JOB INTERVIEW AND JOB OFFER GUIDE

 

 

Chapter 1. Interviews 1

 

Interviews 1

 

Put yourself in the employer's place.  What is he or she looking for?

 

It's always about what you can do for them not about what they can do for you.  What have you done or what can you do that can help them?  Figure it out.  Have it on the tip of your tongue at the intreview.

 

It's always all about the employer.  He holds the power.  You're not there to be his buddy.  You're there to show him that you can help his company do better and make more money.  Your interview must give over the idea that you're there for the company, not just for you.

 

The interview is your proving ground.  Show and tell your strengths.  Tell them what you can do for them instead of what they can do for you. 

Never bad mouth anyone, especially a former boss.  Don't be humble, be quietly assertive.  Speak in the human vernacular, not like an educated jerk with fifty cent words or some duded out teenager.

 

Be prepared but don't memorize any answers.  Do your homework on the company beforehand to be able to speak about it intelligently to the interviewer.  Just play it cool, be real.Don't bring a cellphone or pager in.

 

When you first meet someone, they are thinking are you friend or foe.

 

I don’t believe in smiling inappropriately.  Just show no emotion on your face.

 

Wear clothes that are appropriate.

 

Shake hands firmly.

 

Be formal.  Show deference.

 

They might try to trick you and act casually but continue to be formal.  Call them sir or ma’m.

 

Do not sit down until the interviewer does.

 

Try to look like a clean, nondescript person through your dress.

 

Keep a briefcase or cellphone by your side or on the floor.

 

Don’t act nervous.  Act like regardless of what happens, it’s just an interview.  You will keep living regardless.

 

Address the interviewer as Ms. or Mr.

 

Introduce yourself by your first and last names.

 

When I watch TV shows and some guy comes out for a five minute interview and they got a drink for him or he brings a drink, it’s stupid.  Don’t bring a bottle with you.

 

You are what you are.  Be real.  In my opinion, most people think they’re warm but they’re cold.  I can’t stand phonies.  The interviewer can’t either.

 

Life with people is ego.  The average boss wants a conformist rather than a brilliant smartass.

 

You might be asked why did you leave your last job?  The right answer is because you want to learn about new things in your field.

 

Sit with your body tilted slightly forward as though you’re interested.

 

Good eye contact is not staring.

 

Copy your interviewer's rate and style of speech.

 

Answer the question, "What do you know about

this company?"

 

Don’t talk about money.  Try to get the job.  Just say you expect a fair wage for the job.

 

Interviews 2

 

Listen while the interviewer speaks.  If you don't understand exactly what he says, ask for a clarification. 

The interviewer is probably as uncomfortable as you.  He doesn't give as much of a damn about your past as he does about your future potential. 

Be clean.  Groom yourself beforehand.  Don't fidget, act calm.  Calmness/ stability is the highest order of traits you can show. 

Don't be a buddy.  Show proper respect.  Ask a direct question near the end to the effect of should I call you or you call me.  Act like you feel that you're a serious candidate for the job. 

Don't discuss salary until you know you've got the job.  Let them bring it up first.  Send thank you notes to all people who've interviewed you that night.

 

The golden rule of interviews is that interviewers are human beings therefore led by emotions so they will respond to people who are like them. 

 

This is where your research comes in to make yourself like them.  One guy goes to the corporation a few days before his interview to check the people out then dresses and acts like them on interview day. 

Some new interviewing techniques are telephone interviews, web cam and video conference interviews.

 

For many of us, interviews are the most fearsome part of finding a job but they are also our best chance to shine.  He's just another human being.  Play up to him.  If you don't get the job, it ain't the end of the world.  Prepare for your interviews ahead of time.  Begin by considering what interviewers want to know.

 

You represent a risk to the employer.  A hiring mistake is expensive in terms of lost productivity, wasted training money and the cost of finding a replacement. 

 

To lessen the risk, interviewers try to select people who are highly motivated, understand what the job entails and show that their background has prepared them for it.  Go conservative most of the time although younger managers want young, cool people.

 

You show that you're highly motivated by learning about the company before the interview by dressing appropriately and by being well mannered which means that you greet the interviewer by name, you do not chew gum or smoke, you listen attentively and you thank the interviewer at the end of the session. 

 

You have to be a softcore cornball suckhole if you want the job unless you're really, really good anyway.

 

They don't necessarily want the creative, independent thinkers.  If they're the personnel officers of a company, they'd rather play it safe with boring, cornily dressed, phony suckholes. 

 

If the boss of a company interviews you, show him you can think up new ideas.  In the final analysis, be sharp for the interview but don't be too much of a wimp i.e., not too cornball rigid.  Show them you're real, never dull nor desperate.

 

Don't sit until invited to.  The interviewer will be watching everything about you.  Think that you will show a positive, dignified energy.  Wear a little cross so he thinks you're a Christian. 

 

You show motivation by expressing interest in the job at the end of the interview.  You show that you understand what the job entails and that you can perform it when you explain how your qualifications prepare you for specific duties as described in the company's job listing and when you ask intelligent questions about the nature of the work and the training provided new workers. 

 

If you're hotshot with lots of knowledge such as in the computer field, you have room to be slightly arrogant and make perk demands because they need you, there aren't enough good workers with computers.  Go to careerbuilder.com for more info. 

 

Prove how knowlegeable you are by asking detailed questions about the industry, competitors, etc.

 

When you're in a tight squeeze, simply ask a question designed to come off like honest curiosity not a rehearsed attempt to control the interview.

 

Your weakness is always that you work too hard.  You're like a wheel in motion.  Once you get going, you can't stop.  You're so inspired you wanna keep doing it.  That's who you are, an artist of your work.

 

Do research on the employer.  Read the employer profile on a company directory like dnb.com and visit the employer's website.

 

Prepare a list of questions that were not answered by your research.  It shows that you're interested.

 

Practice answering questions the interviewer may ask.

 

Put your list of questions, a copy of your resume, the job description, professional licenses, diplomas and names of references and/or copies

of reference letters in a folder to take to the interview.

 

If possible, wear a suit.  Overdress rather than underdress.

 

Be on time.

 

Bring a pen in case they want you to fill out some paperwork.

 

If you are unable to attend, give the employer a telephone call to say so.

 

Shake hands, make eye contact.  Don't smile.  Have an expression of no emotion, a business face, there to do a job not a flash a fake smile at someone you don't know.  Sit straight.  Don't cross your legs.  Women cross their legs at a nightclub, not in an office.

 

The interviewer is the boss.  Don't try to upstage him.

 

Just answer the questions as though you're on the witness stand in court; clearly and simply.

 

Ask relevant questions when appropriate.

 

The night before an interview, study the employer and the company.  Visit their website.

 

Practice answering questions.  Think about the possible questions the interviewer may ask.

 

Put your list of questions, a copy of your resume, professional licenses, degrees and the job description in a folder to take to the interview.

 

Wear a suit or, at least, a suit jacket.  Err on the side of overdressing.

 

Be early.

 

Be courteous and friendly with all the people there.

 

Don't bring a baby or kid to the interview.

 

If you are no longer interested or are unable to attend, give the employer the courtesy of a telephone call to say so.

 

Shake hands, make eye contact and smile.  Sit straight.

 

Let the interviewer lead.  Talk as though in court; briefly and to the point.

 

If you had difficulties at a previous job, explain your position honestly.

 

Your ability to get along with people is always important.

 

Have concrete examples of your achievements ready.

