To assist you in your job search, please review the information below:
· Want to land that interview? Customize your resume.
· Phone screen interview tips
· 10 Biggest job interview blunders
· Additional information to prepare for that interview.
· Help getting those interviews.
· Interviewing tips
· Questions you can ask the interviewer
· Most frequently asked questions by the interviewer.
Want to land that interview? Customize your resume!
So you've put together the perfect resume. Now you're ready to send it out to a million employers simultaneously, right?
Wrong! Especially in today's tight job market.
Unless your talents are extremely rare, potential employers won't be impressed with a cookie-cutter, generic version of your credentials. A general resume may be appropriate to post online for headhunters and other generic locations, but each time you apply for a specific position, you'll want to customize your resume to highlight why you're the best person for that particular job.
No matter what your circumstances, customizing a resume is key to being noticed. Here are some writing tips to take your resume from practical to perfect fit:
Most jobs encompass several responsibilities. Read the job description carefully to collect specifics on the job-find out which skills are emphasized most for that position. Use this information to point your resume in the right direction.
Restate the exact job title you are applying for on the "Objective" line of your resume. This is vital if you are applying at a large company that fills several positions a week-employers should see which job you want at a glance.
Use wording from the job description of the "ideal candidate" throughout your resume. This is particularly important if you are competing with several applicants. If a human resources assistant must pick the top 10% from 250 submitted resumes, that assistant will scan for relevant keywords instead of reading resumes word for word.
Ask trusted friends and colleagues to review your finished resume; ask for detailed feedback.
Those who review resumes will notice instantly if you have customized your resume to fit their specific needs. Customized resumes are more relevant to the job, more attractive to management and generally get more attention than generic resumes. A customized resume will bring more interviews vs. generic!
So make reviewing your resume easy on the Human Resources department; make it perfectly clear in your resume that you know exactly what the employer wants and that you've got it.
Phone Screen Interview Tips
The point of this meeting is to get to know each other and to see if there is a fit between the candidate, the position and the employer and visa versa. It’s to see if there is harmony and to decide if a face to face is the next step.
This is NOT a discussion where you discuss salary and benefits. That is our job to see you get the best deal. DO NOT DISCUSS SALARY (PAST AND PRESENT) AND DO NOT DISCUSS BENEFITS. If the manager asks you about your salary, tell him you understand from the agency that your salary fits within their requirements.
Prepping Phase
Don’t call the interviewer by his/her first name unless they tell you after you address him/her by their formal name
Stand up when you make the call (reduces tension, motion is comfort).
No Distractions.
Be “UP” – without the visual aspect, you have to sell enthusiasm and energy.
Keep the phone away from your mouth – don’t mumble.
Take your time – don’t talk too quickly.
Make notes – but no scripts.
Have the job description and your resume in front of you
Info Gathering Phase
Participate – don’t be passive. 80% of the time, candidate should ask questions.
Sample questions:
How can I make an immediate impact?
What will I be doing during a typical day?
What are you looking for in a candidate?
What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing?
Give a highlight film – the hiring authority already has your resume – don’t read it to him/her.
Link their short-term goals to your own achievements.
The Persuasion Phase
Avoid $$, security, comfort and convenience issues. A phone interview is about how you can help them. The time will come for your personal concerns and that time is the face to face meeting. Don’t duck the skeletons in your closet. Say what happened without badmouthing. NEVER SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT ANYTHING. When asked why did you leave so and so? “I left to expand my career and to learn new skills to broaden my horizon” Always leave a positive spin on a bad situation.
Put in your own words: Based on my skills, background and our discussion, do you feel I have the qualifications you’re looking for?
10 Biggest Job Interview Blunders
In this lousy market, don't be your own worst enemy. Here are the most common mistakes candidates are making -- and how to fix them.
Here are the most common errors career coaches at OI Partners see -- and how to fix them:
10. Over-explaining why you lost your last job. It's okay to mention that your last position was eliminated, but then move on to what you can do for this employer.
9. Conveying that you're not over it. "During interviews, some people are acting wounded, angry or sad," Schoonover says. These are normal emotions after a layoff but they don't belong in a job interview -- or you may "seem unstable and communicate that you don't grasp the business reasons for layoffs," he adds.
What's the worst blunder you've made in a job interview? Leave your comments at the bottom of this story.
8. Lacking humor, warmth, or personality. Many anxious job candidates are "one-dimensional during interviews, and are too focused on getting their talking points across," notes Schoonover. "Don't forget to show qualities that can be a real plus in the decision-making process, including humor in good taste, warmth, and understanding." One thing interviewers want to know, of course, is how pleasant you would be to have around the place every day.
7. Not showing enough interest or enthusiasm. After all, "companies are looking for people who are excited about working with them," Schoonover says.
6. Inadequate research about a potential employer. It's essential to be up on the latest news, so be sure to Google the company before the interview. Be prepared with well-informed, thoughtful questions about its products or services and its future plans. Many applicants aren't bothering, Schoonover says, and it shows.
