I can think of only a few rituals that encase my body with adrenaline and sweat: splitting wood, court with the sunglasses wearing cop, having that dream where I'm still in high school and I've forgotten to wear pants again, and interviewing for a job.
A job interview is the perfect storm of anxiety for most job seekers. You're put through a battery of questions. You're expected to exude all of your good qualities without revealing your bad ones. You also need to get a feel for the company. Oh, and try to keep your nerves to a minimum -- a jittery candidate could suggest someone hiding something or not qualified for the job.
Basically, interviews are like first dates with a bigger impact for your W-2s. And those of you I have coached have told you this numerous times.
Few job seekers walk into an interview without a considerable amount of anxiety in their bellies. While you can't get rid of it all, you can learn how to control it so that you can give your best interview and get the job.
Start with homework
Your work begins once you have an interview scheduled. Hopefully you researched the company before applying for the job so you have some understanding of what the company does and stands for. But you still want more, and now is the time to dig deeper for relevant information.
It is importatnt to know the mission or vision statement of the organization. Read the annual report, especially the CEO or president's message. The more familiar you are with the organization, the more comfortable you will feel, especially at the end of the interview when the dreaded 'Do you have any questions for us?' question comes up. You can then pop off a question that the CEO/CFO posed during a recent press release and look like a superstar for your understanding of the companies position.
Anticipating that question and others is vital to your preparation. If you haven't thought about what the interviewer will ask you, you're liable to panic once you hear the question come out of his or her mouth. You'll be so concerned with how you'll answer that you might not even hear the entire question. A little planning can make the process easier, according to Helen Cooke, managing director for Cooke Consulting.
Have some great accomplishments prepared ahead of time. If you've practiced -- without overdoing it -- so that you have some direct and compelling stories ... you will walk in juiced up. Choose specific examples to include in your stories so that you can point to cases where you improved a situation or brought in revenue for your employer. Not only are quantifiable achievements easier for employers to appreciate, but they're also good talking points to have in your mind to keep you from panicking.
You can prepare all you want, but when the interview is only hours away, another set of nerves kicks in, kind of like butterflies on steroids. The best regimen is the night before the interview, get your interview clothes ready and putting all your important documents near the door so that you can just grab them and go. This will eliminate as many potential delays as possible and help ease your anxiety.Plan to rise even a little earlier than usual to prevent a nervous and rushed leaving the house and trip to the interview.
Although you might think staying cool depends on your preparation for questions and body language during the interview itself -- and it does -- the fewer distractions you have getting to the interview will put you in the right mood. If you're stuck in traffic, not sure where you're going and wearing a wrinkled shirt, your confidence level is going to be pretty low when you arrive.
During the interview
The most important part of staying calm during the interview comes with preparation. Of course you have to answer plenty of questions and worry about body language -- that never goes away. But if you've practiced your answers, thought about your posture and eye contact, and done your research on the company, the hard part's over. Now you're just answering questions that you've prepared for. The best way to prepare for this part is vidoe taping your self and a friend practicing with prepared interview questions and reviewing it afterwards.
Realize that a little nervousness is expected and that you only need to be calm enough to look competent and confident of your abilities.If you find yourself feeling overly anxious, stop to think a question over and take a few deep breaths. After all, the interviewer knows you're anxious and a hint of nerves shows that you care about the job.
For more relevant tips and ideas how to succesfully land that ideal dream job, check out what my colleagues Kevin Donlin and David Perry have put together in their new Guerilla Job Search DVD www.careerspro.com/program.htm You will find the above techniques and many more!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Remember Your Manners
Seems fairly redundant, after all you were most likely raised to say "Please" and "Thank You". But you would be astounded by how many candidates I have to coach to remember something as simple as a Thank You note after an interview.
In a competitive job market, just one wrong move during the application process can take you out of contention for the position you seek. Not sending a thank-you note after an employment interview is one of those wrong moves. In fact, no thank-you note may translate into "no, thank you" from an employer that was considering hiring you. A thank-you note is a chance for you to make a lasting, positive impression on a hiring manager who may have interviewed dozens of candidates.
Here are some tips for writing a winning thank-you note:
Keep it formal. After an interview, some job seekers use their cell phones or PDAs to send off a quick thank-you note to the hiring manager -- in "text speak." But hiring managers won't be impressed by "thx 4 ur time." Just as you wouldn't wear shorts and flip-flops to an interview, avoid such informal language, which could come off as unprofessional. Also, saying thanks so quickly after the interview makes it seem like you haven't given the meeting proper thought -- that you're sending the note as routine, not because you truly appreciate the opportunity. A better tactic is to send an e-mail message to thank the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Then, follow up with a letter sent through the regular mail.
