Creative Ways to Improve Your Resume

Career experts are unanimous on the importance of customizing our resumes for each new job we apply for. But for many of us, when it comes to revising our resumes, the first question is "How?"

It's easy to get stuck in a rut when you're working with material you know so well. So here are some ways to take a fresh look at revising your resume.

Click here to continue.

[from career-services.monster.com]

Meet the New Boss: Big Data

Companies Trade In Hunch-Based Hiring for Computer Modeling

By Joseph Walker | The Wall Street Journal – Thu, Sep 20, 2012 4:43 PM EDT

Click here to go to the article.

How your resume is really read

Click here to watch the video.

How to Interview With a Foreign Employer

As the global marketplace becomes friendlier, more people are heading off to work in foreign countries. Getting a job in these countries isn't just a matter of dashing off a resume. You need to prepare yourself for an interview with a foreign employer with different tactics than you would use at home.

Read more: How to Interview With a Foreign Employer | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2246931_interview-foreign-employer.html#ixzz26ixvSPqv

10 Secrets to Acing a Job Interview

If you've made it to the interview process, then your qualifications have proven an interesting match for the position (or at least they have on paper). The interview is when the chemistry with team members and your soft skills are evaluated. So here are 10 tips to help you do your best.

Click here to continue.

[from money.usnews.com]

Two Sample Interviews

Avoid these common mistakes on job interviews

The job market has finally thawed out some and those who couldn't beg, borrow or steal an interview previously are now starting to get those calls to come in.

CareerBuilder.com interviewed employers to find out some of the most common interview mistakes made by job applicants. Read up and be sure you don't blow your chance when you get that call.

Click here to continue.

[from clarkhoward.com]

Where a college education counts -- and doesn't -- in jobs search

By Tami Luhby | CNNMoney.com – Wed, Aug 29, 2012 11:44 AM EDT

Click here to read.

[from finance.yahoo.com]

Tips for Interviews: Interviewing Etiquette [Infographic]

Interviewing for a new job is rarely easy, precisely because performing and behaving well likely means the difference between getting the job and not. After all, it's your resume that got you the interview to begin with, and if you blow the in-person Q & A, well that's just one less chip in your pile.

Click here to continue.

[from jobs.aol.com]

Never say these five things in a job interview

 

 

By Ramit Sethi | Profit Minded – Fri, Aug 24, 2012 3:54 PM EDT
We are terrible at interviewing. We walk into the interview room without preparing. We spend time worrying about "trick questions" and about what shirt we should wear, instead of the things that really matter. Worst of all, we believe an interview is intended for us to simply answer the questions that the interviewer gives us.

Click here to continue.

[from smallbusiness.yahoo.com]

10 Most Common Questions In An Interview

Interview really takes a lot of preparation and research. If you are a veteran in job searching, maybe you already memorize the most frequent questions the interviewer often asked. Or if you’re just a neophyte in job searching, then learn the toughest questions and prepare how to answer them:

Click here to look at the questions.

[from jobopenings.ph]

Job Interview Attire!

Searching for a job and succeeding through the interview is difficult enough that people tend to forget the importance of “first impression”. In fact, your interview attire is extremely critical. You should be neat, professional and conservative, but always remember to allow some of your personality to shine through your clothing.

Click here to continue.

[from topchoicemagazine.com]

Top 10 In-Demand Careers

Want to pursue an in-demand career with high-pay potential? Check out these 10 great options.

Click here to read.

9 Things Not to Ask in a Job Interview

Asking questions during an interview shows the employer your interest and enthusiasm. It helps you pinpoint what the employer is looking for in their next hire and gives you the opportunity to connect it to your experience. Some questions, though, should not be asked during the initial interviews or you might not make it to the next round.

Click here to continue.

[from finance.yahoo.com]

College Degrees that Hiring Managers Love

Want to earn a degree that could lead to career opportunities? Check out these six degrees with solid employment odds.

By Lisa Manterfield
If you've been keeping up with the unemployment figures lately, you might be wondering if going to college is worth it. The answer is a resounding yes, according to "Hard Times, Not all College Degrees are Created Equal," a 2012 report from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.
In fact, the report's exact wording was "Yes, extensive research, ours included, finds that a college degree is still worth it."
Here's just a bit of the research behind their endorsement. According to "Hard Times," the average unemployment rate for new college graduates is 8.9 percent. That may sound high...until you compare the figure to the unemployment rate of those without a college degree: 22.9 percent for recent high school grads and a staggering 31.5 percent for those who recently dropped out of high school, says "Hard Times."
But as the title of the report says, not all degrees are equal.
And another study echoes that sentiment. According to "Job Outlook 2012," a report compiled by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), certain degrees, such as business, computer science, and engineering, consistently top the list of most sought-after majors.
So if you're thinking of going back to school, but want to pick a degree that could help make you competitive in the job market, read on for six degrees that studies say pass the test with flying unemployment numbers.