 

Dress conservatively. Men and women should wear a dark suit.

 

Minimize jewelry

 

Men shouldn't wear earrings.

 

Interviews 3

 

Before the interview, bring:

 

Extra copies of your resume

Breath mints, not gum

Bottle of water to drink before interview so you don’t get dry mouth

Directions to the place

Contact phone number

References in case they ask for them

 

Speak about 50% of the time and don't give longwinded answers.  Make them brief and thoughtful. 

 

In many jobs, it's tough just to land an interview.  The interview is meant to separate the people who look good on paper from the people who look good in real life.  The better looking and healthier you look, the better your chances but you need savoir faire too without appearing arrogant.

 

Most businesses these days are competitive.  They only pick the cream of the crop.  You have to come off as:

 

A careful thinker who doesn't make quick, rash decisions.

 

A reasonably sociable people person.

 

A modest person, not overconfident.

 

Businesslike, mission-oriented, dedicated to doing a good job for the professional integrity of it.

 

If you know someone who was interviewed by the same company you're being interviewed by like a current employee, ask them to tell you about the interview.

 

Make smalltalk when the interview wants to.  Don't take liberties by keeping the casual conversation going.  It's business.  Be professional and professionally distant.

 

Try to remember the interviewer's name when he introduces himself to you.

 

Know your industry.  A sharp interviewer will ask you a calculated question about the business.  He wants to see you think or do you think?  Do you just blurt out some answer or think it through?

 

You have to give a realistic answer that's in the ballpark.  I remember one guy asking some women who supposedly managed several drapery stores how much money each store takes in everyday.  She gave some answer that was way over what you would expect.  She said something like $25,000.  The average small retail drapery store takes in no more than $2000 a day.  Despite her claim that she had a doctorate in business administration, she gave her true self away by being unable to answer a simple question about the business.

 

In some businesses, the interviewer will present a case study scenario and ask the person how would they solve that particular problem.

 

Don't just shout out the first two or three ideas you get.  Be methodical.  Think it through.  Ask a few questions.  Give a thought-out answer.

 

Interviewers are human.  Most will not want to reject you right there if that's what they were planning to do.  They will just play along and say we'll get back to you.

 

When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, you should have one or two good questions about the company on the tip of your tongue.  Ask him personally what's it like to work for the company?

 

Be respectful but use your chops.  You're there to talk about yourself.

 

Do your homework, know what they need and if you can do it, tell them confidently.  A lot of computer nerds are bargaining to work their own hours and doing most of it at home.

 

At the end of the interview, you should know what the next step will be whether you should contact the interviewer again, whether you should provide more information, whether more interviews must be conducted and when a final decision will be reached. 

 

Try to end on a positive note by reaffirming your interest in the position and pointing out why you will be a good choice to fill it.

 

Immediately after the interview, make notes of what went well and what you would like to improve.  To show your interest in the position, send a follow-up letter to the interviewer providing further information on some point raised in the interview and thanking the interviewer once again.  Someone is going to hire you.  It might be the person you just talked to.

 

Sometimes you don't get the job due to things in your control, sometimes it's due to things beyond your control.  Don't wait expectantly by the phone after an interview, don't mope, learn from the interview and keep goin'.

 

One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to have some practice sessions with a friend or two.

 

Research the company's culture to determine the vibe.

 

Avoid discussing controversial topics during your interview.  Don't put on your resume that you're a member of a political organization, religious group or activist group.  If you say you're a Republican and the interviewer is a Democrat, I'll bet that that's the end of it in his mind.

 

When encountering a difficult question, ask yourself, "What is the interviewer really looking for?"

Employers are impressed by people who can be honest.

 

If the interviewer asks about what salary you expect, tell him you expect a normal salary for the skill level in the field.  If he asks for a number, ask him what's his number, what's he willing to offer.

 

Bring a few extra copies of your resume just in case. 

 

Go easy on body language tips from self-help books.  Don't make eye-contact that looks like you're trying to shoot a laser hole through someone.  Just relax.  The thing to watch out for is that you don't do something irritiating when you're nervous.

 

Focus on a relaxed facial expression.

 

Don't fidget at all.  Keep your hands in one place.

 

The more nervous you are, the faster you'll talk. Rushing your words reveals insecurity.  Slow it down.

 

Be wary of using fillers like yah, huh, you know, uhhh, etc.

 

Toward the end of an interview, the panel will ask whether you have any questions.  They expect you to be curious about things.  They expect a question about their company or organization.  Don't do like I did onetime and asked if there were any sports facilities in the area.  Keep it on the job.

 

Be able to express your ideas clearly.

 

Interviews are not meant to be confrontational.  Don't have either an aggressive or timid attitude.  Stay in the middle, a good person trying to help the world.

 

Selling yourself has limits when you try to be a walking encyclopedoia and billboard.

 

Don't criticize or badmouth other people or companies.

 

Poor grammar is a dead giveaway of who you really are.

 

Don't ask about salary or fringe benefits because this knowledge is usually public knowledge or easy to find by other means.

 

Brush up on dining etiquette since a meal is sometimes part of an interview.

 

An interview is always an interview, regardless of how relaxed or informal the setting.  Anything that is said or done is fair game.

 

Interviews 4

 

Do your research.  Read the company's website.

 

Check out the annual report of the company's stock if it's publicly-traded.  Try sec.gov/edgar.shtml or freeedgar.com.

 

You should also have knowledge of the industry.

 

Have a mock interview where a friend asks you twenty or so questions.

 

Before interviews, I always went to the place to find the building where the street address was.  Onetime the building was on a private road about two blocks back from the street address I had.

 

What is your vibe?  Are you too arrogant or too meek?  Confidence is fine but when does it turn to arrogance?

 

The Bible tells us to be modest.  In today's world, if I don't act like an arrogant jerk, can I get a decent job?  Everybody around me unashamedly toots their own horn even though I was brought up to do good work quietly and don't brag about it.  At what point do I sell my soul?

 

Use the toilet before you go in.

 

Never put yourself or anyone else down.  Always be gracious.  Be happy.  If you're a professional, keep abreast of your field so you can dazzle them in the interview or shortly thereafter, once you've landed the job.

 

Essentially, your strategy should be to concentrate on the job and your ability to do it no matter what the question seems to be asking.  If asked for a strength, mention something job related.

 

If asked for a weakness, mention a job-related strength (you work too hard, you worry too much about details, you always have to see the big picture).  Your best weakness is probably that you need challenges otherwise you get bored very quickly. 

If asked about a disability or a specific negative factor in your past like a criminal record, a failure in school, being fired, etc., be prepared to stress what you learned from the experience, how you have overcome the shortcoming and how you are now in a position to do a better job.

 

The most common question is, "Tell me about yourself?"  Every interview will have some form of this question so make up and practice a two minute commercial about yourself.  Make sure you have one or two job related questions ready and ask them to show interest in the company. 

 

Don't discuss salary until you get the job. 

 

If asked, just say it's negotiable and that you're more interested in doing good, meaningful work rather than the salary.  Let the boss say it first then graciously tell him how you feel.  If it's a low wage, perhaps you can work your way up quickly.

 

The interview will be a two-way conversation.  You need to learn more about the position to find out if you want the job.  Given how frustrating it is to look for a job, you do not want to take just any position only to learn that you cannot stand the place and have to look for another job right away.

 

Make each interview a learning experience.  After it is over, ask yourself these questions:

 

What points did I make that seemed to interest the employer?

