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How to Write an Interview Thank You Letter

Rosa E. Vargas | CAREEREALISM — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:21:00 -0700

Have you ever felt frustrated after an interview?

Sure you have! I know you’ve mentally gone over your interview answers and…you remember what you DID NOT say and you realize you missed an opportunity to REINFORCE your candidacy. Well, this is why you write a strategic Thank You letter, which will position you back in the “game.”

Of course, it all depends on how badly you’ve screwed things up. Sometimes, there is no backpedaling, but let’s assume for a moment you can recoup or cement your candidacy–what then do you say in your Thank You letter besides thank you?

The problem with most Thank You letters is they are usually prepared as just a nice gesture. Saying thank you is a very nice thing to do; it does go a long way but if written as an ordinary thank you, it is not strategic enough to add another dimension to your candidacy…it leverages not an additional qualifier…and doesn’t elevate your interview performance. In other words, use your Thank You opportunity as a last marketing tool in order to gain a competitive distinction.

Here are a few things you can do to take advantage of the follow up (thank you) opportunity. Remember that now you have “insider” information you did not prior to the interview—don’t waste it.

When Your Interviewer Shared a Concern: If during the interview process you were told the perfect candidate must meet XYZ and you discussed your lack in one of these areas—you need to talk about this again! Concisely bring it up, reiterate why this would not be a problem, and, in fact, promote how despite this “weakness” you are the PERFECT candidate.

When You Did Not Say What You Should Have Said: At times, we reflect and in retrospect recognize where we failed. Well, this is your opportunity. Bring up the topic and say you would like to elaborate, you would like to expand; you had time to think about this and want to convey the following.

When You Think You Sensed Apprehension: This is a bit risky because you could be wrong. Yet, what is life if not risky? If you are very good at ascertaining needs and you KNOW you identified a problem, “smooth” it out! Please do not say you think the interviewer did not understand…You NEVER want to convey you assume to know what others think but you can discuss what YOU failed to communicate. You can state you would like to clarify a point you wish you had emphasized.

When You Really Just Want to Say Thank You: There are times when you were FANTASTIC during an interview and you sincerely just want to say, “Thanks!” Nevertheless, you don’t know how your competition performed and you are not privy as to what kind of Thank You letter they are preparing. So, in this case, thank them but fortify your candidacy even further. You could…

•Accentuate three of your top qualifications as discussed during the interview. Now you have more information than you did prior to the interview—put it to work for you! Connect your qualifications with employer needs expressed during the interview.

•Bring up information they shared about the company and express how much more interested you became.

•Sell them again on the bottom-line goal they need to achieve via your employment. Seal the deal by promising to deliver.

Keep this thank you letter concise. While a sales tool, it does not have to be as elaborate as your resume or cover letter. Remember, the entire job search process is a strategic marketing effort; leverage every tool and maximize every opportunity.

Quiz:
Will You Ace That Interview?

How to Prepare for a Job Interview in 24 Hours

By Kyiara Griffin — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:19:00 -0700

Being in the right place at the right time is all it takes. It could be that a friend happens to know that the company they work for is hiring and is willing to put in a good word for you. Sometimes, it is even the long shot opportunity you signed up for months ago, thinking it was worth the try. The reality is job hunting depends on timing, and when the call comes for an interview you want to be able to take it, even if that interview is a pleasant surprise.

First things first: when you get the call/message, try to figure out if you can even make it to that interview in the time allotted. If you are unsure of the location, ask about directions at that moment. If you are not sure you can make it and this is the kind of interview that can be rescheduled, then follow the three C’s: provide a coherent, cohesive, and concise explanation for your concerns while requesting another interview date/time.
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Rescheduling when the call and/or email is received leaves a better impression than pushing back the interview when you are running late. This applies to phone interviews as well, since poor reception can impede the flow of an interview (which, in that situation, may be the only thing besides a resume, a portfolio, and/or a background check that will be used to make a hiring decision).

Next, research the company. Assuming your time is limited, focus on what the company does (to know what you are in for), the company’s mission statement (to know what they stand for), and recent campaigns (to know what is important to them). Being familiar with the company’s products and goals shows a continued interest in the company and can make you stand out.

If it is available and you need the refresher, take some notes on your specific job opportunity’s description. Monster is right on this one: never show up to an interview without understanding the job. There are websites like Glassdoor which allow you to read about the experiences of other interviewees for certain companies, so take some time to look up the interview process and prepare yourself.

There is also the matter of the interview look. Think about the image of the company you want to be hired by and plan to dress accordingly. As a female who normally rocks an afro, I always have to plan time to straighten or pull back my hair. Depending on the job, there are other aspects of presentation as well. For example, more conservative jobs generally prefer that tattoos and anything other than ear piercings are covered.

Prepare your interview itself. Know what is on your resume and/or your portfolio to look more polished. The interviewer is almost certainly going to ask about previous work experience, and you want to provide the best presentation of yourself and your experiences possible. Think of a few stand-out moments from previous jobs, and keep those in mind for the interview. If I am really nervous about an interview, then I will even practice giving responses in front of a mirror.

Last, but not least, get to the interview early. This is more about personal comfort than appearances. Arriving early to the interview gives you the chance to review your notes and steel yourself. It also gives you time to tidy up if nerves have made your hands clammy. You have put in the effort, and now it is time to show it. If you are still nervous, be comforted by the fact that your troubles will be over in a day.

How NOT to Write a Cover Letter

By Kizzy Preston — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:09:00 -0800

When you are fresh out of college and applying for your first job, you want to write a cover letter that stands out from the hundreds that are on the desks of human resources professionals around the country. You want to show that you are not only qualified for the job, but a cut above the rest. You want your cover letter to be memorable, but you want it to be memorable for the right reasons.

Recently an NYU undergraduate student learned the hard way that making vital mistakes in his cover letter not only made him miss out on a possible job, but it got him laughed at from the very companies he longed to work for.

The letter has now gone viral. In the letter he writes, "I am unequivocally the most unflaggingly hard worker I know, and I love self-improvement. I have always felt that my time should be spent wisely, so I continuously challenge myself ... I decided to redouble my effort by placing out of two classes, taking two honors classes, and holding two part-time jobs. That semester I achieved a 3.93, and in the same time I managed to bench double my bodyweight and do 35 pull-ups."

Can you imagine writing a cover letter that is so bad that companies everywhere are showing it to their employees as a lesson in what not to do?

So how can you avoid ending up in a situation like this overly eager student?

Highlight your strengths, but don't brag-- In a cover letter you want to show why you are the perfect person for the job you are applying for, while not seeming like you are bragging. It is okay to point out what experience and skills you have, as well as what computer software you know. You just have to do so with tact and a certain level of humbleness.

Suggest what you can add to the company, not what the company can do for you--Companies are interested in the bottom line. How can this applicant enhance our company, help us to make more money, grow and advance? They don't want to know that by getting this job you will be able to buy a new car or pay your bills, or have the job of your dreams.

Give information not on your resume--You want to tell the hiring manager something they would not know just by looking at your resume. The cover letter is your chance to really show your qualifications and personality.

Be concise—A cover letter needs to get straight to the point. There is nothing a hiring manager hates more than a rambling two-paged letter from an applicant. They are busy sorting through hundreds of letters for one position. So make sure that your letter is clear, and to the point.

Be sure to read the letter that is getting this young applicant so much national attention, so that you can be sure not to make the same mistakes. With a cover letter, it’s okay to stand out as long as it’s for a winning letter.

How to Nail Job Fair Interviews

By Lauren Bayne Anderson — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:48:00 -0700

Walking into a one on one interview is tough enough. But imagine several hundred people also interviewing with the same company, and the same interviewer, on the same day. That’s essentially a Job Fair.

Job or Career Fairs are events where a number of companies set up in a large space and invite the public to come in and interview on the spot with potential employers.

They are an excellent way to connect with companies you hadn’t considered, and knock out several interviews in one day. But, because recruiters are meeting with so many people, it’s important that you stand out from the pack.

Most of our advice for Job Fairs can be summed up in one simple word: preparation. Recruiters at job fairs agree that the candidates who impress them the most are ones that are prepared and have knowledge of the company they are interviewing with.