Be specific. In your note, bring up points from the conversation you had with the hiring manager. For example, if a prospective employer stressed that the open position calls for knowledge of a particular software program, use the thank-you letter as an opportunity to remind the person that you've worked with the application on a range of projects.
Repeat yourself. While a lot of what you include in your thank-you note may seem repetitive, remember that a hiring manager who has interviewed a dozen candidates may not remember all the specifics about your skills and experience. Just like an advertising campaign for a consumer product, a certain amount of repetition is necessary to distinguish yourself from the competition.
Make it personal. If you discovered the hiring manager shares your passion for travel or mystery books, referring to this commonality could make your letter even more effective. Personalizing the note will remind him or her who you are and that you paid close attention during the interview.
Allay concerns. A thank-note is your chance to address any concerns the hiring manger expressed, especially if you were unable to do so in the interview. Perhaps the interviewer was worried about your lack of industry experience, and during the interview you forgot to mention a temporary position you had in the sector. You can bring it up in your note, along with a few points about how that experience contributed to your knowledge or interest in the field.
Don't stop at one. If you interviewed with more than one hiring manager, send a thank-you note to each person. Address every letter to a specific individual, even if you have to do some research to uncover the spelling of someone's name or locate his or her contact information. Also make sure the content of each letter differs; hiring managers often compare notes -- literally.
Add an extra. Perhaps during the interview you mentioned an article you recently read that's relevant to the firm's business. Send it with your note, along with a brief explanation of why you thought your contact would be interested in the information. Indeed, whether it's a news article or a link to an interesting Web site, you'll make yourself more memorable by demonstrating that you've gone beyond the basics.
Finally, keep in mind that sending a well-written thank-you note at other points in your job search can be advantageous. This communication shouldn't be limited solely to the employment interview. It's also worth sending a short letter of thanks to a contact who clued you in to a job lead, a former colleague who served as a reference or a manager who accepted your request for an informational interview. On the job hunt, the little things count. Displaying good manners can help you forge stronger relationships and ensure people are happy to lend a hand when you need their help again.
The fundamentals of the job search -- reaching out to employers and making a positive impression -- haven't changed. But the tools for doing so are different today than even just a few years ago. For more relevant tips and ideas how to succesfully land that ideal dream job, check out what my colleagues Kevin Donlin and David Perry have put together in their new Guerilla Job Search DVD www.careerspro.com/program.htm You will find the above techniques and many more!
In a competitive job market, just one wrong move during the application process can take you out of contention for the position you seek. Not sending a thank-you note after an employment interview is one of those wrong moves. In fact, no thank-you note may translate into "no, thank you" from an employer that was considering hiring you. A thank-you note is a chance for you to make a lasting, positive impression on a hiring manager who may have interviewed dozens of candidates.
Here are some tips for writing a winning thank-you note:
Keep it formal. After an interview, some job seekers use their cell phones or PDAs to send off a quick thank-you note to the hiring manager -- in "text speak." But hiring managers won't be impressed by "thx 4 ur time." Just as you wouldn't wear shorts and flip-flops to an interview, avoid such informal language, which could come off as unprofessional. Also, saying thanks so quickly after the interview makes it seem like you haven't given the meeting proper thought -- that you're sending the note as routine, not because you truly appreciate the opportunity. A better tactic is to send an e-mail message to thank the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Then, follow up with a letter sent through the regular mail.
Be specific. In your note, bring up points from the conversation you had with the hiring manager. For example, if a prospective employer stressed that the open position calls for knowledge of a particular software program, use the thank-you letter as an opportunity to remind the person that you've worked with the application on a range of projects.
Repeat yourself. While a lot of what you include in your thank-you note may seem repetitive, remember that a hiring manager who has interviewed a dozen candidates may not remember all the specifics about your skills and experience. Just like an advertising campaign for a consumer product, a certain amount of repetition is necessary to distinguish yourself from the competition.
Make it personal. If you discovered the hiring manager shares your passion for travel or mystery books, referring to this commonality could make your letter even more effective. Personalizing the note will remind him or her who you are and that you paid close attention during the interview.
Allay concerns. A thank-note is your chance to address any concerns the hiring manger expressed, especially if you were unable to do so in the interview. Perhaps the interviewer was worried about your lack of industry experience, and during the interview you forgot to mention a temporary position you had in the sector. You can bring it up in your note, along with a few points about how that experience contributed to your knowledge or interest in the field.
