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April 16, 2010 PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS-- (note: Some companies may call unannounced. It is a good idea to remove all potentially offensive answering messages from the telephone prior to beginning job search. If you are caught off-guard, ask if you can call back at a scheduled time. Make your voice friendly and forthcoming) BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: 1 No background noise (that is TV, computer, children, animals, music) 2. Pad & pen at hand--write down names/titles of interviewers; get call back number in case of disconnect and determine who calls who; take notes of key points or questions to keep you on track 3. Have on hand a copy of resume and cover letter 4. Make lists of i strengths, ii weaknesses, iii reasons why you are right for the job 5. Prepare mini-stories that demonstrate past performance and show how those experiences could benefit your future employer 6. Turn weaknesses into positives or learning experiences 7. Practice in front of a mirror until you are comfortable with your answers DURING THE INTERVIEW: 1. Answer phone promptly at scheduled interview time. SMILE 2. Acknowledge interviewer by name, "Nice to meet you, (Joe or Mr. Williams depending on what they want to be called)" 3. Speak slowly and distinctly (don't mumble) 4. Stand or sit in an erect posture; don't slouch or lie down; move about quietly if that fits your style 5. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum during interview 6. Be attentive: listen closely to interviewer, often they will tell you what characteristics they are seeking 7. SMILE 8. Compose yourself before beginning your answer: tactic for buying time is to repeat the question; if you don't understand something, ask 9. Use mini-stories to illustrate what you can do--be specific it builds credibility Focus on what you can do for the company, not the other way around 10. Give your full attention to the interviewer: no television or computer screen, no mirror to watch yourself, no shuffling of papers in front of you, no staring out the window or multi-tasking 11. Ask for the job or what you can do to advance the interview/decision-making process 12. Say thank-you at the conclusion of the interview and ask what you can expect as the next step
April 20, 2010 How do you get noticed? My colleague and I were lamenting over morning coffee about the difficulties faced by a small business wanting to make a meaningful contribution to the community that supports it. As we brainstormed, a couple ideas came to mind. A rummage sale would be a great way to meet neighbors! Local residents could bring their tables and set up in our parking lot. But how to get the word out the lot was available? What about advertising? We would need signs and newspaper ads. Donating space we can do, but we donŐt have deep pockets to buy advertising. So we thought of helping a non-profit wanting to raise money by having a car wash. Our building sits on a busy corner with lots of commuter traffic. We could supply the water and the paved parking lot. Great idea! But neither of us knows of a local group wanting to have a car wash! Any ideas, anyone?
April 21, 2010 Unlike a lot of Resume services, at Resumes Today, Inc. all we do is write. Its not a second job or a hobby. We are a brick and mortar establishment open every weekday. So this spring, our brick and mortar needed a fresh look for the new season. Like a resume, it needed to be reworked to have curb appeal. My associate took a break from digging into job descriptions and got out a shovel. That man dug nearly 100 hosta plants and replanted them bordering our front garden. The results are eye-catching. Every now and again, a resume needs to be spaded up and old material discarded. Styles change. Employers needs change along with technology and workforce composition. What worked last summer may not catch the recruiters eye this spring. Review and revise is a good habit to cultivate whether you are actively seeking a job or just maintaining a position of readiness.
April 26, 2010 Why Should I Hire You? A prospective employer cannot be much more direct. And the longer you pause, the lower your chances landing the offer. This is the question that separates cats from kittens. Do you toot your own horn, casting modesty aside or do you hem and haw like a teenager on a first date? The best response involves creating a personal image as someone who can and does make a difference. Give specific examples of how you can benefit the company. Draw on your past accomplishments, skills and abilities. Put yourself in the employers/or supervisors role and tailor your response to meet their particular needs. People respond when it benefits them. For example if you are interviewing for a leadership position, tell the interviewer about the adrenaline rush you experience every time you confront and resolve a difficult challenge. Build the scenario. For you it is more than a job, it is an opportunity to compete for personal best. Build your credibility by giving precise details. Paint a detailed picture that ultimately shows how your approach directly resulted in specific benefits to your previous employer. You won the race. Your employer took home the trophy. Q: Why Should I Hire You? A: Because I can make a difference.