 

Did I present my qualifications well?

 

Did I overlook qualifications that were important for the job?

 

Did I learn all I needed to know about the job?

 

Did I ask questions I had about the job?

 

Did I talk too much? Too little?

 

Was I too tense? Too relaxed?

 

Was I too aggressive? Not aggressive enough?

 

Was I dressed appropriately?

 

Did I effectively close the interview?

 

Make a list of specific ways you can improve your next interview.  Remember, practice makes perfect.  The more you interview, the better you will get at it.  If you plan carefully and stay motivated, you can market your job talents.  You will get a job that uses your skills and pays you well.

 

Many job hunting books available at libraries (#331, #650-651) discuss ways to answer questions.

 

Review a copy of the job description and the qualifications.

 

Write out answers to questions you think the employer will ask.

 

Learn about the employer through their website.

 

Answer potential questions in your mind.

 

Company representatives are looking for good workers.

 

Bring multiple copies of your resume to hand out.

 

Wear professional clothes.

 

Research the companies before the event.

 

Prepare an elevator pitch or introduction of yourself.

 

Interviews 5

 

What do you think the interviewer wants to know about you?

 

Who are you and what do you want to do in life?

 

Know your resume so you have answers when they ask you questions from them.

 

Be ready with an answer as to why you’re the right fit for the job.

 

Don't get distracted or daydream. Stay attentive.

 

Employers want to know what you can do to help them.  That’s it.  That’s what you put on your resume, not how fascinating you are, how much you can help them.

 

Answer their specific job descriptions about how you can help them.

 

Keep it short and to the point.  Use bulleted points as opposed to paragraphs.

 

Omit bad information about your past.

 

If you're overeducated, don't mention irrelevant degrees.

 

In the first paragraph of a resume, say you're looking for a job or the job you saw posted.  Say why you're interested if you have a good reason.

 

In the second and possibly third paragraph, tell about yourself and what you can do.

 

The last paragraph is your thank you for his or her time. Say you look forward to their reply or give them a time when you'll be phoning them.

 

Companies put up email addresses to send resume emails to but if you’re looking for department heads on your own, try different methods like superpages. com, company websites or call and ask to speak to the manager or the name of someone.  You will have to say it’s personal business to get past the secretary.  Once you do, try to to get the guy’s email address to send him your resume.

 

Be good and nice but don’t brownnose.

 

Once you get an interview, don’t be nervous.  Just go in and be yourself the way your mother wanted you to be.  That’s it.  Don’t try to be fancy.

 

Research the company so you can answer questions when they ask what you know about them.

 

Find out about the company culture by reading their website then act that way.

 

Before the interview, review your resume so you know what’s on it when they ask about things on it.

 

In the ideal situation, the interviewer wants you to succeed.  He hopes you’re the guy.  That’s why you should be cool and nor overdo it because going overboard is a sign of being off-balance, kinda desperate and manic.

 

Try to act happy and productive.

 

Don’t go overboard on eye contact.

 

Don’t try to grip his hand too hard when shaking hands.

 

Every interviewer will ask you to tell him about yourself.

 

He doesn’t care about your personal life, just how well can you do the job.

 

Personally, I believe a person is better off relaxed than like a sharp brown-noser but many interviewers are looking for someone safe.  The conformist brownnoser is always safe.

 

Don’t be personal unless the interviewer initiates smalltalk.

 

To become the right person, put yourself in the mind of the interviewer.  Are you what he wants?

 

Interviews 6

 

When asked for your salary expectations, say want a fair middle-level wage for the field.

 

Create job-alerts on major job sites that get automatically sent to you.

 

Seek permission of references on your resume before you use them.

 

Everyone will ask you to tell them about yourself in an interview.

 

Enter an interview plainly without perfume, cologne or jewelry on.

 

Look for recent news about a company before you intercview for it. Try google.com/alerts using the keywords of your job position and the area you live in.

 

Have a good answer when they ask why should we hire you?

 

The reason I don't get nervous is because I know that regardless of what happens in any interview, it's not going to change my life much either way.  If you're nervous, don't talk too fast.

 

Don't fidget.

 

Remember that interviewing is a two-way street.  Treat this person like an individual, not like a drone.  Make eye contact, extend your hand for a handshake and say, "I'm (name)."

Be early.

Do not wear too much fragrance

Turn off cell phones.

 

Bring your reference list with you to your interviews.

 

Types of interviews are:

One-on-one

Panel: more than one person interviews you at the same time. Group: a group of candidates is interviewed by a panel. Telephone.

 

Show enthusiasm for the position.

 

Study the job description and know exactly what you are interviewing for.

 

Bring extra copies of your resume, transcripts, references, etc.

 

Have a few questions ready to ask because you will be asked if you have any questions.  Ask about the job not the nightclubs in the area.

 

If you receive an offer on the spot, take it.  You can always reject it later.

 

Get directions to the interview site.

 

Bring extra copies of your resume.

 

Allow time to get to the interview site 10 minutes early.

 

Show the employer that you are good for him.

 

Chapter 2. Interviews 2

 

Just One Look

 

People take one look at you and they make up an intuitive idea of you.  Try to look healthy and calm.

 

Interview Mindset

 

Don't show negativity.

 

Don't act as though you're entitled to the job, that they should know you're special and advanced and give it to just by the dynamic way you look.  You have to show deference, humility and ability.

 

There is only so much you can do.  The rest is out of your control.  If you keep getting rejected, it could be you or it could be just random math.  For every job, there are probably at least a dozen people who apply.

 

Show sweetness, love and positivity.

 

Act like a goal-setter, like you have a purpose.

 

Be a team player.

 

Be friendly.  Act like you want to get to know other people.

 

You're the product that you're selling to the boss.  You're marketing your personality strengths, your enthusiasm and willingness to be a team player.

 

Dress in business attire.

 

Keep a list of the telephone numbers and email addresses of the recipients of your resume so you don't forget and send them the same thing several times.

 

Do research on linkedin and elsewhere to get hiring executive names and contact information.

 

Visit the websites of companies.  Go to the 'contacts' page.

 

Check the yellow pages for information on companies.

 

Check your local chamber of commerce or trade commission.

 

Make sure your resume has no grammatical or spelling errors.

 

Put your email address on your resume.

 

Send your resume to the right departments.  Don't just send them to the hr office where they already have a bunch on file.  Send a copy to appropriate departments and hiring people.

 

Send your resume to the people who would logically be the ones hiring people.

 

Try to send the resume to a name rather than a job title.  Take the time to research the right name.

 

Make your email message brief with the resume on the same page.  If the resume is an attachment, they might delete it without looking at it.

 

Have the guts to follow up with a phone call saying you sent a resume, asking if they're hiring, asking for an interview or an information interview.

 

Be positive and sociable for the interview.

 

Many candidates don't bother to research the company they're interviewing for. Show the

interviewer you made the effort.

 

Know what is on your driver's record and credit history and be ready with answers if they ask.

 

Fix your credit file before authorizing a background check.

 

Attitude is often the final factor when an employer decides on a job candidate.

 

Dress for Success Info

 

You must literally dress like a high class VIP all the time if you want to be taken seriously.

 

I don't go as far as the above statement.  It's geared mostly for the one-dimensional, by the book types who want to be successful the conventional way because I've seen successful people in business who have never deviated from jeans and flannel shirts.

 

They were being themselves, giving off the image, "I know who I am, take me for what I do not for what I wear." 