Don't stop at one. If you interviewed with more than one hiring manager, send a thank-you note to each person. Address every letter to a specific individual, even if you have to do some research to uncover the spelling of someone's name or locate his or her contact information. Also make sure the content of each letter differs; hiring managers often compare notes -- literally.
Add an extra. Perhaps during the interview you mentioned an article you recently read that's relevant to the firm's business. Send it with your note, along with a brief explanation of why you thought your contact would be interested in the information. Indeed, whether it's a news article or a link to an interesting Web site, you'll make yourself more memorable by demonstrating that you've gone beyond the basics.
Finally, keep in mind that sending a well-written thank-you note at other points in your job search can be advantageous. This communication shouldn't be limited solely to the employment interview. It's also worth sending a short letter of thanks to a contact who clued you in to a job lead, a former colleague who served as a reference or a manager who accepted your request for an informational interview. On the job hunt, the little things count. Displaying good manners can help you forge stronger relationships and ensure people are happy to lend a hand when you need their help again.
The fundamentals of the job search -- reaching out to employers and making a positive impression -- haven't changed. But the tools for doing so are different today than even just a few years ago. For more relevant tips and ideas how to succesfully land that ideal dream job, check out what my colleagues Kevin Donlin and David Perry have put together in their new Guerilla Job Search DVD www.careerspro.com/program.htm You will find the above techniques and many more!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Out with Old School, New techniques that wont date your career search.
Monogrammed stationery.
A Rolodex filled with business cards.
The Sunday want ads.
These job search tools have all gone the way of the Olsmobile or the Pontiac. But are you still using tactics that are similarly slated for extinction?
Like all trends, those that define the job search change over time -- sometimes often, and sometimes dramatically. To give yourself the best possible chance of landing a new position, you need to use the most up-to-date approaches. And if you haven't launched a job hunt in several years, you could be behind the times.
Here are some job search tactics that are "in" and "out":
Out: Blanketing local employers with a résumé and cover letter addressed "To whom it may concern."
In: Researching prospective employers and applying to companies where your skills and interests match their needs. In a competitive job market, a generic résumé won't grab a hiring manager's attention. The best applications are highly targeted to the opportunity. That means not only researching the appropriate contact so you can address the hiring manager by name but also detailing how your skills and experience can meet the potential employer's exact needs.
Out: Stilted language in application materials (e.g., "Please find my résumé attached in response to the job posting ...").
In: More natural prose that provides a sense of your personality. Soft skills are more important than ever, and employers want to get a sense of your personality to ensure you will mesh well with existing staff members. So use your résumé and cover letter as a way to show the hiring manager who you are. But keep in mind that these documents should still remain professional -- you can get your personality across without resorting to shorthand, slang or "text speak."
Out: Using unusual résumé formats to hide employment gaps.
In: Filling potential gaps through volunteer or temporary work. Some job seekers have used functional résumés to downplay gaps in their work history. But this format -- in which the person's skills are listed at the top of the document, and the work history is truncated or omitted -- could raise red flags by making it seem like you have something to hide. Today's hiring managers realize that many talented people are out of work right now through no fault of their own, so don't think you need to hide a recent period of unemployment. Instead, demonstrate that you've remained professionally engaged while searching for a new position by taking on volunteer or temporary work.
Out: Overly detailed résumés.
In: Streamlined résumés that list relevant accomplishments. Hiring managers don't have much time to devote to your résumé, so you need to make a positive impression right away. The best way to do so is to cut out unnecessary information from your document -- for example, accomplishments from a job you held two decades ago, the clubs you belonged to in college (unless you're a recent graduate) or that your references are available upon request. Focus on the skills you have that match the employer's requirements and, in particular, bottom-line contributions you've made in previous roles.
Out: A narrow focus in your job search.
In: A broad view of how your skills might be useful in various roles. In today's job market, you may need to be creative to land a new position. Think about the skills you possess and how they could be applied in new ways or in an entirely new position or field. For example, your experience spearheading a product launch could position you for a role as a project manager.
Out: Networking occasionally.
In: Networking constantly using tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in person. The best way to find a job remains through word of mouth. And, in the recession, a lead or referral from a contact can give you the edge you need to land a new position. Online networking Web sites make it easy for you to keep in touch with members of your network, but keep in mind that face-to-face interaction is still important. Offer to treat people to coffee on occasion to catch up and talk about your search.
Out: A set reference list.
In: A customized reference list for each opportunity. Like your résumé and cover letter, your reference list should be fluid and targeted to the opportunity. When providing this information to a prospective employer, think of who can speak best about your most relevant skills for that position, not who has the most impressive job titles. For example, if you are interviewing for a management position, have the hiring manager reach out to individuals you've supervised in the past.