MonsterCollege offers up some tips to do well at your next job fair.

Bring your resume—and lots of them. If you are could be applying for several types of jobs, prepare several resumes to hand out to potential employers in different fields. Make sure your resume is flawless.
Wear a suit—you’d wear one to a regular interview, this is no different. In fact, you have the chance to interview with several companies at one time. Think of it as the corporate version of speed dating.
Research the companies that will be there—even though you’re meeting with a lot of people, remember so are they. You need to be able to stand out. One way to do that is to have in depth knowledge of the company and be able to ask informed questions of the interviewer.
Prepare for the usual Q&A-- Prepare to answer a lot of the same questions you’d discuss at a formal interview. Check out our list of 100 potential interview questions here and Six Entry-Level Interview Answers You Need to Get Hired .
Have a firm handshake and make eye contact -- this one speaks for itself. You want to appear confident. Command a confident presence and make them remember you.
Save the best for last—or at least later. During the job fair, you’ll get used to the process, warm up a bit, and eventually hit your stride. Start with the companies you’re least interested in to “practice” on. Move on to the big dogs once you’ve hit your stride.

How to Impress Your Interviewer

By Lauren Bayne Anderson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:14:00 -0700

If you’re job searching you know it’s tough out there—currently there are 4.6 unemployed Americans for every available job. That means you’re bound to have a lot of competition. Even interviews are hard to come by.

With odds like that, you need to make an impression. It’s work, but it can be worth it if it gets you the job.

Think of that old marketing slogan, “It’s easier to keep a client than to find a new one.” These days, job searchers may send out hundreds of resumes before they get an interview. So, if you have a captive audience in an interviewer who is already at least somewhat interested in your qualifications, it’s best to keep them interested rather than trying to find someone else who may be.

Here, some tips on how to impress your interviewer, and (hopefully…fingers crossed) ultimately land the job:

Do your research. Find out everything you can about the company—search online, set up a Google alert that offers immediate information on any news concerning the company you’re applying with or the industry as a whole. Try to find out background information on the position you’re going up for, the interviewer, anything you can. And when you’re interviewing, work in the information you’ve learned. Your goal is to be the most informed candidate they speak with. Try to speak with people who have had the position—or similar ones—and pick their brains for insight.
Send a “thank you” card. A handwritten card via snail mail makes a strong impression, simply because no one does it anymore. But an email is better than nothing at all. Use this opportunity to say what a pleasure it was to meet with them, to thank them for their time and consideration and reiterate your interest in the position. You can also use this as a chance to follow up with any information you may have forgotten to add at the interview that may help your case.
Prepare something professional. If at all possible, come with a professional looking “portfolio” that you can leave with the interviewer— samples of your work if you’re a writer, editor, advertiser, designer of some sort, artist, etc. Even if you’re in a field that doesn’t allow you to put together a book of this type, hand over a copy of your resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation put together in a professional display – bound, nice cover, etc. (You can get this done at any print shop). It makes a strong first impression, and allows your references to sing your praises even before the interviewer has made a decision on whether to ask for them.
Send letters of recommendation. Many people are surprised to find out the references they thought would be their best, turn out to be their worst once an interviewer gets them on the phone. A rule to live by is to try to get a letter of recommendation from each and every employer you have when you leave a job, or if your manager leaves the company. Imagine: you lost touch with your favorite boss after he leaves the company and you can’t get in contact with him for a recommendation. Don’t let that happen. If you collect letters as you go along, you’ll always have them on hand at any point you should need them, and you know EXACTLY what message your interviewer is getting. If you don’t have letters already compiled, start reaching out to previous employers and gathering them. It’s best to give them at the interview (see # 3). But if you didn’t, after an interview be proactive and send them to your interviewer—it can’t hurt.
Keep in contact – but don’t harass. Ask your employer about his/her time frame for hiring for this position. And then ask if it would be OK if you checked back in a week or two. If he says he wants to hire immediately, give it a week and a half and then shoot over an email politely asking if they have made any decisions and reiterating interest. You want to show that you’re interested and eager, but you don’t want to overdo it and just plain annoy them.

Do YOU have any advice for impressing an interviewer?
Share it with us in the comments below!

Job Interview Dilemmas and Answers

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:11:00 -0700

The good news for recent college grads is that the job market is finally improving. Many companies are now hiring again. In fact, 28% of U.S. employers plan to hire fulltime, permanent workers during the next 3 months.

The bad news? Before you get the job, you have to survive the interview process. Job interviews are never easy. But they’re especially tricky when you’re fresh out of college, and leaning on promises instead of proof.
If you’re preparing for interviews this spring, you may encounter some of the following dilemmas. Like most career quandaries, they’re easily avoided with a bit of planning and some common sense.

The person who schedules the interview mentions that it’s a “casual company,” and that everyone comes to work in jeans. What should you wear?

Since freshman orientation, career center advisors have been drilling it into your head that a suit is an absolute must for job interviews and first impressions. Meanwhile, more and more companies are adopting casual dress codes. And it’s not unusual for an interviewer or administrative assistant to alert job applicants of a low-key office vibe.
That said, you haven’t been hired yet. Before you head out to shake hands in your favorite college hoodie, remember that a suit is still the only failsafe attire – even if everyone you pass in the halls appears to be dressed for a day of G.T.L.

Heather Root, a recruiter for a nonprofit organization in Massachusetts, agrees. “I think a suit is always great.” Just like in college, it’s better to overreach than to underwhelm. And if your interviewer seems thrown by your formal attire, you can easily play up your casual side with a fun, friendly attitude.

The "Desired Salary" Question >>>

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The job application asks for previous salary figures or “desired salary,” but your best reference point is $5/hour plus tips at Ted’s Clam Shack. How do you come up with a figure?

Starting salaries have a lasting impact on your career earnings – even for years after you first enter the workforce. This is especially true for students who graduate during a recession. So it’s important to establish yourself at a fair, competitive pay grade.

At the same time, if you’re too aggressive – or just plain delusional – you’ll likely miss out on the job offer. Root says honesty is the best policy. “Recruiters understand, especially with recent graduates, that they may not have held a salaried position before.” If you’re asked to supply your desired salary, it’s more than permissible to write or say, “negotiable.” Hopefully you’ll be invited to a second interview and receive an offer letter, at which point you can always match your expectations against a source like eLearners’ Salary Wizard.

You’re new in the area because you moved to be with your college boyfriend or girlfriend. When asked, “what brings you to town?” is it okay to admit you’re a wandering romantic? Or do you have to rehearse some elaborate fiction about your lifelong ambition to land a job in Tulsa?

What sounds like a nonissue can quickly get complicated if you’re not careful. Lots of grads follow a loved one to a new city or a new state. Still, you don’t need to drag the whole story – like an annoying Ashton Kutcher movie – into your job interview. It could raise doubts about your long term plans, or even your level of ambition. Will you stay in town if things go sour? Are you focused on your career, or on your campaign for a wedding ring?

Long story short: it’s okay to be vague in this arena. Root advises that it’s enough to say you’ve recently relocated, and to emphasize your interest in the organization. Legally, employers can’t ask about your relationship status, anyway.

Preparing Questions for the Interviewer >>>

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Everyone tells you to research the company beforehand, and have questions ready for your interviewer. But he/she answers them all before you have a chance to sound thoughtful and inquisitive. What now?

If you’ve done your homework, you should be able to generate at least 5 or 6 questions that pertain to both the company and your prospective role within it. Don’t settle for questions that can be answered by the company’s homepage (e.g. how long have you been in business?) In most cases, this will ensure that there’s something left to talk about when it’s your turn to ask the questions.

If you do find yourself stuck, Root says it’s okay to reiterate noteworthy points made by your interviewer. Explain how or why those points were already on your radar – either as reasons you’d be a good fit, or as challenges you’d be excited to tackle. And remember that it’s better to ask nothing (or to ask questions in a follow up email) than to dive into “slacker alert” topics like vacation time, summer Fridays, the company’s policy on Facebook usage, or organized happy hours.

Is there any right answer for the question: “what’s your worst quality?” Is it okay to pull an evasive maneuver (ala Michael Scott on The Office) and offer that you care too much, or you’re too dedicated?

