So you're getting ready to graduate, now what?

How can recent college grads stand out to employers in today’s market? CareerBuilder interviewed several business professionals to give a few tips on how recent college graduates can feel confident and stand out during the application and interview process. Watch the video here!

What are some things that you do to make your resume stand out? How do you make sure your interviewer remembers you? Let us know!

Five Best Questions that Candidates Ask During Interviews!

I know a lot of job seekers think that it’s just a formality when your interviewer asks you if you have any questions for them at the end of an interview, but a common mistake is not using this opportunity to learn more about the organization and exactly what they expect from their new hire.

Here are the top 5 questions that great candidates ask:

1. What do you expect of me within the first 60 to 90 days? This shows that you plan on hitting the ground running and want to start making a difference right away if you are offered the position.

2. What are the common attributes of your top performers? This question shows that you are not just looking for a job – but you want a career and you could possibly see yourself at this company long-term. Employers love this idea!

3. What really drive the company’s results? Each employee is an investment made by the company, so obviously every employee should be creating a return on that investment. This questions shows that you want to, and plan on being a top performer at this company.

4. What do your employees do in their spare time? Every person wants to fit in, and that sentiment is no different when it comes to the work place. This question shows the employer that you care about your work environment and you want to make sure it is going to be a good fit for both yourself and for the company’s current employees.

5. How do you plan to deal with...? All companies face obstacles at one point or another, this question shows employers that you care about the job, about the company, and about how you will fit into their plans.
Making sure to ask a few of these questions at the end of your interviews will help the employer leave with a positive impression of you, knowing that you will have all of the information you will need to help make the right decision for yourself and for their company.

This list was adapted from Jeff Haden for Inc.com. Published 2012.

*RESCHEDULED* Mary Kraft's March Speed Interview Day!

Due to the inclement weather that we are supposed to see tonight and tomorrow, we have RESCHEDULED this month's Speed Interview Day for next week. The new date is

Wednesday, March 13, 2013!

Candidates will come to our office, located at 1447 York Road, Suite 601, Lutherville, MD 21093. In order to be considered, candidates must arrive between the hours of 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM with their resume in hand and dressed for success!

The best of the best will be asked to fill out new employee paperwork and will be entered into our system allowing us to submit them to positions on our Medical Desk, Commercial Desk and Insurance Desk.

Make sure to pass the word on to your peers and keep in mind; if we place someone that you refer to us, you will be eligible for a referral bonus up to $100!

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).

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.