5. Concentrating too much on what you want. Focus more on what the interviewer is saying. Listening carefully is crucial in steering the conversation toward how you would fit in and what you have to offer.
4. Trying to be all things to all people. "Devote most of your effort to talking about what you know you do well, and don't try to stretch your actual qualifications too far," Schoonover advises. A good rule of thumb: Don't apply for any job unless you have at least 75% of the stated qualifications.
3. "Winging" the interview. Schoonover hears from many hiring managers that candidates often aren't ready to answer difficult questions. So rehearse. "Prepare and practice a 90-second verbal resume, and some answers to possible questions, so that you come across as succinct," he suggests.
2. Failing to set yourself apart from other candidates. "You have to make the strongest possible case for why you are the best person for the job," Schoonover says. "Specifically address what impact you can have on sales, profits, costs, or productivity within the next three to six months. Use quantifiable achievements from past positions to back up your performance promise."
And the No. 1 mistake OI Partners' coaches see job hunters make:
1. Failing to ask for the job. "You have a much better chance of getting the job if you ask for it," says Schoonover. "Close the interview by summing up what you can bring to the job, and ask for the opportunity to deliver those results."
Additional Information to Prepare for an Interview
Addition questions to ask a hiring manager:
How would you describe your best employee?
What are the biggest challenges your group has to face in the near future and long term?
How long have you been with the company? If more than 3 years, follow up with what is it about the company that keeps you motivated to come to work every day? If less than 3 years, what was the compelling reason that got you to join the company?
If asked if you possess experience in an area that you might not have, instead of replying back with I don’t have that experience, counter the question with well when I went to work for ________ company, I didn’t have experience in __________ and I licked that up quickly after I joined them shows your ability to learn new things )
Salary Discussion: If asked what will it take for you to join organization DO NIT give a dollar amount. Reply with I am looking at the whole picture, base salary, bonus, benefits, stability in the company, advancement opportunities and the right company culture/environment. If they press for a dollar figure, ask give you give me an idea of the salary range for this position? If they still press for a dollar figure, reply back again with, I’m sure if your company were to put an offer on the table, it would be a fair package and I will consider any fair package.
Wrap up question: Mr. Jones I want say I am very interested in this opportunity and want to thank you for your time today. I did want to ask you, “Based on my experience as shown on my resume and our conversation today, do you feel I have the qualifications you are looking for?” By asking this and you can put it in your own words, you’re giving the manager a chance to revisit his notes to see if he covered all the areas he wanted to cover in the interview. He may reply with yes it seems that way, let me meet with the rest of the interview team and see what their feedback is or he’ll say well actually I did want to ask if you have ever done ____________. Very rarely will the reply be “no”.
Help Getting Those Interviews
If you are like most people you have for dozens of jobs and heard nothing back. This is generally referred to as the "Resume Black Hole". But don't lose hope, there is a solution
The root of the "Resume Black Hole" problem is a piece of technology called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). More and more companies are using such a system or a variation of it today. The ATS was designed to streamline the flow of applicants for companies. This is accomplished by having a central place where all applications and resumes are warehoused. This process is either done manually (smaller companies) or electronically (larger companies).
Further compounding the "Black Hole Issue" is the ATS's inaccuracy. ATS's are only 65% to 80% accurate in reading the information in your resume.
Consider these ATS Statistics:
1/5 to 1/3 of All Resumes are Imported Improperly into the ATS
The ATS Screens and Ranks your Resume Only Against Open Positions
If you are Missing Keywords or have a Low "Skill to Keyword Ratio" you Will Not be Considered
Now, suppose you make the cut. Resumes that pass the ATS screen are generally sent to a gatekeeper who spends about 30 seconds reading the resume before they decide to move it along to the Recruiter or Hiring Manager or pass it along to the trash can. About 1 in 10 resumes are passed along to the decision maker who decides if you will be interviewed, congrats.
There is a better way!
Load up on Keywords: ATS's rank on keyword density. Keywords should match closely to the required skills that appear in the job posting. The better you score against a jobs skill requirements the higher your resume will rank.
Instantly Create Targeted Resumes: You can and should instantly create resumes targeted to specific jobs. Each resume must be customized to match each and every position you are applying for.
Here are a few more tips:
Job Fit: Make sure the job fits. Especially in today's tough job environment, it is even more important to make sure that you have the skills and background required for the job.
Join other networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter: Each offer tools to interact with recruiters and hiring managers. These are great ways to start open dialogs and ask for a recruiters assistance in routing your resume.
Interviewing Tips
Be On Time. We recommend arriving at least ten to fifteen minutes before the scheduled interview time.
Be Prepared. Know the interviewer's name and how to pronounce it (including proper title: Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.). Know the company’s major products or services, the organization of the company, and its major competitors.
Bring a Spare Copy of Your Resume in a Briefcase or Folder. This demonstrates that you are prepared. It also gives the interviewer something to take notes on.