Here again, honesty is a good tact. (Unless your worst quality is your violent temper or your narcoleptic episodes.) Root says she doesn’t ask this of candidates, as it’s something of a generic, filler question. Still, it’s wise to prepare an answer, along with an example of how you’ve learned to overcome, or even leverage the trait. And if you can’t think of anything even marginally undesirable about yourself – well, there you go: your worst trait is over-confidence.

3 Reasons Your Resume is Keeping the Phone from Ringing

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:13:00 -0700

If you know someone who’s looking for a job—and I’m sure you do—then you may have heard them complain about having sent their resume off to hundreds of employers, only to receive absolutely no responses or acknowledgments. I’ve heard this complaint countless times from friends and colleagues.

Part of the reason this happens so often is because companies really have become much less personal about their hiring processes. They simply can’t respond to every person who contacts them through their online application process. However, there are still people being hired every single day. So what are they doing differently from those who never get a phone call?

KEYWORDS ARE THE GATEKEEPER

A lot of candidates write their resumes from the perspective of, “The person reading this will know what I mean.” The problem is, a lot of times the first reader of your resume isn’t a person at all! Many companies employ resume scanning software to sort through applicants. These programs aren’t sophisticated enough to interpret your experience and know that you’re a good fit. They’re simply set up to weed out and set aside the resumes that contain the same language as that found in the job ad. This means every time you apply for a job, your resume needs to include the same keywords the employer used to describe their open position. And yes, this does mean you will have to customize your resume for every single job if you want to have a realistic chance of getting an interview. And you can’t just use any old keywords—they have to be the right keywords.

LET’S MAKE A MATCH – A PERFECT MATCH

There was a time when applying for any job for which you were somewhat qualified for was an effective strategy. Nowadays, it’s really not. If you have fewer than 95% of the qualifications an employer requires for a particular position, it’s probably not worth your time to apply. With so many people looking for work right now, the employer is guaranteed to get resumes from someone who matches their qualifications—and in most cases, lots of someones.

STATE YOUR CASE

If numerous qualified candidates are applying for every position, how do companies ultimately choose whom to interview? Candidates who make a strong case for their accomplishments in their resume and cover letter go straight to the top of the pile. Every time a company advertises an open position, the hiring managers are bombarded by hundreds of resumes that were obviously submitted with minimal time, effort, or even understanding of the position. If you take the time to customize your resume and compose a cover letter explaining why this is the perfect position for you, your application will be a breath of fresh air to the hiring manager. That’s a great way to start the journey toward your new career!

It’s certainly possible other issues are playing into your phone not ringing as well. For more on resume issues, see my other article: 7 Strategies for Overcoming the Resume Black Hole. You can also read more about resume writing or view professionally written resume samples on my website.

8 Do's and Don'ts to Landing a Temporary Job

Megan Malugani, Monster Contributing Writer — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:05:00 -0700

If you’re a highly qualified professional who has been unemployed for a while, you may eventually have to find a “Plan B” job to pay your bills until the job market improves and you can return to your preferred type of work.

There’s no shame in that, but landing a temporary survival job can be harder than you think -- there may be dozens of applicants for a retail job at your local mall, for example.

Career experts offer these eight dos and don’ts for finding and getting hired for a survival job.

1. Do Choose Your Survival Job Wisely

“A survival job should be something you enjoy,” says Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert who is CEO of Santa Monica, California-based Lynn Taylor Consulting and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant. For example, if you’re a social animal with a passion for music, try getting a gig as a bartender in your favorite karaoke bar. “Your likelihood of landing even a survival job is greater if you demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, so don’t waste anyone’s time with a job you dislike from the start,” she says.

2. Don’t Give Up on Finding the Job You Really Want

Before turning to bartending, look for a survival job in your field -- even if it means taking a major step down. Doing so will provide consistency and focus in your career and put you in the right place should opportunities arise within that company, Taylor says. If you must take a survival job outside your field, aim for evening or weekend hours so you can use your days to search and interview for your desired professional position, she says.

Next Page: Do Tone Down Your Resume →

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3. Do Tone Down Your Resume

“Long, verbose resumes shout ‘overqualified,’” Taylor says. So tighten your resume and/or decrease your scribblings on application forms for survival jobs. While you shouldn’t lie outright about your work experience, “it’s OK to de-emphasize certain qualifications by taking high-level job titles, graduate degrees or other irrelevant work experience off your resume,” says Los Angeles-based career coach David Couper, author of Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career Even When You Don’t Fit In. Adds Garrett Miller, a New Jersey-based workplace productivity coach, trainer and author of Hire on a WHIM: The Four Qualities that Make for Great Employees: “Drop the corporate speak and power phrases, and instead highlight your strengths in relating to people and your work ethic.”

4. Do Stay Upbeat

A positive attitude is everything when searching for a survival job. Let’s say you were laid off from a high-level IT position and are interviewing for a job at a coffee shop. Your interviewers will sense your disdain if you can’t find any upside to making and serving fancy drinks to customers. “You have to look at it as an opportunity to grow and stretch,” Miller says. “It’s almost like a miniversion of ‘Undercover Boss.’ You’ll be gaining perspective, empathy and insight into experiences you had once not even considered.”

5. Don’t Come Across As a Know-It-All

Be confident during an interview, not cocky. You may be older and more educated than your interviewer, but that doesn’t mean you’d make a better cup of coffee. Bragging about your accomplishments won’t resonate with your interviewer, Miller notes, but what will impress are phrases such as: “I’m very teachable,” “I may not have chosen this career change, but I’m excited to learn new talents and skills from you” and “I will be here every day. You can depend on me”

Next Page: Don’t Lie →

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6. Don’t Lie

It’s great to show commitment to your potential survival job, but don’t go overboard. “It will hurt you if you lie and say this is the job of your dreams,” Taylor says. “It’ll come back to haunt you if you’re just looking for a temporary survival job but you lead your potential employer to believe otherwise.”

7. Do Prepare for the Interview

When conducting your job interview preparation, keep in mind the employer’s perspective, Couper says. Your interviewer will be trying to ascertain three things: Can you do the job? Will you fit in with the team? Will you cause any problems? Answering common interview questions of this nature in a satisfactory manner is your “golden ticket,” Couper says. Taylor says you can show your maturity (without bragging) and counteract the notion you’re overqualified with winning scripts such as these: “I’ve always gotten kudos for my people skills” and “I’m good at keeping the peace.”

8. Don't Share Your Sob Story

Don't go on a tirade against your former employer, complain about your debt or reveal too much about your personal woes. "If the desperation shows in your face, you won't come across as genuine" in your desire for the job, Taylor says.

This article was originally published on Monster.com.

Related Reads:

Is There a Better Way to Explain Being Fired?

J.T. & Dale — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:12:00 -0800

It’s not easy to explain being fired when job searching. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though.

‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked at a large health insurance company for 10 years, until I got terminated for receiving an e-mail from a co-worker. The e-mail got hung up on the server, and by the time the problem was fixed, the company had terminated the person who sent the e-mail and everyone he had sent it to. I had no idea what was in it, and still don’t. Is there a correct way to state why I was let go? Is there a more professional term than “terminated” or “fired”? — Christy

Dale: I bet when you’ve told friends that story, they’ve said, “Unbelievable!” They believe you, of course, because they know you, but I fear hiring managers are going to think “Unbelievable!” and mean it; after all, they are accustomed to being suspicious, and will assume that there’s something more going on. I wish you’d track down the other people involved — it’s good networking, anyway — and find out what was in this poison e-mail.

J.T.: Getting back to your question, simply state you are part of a “group termination.” If they ask what happened, say the company decided a group should be let go for receiving an unauthorized e-mail from an employee.

Dale: Argh. That still leaves unanswered questions, which I fear will put Christy’s application in the “when in doubt, leave it out” pile. Given this was a group event, and that it had nothing to do with performance, I would call it a “layoff.” What the company did was so wrong, so stupid, it comes across as weird corporate voodoo, and you don’t want to go around confusing prospective employers.