Click here to continue.

[from http://education.yahoo.net]

Six Key Interview Answers Employers Need to Hear

During the typical job interview, you'll be peppered with many interview questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

"Most [candidates] have no idea why a recruiter asks a particular question," says Brad Karsh, a former recruiting professional for advertising giant Leo Burnett and current president of career consulting firm Job Bound. "They tend to think it's a competition to outwit the interviewer."

The reality is that employers have neither the time nor inclination to play games with you, especially when hiring. Your interviewer is not trying to outguess you -- he's trying to assess your answers to six key questions:

Click here to read the rest.

[from monster.com]

English for Your Job Interview - How to Succeed

English for Your Job Interview - How to Succeed
By Louisa Walsh
Don't let your English disappoint at interview.
I will share ways you can practice and improve your English specifically for your English job interview. If English is not your native language, then the prospect of an interview in English for a job will make you even more nervous. However, there are steps you can take to prepare and practice your English for a job interview so you can be confident of success.
Research your job interview questions on the internet
Did you know there are many job interview sites in English on the internet with typical interview questions and answers for the job you are seeking? Past interviewees even share the questions they were asked in English sometimes. So, type these phrases into a search engine and you will get some useful results:
Typical job interview questions:
� for Nursing
� for Financial Analyst
� in English
Now view the questions in each category.
Make notes only under the most important questions and practice your replies by saying your answers in English, using your notes as prompts. Your answers should be 1-3 sentences long usually and clear and concise. Note where you are having difficulty explaining yourself and practice until you feel comfortable.
Be ready to talk about your past, present and future in English
Interviewers want to know about you. So to prepare for this part of the interview, make 3 columns on a piece of paper:

• My history
• My CV, background, education/work history. My personality - Strengths/weaknesses
• Future: why I want this job - future prospects

Make general bullet points under each - only points - do not write an essay on each. Now practice your English by speaking aloud, focussing on each of the points you have made.
Be ready for the killer question' tell me about yourself'. The answer should be a 2-4 sentence summary and not a monologue starting from your birth. The interviewer just wants an overview so this is a good possible reply:
'I'm a 35 year old Financial Analyst, married with 2 young children. I love my job but am looking for a more senior position with a bigger company where I can grow.'
Refine your responses
Practice responding with a headline and then give more detail and a real example where possible afterwards.
This clearly tells your interviewer what you are going to talk about - and shows them that you can evidence your response. So, one answer to: 'why do you think you would be good at the job?' could be:
'This job suits someone who is good with people and I think this is true of me. In my past employment my manager said this was one of my key strengths.'
If English is not your first language, you may get 'lost' in longer more complicated answers. Structure your responses and use useful phrases in English. For example, in response to the question -
'What are your strengths and weaknesses? You could reply with
'I believe I have 3 really key strengths. Firstly, I am good at....secondly, I have the ability to..... thirdly....' etc.
When you are nervous you tend to speak faster. It would be a great shame if you have prepared well - but then the interviewer cannot understand you because your pace is too fast.
Practice, practice, practice your English
Your job interview could be your passport to better life prospects. Ask yourself how important this job is to your life? Is it worth spending a little time and money on English lessons with a qualified teacher to get ahead? Choose an English teacher who has helped others with interview practice before. Ensure English lessons are 1-1 and entirely focused on your particular job interview. You may need only 5 lessons to ensure your English is perfect for the interview. Think; are the other candidates taking English training? To give yourself the best chance at interview, perhaps you need to do the same.
Louisa Walsh has many years experience as an English teacher and teacher trainer and has developed courses for English teachers at http://www.global-english.com/ She is also Manager of Phone English; an online English training school that specialises in 1-1 English training online: http://www.phone-english.net/Englishforspecificpurposes.html for interview English, business or general English training.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louisa_Walsh
http://EzineArticles.com/?English-for-Your-Job-Interview---How-to-Succeed&id=5973980

How to Structure Your Daily Job Search to Help Land Your Next Job

By Jayne Mattson | Mashable – Sun, Jul 29, 2012

 

A new job typically does not magically fall from the sky into one’s lap. Finding a new job usually involves a great deal of research, networking, perseverance and creative thinking. But, the real secret to landing that next job is to be organized and methodical in your job (re)search. Developing a structured job search plan will keep you focused and motivated, helping you achieve your targeted goal of finding a new job while you are either employed or unemployed. Below are structured plans for both types of job seekers to implement into your job search.