If you're good and know it, you don't have to follow a dress code but at the same time, your boss will keep you because of your work but won't promote you to a public, high profile position because you don't look professional enough.

 

The way you carry yourself and the way you keep your workspace tells other people whether you're leadership material.  In the world of business, the game is shirt, tie and suits.  Always dress for success if you're serious about it.

 

Keep your work area clean and plain.  Get rid of the cute teddy bears, the photographs, the corny inspirational messages, the bowl of candy, etc. This is business not a warm, homey feeling.  If you wanna make it big, you have to become the only logical choice for the job.

 

Always dress professionally but relate to the customer's dress code so he feels you're his buddy.  If you're selling farm equipment, dress like a farmer.  If you're selling hockey gear, wear sportswear, etc.

 

For office work, at a minimum you need three suits, preferably a navy blue, a black and a brown.  Wear different shirts and ties to make it look like you have a big wardrobe.

 

Buy a winter coat to fit over the suit.

 

You need an overcoat or raincoat for rainy days.

 

Women need suits too.

 

Dress conservatively.

 

Wear clean clothes and clean shoes.

 

Go easy on the jewelry.  A man shouldn't wear an earring.  A woman shouldn't wear a nosering, tongue ring or eyebrow ring.

 

Go easy on the make-up.

 

Be clean.  Go easy on perfume or cologne.

 

Trim your fingernails.

 

Wear a neutral color of nail polish.

 

Cut long hair and shave.

 

Women should wear their hair in a conservative style.  If you have long hair, tie it back or pull it up for the interview.

 

Body-piercing or tattoos still aren't cool in the mainstream world.

 

Use the following checklist in your effort to dress for success:

 

Do I look professional to other people?

 

Does my clothing look casual enough such that people give me dirty looks, kinda like what's he trying to prove?

 

Is your clothing neutral or inappropriately fashionable or provocative for work?

 

Is your clothing clean?  Is it too big, too small, too short, too loud, too tight, too baggy?

 

Does your clothing distract people because it's so loud?

 

Is your clothing neat and well-maintained?

 

Is your clothing out-of-date?

 

Do your shoes look nice?

 

Are you well-groomed with the short hair and neat look?

 

Does your briefcase look professional or beat up?

 

Dress for Success Websites

 

amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti, dress to impress guide.

appearance.com

askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip/45b_fashion_advice.html bredin.aba.ca, group that helps people dress for success.

bc.edu/offices/careers/skills/interview/dress.html, dressing for interviews.

black-collegian.com/career/dress2002-1st.shtml, dress for success.

campaignforrealbeauty.com

canoe.ca/lifewiseworketiquette/eti_work6.html careerknowhow.com careerplanning.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com

cinderellascloset.org collegegrad.com/jobsearch/15-5.shtml

columbustech.edu/career-connections/attire.htm

cosmeticscop.com, cosmetics info.

csp.msu.edu ctfa.org, cosmetic, toiletry and fragrance assn.

dfscincy.org, cincinnati.

douglas.bc.ca/coop/student/job_search_tips/dress_for_success.html dressforsuccess.com

dressforsuccess.org

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dress_for_success_worldwide

etiquettepro.com/dressing.htm

fabjob.com/tips131.html

fashionforrealwomen.com fim-inc.com, dress for success business image etiquette.

firstimpressionmanagement.com

goalsmakelifeeasy.com/point/dress_for_success.asp

humanresources.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com

iparenting.com jobopenings.net/business_dress.htm

landrumstaffing.com laura.ca menessentials.com, grooming for men.

military.com/careers/content?file=dress_success_leader.htm newmoon.org, geared for inner beauty as opposed to outer beauty.

mindtools.com/commskll/firstimpressions.htm, making a good impression.

misfitting.com about-face.org, website about body image.

profitguide.com/howto/article.jsp?content=873, dress for success

quintcareers.com/dress_for_success.html

symsdress.com

symsdress.com/basics.htm, dress to acheive.

theprofessionalimage.net

totalimageconsultants.com

uwm.edu/~ceil/career/jobs/dress.htm

wardrobe.org, wardrobe.com, wardrobe for opportunity, united way affliated charity helps low income people get a wardrobe for job interviews.

worktree.com/tb/in_dress.cfm

wssu.edu/wssu/about/administration/division+of+student+affairs/career+services/career+services+guide/career+planning+and+job+searching/dress+for+success.htm, interview attire.

 

Presenting Yourself Info

 

The purpose of an interview for a good interviewer is not to ask innocuous, softball questions but to probe you hard to see who you really are to see if you fit.  As such, don't feel slighted or intimidated by what seems like embarrassing questions.  It's nothing personal.  They just want to find the best person for the job.

 

Don't be a slick, fast talker.  They're onto those kind of people who can talk their way into a job even though they're not very good workers.  Speak slowly and honestly.

 

Interviewers are human.  They make judgments based on first impressions, the way they feel your aura so to speak.

 

Don't provide phony references.  The law nowadays is that if an employer hires you without checking your references then you commit a crime on the job, he can be held liable for hiring a crook who hurt or damaged someone while in his employ without taking precautions to check this person out.  This is called negligent hiring.

 

If you, as an employer, let somebody go for something violent or immoral that they did then you write a decent reference for them, they go to a new job and commit a crime, there is an investigation, they find that you, the former employer, on your reference for this person, failed to disclose that he or she raped somebody on the job or something like that, that could be a charge against you for disclosing false information, in this case a phony, good reference.

 

The morale for the job seeker is that for big companies, don't assume they won't check your references because they will because their legal department has ordered them to in order to protect themselves legally should they hire someone and that person commits some kind of crime.

 

Employers who hire a lot of people routinely discover inconsistencies in what a potential employee says in an interview or what's in his resume and what's true so after awhile, they expect falsehoods and set up a system to check these people out after an interview to further screen them before hiring them.

 

It doesn't cost much to call up the references listed in a resume, type the person's name into a search engine and do a credit and criminal records check. 

By doing this, they protect themselves legally should the new employee commit a crime and they are also saving themselves heartache by weeding out the liars and people who don't look so good on paper.

 

They know your reference list will be filled with allies but they call anyway in order to cover their butts and they also know that people often tell the truth about others to an objective third party because they've got nothing to lose so if someone calls your buddy who you put down as a reference, he might tell them the truth about you that you're angry and sarcastic because he's either harboring passive aggression towards you or is simply telling the truth.

 

For references with the best credibility, put down people you worked with, preferably bosses but even co-workers are better than your priest or your uncle.

Employers want to learn three things about a candidate:

 

Is he morally good?

 

Is he emotionally stable?  Can he get along with people?

 

Can he do the job well?

 

Tailor your resume, references and interview to these three ends.

 

The most basic questions they will ask you or your references are as follows:

 

What are you good at?

 

What are your weaknesses?

 

Are you a team player?

 

How does your performance compare with others in your job position?

 

Tell me about a specific project you worked on that you're proud of?

 

They will often ask you a set of standard questions, write the answers down, call your references, ask them the same questions and check to see if there is a big discrepancy between the answers.

 

Don't be casual about picking your references.  I heard of one company that has a procedure where they call every reference and ask over 60 standard questions about the applicant.

 

The people who get jobs are people who:

 

do the job well and can prove it.

 

are personable, can work with people in a friendly way.

 

Are clean, groomed, they look neutral conservative not like some pop star wanna be or some freak.