J.T.: Well, Christy, apparently I have more faith in hiring managers than Dale does, but either way, what you do now is find people willing to be references. My guess is HR will only verify dates of employment and salary history, so if you can get some of your former colleagues to vouch for you, it would offset what happened and give you all the credibility you need.

Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm, JTODonnell.com, and of the career management blog, CAREEREALISM.com. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com.

Please visit them at JTandDale.com, where you can send questions via e-mail, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

How to Get an Employer’s Attention in 20 Seconds

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:50:00 -0800

I review a lot of resumes, and they often land in my mailbox with the exact same titles: resume.doc or resume.pdf. Can you say boring? Try these alternatives to stand out as an interesting candidate:

1. Your Name Resume.doc — This minimum level of personalization ensures your resume will remain attached to your application.

2. Your Name Resume December 2010.doc — While this is also fairly generic, it suggests your resume is constantly changing, requiring you to date each updated version.

3. Your Name, Job Title.doc — This title utilizes the power of suggestion to show the employer how nicely your name and the job title go together. For instance, “Jane Doe, Financial Project Manager.”

4. Your Name, Humorous Statement.doc — Don’t try this at home unless you work in a field where creativity is the name of the game. For example, “Joe Smith, Nebraska Hula Hoop Champion 2002.”

5. Your Name, Branding Statement.doc — Using a branded resume title is a powerful way to scream “read me!” For example, “John Grisham, Bestselling Crime Novelist”, or “Tiger Woods, Global Golf Champion.”

Remember, the hiring managers reading your resumes receive hundreds of applications for every position they post. Something as simple as a catchy document title can catch a hiring manager’s eye and leave them wanting to know more!

How to Ace the Phone Interview

Jeff Hindenach | MonsterCollege — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:38:00 -0700

Most people regard a phone interview as a mere formality on their way to a face-to-face interview. Although the phone interview is usually just a preliminary step to the formal interview, it is just as important. If you don't impress your future employer with your phone interview, you'll never make it to the formal interview.

Are you nervous talking on the phone? Not sure of the best way to approach a phone interview? We’re here to help. Here are some helpful tips to remember when going into a phone interview that should put your mind at ease.

Make Sure the Phone Is Reliable

Nothing is more annoying to a potential employer than a dropped call. No matter how reliable your cell service is, it’s always a good idea to use a landline instead of a cell phone for phone interviews if at all possible. Accidental hang-ups don't just upset the interviewer, they can also throw off the flow of the interview and make you flustered and panicked when you get the interviewer back on the phone.

Speak as Clearly as Possible

Since you don’t have the benefits of facial expressions, hand gestures, or visual aids to help with the interview, all you have is your voice to communicate your answers. Make sure you are speaking clearly and purposefully. Smile when you talk — it really comes across in your voice. Avoid eating, smoking, or doing any other activity that might obscure your speech. The last thing you want is for the interviewer to ask you to repeat your answer because they couldn’t understand you.

Next: Select a Quiet Place for the Interview >>

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Select a Quiet Place for the Interview

Most phones pick up ambient noise around you better than you'd think, so try to keep your environment as quiet as possible. Turn the TV and radio off. Keep the kids out of the room. Make sure there is no loud traffic or sirens that could disturb your phone call. If the interviewer has to ask about a random sound or you feel need to explain it, not only will it disrupt the flow of the interview, but will also make it look like you aren’t taking the interview seriously.

Avoid Any Interruptions

Distractions are the easiest way to fumble a phone interview. At a face-to-face interview, it’s just you and the interviewer, and there's nothing to distract you from your answers. But from behind a telephone, any number of things can be going on. Make sure you are free of distractions. Don’t try to multi-task. Turn off your call waiting. If you seem distracted during the interview, it shows you are not taking it seriously.

Dress to Impress

Even though you aren’t meeting face-to-face, it’s a good idea to dress as though you were. Interviewing in your PJs may make you feel too relaxed and comfortable, which could cause you to drop your guard and soften your answers. Dress up to give the event a sense of importance and professionalism.

Take Advantage of the Phone Interview

The advantage of a phone interview is the interviewer can’t see what you are doing behind the phone. Use that to your advantage. Have a copy of your resume and several notes on hand, including the job description, so you can refer to them during the interview. Use your laptop to look at the company's website (but make sure you turn the speakers off!) Have a glass of water on hand in case you get dry mouth. Create an environment that you are most comfortable with to optimize your performance.

Although you are hidden from the interviewer during a phone interview, it doesn’t give you license to slack. Use the phone interview as practice for the formal interview. Keep everything professional and be as prepared as possible, and you are sure to land the follow-up interview.

Getting Through a Group Interview

Hamsa Ramesha | MonsterCollege — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:36:00 -0700

Group interviews are relatively easy if you work well in a team and are able to make your ideas heard in a crowd. However, they can be challenging if you have a quieter personality and prefer to keep to yourself.

Regardless of how you feel about group interviews, there’s no reason you should treat them any different, in most respects, than a standard, one-on-one interview. The same basic principles apply: Research the company, arrive on time, dress appropriately, practice answering common interview questions, and remember to follow up after the interview.

What's the Difference?

The key difference between individual interviews and group interviews is obvious: You’ll be questioned along with a bunch of other hopeful job seekers. Your objective isn’t just to show what a great employee you could be — you need to beat the competition face-to-face, too. The competition is in the room with you. Don't worry — you can use this to your advantage.

The challenge is to find the right balance between getting your opinion across and dominating the conversation. You don't want to be so close-mouthed that you're perceived as being passive or shy either. Be confident and don’t let yourself be bullied by others into staying quiet. At the same time, encourage your fellow interviewees to speak up and let their ideas be heard. You've got nothing to worry about, right? Let your knowledge and confidence speak for themselves. Keep yourself focused and calm and you'll blow away the competition.

Panel Interview vs. Project Interview

Group interviews can be conducted a few ways, depending on the quirks of the company. In a panel interview, a group of job seekers are asked several questions by a panel of people from the company. These people are usually from a variety of backgrounds, and can include someone from human resources, company executives, and/or employees you are most likely to work with should you get the job. The point of panel interviews is to make your voice heard without dominating the conversation. Are your responses memorable? Are you memorable? Be respectful, respond intelligently, and keep your cool to ace this kind of interview.

Project interviews are more hands-on. In these situations, a team of job seekers is given a group assignment which measures a variety of skills including teamwork, leadership, communication, interpersonal relationships, and project management. The interviewers want to see how well you work with each other and observe you in action — something that can’t be done in a passive, one-on-one interview. These types of interviews are difficult to prepare for, unless you’ve been told ahead of time what the assignment will be so that you can study up. In any case, turn the interview in your favor by showcasing your leadership ability. Don't just take charge and manage the whole group — make sure everyone is heard and keep the peace!

Next: What to Expect >>

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What to Expect in a Group Interview

The challenge of any interview is to figure out specifically which kind of employee the company is looking to hire. You should have an idea of the skills the position requires, based on the job description and preliminary conversations with the company. Are you applying for a leadership position? Or will you be part of a team? If you know what skills the position requires of you, focus on emphasizing those traits in the group interview.

Follow Up After

Following up after the interview is especially important for group interviews. You want to do everything you can to set yourself apart from the crowd! Don’t forget to send a thank you note to every single person who interviewed you, so make sure you've got the right names and contact information of everyone you interviewed with. In the note, it might be a good idea to remind them of something specific you said that was memorable or impressive, so they can tie a face to your name.

Take it Easy

Still worried about the group interview? Don't be — it sounds more daunting than it is! Just treat it with the same sense of precaution and preparedness you would with a one-on-one interview. Employers are still looking for the most qualified candidates who best fit their company. If you do your research, come prepared, look professional, and answer the questions well, you've done all you can. If you don’t get the position, ask for feedback. Find out where you could have improved and learn from your mistakes. At the very least, the employer will be impressed with your request, and they may just keep you in mind for the next position that opens up!

Prep for the "Tell Me About Yourself?" Question

Carole Martin | Monster Contributing Writer — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:04:00 -0700

It's one of the most frequently asked interview questions: Tell me about yourself. Your response to this request will set the tone for the rest of the interview. For some, this is the most challenging question to answer, as they wonder what the interviewer really wants to know and what information they should include.