 

Click here to read the rest.

 

[from news.yahoo.com]

 

Jayne Mattson is Senior Vice President at Keystone Associates, a leading career management and transition services consulting firm in Boston. Mattson specializes in helping mid-to-senior level individuals in new career exploration, networking strategies and career decisions based on corporate culture fit.

Which Company Asks the Toughest Interview Questions?

Some interviewers ask tough questions. 

Here are some of the companies these interviewers work for.

Includes some of the questions that had actually been asked during the interview.

Click here to read. 

Make Your Résumé Stand Out From the Crowd

In today's job market you need a leg up on all your competitors. 

Why not start at the beginning with your resume?

Click here to read.

The Most Difficult Jobs To Get

By Tim Parker | Investopedia – Thu, Jul 12, 2012 5:01 PM EDT

What are you going to be when you grow up? That's the question that school age children ask all through their young years. New college students often begin and end their college stay with different majors and even those well past their college days change their career multiple times. If you're thinking about what your first or next job will be, there are a few that you might want to cross off your list of possibilities. These jobs have so few openings that landing a position in one of these professions is nearly statistically impossible.

Click here to find out.

[from finance.yahoo.com]

Job Interview Tips - Your English Teacher Prepared You For A Behavioral Job Interview

Job Interview Tips - Your English Teacher Prepared You For A Behavioral Job Interview
By Naomi Lolley
Remember back when you faced your English Teacher in school? She always handed back your writing assignment, dripping with red ink, challenging you to do better. Did you know that her comments about your writing assignments then could have a huge impact on your success for a job interview now?
Advance preparation is necessary for your job interview; but don't rehearse a bunch of dry, boring answers to the standard questions. Instead, prepare creatively for those behavioral interview questions that are designed to dig into your past history.
Behavioral Interview Questions
These questions analyze your past behavior and whether it will fit the employer for future success. Interviewers want to find out what you did in the past, the process you went through and the results of your actions.
Think of the standard questions that you could prepare for, and brainstorm your answers to include the following three components. For instance, if the question involved telling about a time when you had to resolve a conflict with other team members, don't just give any answer without thinking through these areas:
Situation - Summarize the conflict as briefly as possible, in a neutral manner. Don't gripe about the situation; rather, explain how the situation developed, and do it in a descriptive manner.

For example: "There was a time when we were individually given different instructions about how to finish an assignment that needed each of our input"... and explain a bit about it. Paint a picture (as briefly as possible) so the interviewer can see the conflict as it developed for you.

Action - Next, describe the action that you took to proactively resolve the conflict. Again, prepare your words so that the interviewer can visualize the process or action you took.

For example: "I realized the deadline wouldn't be met when members of our team started prioritizing tasks differently. The action steps that I took were.." and then explain the steps and how you involved the other team members in a positive manner to understand the differing goals.

Results - This last part is where employers analyze whether you will bring future success to their company.

For example: "As a result of implementing a standardized schedule of priorities, our team completed the project before deadline and under budget. We accomplished this by..." and reiterate some of your steps, along with the results for each of those steps.

Keep these three components in mind when preparing your answers. But, don't sound like a robot reciting facts. Just as your English Teacher wanted you to use descriptive phrases and comparisons so that she could envision or feel what you were writing about, the interviewer wants to fully comprehend the behavioral situation.
But, how do you know which behavioral answers to prepare for in advance? Look at the skills and qualifications that you are claiming on your resume. While reviewing your resume, the interviewer has already pre-determined the hot spots that need further questioning.
Be prepared to use descriptive answers for questions related to those skills from your resume.
By now I bet you are wondering what you need to do differently in order to land a job in today's economy? Then I would like to invite you to claim your FREE Instant Access to a video series at http://www.HowDoIGetHired.com/getvideo.
You'll get short, easy-to-understand videos outlining the components of a value-based resume, PLUS additional special reports to help you along your job transition and career advancement.
From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naomi_Lolley
http://EzineArticles.com/?Job-Interview-Tips---Your-English-Teacher-Prepared-You-For-A-Behavioral-Job-Interview&id=5087978

The new wave of tricky interview questions

Flexible Degrees You Can Earn On the Go

On-the-Go Degrees

Flexible Degrees You Can Earn On the Go

On-the-Go Degrees

Looking for a flexible degree that can match your busy, on-the-go lifestyle? Check out these six online options.