 

Tie a Tie Websites

 

There are supposedly at least 85 ways to tie a tie:

 

amazon.com/85-ways-tie-science-aesthetics/dp/0767906438, the 85 ways to tie a tie.

 

2tieatie.com

askmen.com

beautiesltd.com/category/how-to-tie-a-bow-tie-instructions, how to tie a bow tie and windsor knot instructions brooksbrothers.com/tieknots/tieknots.tem

cheaptieshop.com

dimpler.com, how to dimple a necktie?

ehow.com

ehow.com/how_2649_tie-bow-tie.html, how to tie a bow tie

ehow.com/video_2970_tie-tie.html

folds.net/bowtie, how to tie a bow-tie

how-to-tie-a-tie.org

how-to-tie-a-tie-video.com

iwillknot.com

jobsearch.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/cs/interviews/a/tieatie.htm

kinowear.com/blog/how-to-tie-a-tie-the-pursuit-of-the-perfect-knot

marthastewart.com/article/tie-a-bow-and-necktie

neckties.com/content/howtotieatie.html

peeplo.com, how to tie a tie and much more

silk-ties.news72.com

strongtie.com

tcf.ua.edu/bowtie/

tieanecktie.com

tie-a-tie.net, learn how to tie a tie with the windsor, half windsor, four in hand and pratt necktie knots by following step-by-step video instructions

tie-a-tie.net/bowtie.html

tieguide.com

tieguide.com, tie a tie, knots, tying, necktie

tieknot.com, how to tie a tie for a business meeting, a wedding, a date.

tie-knot.eu, nine of the most classic tie knots

tie-necktie-video.com

tiepedia.com, how to tie a tie, find inexpensive but classy ties, get necktie tips

ties.com, variety including novelty, solid color, skinny, extra-long and boys' ties, and cufflinks.

totieatie.com

videojug.com/film/how-to-tie-a-bow-tie

wikihow.com/tie-a-bow-tie

wikihow.com/tie-a-tie

 

 

Chapter 3. Interviews 3

 

Behavioral Interviewing Info

 

Behavioral Interviewing is a method of interviewing where the interviewer asks questions about the applicant's performance and behavior in the past and goes easy on hypothetical situations.

 

Questions are directly relevant to the job.

 

Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, the interviewer will ask you to describe how you did behave.  The interviewer will ask you to provide details and will not allow you to theorize or generalize about events.

 

The interview will be structured to concentrate on areas that are important to the company, not necessarily to you.

 

You may not get a chance to deliver any prepared stories.

 

The behavioral interviewer has been trained to objectively collect and evaluate information.  He or she works from a profile of desired behaviors that are needed for success on the job.

 

Some typical questions are:

 

"Describe a major problem you have faced and how you dealt

with it."

 

"Give an example of when you had to work with your hands to

accomplish a task or project."

 

"What class did you like the most? What did you like about it?"

Follow-up questions will test you for consistency.

 

Prepare for a behavioral interview by remembering yourself in a number of different work situations.  Be ready to describe the situation, your positive, wise action and the outcome or result.

 

Don't generalize about several events; give a detailed accounting of one event.

 

The traditional interview may allow you to fantasize about what you might or should do in a given situation whereas the behavioral interviewer is looking for past actions only.

 

brockport.edu/career/behave.htm, SUNY

uwec.edu/career/online_library/behavioral_int.htm, University of Wisconsin

 

A Person With Disabilities Being Interviewed

 

Many interviewers are shocked to see a person with disabilities since you don't have to disclose it on your application or resume unless it's something that could interefere with your ability to do the job.

 

They might be uncomfortable and try to get it over with quickly then they will eliminate you from the candidate pool. 

Your job is to put the guy or gal at ease and tell them directly you can do the job well, you just a chance to prove yourself.

 

You must be able to demonstrate your ability to manage your disability without having it interfere with the job.

 

If you have special needs like a ramp to get your wheelchair into the building, tell them upfront.

 

To disclose or not to disclose that you have a disability and when and how to disclose it are decisions that you have to make for yourself during the job search process.

 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you

are not legally obligated to disclose your disability unless it is likely to directly affect your job performance.

 

On the other hand, if your disability is visible, it will be evident at the

time of the interview but at the same time if you reveal it in a resume they simply won't give you an interview.  It's catch-22.  You're screwed either way.  If you go in for the interview, at least you got a shot to try to convince the guy.

 

The cover letter and résumé should primarily outline relevant skills,

experiences and education for the position for which you are

applying.  If you choose to disclose your disability, it should be brief and placed near the end of the cover letter and résumé.  Focus on your ability, not disability.

 

The government, some nonprofits and big companies are more open to hiring disabled people than others.

 

Seek advice from other workers with disabilities who have been successful in finding employment.

 

Practice the interview to come across polished and well-informed.

 

Put the interviewer at ease by addressing any visible disability if you have not done so already.

 

Tactfully keep the interview

focused on your abilities.

 

Inform the employer of any accommodations needed

and how they can be achieved.

 

A Consulting Interview/ Case Interview

 

A consulting interview is an interview where you're given a case study or case scenario and asked what would you do in that situation. 

 

Even in ordinary interviews they often ask what would you do if...

 

Don't say the first thing that comes to your head unless you're intuitively sure of it.  Think for at least 10 seconds before you answer.  Organize your thoughts and show an understanding of the issues.

 

The most important thing is immediate safety then how you solve the problem. 

 

You can expect this type of interview for jobs that require you to think on your feet like lawyer, teacher, doctor, business manager, cop, firefighter and stuff like that.

 

Go over case studies to try to prepare yourself for possible case scenarios but the bottom line is intuition.  I always intuitively know what I have to do in any situation based on what I already know.  If I don't know about the other, better way that insiders do, I can't be held responsible which is why I always trust my intuition.  For me, it's always solve the immediate problems and delegate to solve the others.

 

They're testing your analytical abilities, your ability to solve problems quickly with limited knowledge.  I feel so intuitive that it borders on arrogance.  I was always like this because I was raised in a family of six kids.  If you wanted something, you had to do it yourself.  I used to presume other people were like this until I went out into the real world and met people who seemed like they were sheltered from the real world all their lives.

 

As long as you try and make definite reasonable decisions, that's the best you can do.  In any situation, a wrong answer with action is better than a half-assed attempt to do what attempts to nothing like indecisive people.

 

Try to learn ahead of time what kind of interview you will have.

 

 

Interview Video Websites

 

video.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/jobsearch/job-interview-tips.htm

video.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/jobsearch/job-interview-body-language.htm

dailymotion.com/video/xa5pea_best-job-interview-tips_school

 

Psychometric Testing Info

 

Many companies give applicants either a test measuring your skill in the field or a test to see if you’re mentally sound or behaviorally sound often disguised as an aptitude test like the Myers-Brigg Personality Profile.  They want to see if you’re a thief.

 

I list plenty of websites for free aptitude and other tests in my job exploration book.

 

Sometimes they get three guys in a room asking you a bunch of hypothetical questions real fast to see if you get flustered.  Don’t get flustered.

 

Chapter 4. Interviews 4

 

Interview One-Liners

 

Most interviewers can sense deceit.  If you look up and to the right or look down quickly before you answer and question, it supposedly means deceit.

 

Be prepared to back your statements.

 

Be prepared to say you want a fair salary but don't bring it up first.

 

Overconfidence and arrogance are not cool because interviewers have seen it all before.  They prefer somebody being normal rather than over-the-top.