Out: Ending the interview by asking when they'll be contacting you.
In: Ending the interview by asking for the job on a trial basis. It never hurts to be proactive. If you think the employment interview has gone well, don't be afraid to ask if you can prove yourself on a temporary basis. You'll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and desire to hit the ground running.
The fundamentals of the job search -- reaching out to employers and making a positive impression -- haven't changed. But the tools for doing so are different today than even just a few years ago. For more relevant tips and ideas how to succesfully land that ideal dream job, check out what my colleagues Kevin Donlin and David Perry have put together in their new Guerilla Job Search DVD www.careerspro.com/program.htm You will find the above techniques and many more!
A Rolodex filled with business cards.
The Sunday want ads.
These job search tools have all gone the way of the Olsmobile or the Pontiac. But are you still using tactics that are similarly slated for extinction?
Like all trends, those that define the job search change over time -- sometimes often, and sometimes dramatically. To give yourself the best possible chance of landing a new position, you need to use the most up-to-date approaches. And if you haven't launched a job hunt in several years, you could be behind the times.
Here are some job search tactics that are "in" and "out":
Out: Blanketing local employers with a résumé and cover letter addressed "To whom it may concern."
In: Researching prospective employers and applying to companies where your skills and interests match their needs. In a competitive job market, a generic résumé won't grab a hiring manager's attention. The best applications are highly targeted to the opportunity. That means not only researching the appropriate contact so you can address the hiring manager by name but also detailing how your skills and experience can meet the potential employer's exact needs.
Out: Stilted language in application materials (e.g., "Please find my résumé attached in response to the job posting ...").
In: More natural prose that provides a sense of your personality. Soft skills are more important than ever, and employers want to get a sense of your personality to ensure you will mesh well with existing staff members. So use your résumé and cover letter as a way to show the hiring manager who you are. But keep in mind that these documents should still remain professional -- you can get your personality across without resorting to shorthand, slang or "text speak."
Out: Using unusual résumé formats to hide employment gaps.
In: Filling potential gaps through volunteer or temporary work. Some job seekers have used functional résumés to downplay gaps in their work history. But this format -- in which the person's skills are listed at the top of the document, and the work history is truncated or omitted -- could raise red flags by making it seem like you have something to hide. Today's hiring managers realize that many talented people are out of work right now through no fault of their own, so don't think you need to hide a recent period of unemployment. Instead, demonstrate that you've remained professionally engaged while searching for a new position by taking on volunteer or temporary work.
Out: Overly detailed résumés.
In: Streamlined résumés that list relevant accomplishments. Hiring managers don't have much time to devote to your résumé, so you need to make a positive impression right away. The best way to do so is to cut out unnecessary information from your document -- for example, accomplishments from a job you held two decades ago, the clubs you belonged to in college (unless you're a recent graduate) or that your references are available upon request. Focus on the skills you have that match the employer's requirements and, in particular, bottom-line contributions you've made in previous roles.
Out: A narrow focus in your job search.
In: A broad view of how your skills might be useful in various roles. In today's job market, you may need to be creative to land a new position. Think about the skills you possess and how they could be applied in new ways or in an entirely new position or field. For example, your experience spearheading a product launch could position you for a role as a project manager.
Out: Networking occasionally.
In: Networking constantly using tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in person. The best way to find a job remains through word of mouth. And, in the recession, a lead or referral from a contact can give you the edge you need to land a new position. Online networking Web sites make it easy for you to keep in touch with members of your network, but keep in mind that face-to-face interaction is still important. Offer to treat people to coffee on occasion to catch up and talk about your search.
Out: A set reference list.
In: A customized reference list for each opportunity. Like your résumé and cover letter, your reference list should be fluid and targeted to the opportunity. When providing this information to a prospective employer, think of who can speak best about your most relevant skills for that position, not who has the most impressive job titles. For example, if you are interviewing for a management position, have the hiring manager reach out to individuals you've supervised in the past.
Out: Ending the interview by asking when they'll be contacting you.
In: Ending the interview by asking for the job on a trial basis. It never hurts to be proactive. If you think the employment interview has gone well, don't be afraid to ask if you can prove yourself on a temporary basis. You'll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and desire to hit the ground running.
The fundamentals of the job search -- reaching out to employers and making a positive impression -- haven't changed. But the tools for doing so are different today than even just a few years ago. For more relevant tips and ideas how to succesfully land that ideal dream job, check out what my colleagues Kevin Donlin and David Perry have put together in their new Guerilla Job Search DVD www.careerspro.com/program.htm You will find the above techniques and many more!
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