Eleanor dreaded this question. When it was the first one asked at her interview, she fumbled her way through a vague answer, not focusing on what she could bring to the job.

"I'm happily married and originally from Denver," she began. "My husband was transferred here three months ago, and I've been getting us settled in our new home. I'm now ready to go back to work. I've worked in a variety of jobs, usually customer service-related. I'm looking for a company that offers growth opportunities."

The interview went downhill after that. She had started with personal information and gave the interviewer reason to doubt whether she was an employee who would stay for very long.

• She's married, and when her husband gets transferred that means she has to leave; she did it once and can do it again.

• She has some work experience with customers but didn't emphasize what she did.

• She is looking to grow. What about the job she is applying for? Will she stay content for long?

The secret to responding to this free-form request successfully is to focus, script and practice. You cannot afford to wing this answer, as it will affect the rest of the interview. Begin to think about what you want the interviewer to know about you.

Next Page: Focus →

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Focus

List five strengths you have that are pertinent to this job (experiences, traits, skills, etc.). What do you want the interviewer to know about you when you leave?

Eleanor is strong in communications and connecting with people. She has a strong background and proven success with customer relationships. Her real strength is her follow-through. She prides herself on her reputation for meeting deadlines.

Scripting

Prepare a script that includes the information you want to convey. Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success:

"I have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My most recent experience has been handling incoming calls in the high tech industry. One reason I particularly enjoy this business, and the challenges that go along with it, is the opportunity to connect with people. In my last job, I formed some significant customer relationships resulting in a 30 percent increase in sales in a matter of months."

Next, mention your strengths and abilities:

• My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to doing something, I make sure it gets done, and on time."

Conclude with a statement about your current situation:

• What I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales."

Next Page: Practice →

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Practice

Practice with your script until you feel confident about what you want to emphasize in your statement. Your script should help you stay on track, but you shouldn't memorize it -- you don't want to sound stiff and rehearsed. It should sound natural and conversational.

Even if you are not asked this type of question to begin the interview, this preparation will help you focus on what you have to offer. You will also find that you can use the information in this exercise to assist you in answering other questions. The more you can talk about your product -- you -- the better chance you will have at selling it.

This article was originally published on Monster.com.

Are You Getting Interviews, But Not the Job?

John Rossheim, Monster Senior Contributing Writer — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:03:00 -0700

How to Diagnose Where You Might Be Going Wrong

Your resume has earned you interviews with several employers over the past year. That's impressive, especially in this economy.

But none of those interviews has yielded a job offer. You've done the standard interview preparation. You've shown up on time and dressed in appropriate interview attire. But somewhere between the paper credentials and the live performance, you've failed to deliver.

Perhaps yours is a failure of imagination. Have you taken the time and trouble to imagine what your interviewers' needs are, and the specific business problems their companies need you to solve? If you haven't done so in-depth, it's time to start.

But before you face the formidable challenge of thinking like your interviewer and her CEO, try taking on the perspective of a lesser intellect: a fly on the wall.

Next Page: See What the Camera Sees →

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See What the Camera Sees

If you start by re-imagining your interview preparation as a rehearsal for a performance, you're already giving yourself a new chance to succeed.

"The best way for job seekers to improve upon their interviewing skills is through practice," says Laurie Davis, director of counseling and programming at Yeshiva University's Career Development Center. "A mock interview with a career counselor or HR professional will help them learn how they might better their performance."

The next step is to make a video of your mock interview and review it with a professional who will not just tell you what you did wrong, but also give you ideas for improving your performance, whether by making better eye contact and leaning slightly toward the interviewer, speaking more directly and concisely, or putting your story forward more positively.

Seeing and hearing yourself literally from another angle, even if only on a brief video created with a PC or digital camera, will give you a much better sense of the dramatic effect of your responses on the interviewer. For example, "when you get those questions about strengths and weaknesses, answer the weaknesses question first -- maybe including a little humor -- and then finish on a high note with your strengths," says consultant and executive coach Debra Benton.

Next Page: What Matters to the Interviewer →

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What Matters to the Interviewer

As you approach an interview, consider how your manner and words will affect the interviewer's state of mind.

"Be socially generous," says Ann Demarais, author of First Impressions: What You Don't Know About How Others See You. "Make the interviewer feel smart, talented, accomplished."

Don't make the mistake of letting the interview become a one-way question-and-answer session, which is bound to be too much about you and not enough about the
interviewer. "Always get the interviewer talking," says Stephen Balzac, president of management consultancy 7 Steps Ahead. "Ask them about their concerns, issues and goals. Then respond with relevant, brief vignettes about your accomplishments in previous jobs."

And recognize that if you come into the interview with an elephant shackled to your ankle -- namely, unemployment or a long resume gap -- the interviewer will notice and be distracted by it. "The job seeker needs to proactively explain why they've been out of the job market," says John Robak, COO of engineering firm Greeley and Hansen and an HR manager of long experience.

Next Page: The Employer's Perspective →

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The Employer's Perspective

Finally, keep in mind that your abilities have no absolute value to the employer; they're only worth what they can do for the employer this year. "Sometime candidates don't prepare to talk about the match: how their background and skills align with what the company is looking for," Robak says.

To force yourself into each employer's perspective, come up with good interview questions customized to the challenges the company faces right now. At the same time, remember that your questions show a lot about how you think. "You get hired by the questions you ask," Benton says.

What if the elephant of a job loss or resume gap isn't the only silent distraction in the room? You'll never know unless you ask the interviewer on the spot.

"Close an interview by asking if the interviewer feels there are any gaps left unaddressed, so you can discuss them," says Kim Lockhart, a regional vice president with Spherion Staffing. "If you aren't selected, see if the recruiter or hiring manager will provide feedback," she suggests.

This article was originally published on Monster.

Overcome Shyness During Your Job Hunt

Dr. Katharine Brooks | Career Transitions — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:10:00 -0700

When I teach or present workshops about networking, interviewing, and other aspects of the job search, I can almost always count on at least one person approaching me privately at the end saying, "But I'm shy and these things make me uncomfortable. Isn't there something else I could do to find a job?"

Whether you label it social anxiety, introversion, shyness, or whatever, the bottom line is usually the same: you're uncomfortable in certain social settings, particularly those involving a feeling of being on stage or performing in some way. For the purposes of this post, I'm not going to make a distinction between being "introverted" and "shy" since both traits face challenges in the job market. But if you'd like to read more about the distinction between introversion and shyness, this Atlantic article explains introversion quite well.

Introverts are a minority. Statistics vary, but about 25% of the population are considered introverts. There is no one introvert "type"-- introverts vary in style and intensity. Introverts often feel alone in their desire to be alone-- that's an unfortunate consequence of social dominance of extroversion in the American culture. (Here's a great article about introverted travelers.) For some reason, introversion is often accompanied by shame.

I teach career coaching seminars across the country for NACE, and I love doing them. I always have a great audience of interesting people and we feed off each other's energy. But I am an introvert, and at the end of the day, I'm exhausted, and I want nothing more than to go to my hotel room, get room service, and watch TV. I mentioned this to the group one time-- that I didn't want them to think I was being rude if I turned down a dinner invitation-- I just needed to re-charge my brain for the next day. When I showed up the next morning, two participants approached me and asked to shake my hand. They wanted to thank me for giving them "permission" to go back to their rooms and not feel guilty about it. They noticed that I didn't apologize or put a label on my behavior-- it was just me. And they both described the "luxury" of an evening alone in their hotel room with just the TV and a good dinner. Isn't it interesting that people feel they need permission to be themselves?

The job search process can be stacked in the favor of the extroverted, natural hand-shaker-- the eager "Hi, how are you!" kind of person. Their natural friendliness, comfort with social interactions, and ease of making connections seem to virtually guarantee them the best jobs. There's no doubt that extraverted traits can be invaluable.

Continue Reading on Next Page →

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A particularly valuable aspect of extroverts is that they tend to "think out loud." If you go to a museum with an extravert, for example, s/he will likely talk all the time. "Look at this- isn't this interesting?" they will say. An introvert, on the other hand, may go quietly through the museum saying little-- often causing their extraverted companion to think that the introvert isn't having a good time. On the contrary, they are absorbing the external stimulus and don't necessarily need the additional verbal discussions-- in fact, talking likely distracts them from their focus on the museum.