 

Overconfidence tells the interviewer you would be overbearing and abrasive at the job.

 

Come across naturally as who you are.

 

To succeed in an interview, you have to show that you would fit in at work.

 

They want a pleasant personality.

 

Prepare for a job interview by practicing speaking intelligently.

 

Respond normally and honestly, not with crafty answers.

 

Be clean and neat.

 

Don’t fidget.

 

Don’t complain about life.

 

Answers shouldn’t be too short or too long.

 

Research the company and its products/ services.

 

They want to know why you want to work there.

 

Use is the thank-you letter the day after the interview because so few candidates ever send them. It is a simple, thoughtful, courteous act.

 

Networking is the biggest way people find jobs.

 

Internet resume-posting is not a good way to find a job.

 

Try to get this information when you go for a job interview so that you remember things in the case that you go for a number of interviews then a month or so later, get a job offer.

 

contact name and title

contact email address, phone number

 

information about the organization

 

summary of thoughts and feelings

 

realistic view of the company

 

Do You Want to Work There?

 

When you go for your interview, look around at the mood of the place.  Feel it intuitively.

 

You want a job.

 

Unless you’re desperate, you want the right job.

 

If the vibe is off even though the interview is good, pass on the job.

 

World’s Greatest Worker Info

 

Do you look like a healthy, wholesome vital person?

 

Do you have a vision or purpose or at least act like you know where you’re going, what your soul is all about?

 

Employers intuitively look for the inner harmony or aura someone gives off.

 

If you’re depressed about being unemployed, act like you’re looking for work and optimistic.

 

Constantly take courses in your field to put on your resume.

 

Constantly learn about your field like what’s going on now.  Start a free blog at wordpress.com to talk about it.

 

Get my education book and learn grammar.

 

Do you help people in life in general?

 

Are you friendly?

 

Are you generally happy in mood?

 

Constantly train and upgrade your skills.

 

Look at your competition.  Be better than anyone else.  Learn from them.

 

Do you know exactly what you want in life?

 

Never talk about looking forward to the end of thew day or vacation in front of your boss.

 

Always work hard.

 

Always look at getting ahead.

 

An Employer Wants to See How Social You Are

 

If employers want to see if you’re a loner introvert or a social media freak, all they have to do is type your name into a search engine.

 

If you want to look professional, do this;

 

create a linkedin profile

 

publish a book on amazon kindle

 

create a facebook profile for you and your field

 

create a twitter account where you tweet tips about your field

 

publish some articles at docstoc.com, ezinearticles.com, etc.

 

try to publish some articles for free at big news websites

 

Create a personal resume website.  You can do this for free at weebly.com or wix.com.  You can use their free website name.  Hopefully a search engine picks it up.  Put it on your resume.

 

Try to get mentioned in newspaper articles as a volunteer or community helper

 

Put good stuff up at youtube, pinterest and instagram using your name.

 

Never promote yourself blatantly online.  Everybody sees through it.

 

Never brag.

 

Never show party photos.

 

Pick a neutral activist cause then post some stuff somewhere acting like you give a damn about saving the planet even though you just wanna get rich like all the other phonies.  You can’t go wrong with animals.

 

Keep good grammar and spelling.

 

If you’re a stripper on the side, use a fake name.

 

Use good photos of yourself.

 

Show personality.

 

Use your social media to network.

 

If you're looking for a job in any field, search for the hashtag for that field.  Look for job opportunity tweets.

 

When tweeting, create useful content that people care about.

 

Networking is superficial but hopefully it leads to meaningful relationships that lead to a job.

 

Don’t be fake.

 

Help others first before you ask for favors.

 

Morals and Values in an Interview

 

Most people think they’re religious and good even if they’re selfish and evil. 

 

Despite the values clarification movement where the American Department of Education tried to indoctrination children into thinking all values are relative to everybody’s individuality, I suggest you come off like a religious, ethical person who believes in absolute standards of goodness in an interview setting and at work as opposed to the free-wheeling guy or gal who thinks anything goes for anybody as long as they don’t bother you.

 

Bosses want people with absolute internal moral compasses.  They don’t trust the permissive hippie types.

 

Act like a traditional, hard-working, honest, ethical person.  Better yet, don’t act like it.  When you go to work, don’t just do enough to get by.  Work hard for the love of life.  People will notice and promote you.

 

Getting a Job Comes Down to This

 

Assuming you have the skills they’re looking for, the thing that gets you a job over and above everyone else is the way you present and carry yourself.

 

That’s it.  Who are you right here, right now without all the B.S. on the resume.

 

Chapter 5. Interviews 5

 

Computer Interview

 

Some companies now use computer interviews.  They take you into a room where there's a computer.  You sit down and answer 100 questions or so, some multiple choice, some in your own words.  The computer then tabulates your results and prints out a summary for the firm to look over. 

 

They may have a scoring mechanism for the multiple choice questions.  Some of these are conducted online such that you can do it from home then they can decide whether to call you in or not.

 

With some computer interviews, they feed in what you put onto an application form, compare it to a multiple choice questionaire that you fill out and look for glaring inconsistencies.  Then they interview you and ask you questions about the red flags. 

 

They even have computer programs where you can do the questionaire at home using your touchtone phone as keys for your answers.  A lot of security and money handling jobs use these questionaires to try to check for subtle shades of dishonesty.

 

They also have computerized skills tests, personality tests and integrity tests they might want you to take on the computer answering x number of questions then receiving some score based on your result which helps determine whether they hire you or not. 

 

Many of these tests have a trick question or two to see if you're lying like if they ask you if you've ever lied before, everybody has so it's no good to say no but if they ask if you've ever stolen before and you say yes, that's bad because they take the attitude once a thief, always a thief.

 

Interview Checklist

 

A basic checklist is:

 

Know the company before the interview.

 

Women should wear a business suit with a skirt not slacks.

 

Dress appropriately.  Never dress casually.

 

Arrive exactly on time.

 

Be the first to offer a handshake regardless of if the interviewer is male or female.

 

Give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact not too excessive though.

 

Don't accept candy or a drink.  Don't smoke or chew gum.

 

Try to hang up your coat before the interview if possible.

 

Don't use first names unless the interviewer requests it.

Call any woman "Ms."  Don't ask her what she prefers to be addressed as; Ms., Mrs. Or Miss.

 

Don't fidget.

 

Listen well.

 

Be confident but not egotistical.

 

When the interviewer gives a sign that the interview is winding down, take the cue, get up, thank him and leave.

 

Don't overdo the flattery.  Just be common sensical.

 

Keeping you waiting may their test of your patience.

 

Remember, they're interested in what you can do for them.

 

If talking about a controversial or embarassing area, smile, try to brush it off and don't say too much.  Don't get obviously flustered.

 

If he asks you an illegal question, also smile and try to brush it off lightly.

 

Try not to get tense or angry during the interview.  Try to give off the impression of being easygoing; calm.

 

Listen to questions and answer them directly.

 

Proper etiquette means you know how to be submissive and not arrogant.

 

Be nice to everyone you meet there.

 

Ask questions about the company.

 

Avoid talking about salary.  When asked about it, be humble, say you want a living wage, a chance to prove yourself and to be paid what you're worth in due time.

 

Send a thank you note.

 

Learn as much as you can about the company salary and benefits.  Friends, neighbors and relatives who work for the company are good sources of information.  Libraries, local chambers of commerce, etc.  are also helpful.

 

Learn everything you can about the job and how your previous experience and training qualify you for the job.