By Lisa Manterfield
Want to go back to school to earn your degree, but not sure if you can handle adding it into your busy lifestyle?
"Between work schedules and family schedules, it's not easy for some people to take classes on a traditional schedule," says Dr. Michael Mills, director of distance education and learning technologies at Montgomery College in Maryland.
The good news is that an online education could allow you to earn a degree on the go. In fact, online classes "afford students the opportunity to access material at convenient times," says Mills.
Intrigued? Check out these six flexible degrees busy people could earn on the go.

Click here to read the rest.

[from education.yahoo.net]

The Eight Types of Interview Questions


1.  Credential Verification
2.  Experience Verification
3.  Opinions
4.  Dumb Questions
5.  Math Questions
6.  Case Questions
7.  Behavioral Questions
8.  Compentancy Questions

Click here to read them in detail.

[from collegegrad.com]

Competence or Behavioural Interviews Made Easy

What does that mean? Competence is a standardized and measurable requirement for an individual to correctly perform a specific job. It is a conglomeration or a combination of knowledge, skills and behavior which may be utilized to improve performance.

Click here to read the rest.

[from your-career-change.com]

English Mistakes That Can Kill Your Chances of Getting a Job

Be careful of common mistakes in English at your job interview. 

1)  Pronunciation
2)  Slang (idioms)
3)  Not speaking correctly (using English correctly)

Click here to read the article.

Resume Pet Peeves

What’s Your #1 Pet Peeve About Resumes?

 Get to the point. Too wordy; makes it hard to figure out what the person has done and how it applies to current application
 When they have a different position listed on their resume than their cover letter
 Redundancies
 When tasks/duties performed are listed in paragraph form
 Spelling errors
 Pictures on resumes
 Vague or general objectives, summaries
 Lack of professionalism in the layout and composition
 Not formatted to flow nicely, sometimes bullets are all over the place and it makes them hard to read. After going through 100s of resumes, these are the ones that test one’s patience
 Massive email blasts where the resume does not target the position they are applying for
 Chronological history of events dating back to high school (especially when the applicant has been out of high school for 3 or more years)
 Content that is unrelated to the role!
 I do not like to see the standard "responsible for" beginning of each point regarding experience. I also do not care to see "references available upon request" - of course they would be!
 When resume is longer than 3 pages
 People don't write to the posting requirements
 Resume not specific to position applied for
 "Generic" Objectives
 Formatting and font issues
 Resume addressed to the wrong company or person in the letter, but has the correct email information. Also, sending out the same resume to everyone
 Not targeting the position - generic resumes
 When the resume very obviously does not match the job
 We are an industry specific recruiting firm. We are not interested in receiving resumes from candidates with no relevant experience in this industry. Do not waste people's time
 Ones that come across as 'help me, I need a job'. I am quite willing to hire them if their skills fit my needs; their job is to make that connection for me if they want the job
 Lack of detail on duties and accomplishments
 Resume or cover letter not addressing the requirements of the position
 Resume not tailored to the position

[from Results of the
2010 Canadian Resume & Interview Trends Survey]

Conducted by The Wright Career Solution Moving your career forward…one step at a time Ph: (647) 930-4763

8 Reasons You're Not Earning The Salary You Want

Whether we are working behind a desk or doing physical labor for work, we always want to maximize our income. 

Click here to see why you may not be earning the salary you want.

Future Career In Fitness?

Here is an article about the possible boom in personal training jobs.

It is entirely possible that in this age of being more self conscious of health realted matters that more people will look to exercise to maintain their health.  And thus the need for personal trainers will be more in demand.

Click here to read the article.

Essential Job Interview Tips and Tricks II

Essential Job Interview Tips and Tricks II

Here are some common questions that are asked during an interview.

Click here to read.

Proper English During Job Interview

Importance of Proper English during Job Interview

Your job interview is crucially important, and it will determine whether or not you will get the job. Depending on the type of job you're going for, it is very important for you to use proper English. In most cases, jobs which offer higher salaries will have higher levels of competition, and even if you're qualified, one mistake during the interview will kill your chances of success.

Click here to read the rest.