Expect to Spend Some Time Developing Rapport. Personal chemistry is a main ingredient in the hiring process. Try to relax and become comfortable with the interviewer.
Watch Your Non-Verbal Communication. Maintain an open body posture and appropriate eye contact. Seat yourself at a reasonable distance from the other person.
Don't Be Embarrassed by Nervousness. Interviewers are human, and they often become nervous too. In fact,, nervousness is a good sign - it shows that you are taking the interview seriously. Avoid nervous mannerisms such as tapping your fingers, feet, playing with pens, etc.
Don't Play Comedian or Try to Entertain the Interviewer. It is important to be personable, but do not overdo it.
Don't Try to Give The "Answer He or She Wants". Most employers know a "set answer" when they hear one.
Avoid Debate. Arguing with an employer will shorten the interview and lessen your chances of employment.
You might be tempted to embellish your achievements in the interview, but it will come back to haunt you on the job!
Follow the Interviewer's Lead. Don't try to take over the interview. Stick to the main subject at hand but do not dwell too long on one point. It is better to deal with many questions rather than just one or two in-depth questions, unless that's where the interview leads.
Be Prepared For Personal Questions, Even Some Inappropriate Ones. Anticipate how you will handle personal questions without blowing your cool. It is okay to ask for clarification.
Emphasize the Positive. Be frank and honest, but never apologize for lack of experience or weaknesses. Be self-confident but not overconfident or cocky.
Pay Attention to the Timing of Answers. Use silence and intentional pause to your advantage. Time is occasionally needed to think and to reflect.
Emphasize What You Can Do For The Organization. This means emphasizing your transferable skills. Employers are concerned most with what you can do for them. Focus on your ability to learn, communication skills, interpersonal abilities, analytical thinking talents, and other skills developed NEVER Slight a Former Employer, Colleague, Teacher, or Institution. If there were problems with previous experiences, try to put your answers in the positive rather than the negative. If you slight a former employer, the interviewer may assume that you will someday do the same to him or her.
Try to Be as Specific as Possible. Never say "I'll do anything!" Take charge of your own life or someone else will take charge of it for you.
Watch Your Grammar. Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to slow down to correct yourself- do it!
Prepare to Ask Questions. When asked for comments or questions, have some ready, this shows that you are prepared and interested.
Do Not Bring a Pile of Exhibits or Samples Unless Asked.
Don't Expect an Offer on the Spot. Offers usually follow the interview, sometimes two or three weeks later. If , by a fluke, you would be offered the position on the spot, it is appropriate for you to ask for one or two days thinking time before responding.
Be Careful With the Closing. Do not linger; end quickly and courteously.
Be Yourself! You do not want to get hired on the basis of something you are not. You want to be hired for who you are: YOU!
Questions you can ask the interviewer:
What are three major personal strengths needed for succeeding at this job?
What are the three biggest challenges in this position?
What role do you see the person in this job playing, in terms of setting and/or reaching departmental and company goals?
How do you plan to measure or evaluate my work and accomplishments and ultimately determine if the hire proved to be a good match?
Ask about the information you researched,
Describe my job duties.
Is this a newly created position?
What are the companies short and long term goals?
What do you like most about working for this company?
What is a typical day like for you?
To whom would I report?
Whom will I supervise?
Tell me about the training program I will experience.
With whom will I be working most closely?
When can I expect to hear from you?
Being prepared with some solid, well-planned questions not only helps you "look smart" and interested in the company, but also will help you in determining if that company and position is the right match for you.
Most Frequently Asked Questions by The Interviewer
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Tell me about yourself.
What are your team-player qualifies? Give examples.
How have your educational and work experiences prepared you for this position?
What work experiences have been most valuable to you and why?
What have the experiences on your resume taught you about managing and working with people?
Of the hobbies and interests listed on your resume what is your favorite and tell me why?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What goals have you set for yourself? How are you planning to achieve them?
To what do you owe your present success?
Why should I hire you?
What makes you think you can handle this position?
What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
Why do you want to work here?
Describe a leadership role of yours and tell why you committed your time to it.
In a particular leadership role you had, what was your greatest challenge?
Give me an example of an idea that has come to you and what you did with it.?
Give me an example of a problem you solved and the process you used?
Give me an example of the most creative project that you have worked on,
Tell me about a project you initiated?
Describe the project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities?
Are you a leader?
Give me a situation in which you failed, and how you handled it?
Why are you interested in our organization?
What type of position are you seeking?
What interests you about this job?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
What can you contribute to this company?
If I asked the people who know you well to describe you, what three words would they use?
When you take on a project do you like to attack the project in a group of individually?
Tell me about a team project of which you are particularly proud and your contribution?
Describe a situation where you had to work with someone who was difficult, how did you handle it.?
What type of work environment appeals to you most?
What characteristics do you think are important for this position?
Why do you feel that this company will be a career for you rather than a job?
Name two management skills that you think you have?
What characteristics are most important in a good manager? How have you displayed one of them?