 

Write down the things you will need to complete applications:

 

Your background and experience list (contains names of former employers, schools, training, etc.).

 

A resumé or summary of your work experience.

 

Samples of your work (if practical).

 

Also include any work-related or community service awards that you have received.

 

Be sure to bring your social security card, driver's license, union card, military records, etc.

 

Dress for the interview and the job.  Don't overdress or look too informal.

 

Always go to the interview alone.  Arrange for baby sitters, transportation and other pitfalls ahead of time so that you can be on time and relaxed in the interview.

 

Find common ground with the employer. 

Pictures, books, plants, etc., in the employer's office can be conversation.

 

Express your interest in the job and the company using information you gathered to prepare for the interview.

 

Let the interviewer direct the conversation.

 

Answer questions in a clear and positive manner.  Show how your experience and training will make you productive in the shortest time with minimal supervision.

 

Speak positively of former employers and co-

workers no matter why you left even if you were fired from your last job.

 

Let the employer lead into conversations about benefits.  Your focus on these items can be a "turnoff."  But, don't be afraid to ask questions about things that you really need to know.

 

When discussing salary, be flexible, avoid naming a specific salary.  If you're too high, you risk not getting the job.  If you're too low, you undersell yourself.  Answer questions on salary requirements with responses such as, "I'm interested in the job as a career opportunity so I'm negotiable on the starting salary."  Negotiate but don't sell yourself short.

 

If the employer does not offer you a job or say when you will hear about it, ask when you may call to find out about the decision.

 

If the employer asks you to call or return for another interview, make a written note of the time, date and place.

Thank the employer for the interview and reaffirm your interest and qualifications for the job.

 

You don't have to answer questions about political affiliations, religion, age, health, disability not related to your ability to do the job, children, daycare arrangements, home owner or not, marital status, country of origin, spouse's work, criminal convictions and anything else that gets too inappropriately personal.

 

Interview No-Nos

 

The questions employers cannot ask during an interview are as follows:

 

Age.

 

Ancestry.

 

Citizenship.

 

Color.

 

Creed.

 

Criminal background.

 

Disability.

 

Family status.

 

Gender.

 

Marital status.

 

National origin.

 

Public assistance recipient.

 

Race.

 

Religion.

 

Sexual orientation.

 

Some other ones are:

 

Whether you have children.

 

Have you ever filed a workmen's compensation claim?

 

Do you have Aids or any other serious illness?

 

How many days of sick leave did you use last year?

 

Have you ever declared bankruptcy or had your wages garnished?

 

What category of discharge did you get from the military?

 

Interviewers don't like:

 

Arrogance.

 

Longwinded answers.

 

Poor ability to speak fluently and clearly.

 

Talk about what you will get out of it not the company.

 

Making excuses.

 

Being late.

 

Poor eye contact.

 

Too rigid.

 

Mr. Know it all.

 

Rudeness.

 

No depth in discussion.

 

No knowledge of the company.

 

Unprofessional look.

 

Unrealistic goals.

 

Hostile.

 

Sarcastic.

 

Illegal Questions to Ask

 

Potential employers just can't ask you anything they want.  They have rules they have to follow as advanced and enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, eeoc.gov.

 

Basically, illegal questions are questions about your plans to have children, your sexual orientation and your religious beliefs.  If you're asked an illegal question, you can politely say it's not relevant but then you probably won't get the job.  How can you prove you didn't get the job because you blew off their illegal questions?  You could secretly tape the interview.  It's best just to write it off.

 

Personal

 

The employer can ask: 

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? 

Do you hold a valid driver's license? 

Do you belong to any groups or clubs related to this job or field?

 

The employer can't ask: 

Have you ever been arrested? 

Have you ever pleaded guilty to a crime? 

Have you ever been in trouble with the law? 

To what societies, associations, lodges, etc., do you belong?

 

Have you ever changed your name by court order or other means? 

What are the names of friends and relatives working for the company? 

What kind of work does your mother, father, wife, or husband do?

Residence

 

The employer can't ask:

 

Do you rent or own your own home? 

How long have you lived in this country? 

If you live with someone, what is the nature of the relationship? 

Do you live in a foreign country?

 

Ethnic Origin

 

The employer can't ask:

 

What is your skin color?  Your ancestry?  Your maiden name (unless using it to do a background check)? 

Where were you born?

 

What is your mother's native language? 

What is your native tongue? 

How did you learn to speak a foreign language? 

What is your spouse's nationality?

 

Citizenship

 

The employer can ask:

 

Are you a citizen of the United States?  If not, do you intend to become one?  Can you provide documents required to prove that you have a legal right to work in this country?

 

The employer can't ask:

 

Of what country are you a citizen? 

Are you a native-born or naturalized citizen?  Your parents?  Your spouse?  When did you/ they acquire citizenship?

 

Childcare

 

The employer can't ask:

 

Are there children at home?  How many?  Their ages?  Who looks after them? 

If you plan to have children later on, who will take care of them while you work?

 

Disability

 

The employer can't ask:

 

Are you disabled or impaired? 

Have you ever received compensation for injury or illness? 

Have you ever been treated for a certain condition. 

In your last job, how much sick time did you have?

 

Age

 

The employer can ask:

 

If you are younger than 18 or older than 65, what is your age?

 

The employer can't ask:

 

How old are you?  

When were you born? 

What makes you want to work at your age?

 

Religion

 

The employer can't ask:

 

What is your religion? 

What church are you a member of? 

What religious holidays do you observe? 

Can you work on the Sabbath?

 

Marital Status

 

The employer can ask:

 

What is your marital status?

 

The employer can't ask:

 

Are you married, single, divorced, separated, widowed, or engaged? 

Should we call you Miss, Ms., or Mrs.? 

Where does your spouse work? 

What does your spouse do? 

Is your spouse covered by a medical/health insurance plan? 

Are you the head of your household? 

Are you the principal wage earner?

 

Gender Issues

 

The employer can't ask:

 

Do you plan to marry? 

Will you have children? 

Do you believe in birth control or family planning? 

Do you consider yourself a feminist?  What do you think about the ERA, Equal Rights Amendment?

 

findarticles.com, 10 illegal job interview questions.

 

microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources/management/recruiting_staffing/dont_ask_a_job_applicant_these_questions.mspx

 

Thank You Letter Info

 

Send a thank you letter after the interview.  It might sound corny but the interviewer will know that at least you took the time to care to do it.  It shows consideration.

 

Here’s an example:

 

Thank you for interviewing me about the _ position with your company. I would like to work for you.  I look forward to hearing from you once the final decisions are made regarding this position.

 

Sincerely

Joe Smith

 

john@lugo.com

 

quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.html, sample thank; you letters.

 

trincoll.edu/depts/career/guides/business_ltr.shtml, writing a thank you letter.

 

Telephone Interview/ Phone Interview Info

 

A lot of interviews are done over the phone simply because people live so far away.  You can't expect someone to come 2000 miles for an interview then not get the job.

 

A phone interview is usually a screening process to decide whether you get a real interview but some people are hired based solely on a telephone interview.

 

Make your phone answer recording sound professional.

 

Do not sound disorganized.  All they have is your voice so don't talk too fast nor sound either depressed or bubbly.  Sound calm.

 

If the hiring committee on the other end is in a conference-call setting, write down each person's name and

title so you can refer to it later and write thank-you letters.

 

Have some questions of your own to ask at the end.

 

Following the interview, send a thank-you letter to each person with whom you interviewed with.