Why is this important? In a job interview it is up to you to convey information to the employer. You need to "think out loud"-- that is, you need to tell the employer what they want and need to hear. Reticence, one-word answers, long pauses and silence will likely hurt your chances. Employers want to hear and see enthusiasm, and that can be hard for an introvert to convey.

So does it seem like the job search might be stacked against the introvert? It doesn't have to be.

Here's a secret: social skills can be taught. They may never feel 100% natural to the introvert, but they can be taught and executed successfully. You can learn better responses to interview questions, you can practice networking, and you can put on a front as needed. In fact, many introverts have already learned to do this in a variety of social settings. I liken it to left-handed people (another minority) who have learned to use objects with their right hands even if it's not their preference.

For some creative introverts it helps to think of the job interview as an acting job, or to quote Adler, just "act as if." Introverts are often astute observers of human behavior, so knowing how to "play the game" can help. This does not mean that you go overboard and become something you are not-- but we all have elements of extraversion in our personality and the job search is the time to bring them out.

Just keep in mind that using your less-preferred extrovert skills will likely drain your energy-- so find ways to replenish yourself.

In the next post, I will include tips for handling the interview and networking aspects of the job search, but for now, start by analyzing your situation. What traits of introversion fit you?

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How might introversion hold you back?

•Do you avoid certain types of social situations?

•Are you more likely to avoid phone calls?

•Do you feel awkward at parties or other gatherings?

On the other hand, where does your introversion work well for you?

•What are your hidden strengths?

•Are you a good listener?

•Do you observe and analyze people and situations well?

•Are you thoughtful and careful in decision-making?

•Are you a good writer?

Know your strengths and play to them in the job search. If you're a great writer, then craft a resume and cover letter that will get you the interview. If you don't enjoy using the phone, focus on emails for communicating. But keep practicing those phone skills-- you'll need them for a phone interview.

Be prepared to tell the employer your strengths. You will feel like you're bragging-- but if you don't, who will?

Tell the employer the aspects of the job you will excel in. Introverts sometimes assume that people know what they're thinking or how they feel, so don't make that assumption. Interviewers don't know unless you tell them.

You'll notice I haven't given you a list of "careers for introverts." (Well, OK, here's one.) While on the surface, certain career fields lend themselves to introversion, it never hurts to try playing against type-- you never know what talents you might find in yourself. Common sense would say that an introvert shouldn't go into sales-- but that's not always true. An introverted salesperson might have to overcome some initial discomfort around that cold call or first meeting, but might also be very good at listening to the customer and building up the one-on-one relationship that will ultimately lead to long-term sales. Not all customers want an extraverted salesperson and might actually be more comfortable with the soft-sell approach.

Challenging yourself to take on some extroverted traits in the job search may actually open new doors to skills you didn't know you possessed and maybe even lead to careers you would never have considered.

This article was originally published on PsychologyToday.com.

Related Reads:

Ten Job-Seeking Tips for Introverts

Dr. Katharine Brooks — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:06:00 -0700

In my
previous post, I discussed the challenges for shy (or introverted) people in the job market. I offered some general advice, but in this post I'd like to highlight ten things you can do (or think about) that might give you the edge in the very situations you prefer to avoid.

1. First, stop apologizing for what being who you are. Work with it-- find your strengths and get to know them so well that they are all you think of when you are in the interview. You may never be comfortable in certain settings-- but you can learn to function well in them, and then you can go home where you are comfortable. A small amount of discomfort and pain and "faking it" can go a long way. You are who you are-- which means you are talented in a lot of areas and you can learn to extravert yourself when needed.

2. Don't defeat yourself or argue for your limitations. Introverts can be particularly hard on themselves, analyzing every moment, being too sensitive to "mistakes" they might have made, etc., all due to being self-conscious when on public display. And unfortunately, unless you're at home you probably feel like you're on some form of "public display." In his excellent book "Feeling Good" (which I highly recommend) Dr. David Burns warns about being a "mind-reader" or a "fortune-teller"-- guessing what people are thinking and/or presuming we know how something will turn out. Remember, when you live inside your head, your head is the only information you're getting-- and it can be wrong. As Dr. Burns says, just because you feel something, doesn't make it true. Or as Anais Nin said, "We don't see things as THEY are; we see things as WE are."

So after an interview, networking event, or any other extroverted activity don't be too hard on yourself. Don't over-analyze your situation and hyper-focus on those moments that make you cringe.

Next Page: Focus on your successes →

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Featured Author: Dr. Katharine Brooks

Dr. Katharine S. Brooks is the Director of Career Services for the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas in Austin, where she also teaches courses focusing on the connection between a liberal arts education and the workplace. She is a licensed and certified counselor, and is the creator of the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Career Coaching Intensives, highly successful sold-out training sessions for college career counselors. She has been in the career services field for over twenty years, is the author of You Majored in What? Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career and writes a blog, >“Career Transitions”, for Psychology Today. Brooks has a doctorate in educational psychology and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from West Virginia University. Her bachelor's degree is in sociology and anthropology from Gettysburg College.

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3. Focus on your successes. What have you done well? What are the 3 strengths you want an employer to know about you? How can you craft those strengths into a story that an interviewer might want to hear? I know many introverts who tell wonderful, clever stories. It's that anxiety/audience thing that keeps you from telling them. The more you know about your strengths, the less you'll be tempted to focus on your challenges.

At the same time, it's OK to mention that you tend to have an understated style -- in fact that can be a great response to the typical "what is your weakness?" question. You can say something like "I tend to have an understated style and people don't always know what I'm thinking. So I have learned to make sure I give my feedback explicitly when needed, and encourage people to ask me if I haven't been clear. For instance, if you have any questions for me or if I haven't answered something clearly I hope you will ask me to clarify it." You could also mention that you don't tend to over-talk in situations and make a point of listening to all opinions before you make a decision.

4. Rehearse. In front of a mirror, with a friend, using your computer's webcam (eeewww...I know you probably don't like being recorded but do it anyway.) See, the more you do something, the less foreign and the less nerve-wracking it is. If you tell your interview stories to the mirror, then to the webcam, then to a friend you are not only rehearsing and improving the story, but you are also decreasing your stress level.

Next Page: Practice mindfulness meditation →

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5. Practice mindfulness meditation. The world can be particularly stressful for introverts and you need to detox in a healthy way. It's not unusual for introverts to experience anxiety, and mindfulness meditation has been shown to be one of the best ways to handle stress. A few minutes of mindfulness breathing before the interview can be a big help. I highly recommend anything by Jon Kabat-Zinn, particularly his book "Full Catastrophe Living."

6. Keep in mind that most introverts do well in a one-on-one relationship, which is how most job interviews are conducted. You might get tired or overwhelmed when you have several interviews in a row (for instance when on-site for an all-day interview), so take a break and practice a minute or two of mindfulness meditation.

7. Medium-size groups can be challenging for an introvert, so if you're facing a group interview, try focusing on one person at a time. Pay attention to the person asking the question (try not to be distracted by what someone else might be doing) and make sure you answer their question while making eye contact with everyone in the room. Resist a tendency to always look at the primary person while ignoring the other faces in the room. Find the friendly face-- there's usually at least one in the interview room.

Next Page: Say thank you →

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8. Always follow up the interview with a
thank-you note. It's not unusual to realize after an interview that you should have told the interviewer something you forgot, so use the note as your chance to bring this up. But don't bring it up by writing, "I misspoke" or "I may not have explained this..."-- rather write something like, "I just wanted to add a point to my response about..." Choose your comments wisely. Don't restate or correct everything you said in the interview! Just pick one thing (two at most) that you want to clarify. Otherwise, spend the note reiterating the connection between you and the position, what you learned, and how you're looking forward to the opportunity to work for their company.

