.  If you know someone in the company, give that person your resume and tell them to give it to the hiring manager. Don’t be afraid to use your friends or other contacts to help get ahead – just make sure that they are your best option for applying.
  3. Use a traditional zombie-style resume and cover letter. You are unique and creative – let your resume show it! Hiring managers see the same cut-and-paste style resume 100 times a day; it’s time to make yours stand out!
  4. In your overture to employers, emphasize the way your background matches the job specifications. I am sure we have all been in jobs where our actual daily routine is nothing like the bulleted job description we applied for. Instead, try to pay more attention to what the company is really looking for, and tell them how you can fill that need!
  5. Spend most of your energy applying for posted jobs, and do so online. Liz Ryan suggests splitting your efforts into thirds: spend one-third of your time applying to jobs posted online, one-third targeting your ideal companies – even if there are no positions posted online, and the final third should be spent networking with real, live people!
  6. Use your networking time and energy letting people know about your job search, your specific skills and how each friend can help you. Basically, you shouldn’t have to convince your friends to help you out, or befriend people just because they have an “in” somewhere that you think you would like to work. Be yourself, and let them realize on their own that you are perfect for the job!
  7. If you're asked to report your salary history, share every detail going back as far as the employer asks you to. There is no need to verify every salary you have ever had, some things are okay to keep to yourself! If the employer trusts you – they won’t need you to verify this kind of information.
  8. When an employer asks you to jump, do it. Basically, there is no need to be a doormat for a new employer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify what is asked of you.
  9. Don’t bring up the topic of salary – let the employer do it first. This is a common rule that many job seekers believe to be true. The truth is, you have to let the employer know what it is going to take to get you on board! There is nothing worse than getting your hopes up about a great job, only to be completely disappointed by the final offer.
  10. Do whatever you need to do and say whatever you need to say to get the job. When you swap your integrity for money, you are done. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

4 Quick Tips for Job Seekers from the Intern Queen!

These are the top four tips to landing a great job, from the Intern Queen herself, Lauren Berger!
  1. Have a plan!
  2. Think about balance! This means balancing your personal and professional life – it takes work, but it’s a must!
  3. Don't look at the people you meet at your first job as "temporary friends/contacts" -- you will be connected to these people for life!
  4. Just because school is over, it doesn't mean the contacts disappear. You never know when the connections you have created in school - a former teacher, classmate, or college buddy will come in handy down the road!


For more advice, visit the Intern Queen’s website!