[from exforsys.com]

Interview Basics (Ninth In A Series Of 12): Questions

Aside from answering the questions from the interviewer, be prepared to ask some of your own questions.  You should have in advance a list of questions in various categories that you can ask. 

These questions are usually related to the company/industry you are interviewing for.  While most questions are acceptable, try to avoid questions that talk about scandals, rumors or complex legal issues.  Also, don't start a salary or benefit package negotiation during your interview - it is too early to start talking about these issues.

Think of questions that will show the interviewer your interest in the company and the position you are seeking. 

Research The Company Before Your Job Interview

How to Research the Company Before Your Job Interview

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Research the company before your job interview. Know what information you need to find out and how to use it to win in your job interview.

Steps

1. Start with the company website. This is usually the single best resource. Scroll through the whole website. Note down details that you can use to develop good interview questions to ask in your interview as well as prepare relevant answers to interview questions.
2. If the company does not have its own website go to other internet sites that provide extensive information about companies and industries. Simply type in the company name and use the different search engines to go to any sites that refer to the company.
3. Go to competitor websites to get information on developments in the company's industry or sector.
4. Go to company specific message boards. Corporate message boards give the opinions of current and former employees and give a different perspective on the company, although it is wise to check a number of postings rather than taking just one posting as valid information.
5. Use public libraries as another good resource for company information. Look up the company in the business periodical index to find articles in business publications and industry trade magazines.
6. Research details on the company products and services. Answer typical interview questions such as "Why should we employ you?" intelligently and thoroughly by emphasizing why the company's products and services interest you and how you can add value to them.
7. Note down the company mission, vision and values statements. This tells you about the company culture. Use this information to highlight why you are a good fit in your job interview.
8. Find out the company's strategic goals, special projects and new developments. Use this information to prepare insightful questions about the direction of the company to ask in your interview.
9. Take your research with you to the interview. Let the interviewer see that you have taken the time and trouble to find out about the company beforehand.

Tips

• If you cannot find information on the web about the company make sure you are using the full and correct company name.
• If the company is part of a larger organization, use the holding company name when doing your research and then dig down to find out about the company.

Related wikiHows

• How to Ace a Panel Interview for a Professional Position
• How to Prepare Your F1 Visa Application Before the Interview
• How to Assess Your Chances Durring a Job Interview
• How to Use the Rignt Interview Body Language

Sources and Citations

• http://www.best-job-interview.com/preparing-for-interviews.html Original source, shared with permission.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Research the Company Before Your Job Interview. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Perfect Interview Answers

10 Things Your Interviewer Won't Tell You

Just because the interview appears to be going well, it is difficult to know what the interviewer is thinking. 

Here are some things that the interviewer is probably thinking during the interview.

Click here to read the article.

Six Careers That Are Built To Last

If you are thinking about a career that may always be in demand, you should know which ones are rising and will have staying power.

Here is an article about six careers that are forecast to grow into the next decade.

Click here to read the article.

Interview Basics (Eighth in a Series of 12): Weaknesses

In addition to the classic question of what are your stengths, the dreaded, what are your weaknesses question is asked.  So how do you answer this question without self-inflicting yourself?

First of all, don't make your weakness personal traits.  These kinds of weaknesses are usually difficult to overcome.  When replying to this question, you must understand what are your current professional weakness(es) and how do you plan to rectify these.  Are you a bit lacking in IT skills?  Are you not as confident in your presentation skills as you should be?  These weaknesses can be overcome with the proper training and education.

Also, when revealing weakness, you should also have a plan on how to resolve or correct your weakness.  You can say something like, "My weakness is public speaking and presentation.  I don't feel as confident as I should, but I recently joined Toastmasters to overcome my weakness."

In the above admittance of weakness, you stated how you are resolving your weakness.  So, even though you have some weaknesses, you can or will tackle them.

Interview Basics (Seventh in a Series of 12): Strengths

One of the things that you need to point out to the interviewer is your strengths.  And I am not just talking about the generic answers that most interviewees come up with.  For example, "I am a hard worker", or "I am dependable".  Those are good attributes to have, but doesn't necessarily show why you deserve to get the job.

Instead let the interviewer know your professional strengths.  You can refer to interview basics number six for some pointers.

Some additional strengths may include areas of creativity, business procedural skills (presentation, negotiation) and specific-knowledge skills. 

Remember employers are looking for someone who has "above the rest" strengths so make it a point to let them know your special strengths.

Getting A Job Is Sure Getting Tough!