9. Prepare for networking events by planning ahead: you're probably not that comfortable with the small talk at these events. Start by finding a comfortable setting-- like the small tables often set up around the room. You can always talk about the food with whomever is at the table. Many introverts have strong passions and can talk about them when with like-minded people. So make it an experiment when you meet someone to see what you have in common. Focus on likely commonalities like TV shows or music. Read a newspaper on the day of the event. Check the headlines for interesting events people might want to talk about. Have some conversation starters ready-- media is always a good start-- TV, movies, music, sports. One of the best books about networking is Keith Ferrazi's Never Eat Alone.

10. Play to your strengths. If you're better online than in person, take advantage of online networking opportunities like MonsterCollege, LinkedIn, Facebook, and any internet-based gatherings of professionals in your field. Many valuable relationships have been formed, and many jobs have been acquired solely through online networking.

Finally, while introversion may be an innate trait, social skills and appropriate networking and interviewing behavior can be learned by anyone. Find yourself a coach who will help you practice for your interviews and for networking situations.

This article was originally published on PsychologyToday.com.

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6 Illegal Interview Questions to Avoid

Hamsa Ramesha | MonsterCollege — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:39:00 -0700

Wondering which questions you'll be asked during your job interview? You should expect the usual ones, such as "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "What's your greatest weakness?" But then there are more colorful questions, such as "What animal best describes you?" and "If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?" that you should brace yourself for.

Regardless of what questions get thrown your way, there are a handful of interview questions you should never be asked. Be aware — questions about subjects in these categories violate your rights:

• Age	• National origin
• Birthplace	• Race
• Color	• Religion
• Disability	• Sex
• Marital/family status

However, don't assume an employer's prying questions are suggestive of discriminatory intentions. Often, a hiring manager is just trying to assess your fit for the job, not trying to illegally discriminate. While you can't be asked directly about any of these topics, don't be surprised if you find yourself discussing your family or religion with a potential employer either. It all depends on how the question is phrased.

While it's important to protect yourself from illegal interview questions, there are legal alternatives to get the same information out of you. Be prepared and know your options by checking out these six examples of illegal interview questions, and how they can be rephrased to pass the law.

Next: "Are You a U.S. Citizen?" >>

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ILLEGAL: "Are you a U.S. citizen?"

LEGAL: "Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?"

Employers aren't allowed to ask about your national origin, and that includes inquiring about your citizenship status. Touchy immigration issues aside, this question makes unnecessary assumptions based on your looks and racial stereotypes. On the flip side, employers can ask if you're allowed to work in the U.S. By rephrasing the question, they're avoiding directly asking if you're a citizen, green card holder, or on a visa.

ILLEGAL: "How old are you? When did you graduate from college?"

LEGAL: "Are you over the age of 18?"

Whether you're 18 going on 48 or 60 going on 40, employers are not allowed to discriminate against age (which is what the first question implies). However, when asked differently, the question becomes legal; the legal phrasing implies an age range, not a specific number. After all, employers need to know their employees are over 18 years of age to work legally in the U.S.

ILLEGAL: "Are you married? How many children do you have? Who do you live with?

LEGAL: "Can you relocate if necessary? Are you willing to travel as a part of this job? Can you work overtime as necessary?"

Your marital and family status is not being interviewed here — you are. Anything about your living situation, roommates, fiancés, spouses, children, etc., is off limits. While employers might simply be trying to gauge how busy you are in your personal life to see if it clashes with work responsibilities, it's illegal to make a hiring decision based on this factor. As a potential employee, if you can commit to the necessary work hours and agree to the job requirements, your other responsibilities shouldn't matter. Women should especially be wary of being asked for their maiden name — not required for employers if it isn't legally your name. (But you can be asked if you've ever worked under another name.)

Next: "How Much Do You Weigh?" >>

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ILLEGAL: "How much do you weigh?"

LEGAL: "Are you comfortable with lifting heavy objects?"

While employers may want to make sure you're physically able to do the job, asking directly about your weight/height and general health is a major HR no-no. Not to mention potentially embarrassing for you! But rephrasing the question to ask about your ability to perform a specific task is fair game.

ILLEGAL: "Do you have any disabilities? Any recent illnesses or operations?"

LEGAL: "Are you able to perform the essential job functions?"

Discriminating against the disabled, whether wheelchair-bound or clinically depressed, is a classic example of illegal hiring practices. But the employer still has a right to make sure you can do the job you're hired for and rephrasing the question accordingly is within their rights.

ILLEGAL: "Ever been arrested?"

LEGAL: "Ever been convicted of ___?"

A general question about your (criminal) past is off topic, but a more targeted question regarding questionable behavior — as it relates to your job — is okay. For example, if you were applying for a job as a magician, it's appropriate to ask if you've ever been convicted of fraud in your line of work.

It's not so much what the question is asking, but how the question is asked. Federal and state laws prevent employers from asking interviewees about subjects unrelated to the job. However, if you feel you have been asked a question that's off-limits, you should seek legal counsel. Before you take serious action, take into consideration the nature of the job, the context of the situation, the interviewer's intent, and of course, the phrasing of the question. Good luck, and happy interviewing!

8 Surefire Ways to Break Writer’s Block

Jeff Hindenach | MonsterCollege — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:28:00 -0700

There's nothing more frustrating to a writer than writer’s block. You strain your brain to make something happen, but nothing comes out. You’re out of ideas. And it seems like there's nothing you can do to fix the situation.

Sometimes the words just won’t come, and staring at a blank page just makes you more frustrated. Don’t throw your hands up in surrender. Here are eight easy ways to break down the wall of writer’s block and find your voice again.

Take a Break

Sometimes overworking your brain can make it just shut down. Surf the internet. Watch your favorite show. Take a nap. Anything to give your mind a little break. You could even try relaxing yourself through meditation. Find a quiet place in your home or office and do some deep breathing exercises. The less pressure and stress you put on the brain, the more your mind can get creative.

Listen to Music

A good way to relax yourself is to listen to music. Pick songs that are low-key and filled with meaningful lyrics. Listen to the lyrics and see if any ideas start flowing. If you think more upbeat, energetic music will inspire you to write, blast some of that — but use headphones if you share an office! Music stimulates the brain, and gets the creative juices flowing again.

Brainstorm

Sometimes, constructing an entire sentence, paragraph, or page in your head can be overwhelming. Start small. Write down a random word or thought. Then, start writing every word or phrase that comes to mind when you look at that word. This exercise will not only jog the brain, but — if you keep yourself loosely focused on the topic at hand — it can produce some solid ideas.

Have a Snack

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Sometimes writer's block is caused by something as simple as the brain not having enough nutrients to function correctly. Make sure you're properly fed when you sit down to write. If you find your stomach rumbling while you're hard at work, try making yourself a snack that combines carbs and protein. Carbs will give you the initial jolt your brain needs, while the proteins will help you maintain that energy throughout the day.

Next: Go for a Walk/Jog >>

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Go for a Walk/Jog

Exercise can release endorphins that not only make you happy and energetic but are known to help make the brain function better. If you are stuck for words, strap on your running shoes and head outside for a quick job. If you need something even faster or with less impact, do some jumping jacks in front of your computer or sit-ups on your bedroom floor. Stuck at work? Take a walk around the block a few times to get the blood pumping.

Pick up a Book

Reading can be the best way to get into the writing mood. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a classic novel, pick anything you enjoy reading. Reading stimulates the language part of the brain — which is exactly the part you need for writing. It can also give you inspiration about vocabulary, tone, and flow.

Do Something that Inspires You

If you love to cook, get in the kitchen and start working. If you love to draw, break out your sketchbook. Creativity often breeds creativity. Exercising one part of your brain can also help stimulate other parts of your brain, so try to do something that’s completely different from writing.

Just Start Writing

One of the most common cures for writer’s block is to get something, anything down on paper. It sounds difficult when you have a block, but just writing whatever comes to mind can get you putting your ideas on paper and help your brain make sense of things. Even if it’s just a stream of consciousness, you can go back and edit it later. The point is to break the block by forcing your brain to forge ahead.

Remember, writing is both creative and functional. It can tax the brain heavily, so make sure you are taking plenty of breaks and feeding your brain what it needs. Try these tips, and you should be writing again in no time!

How Dad's Advice Can Get You a Job

Hamsa Ramesha | MonsterCollege — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:27:00 -0700

Whether you're still daddy's little girl, or the son that reminds him of himself, you know that a father's love runs deep. We look up to our dads, admire them, and do everything we can to make them proud.

