Don’t Burn Bridges

May 28th, 2008

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So you hated your boss and then you sent in your resignation (or he terminated you before you could even draft a letter of resignation). After applying for another company, the interview looks at your work history and begins asking about how you left your previous company. What do you say?

  • Never bad-mouth your previous employer. To the interviewer, it looks as though you’re unprofessional and have a bad attitude towards work. Instead, calmly tell them that you have decided to move on despite the challenges you experienced with your previous employer and what you garnered from the experience.
  • Don’t act like a victim, be a survivor. Being downsized and fired is an unpleasant fact. Accept the situation for what it is rather than vent it all on the interviewer. It shows that you have the capability to adapt quickly to any situation.
  • Never burn bridges with your former employer, your experience with them will help you in getting the next better job.
  • Cover Letter Writing Tips

    May 15th, 2008

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    As an ex-interviewer, reading cover letters are like reading how well a person can research the Internet, because most of these letters were just copied off a site. What I find interesting are those that are genuine (or what seems to be). I usually give time to read it and read their resumes as well.

    Here are some tips on how to format your cover letter:

  • Always use the same heading for your cover letter that you have used in your resume.
  • Whenever possible, use the hiring manager’s name. This personalizes the document and shows attention to detail.
  • Include in your opening paragraph what job you’re interested in and a specific reason as to why you feel qualified for this position.
  • Include in the body of the letter the specific experience, skills or accomplishments from your past that dovetail with the requirements of the new job.
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    Non-Verbal Cues

    May 10th, 2008

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    Most interviewers are trained professionals; they learn their craft through a lot of interview experience. One of the things they’re good at is reading body language. Sorry folks, these people studied enough about how to interpret non-verbal communication to tell you how you really feel about something.

    Here’s a gold nugget we found:

    In fact, research also shows that body language makes up more than half of how our communication is perceived. That means that you may be describing your greatest business accomplishment, but if your posture isn’t good and you don’t make effective eye contact, you might as well tell the interviewer about the time you lost your portfolio on the way to a presentation.


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    More Interview Tips!

    May 10th, 2008

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    Sitting in a room with the interviewer can be an experience like no other. It’s like convincing someone to take a risk on you that you’ll be a benefit to the company. So how do you drive the interview?

  • Always stay focused on the subject at hand. If the interviewer is asking for your educational background, it’s better if you give the facts and get straight to the point. Interviewers get easily irritated with “around-the-bush” type of answers. It just shows that the applicant is unsure or is hiding something from him or her.
  • Don’t ask about the compensation yet. Doing so, we’ll make you look too much of a money-centered person. Let the interviewer discuss this in his or her own time. This information is usually provided on the second or third interview. Right now, they’re just concerned if you’re the right person for the job or not.
  • The Professional Look is In

    May 8th, 2008

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    Dressing the part for an interview will add points. This is specially true if you’re applying for an office position. Although the clothes don’t make the man, it does leave an impression; and first impressions during an interview is extremely important.

    What and how you wear it says a lot about you. It shows how you feel about yourself, your attention to detail, and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job. Dress professionally and conservatively so they’ll treat you the same way.

    Don’t over-rely on your looks though, it just makes you easier to look at, but your skills and potential should shine through once your inside the interview room.

    The Hardest Interview Question

    May 4th, 2008

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    When it comes to talking about compensation, some people can’t help but feel a bit queasy. It’s not that they’re afraid of showing what they think they’re worth, but they’re afraid that they might not get the job at all if they answered wrong.

    It’s about how you answer certain tough questions. One of the toughest one is: “What’s your
    salary range?” Why? If you answer with a higher rate than the job can offer, then basically the interviewer will think you’re too high. If you answer lower, than the interviewer will fall silent and you might have been shortchanged.

    How do you answer this then? The first one who gives the number loses. Here are some ways to sidestep these traps:

    What salary range are you looking for?
    “Let’s talk about the job requirements and expectations first, so I can get a sense of what you need.” That’s a soft answer to a soft way of asking the question.

    I need to know what salary you want in order to make you an offer. Can you tell me a range?
    “I’d appreciate it if you could make me an offer based on whatever you have budgeted for this position and we can go from there.” This is a pretty direct response, so using words like ‘appreciate’ focuses on drawing out the interviewer’s better qualities instead of his tougher side.

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    Active Listening May Land you a Job

    May 2nd, 2008

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    Socializing with other people is a talent that one must at least be familiar with to be able to move up the corporate ladder. In the professional world, this is called networking.

    Networking is a hidden job market. Maybe it’s because the main reason for hosting the event is not to find a job. In these kinds of situations, the goal is to socialize and develop mutual relationships. In some case, it leads to job offers.

    Everything depends on what you say and do. You have to realize that few people go to networking events just for fun. Everyone is there for his or her own reason.

    How do use this info to your advantage? Listen to them. Ask them some questions and let them talk about themselves. It’s a great way for you to know if this person is someone you’d like to work with. It also means that they’ve taken interest in you. Once they do and they have an opening or they see you as a benefit to their line of work, they might just give you a job on site or they may refer you to someone they know who can use use your skills.

    Summer Jobs, Anyone?

    April 28th, 2008

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    Summer is fast-approaching and what better way to be more productive during the hot months than landing a summer job? I know of friends who take advantage of the job opportunities during summer and reap the fruits of their hard work big time afterwards. This just goes to show that summer jobs can be an awesome experience and a good source of extra cash at the same time.

    You could be a life guard, a cashier, a waiter/waitress or a bar tender. You could be a telephone operator, a customer service representative or even a personal assistant. The possibilities are limitless. It’s really up to you what job you enjoy doing most. It only takes a dose of commitment, a pinch of drive and an ounce of confidence to get started in looking for a summer job.

    The Pursuit of Non-Traditional Careers

    April 24th, 2008

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    A non-traditional career refers to an occupation where more than 75 percent of the workforce is assumed by the opposite gender. Conversely speaking, it is an occupation where lesser than 25 percent of the work force is of your gender.

    In this time and age, men and women pursue non-traditional career paths because of many factors. Some see it as a tough challenge or a new avenue that needs to be conquered. Others look at it as a way to prove themselves, which is almost always the case with women.

    Examples of non-traditional careers for women are airline pilots, electricians, firefighters and mechanics, among others. Bank tellers, secretaries, social workers and housekeepers are just some of the non-traditional careers being pursued by men in small number.

    Tips for a Successful Interview

    April 21st, 2008

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    Employment interviews are done by employers to candidates of employment to measure their capabilities and qualifications. Most of the time, employers based their choice on final interviews. So make sure you are physically and psychologically prepared when you are scheduled for an employment interview.

    Here are some tips for a successful interview:

    1. Dress properly. Both being overdressed and underdressed create a negative impression. Be responsible and dress accordingly.
    2. Bring a copy of your resume. You can leave this extra copy to the hiring manager to make him remember you, thereby, increasing your chances of getting hired.
    3. Ask your questions well. Employers often give chance to applicants to ask questions about the job or the company itself so make sure you ask godo questions.