To find a job that is suitable is an undaunting task.  Here are some more reasons why.

Read the article, "Why You Can't Get That Job."

Interview Basics (Sixth in a Series of 12): Past Experience

When mentioning your skills, expertise, knowledge and other relevant facts, you are selling yourself to a potential employer.  As part of this sell, you must demonstrate why they should "buy" your product - in this case you.

If you have worked in a specific field or worked on projects, you can base your current skills on your past.  You must give supporting evidence of why you are experienced in a given area. 

You can include milestones, education, on-hands experience, apprenticeships and/or internships (just to name a few) to give you credibility.  Without these basis', potential employers cannot match the relevant points to any past experience.

Imagine mentioning you are an expert in the field of finance.  Sure you have a business or financial background, but what makes you an expert?  Sure your previous job was in finance, but does that qualify you as an expert?  You need to give yourself credibility by showing your past success and back- up the statements you make.

Interview Basics (Fifth in a Series of 12): Get To The Point

When you reply to questions, remember this is not a conversation with a friend.  Get to the point of the answer and don't ramble on.  Avoid using multiple conjunctions, "and, "and," "and."  While it is important to completly answer the questions, focus on the quality of the reply rather than the lenght of the reply. 

Use the three-phase method when answering the questions.

(1) acknowledge the question
(2) generalizing the question
(3) your answer

You can read more here about the three-phases of responding to a question.

Interview Basics (Fourth in a Series of 12): First Impressions

There is a widely known saying that first impressions are really important.  While in some cases if we don't make a good first impression we have an opportunity to make a good second impression.  However, in an interview - there is no second chance.

Here are some tips to make a good first impression at your interview.

• Body language:  Stand tall and confident.  Don't slouch or seem too comfortable during the interview (you are not in your living room). 
• Gestures:  Be aware of any bad habits or gestures you make.  Don't play with your hair, pen or anything else that gets the attention of the interviewer.  Utilize use of good gestures with your hands, and head, such as nodding and have a friendly smile.
• Handshake:  Always shake hands with a firm grip. 
• Voice:  Speak with clarity.  Don't speak too fast or babble continuously.  Use effective pause and pitch.
• Attire:  Most interviews require a suit and tie (well, women don't need to wear a tie). If you are unsure, then it is a good idea to wear a suit and tie.  When choosing the color of your suit, a dark neutral color is recommended.  Blue is the most popular.  Avoid bright colors or suits that have patterns.  For women (and men) avoid wearing an over-abundance of jewerly and accessories.  Make sure to groom well also.
• Scents:  Don't overuse perfumes or colognes.  Wearing a light amount to no scents is recommended.

All in all, think about the first impressions you want to make in any situation.  When you first meet your in-laws, going to church, meeting the President and so on...

Job Interview Video

Learn how to form polite questions in the context of a professional job interview. In this intermediate English lesson you will see a job interview taking place in an office. Listen to the polite way the interviewer is asking questions. [from podEnglish]

 

4 Hidden Resume Mistakes

The first step in the interview process is the resume.  Without a good resume, you may never move on to the actual interview, thus making you land that job impossible.

Here is an article about some mistakes that could prevent you from obtaining your future job.

4 Hidden Resume Mistakes That Will Cost You The Job















[photo from AOL jobs]

Techniques to Land a Job

During the job search, there may be times when you feel frustrated and feel that getting a decent job is next to impossible.  And once you get a job offer, the offer is not what you expected.

Here are some tips on how to improve your success rate for landing a job that meets your expectations.

Click on the link below:

8 New Techniques to Land a Job

Posted by: Kevin Cormac|

A better job search, a better chance

[from New Grad Life]

When You Don't Understand A Question

During an English interview, many interviewees may have difficulty in comprehending an interviewer's question.  The worst thing to do is pretend to understand and incorrectly respond or just sit there and smile and contemplate the question with a minute's silence - only with a, "I don't know."

Instead, you should simply ask them to repeat the question and/or seek clarification of the question.

As an interviewer (for English language assessment), I don't expect the interviewee to understand every question.  If he/she doesn't understand something, seeking clarification shows me that they want to understand, but just needs a little bit of additional explanation.  And most of the time, with a little clarification, the interviewee can reply to the question.

Here are some useful phrases:

"Can you repeat the question again?"
"I don't understand what you mean by, fractional?"
"Can you rephrase the question?"
"Can you give me an example?"
"When you save ten-fold, you mean ten times, correct?"

