Info 4 You » Interviewing

Interview Tips: New Careers

Bob — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:00:20 +0000

When you are getting ready to switch to a new career, you will probably have to handle difficult questions that may come up in your interviews. Many interviewers will ask about your previous work experience, what your past career was, and why you have decided to turn your attentions to your newly chosen field. While these questions may seem difficult, it is fairly easy to make these inquiries work for you.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to tell your interviewer the truth: “I have been pursuing a degree in this field and have finally achieved it” is a perfectly acceptable answer for someone who worked while taking college classes. But avoid going into personal details like, “My ex-husband works at my old job and I had to get away from him.” Instead say, “I have been looking for an opportunity to pursue this field and changes in my family life now allow me to seek employment in this field.”

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Interview Tips: New Graduates

Bob — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:00:02 +0000

Congratulations! You have finished your college degree and are ready to pursue your chosen career. Now all you have to do is get a job interview in your field and get hired, right? Well, that may sound easy, but it may be harder than you think.

You need to know what to focus on in the interview to draw the interviewer away from your lack of experience in the field. Most college grads have little if any experience in their field; they have the degree, but no actual work experience. Focus on your organizational skills and your ability to finish several things at once (i.e. college exams); focus on any leadership and teamwork skills you may have learned in extra-curricular activities (i.e. fraternal organizations or athletics). Finally, discuss your desire to find a job where you can learn and grow with the company; this will ensure that the interviewer knows you plan to stay with the company after they have trained you.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Interview Tips: “Do you have any questions?”

Bob — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:46 +0000

At the end of most interviews, the interviewer will often ask the interviewee if he or she has any questions to ask about the position or about the company. Many people become afraid to ask a question, fearing that they will either not like the answer or that the interviewer will not like the question.

The thing to remember is that most interviewers like it when interviewees ask questions. This shows them that the interviewee was listening and is genuinely interested in the position. Feel free to ask the hard questions about health insurance benefits like when they begin for a new-hire; ask about the salary; ask about vacation time and sick leave. All of these things should be considered as part of the job package you are being offered. Also, ask about the company and its history. This will prove to the interviewer that you are interested in the company and not just the job.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Interview Tips: Confidence

Bob — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:00:51 +0000

Everyone knows that confidence is the key to successful interviews, but that is can easily leave you when you need it. This is because job interviews are notoriously self-effacing. When you walk into a room full of people who are wondering whether or not you can do a job, you start to second guess your abilities, and that shows in your body language and your facial expressions.

The keys to appearing confident when you really don’t feel confident are posture and eye contact. Stand up straight; walk confidently as if you were walking into a room full of your friends. Remember that these people are only looking for the right candidate and are not trying to be harsh; they are just doing their jobs. Now, shake hands with everyone and make eye contact when you do so. When you are asked a question, look the person in the eye when you answer. Finally, smile; friendliness goes a long way in any job.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Interview Tips: The Self-Employed

Bob — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:00:23 +0000

Those who are self-employed sometimes want to jump back into the job market and find something that will offer benefits and health insurance. This is a great step for some people, but it can also be disconcerting at first. In your interviews, make sure to focus not on your lack of traditional work experience, but rather your self-motivation skills and your ability to solve problems on your own.

With self-employment comes good business sense. Since you need to be able to handle your own invoicing and taxes, you can mention these as skills in an interview. Many bosses look for people who are self-starters and those who do not need a superior looming over them to motivate them to get their work done. People with self-employment experience are masters of self-motivation: if they aren’t motivated, they don’t get paid. Another thing to focus on is organizational skills: your ability to organize your own business will quickly make you an asset to any company.

Related Blogs

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Interview Tips: Stay-at-home Moms

Bob — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:19 +0000

When a former stay-at-home mom is looking to re-enter the workforce, she can be threatened by the work histories of the competition, as well as inhibited by her own inexperience in typical jobs. One of the best things for any interviewee to remember, regardless of their job experience, is confidence. For former stay-at-home moms, this is doubly so; she should never feel as though she has not had a job during the time that she was a housewife and mother. She should remember that she learned many skills that can translate to the job market.

Highlight your abilities as a problem-solver and a peace-maker. Focus on your organizational skills and your ability to handle the intense schedules of two or three (or more) children. And do not leave out your calm and quick-thinking in times of crisis. All of these things are important in any office or in any job you may want to have.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Interview Tips: Veterans

Bob — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:00:19 +0000

One thing that many veterans worry about when they go into interviews after their term of service is over is their possible lack of formal education or their lack of a “typical” work history. And while this can be an issue for the veteran who wants to get into a specific job market like engineering or medicine, the average job can be obtained easily by a veteran regardless of his or her educational status.

During the interview, veterans would do well to highlight their military service and the skills they learned there that will parlay into the work force. For example, the average veteran has an uncanny ability to follow a task through to completion even under the most intense stress. Also, veterans can easily identify priorities and can accomplish their priorities despite obstacles. And two of the most important skills the veteran has over the average person are leadership and teamwork skills. Emphasizing these things will benefit any veteran in any job interview.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.