As kids, our fathers built us cardboard spaceships so we could reach the stars and carried us to safety when we crash landed. Dads guided us through many of life's milestones, from helping us take our first steps, to teaching us how to drive. We've learned a lot from our fathers, not just as kids riding on their shoulders, but as adults in our careers. From practical basics to lessons in philosophy, our father's advice held true every time.

So why should it end there? Childhood may be over, but you've got a successful career to attend to. Take a look at our roundup of career advice from dad:

Money doesn't grow on trees.

How many times have we heard this growing up? No matter how much we begged for that new toy or asked for an advance on our allowance, our money-conscious dads kept the cash close to heart. But while we may have had to give up a flashy video game or two, we were taught a valuable lesson. We learned (with great disappointment) that money isn't in endless supply and that its use requires thought. Whether that's managing our credit card debt, paying off student loans, or commuting to work in the most economical way, it's certainly a lesson well earned.

No pain, no gain.

Daddy's tough love theory may have been a little bit harsh for the playground sometimes, but it's perfect for corporate culture's competitive nature. We used to skip Sesame Street to put the finishing touches on our Civil War diorama; now we work overtime to wrap up a career-defining project. Bottom line? Work hard to play hard.

A little dirt never hurt anybody.

Your dad may have been poking fun at your squeamishness — but he had a point. Don't be afraid to get hands-on in your career. If that means being the intern who makes countless coffee runs with a smile or just sitting patiently through hours of meetings, don't shy away from the unpleasant parts of your job. You'll never go anywhere if you play it safe and take no risks. Of course, that doesn't mean you should actually "get your hands dirty" by engaging in sketchy business practices! Keep your ethics clean, of course.

Next: Seven More Lessons >>

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Learn to stand on your own two feet.

In another dose of tough love, fathers taught us the value of independence. From making us earn our keep with endless chores, to having us save up to buy our own car, we learned how to rely on ourselves and trust our instincts. The same is true for the office: Be your own boss. People will notice your great work ethic and professionalism. Don't go running to your manager for every little problem; take initiative and find a solution yourself!

Are you working hard or hardly working?

Dad always had an uncanny nose for knowing when we goofed off and didn't do our homework. Thankfully, as children, our usual punishment was just getting grounded and being sent to our rooms. As adults, the consequences of laziness are more serious. Hard work pays off in the corporate world, whereas slacking off gets you sacked — not fun in this shaky job market.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Despite your good intentions, sometimes, the best course of action might just be doing nothing at all. However tempting it may be to redo the company business plan from scratch, or rewire the office printers for increased efficiency, don't. Or at least ask somebody first if it's a good idea. It's one thing to take initiative, and quite another to let your eagerness carry you away.

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.

Value your uniqueness and make it your selling point. What do you have to offer that nobody else does? Make yourself the one-eyed king at your company by capitalizing on the needs of the blind. Whether it's finding a better revenue source or decreasing employee turnover, providing solutions to your organization's problems is your path to success.

Next: Three More Lessons >>

[page]

Think big, act small.

Reach for the sky, goes the saying. Dad had the same idea. He taught us to dream big, but also to take small, realistic steps to achieve our lofty goals. Aiming to become the CEO? Start by focusing on being the best at your current job. Take on more work, become a team leader, and before you know it, you'll be climbing up the corporate ladder. The same is true for any career goal. There's nothing holding you back from achieving your dreams, except yourself.

Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

Dad understood that clear communication is essential to a good relationship — and a successful career. If you aren't sharing what your goals are, how will your manager know? And if you're having trouble with an assignment, ask for help. Even though technology has brought us new ways to communicate, it's easier than ever to misunderstand each other.

It builds character.

While this life lesson did little to comfort us in our youth, it's definitely something to keep in mind in the cutthroat world of corporate bureaucracy. Keep this handy piece of fatherly advice in mind the next time you get passed up for that promotion or chewed out by the boss. Instead of wallowing in your misery, figure out what went wrong so you won't make that mistake next time. Use your current failure to prevent a future one!

Thanks, Dad.

Underneath their stern façade, fathers have a heart of gold. To all dads out there this Father's Day (June 20) thanks for everything. You've encouraged our dreams and been an infallible support system. Thanks!

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad." Author Unknown.

How to Handle an Unprepared Interviewer

Abby Locke | Executive Career Insights — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:20:00 -0700

I recently spoke to client who was very frustrated by her last interview. She had done everything she could on her part - researched the company, learned about its business challenges and prepared career success stories to support her strengths.

However, her interview did not go smoothly because the person she met was not properly prepared and subjected her to a myriad of generic,
"career-book" interview questions that only merited the usual scripted responses.

I can certainly understand her frustration. How do you handle those situations effectively, turn around the interview and still leave a strong impression in the employer's eyes?

1. Provide a targeted 30-second pitch

Make sure your "tell me about yourself" response is tailored for the position. An executive in the non-profit world could start off by saying, "Well, as my resume shows, I have bring a solid background and wealth of experience in non-profit management. Throughout my career, I have been successful in helping non-profit organizations overcome fund development challenges and increase their fundraising efforts by more than 50%"

2. Focus on your career success stories

If you are asked a question like "What is the greatest strength that you bring to the position?" Use the opportunity to show that you
understand the company's challenges and the solutions required for the situation.

Pull out one of your career success stories that directly address an issue that the company is facing - and of course, you would know that because you did your research, right?

3. Gently encourage the interviewer to examine your resume

Certainly I don't expect you to push pause in the interview and wait for the person to read your resume, however, as you respond to questions, why not say "As my resume shows"; "As you can see from my resume"; As I have outlined or listed in the first page of my resume"; As you would notice on page two of my resume"

If he/she is completely unprepared, there are still key pieces of information he/she can get from quick glances at your resume - after all,
professional resumes are read in less than 30 seconds.

4. Ask direct questions around a recent press release or media piece

Now, I have to emphasize that you should try your best to bring up a positive event in the
company's history - if the CEO got recently let go for embezzling, well, that might be awkward to discuss in an interview:)

This strategy allows you to show that you are interested and that you closely follow the company's progress and new developments. Again, I would recommend linking one of your career success stories to a recent event.

5. Help the interviewer to get to know more about you

Ask questions like:

"Is there anything else that I can tell you about my background and experience that would be helpful?"

"What skills and strengths are need to be present in this position?" (then follow up a career success story that demonstrates those strengths)

"Based on what I have told you so far, is there anything else I could do to improve my candidacy?"

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Featured Author: Abby Locke

Abby M. Locke is an executive career strategist and job search specialist who has been interviewed, quoted and featured in Essence Magazine, the Washington Post, Washington Post Express, Wall Street Journal, CEO Update, Monster.com, Kiss 105.9, Black Enterprise, ABCnews.com and the Society for Human Resource Management. Abby partners with senior-level executives and women MBA professionals to help them discover brand distinction overcome job search obstacles and achieve career mastery in highly competitive, crowded marketplaces. She serves as a Résumé Consultant for Women-for-Hire career fairs, contributes thought-provoking advice articles to The Ladders.com and ExecutiveAgent.com, DCjobs.com, Localcareers.com, and Careerealism and is the Seattle Resumes Examiner for Examiner.com. For more of Abby's professional insights, check out her blog.

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Take a Break

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Just Start Writing

How Dad's Advice Can Get You a Job

Money doesn't grow on trees.

No pain, no gain.

A little dirt never hurt anybody.

Next: Seven More Lessons >>

Learn to stand on your own two feet.

Are you working hard or hardly working?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.

Next: Three More Lessons >>

Think big, act small.

Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

It builds character.

Thanks, Dad.

How to Handle an Unprepared Interviewer

1. Provide a targeted 30-second pitch

2. Focus on your career success stories

3. Gently encourage the interviewer to examine your resume

4. Ask direct questions around a recent press release or media piece

5. Help the interviewer to get to know more about you

Quiz:Are YOU Prepared For Your Interview?

Quiz:
Will You Ace That Interview?

Do YOU have any advice for impressing an interviewer?
Share it with us in the comments below!

Quiz:
Are YOU Prepared For Your Interview?