Here are some sample dialogs: (A = interviewer, B = interviewee)

(A)  Are you a charismatic person?
(B)  Can you explain what charismatic means?
(A)  Sure, charismatic means having leadership qualities that people trust and want to follow.
(B)  Oh, I understand.  Yes, I believe that I have ...


(A)  Do you work well with a team, or do you feel more comfortable doing tasks unaided?
(B)  Can you rephrase the last part again?
(A)  Let me rephrase the question.  Do you work better with a team or by yourself?
(B)  Both.  I do the work by myself or with a team, whichever is needed.

When An Employer Requires Experience And You Have None - Jacquelyn Smith - Forbes

When An Employer Requires Experience And You Have None - Jacquelyn Smith - Forbes

Having No Previous Experience

There is a paradox of sorts when it comes to having experience.  In order to get experience you need experience.

Click here to read an article published at Forbes.com regarding this issue.

Interview Basics (Third in a Series of 12): Arrive Early

There is a saying that my dad used to say - "It is better to arrive two hours early than 1 minute late"

I have kept this advice, well not so much when I was younger, but as an adult I always try to arrive plenty of time in advance for any appointment.

As for the job interview, arriving early has many benefits.  Give yourself at least 15 - 30 minutes before the scheduled interview to arrive.  Expect the unexpected, such as, traffic delays or difficulty in finding the location.  In some office buildings, it could take 10 minutes or more from the entrance to the interview area.

Some benefits include, arriving early you have a chance to relax and focus on presenting yourself in the best way possible.  You also have a chance to look around and get a sense of the working environment.  You could also pick up a brochure or other reading materials related to the company.  Every little bit helps in this competitive job market.

If the unfortunate happens and you are going to be late, try to let the company know that you are running late.  If you are late by a few minutes, apologize, but don't go into too much detail - just gain your composure and begin your interview with confidence.

Hot Careers That Are Hiring Now

Are you thinking about changing your job?  Do you want to move your career into another direction?

Click here to read about five hot careers that are experiencing strong hiring.

Interview Basics (Second in a Series of 12): Research the Company

When you go to an interview, make sure you do your research about the company. 

This company you are interviewing for may be your home for years to come, so it is vital that you know at least the basics of the company.  It will also help you determine if you really want to work for this company.  There may be some areas that the company does business in that goes against your personal views. 

By doing the research it can also help you with the interview process by letting your perspective employer know that you are knowledgable about the company.  This knowledge can be a positive factor for the employer in determining to hire you.

Some of the things you will want to know are:

• Company history
• Names of high-ranking executives
• Knowledge of key locations (Headquarters, plant, warehouse, etc...)
• Products and/or services the company offers
• Alliances and partnerships
• Milestones
• Future plans

It doesn't take long to acquire this information.  By spending a little amount of time doing this research can benefit you in making the decision to wanting to work at the company and also helping you through the interview process.

Interview Basics (First in a Series of 12): Practice

Practice may not make perfect, but it definitely helps.

Practice involves all the preparatory elements of preparing for an interview.  Looking at current trends keeps you up-to-date.  Especially for those who are changing careers or jobs in mid to late career stages.  It is good to know the current trends in CV development as well. 

Once you have done your homework you can practice by imagining going through the interview.  Think about how you are going to start and finish.  Think about possible questions that the interviewer may ask you and how you will respond to those questions. 

Another important aspect is self-visual presentation.  How will the interviewer judge your appearance and manner?  Do you have some habits that would offend or bother someone?  Practicing in front of a mirror can help.  Videotaping yourself can reveal even more about your appearance and mannerisms.  If possible have a peer or a professional agency put you through a mock interview with feedback.

Hypothetical Scenario Question

As an interviewer, I realize that the majority of the questions asked during an interview are pretty much standard questions.  Most of the responses to these standard questions, such as, "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths," and "What can you bring to this company," have been memorized by the interviewee and we often hear similar responses. 

Thus, the hypothetical scenario question.  In regular interviews, I am looking for creativity, character, imagination and the overall ability to respond quickly with a well-established response.  To be truthful, I usually don't really care about the response itself.  These sort of questions do not have a right or wrong answer.  Although, if the interviewee's response contains morbidity or violence, well, that may end the interview process for them.

What I am looking for is responses that show the candidate is results-driven, future-oriented, motivated, methodical and so on...  For example, if I ask what they would do with a million dollars, a well-defined response may be to invest, support family and/or pay off bills - some negative responses would be to go to Vegas and play high-stakes poker or buy that Ferrari I drempt about, not that there is anything wrong with that.

