Employment Corner
The rules have changed in how employers select qualified employees. The question is if you are in between jobs, or you are looking to start a new career, or you are just looking for better opportunities, how prepared are you to face these changes? This page will provide some valuable information as you move forward in an aggressive workforce where employers are using different tactics in their hiring process.
Seven Tips to Conducting a Good Interview
It is very easy to wreck an interview before the interview comes to an official end. Using these tips will lead you to a much better outcome, with a positive chance at landidng the position you're hiring for.
1. I am very familiar with the job:
Going into an interview armed with factual knowledge of a company or organization shows how strong your interest is in working with them. It shows initiative, and that you've done
your homework. Let the interviewer know that you're familiar with the newest company acquisition or the latest product that was just developed. Explain how your skills and experience
are a perfect fit for the employer. Remeber to use the internet as a resourceful tool. Visit their web site and learn as much information as you can going into the interview.
2. I am flexible:
As you know all work environments are always changing for one reason or another. Many employers will look for candidates that can easily adapt to change without complaints. These are candidates who have the ability to multi-task and work with little no supervision. Making an indication that you are flexible and have the ability to adapt is an alert to employers that you are the candidate who is willing to whatever is necessary to complete tasks, meet deadlines, work on various projects -- doing what it needed and whatever necessary to get the job done. To some degree it may mean working additional hours. You may be asked to come in earlier than usual, work later in the evening, or even come in on weekends. An employers who sees your potentials being ready to handle whatever that may arise, you are likely to get the job.
3. I am energetic and have a positive attitude:
Having a "can-do" attitude with an upbeat personality is an employers dream. It shows you are optimistic and are willing to lend a helping hand wherever you may be needed. Keep in mind that attitudes are like a virus that impact the morale of the company's staff. Stay away from speaking negatively of your last employer or staff members you previously worked with. This can affect your chances of getting the job or getting called for a second interview. Keep a positive attitude in an interview and remain optimistic. Remember, what you say negative about your last employer is an indication to the employer you are interviewing with that you will do the same about them.
4. I have a great deal of experience:
This is an opportunity for you to spotlight your experience. Pointing out specific areas of your previous job descriptions and how they closely relate to the duties of the job you are interviewing for. Talk about how you improved that particular function, how it helped your previous employer. This would be a good time to discuss what your motivations were and how you were instrumental in helping other employees.
5. I am a team player:
You would be surprised at how this statementment, "I am a team player," is loosely used, overstated, and poorly portrayed. Candidates who make this statement need to know the ramifications in doing so. If you have proven abilities in being a real team player it will show by how cooperative you are, how well you get along and work with other employees. By stating that you are a team player signals to the employer that you are can shine in various situations. Today's job market puts a lot of emphasis on how well candidates can work together.
6. I am seeking to become an expert in my field:
Heightening your job skills is ideal for employers. They like to see candidates wanting to expand in their qualifications. It only makes them to be the best employees. Stating that you are aiming to become an expert causes employers to view you as an asset and not a liability. You are a resource that other employees can learn from.
This is also a subtle way of illustrating that you have an attitude of excellence. You are aiming to be the best at what you do! This will let employers know that you are not just a fly-by-night employee, but in it for the long run.
7. I am highly motivated:
"A motivated employee is a productive employee." Remember this fact! In your interview talk about how your high level of motivation has led you to accomplish many things. If you are a meticulous worker, discuss your organizational skills and attention to detail. Companies are always looking for dependable employees that they can count upon.
Things That Can Wreck a Good Resume
The internet is always a good source for finding tons of information on how to compose a good resume. One of the things we tend fall victim to are templates. And believe me, as creator of this page, and the guide book, "The Workforce: Preparation Into an Undefined World," I've learned a thing or two about creating dynamic resumes; what employers are looking for, what they won't waste their time reading, and the resumes they don't even bother looking at.
You want to find your resume in a waste paper basket, using cliches and slang and language that went out with the 80's is one good way to send a message saying, "I really don't want this job." And if you fll victim to using templates you can find yourself stuck in a box you will not be able to get out of. Suite 101 says, "Just because there is a template for something doesn't mean that it is a good template, or that the result will be pleasing to the person you intended it for. While resume templates can help you to organize your thoughts and break down your resume into tasty eye catching pieces, using them without thought can wreck your resume and cause disaster."
Avoid Templates if You Can
What we don't realize is that a resume identifies one person's skills, qualifications, educational and employment background. It gives human knowledge and a brief history into the types of companies and organizations that individual has worked for, credentials acquired, and the overall success. Acquired personal references will seal the deal on finding out the type of person he/she is. First meetings in interviews provides for the first impression which will determine if that individual would be a good fit in the company he/she is applying for a job. Relying on a template to set the stage, make the mark and deliver the performance is a very bad idea. It doesn't leave room for establishing character and orginality, or allowing you to be creative in displaying your employment history.
And keep in mind employers interviewing for jobs really don't want to read more than two pages of a resume unless you're in the medical profession then you'll provide a curriculum vitae. Suite 101 goes on to say, "A resume must be designed for the person that is meant to enjoy it. Cooking for your 5 year old child and preparing a meal meant to impress on a first date are two entirely different things. You must know your audience before you choose a recipe and format. Choose a template ill fitted for your purpose and you might as well be serving tater tots and corn dogs while claiming to be an executive chef. One size does not fit all."
Keep this tid bit information in mind and you will very well right that perfect resume.
Read more about "Don't Let a Template Ruin Your Resume!" at Suite101:
Don't Let a Template Ruin Your Resume! http://www.suite101.com/content/resume-templates--the-good-bad-and-indifferent-a293531#ixzz1321e3Iz3
Page modified September 21, 2010