All in all, the interviewer (and the HR staff) are looking for individuals with a mixture of the following:  sensitivity, fairness, ethics, honesty, integrity, dependability, etc.

As for English ability interviews, I focus less on the answer, but I am human so if they give a impressive response they are likely to get a higher mark.  What I really focus is on organization, logical flow of the response,  fluency and the length of response.  Another thing I do note is that their level of vocabulary.  The vocabulary they use can give me an idea of the exposure to English they have had.

Do You Smoke?

Not sure if this would fall under a violation of rights in some countries, but in South Korea smoking may be a detriment to landing a job.

From the Korea Joongahn Daily:

Samsung thinking of tobacco tests for applicants

삼성전자, 흡연자 임원 승진 안된다

Apr 24,2012

Smoking bans in Korea are spreading from bars and restaurants to Seoul’s downtown squares. If Samsung Electronics follows through with a proposed plan to test entry-level job applicants, it may have just unofficially extended to the country’s largest employer.

The electronics giant is said to be considering adding extra marks to nonsmoking applicants for entry-level positions. It would be the first time a local firm offers preferential treatment to nonsmoking job applicants.

“The measure is meant to promote a nonsmoking culture at the workplace to a level in other developed economies,” a Samsung spokesman was quoted as saying by an economic daily on Sunday. “Good health conditions of employees is the top competitive edge of the firm.”

Beginning with official recruitment in the latter half of the year at the earliest, the tech bellwether said it may filter out smokers by having their urine and hair tested. Depending on the response from job seekers and society, other affiliates of Samsung may follow suit, the paper reported.

The news comes less than 10 days after Samsung sent an e-mail to workers at its device-solution division to notify employees that smokers will be discriminated against when it comes to promotions as executives and selections for overseas resident employees and regional experts.

The company has gathered a written pledge from some 35,000 workers in the division to quit smoking and will test its executives who were previously smokers on a monthly basis. Last year, its Suwon operation, where its handsets and TVs are made, was designated as a “mandatory smoke-free zone.”

Samsung is not the only firm in Korea that is paying attention to smoking-related policies.

Posco in 2009 launched a campaign to have its entire staff quit smoking, and the portion of smokers in the workforce has dropped to nearly zero from 30 percent.
Kumho-Asiana, which owns Asiana Airlines, forces candidates to specify in job applications whether or not they smoke, but says smoking is not a decisive factor. When they pass the recruiting process, respective subsidiaries accept a written pledge to give up smoking.

In a move to encourage workers to quit smoking, E-Land, an apparel mogul, gives 200,000 won ($175.4) in cash to reward workers who have proven they have been smoke-free for three months. Those who succeed in staying away from cigarettes for six months are given 500,000 won.

[Korea Joongahn Daily]

By Seo Ji-eun [spring@joongang.co.kr]

25 Most Difficult Job Interview Questions

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.
You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.
Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."
Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals?
Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.
Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction").
A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.
As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when You hire people?

Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?

Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"
If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.
If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.
If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.
If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)
Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.
But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..."

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.
Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.

This article was published by Forbes Magazine

Ask Questions At Your Job Interview

As an interviewer, I do look forward to questions that candidates asks me.  Sometimes they ask during the interview, but regardless I give them an opportunity to ask at the end of the interview.  While I don't mind what they usually ask me, there are "good" questions that the interviewee can ask.  Click here to read about some possible questions you can ask at your interview.

Be Knowledgable About The Company

One of the important things to know before going in for your job interview is KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COMPANY YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR.

As an interviewer for several companies, one of the questions I ask is related to the company they are seeking to work at. 

Here are some of the types of questions I may ask:

• History about the company
• Milestones or major accomplishments of the company
• Products and/or services the company offers
• Partner companies and other company relationships

In addition, I may ask industry specific questions relating to the company.   For example if the company is an automobile company, I may ask a question about the future of alternative fuels.

What we are looking for is a candidate who has a general understanding about the company and its industry.  A candidate that has no knowledge (or even very little knowledge) in this area would be not be perceived as an ideal choice for the company.

6 Seconds

How do you make your resume stand out?  According to job recruitment website The Ladders, which conducted a formal survey of job recruiters, the six most important aspects of your resume are:

your name

current title/company

previous title/company

current position start and end dates

previous position start and end dates

education

And on average, the recruiters took just six seconds reviewing those aspects.