 

allbiz.com/26, telephone tips.

worktree.com/newsletter/telephone-interview-preparation.html

 

Video Job Interviews

 

It's pretty easy to do a video interview with Skype or webcams.

 

interview-on-demand.com

 

Chapter 6. Interview Websites

 

The Interviewer Websites

 

joelonsoftware.com/articles/fog0000000073.html, the guerrilla guide to interviewing

esquiregroup.com/ask_jobseekers_qa.cfm

ob-interview.net

job-website.info/job/ask-interview-job-question.html

bizinformer.com/50226711/the_best_question_to_ask_a_job_candidate.php

microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources/management/recruiting_staffing/dont_ask_a_job_applicant_these_questions.mspx

 

Job Interview Websites 1

 

biginterview.com, Big Interview expert video lessons

 

job-interview.net, Job-Interview

 

pramp.com, Pramp practice live coding interviews.

 

careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/index.html

 

interview-success.com

 

interview101.com

interviewconsultants.com
interviewprep.com
job-interview.net
natives.co.uk/skijobs/interview.htm
oilcareers.com/content/career/interview_candidate.asp
perfectinterview.com

careercenter.georgetown.edu/major-career-guides/interviewing, Interviewing

 

Job Interview Websites 2

 

commoninterviewquestions.org, interview questions.

interviewstrategies.com

job-applications.com/category/interview-questions

nextsteps.org, job finding resource for youth.

campusresumes.ca/index.htm, campus resume writing service for students and grads.

career.fsu.edu/mockinterview

readyprepinterview.com

career.vt.edu/interviewing/interviewappearance.html

studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/interviewing/etiquette

quintcareers.com/intvres.html

interviewstream.com, practice and improve your interview skills

quintcareers.com/interviewing_articles.html, quintcareers interviewing guide.

acetheinterview.com

angrpinc.com/etiquette_tips.asp

awriteimpression.com/interview.htm

best-interview-strategies.com/questions.html

careerbuilder.com

careerlab.com/art_closing.htm, if you don't get a job offer after multiple interviews

interview.monster.com

interviewbest.com

interviewup.com

quintcareers.com/career_doctor_cures/interview_preparation.html

quintcareers.com/interview_questions.html

quintcareers.com/intvres.html, job interview advice

resources.monster.com/tools

symsdress.com/basics.htm, professional dress

 

Job Interview Websites 3

 

thebalance.com/situational-interviews-2061636

 

forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/04/25/11-ways-to-prepare-for-and-ace-situational-interview-questions/#5cc49c8c5de2

 

livecareer.com/resources/interviews/questions/situational

 

roberthalf.com/blog/job-interview-tips/why-you-need-to-prepare-for-behavioral-interview-questions

 

hospitalcareers.com/blog/behavioral-interview-questions-answers

 

thejobnetwork.com/acing-your-behavioral-job-interview

 

monster.com/career-advice/article/behavioral-interviews-in-healthcare

 

 

allhealthcare.monster.com/careers/articles/3483-15-toughest-interview-questions-and-answers

 

thebalance.com/top-job-interview-questions-2061228

 

CareerOneStop: Interview and Negotiate

careeronestop.org/JobSearch/Interview/interview-and-negotiate.aspx

 

healthcareittoday.com/2016/05/31/8-tips-for-acing-the-interview

 

hospitaljobsonline.com/career-center/interviewing/interview-tips-tough-interview-questions.html

 

interviewsuccessformula.com/interview-questions-and-answers/interview-questions-what-are-the-major-tasks-in-health-care-management.php

 

studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/students/interviewing.shtml

 

Loyola University Chicago

luc.edu/hr/recruitmentguide_managerinterviewq's.shtml

 

monster.com/career-advice/article/toughest-health-care-interview-questions

Monster: 10 Interviewing Rules

 

monster.com/career-advice/article/ten-interviewing-rules

 

talhealthcare.com/2017/04/8-secrets-to-acing-the-interview

 

University of Pittsburgh Public Health

publichealth.pitt.edu/careers/job-search-tool-kit/preparing-for-your-interview

 

Yale School of Public Health: Standard Interview Questions

publichealth.yale.edu/career/toolkit/interviews/questions.aspx

 

Interview Video Websites

 

dailymotion.com/video/xa5pea_best-job-interview-tips_school

acingjobinterview.com

adm.uwaterloo.ca/infocecs/crc/manual/informat

adm.uwaterloo.ca/infocecs/crc/step 2-infointerview

adm.uwaterloo.ca/infocecs/crc/step4-interview

answers.yahoo.com, what is the best way to prepare for behavioral question format interview?

ask12.com/job-interview-question-ask-the-interviewer/

asktheheadhunter.com

bankrate.com/brm/news/special/20060602a1.asp

bhuvans.wordpress.com/2006/08/19/50-common-interview-qa

bizmove.com/skills/m8n3.htm, how to succeed in the job interview.

 

buckleysearch.com/business_body_language.htm, interview body language.

 

cacee.com/workweb/15questions

campuscareercenter.com/students/article.asp?news_id=815, handshaking 101.

 

canisius.edu/canhp/departments/career/docs/interviewing.htm

career.fsu.edu/experience/information-interviews-guide.html, information interviews guide.

 

career.vt.edu/jobsearc/interview/appearnc.html, interview attire.

 

career.vt.edu/jobsearc/interview/behavioral.htm, behavioral interviewing.

 

career.vt.edu/jobsearc/makingcalls.htm, making calls; etiquette.

 

career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/careers.aspx, virtual interview.

 

careercity.com/content/interview

careercity.com/content/interview/index.asp

careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing

carnegieresources.com/interview.htm

collegegrad.com/interview

content.monster.com/jobinfo/interview

danenet.wicip.org/jets/jet-9407-p.html, informational interviewing.

 

doi.gov/octc/ivintro.html

garbo.uwasa.fi

garywill.com/worksearch

golden.net/archeus/int-ch14

golden.net/archeus/intres

 

gowrikumar.com/interview/

gowrikumar.com/interview/index.html, answers to tough interview questions

graduatingengineer.com/tags/interviews

homeworkersexpats.com/interviewtips.htm

howtointerview.com

impactcommunicationsinc.com/pdf/nwsltr_2003/icinwsltrph0302.pdf, how to improve your telephone voice.

 

interview.monster.ca

interview.monster.com/

interview.monster.com/virtualinterview

interviewing.net

interviewsolution.com

ioninterview.html

jobhuntersbible.com

jobhuntersbible.com/library/hunters/crashcourse.shtml

job-interview.net

job-interview.net job-interview.net

job-interview.net

interviewmastery.com

job-interview-advice.net collegerecruiter.com/career-counselors/archives/2007/07/your_worst_job_interview_ever.php

jobopenings.net/interview_tips.htm

jobs.2jobs-4jobs.com/jobinterviewquestions/

jobsearch.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/cs/interviews

job-seekers.all4jobs.com/job-seekers/search/job-interview-question-ask-the-interviewer

job-website.info/job/ask-interview-job-question.html

jumpstartyourjobsearch.com

kaplan.com/career/hotseat

myinterfase.com

newdomain19.info/questions/question-to-ask-a-job-interviewer.php

occ.com/occ/nbew/interviewertechniques

perfectinterview.com

pse-net.com/interview

quintcareers.com

quintcareers.com/career_doctor_cures/interview_preparation.html

quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html

quintcareers.com/interview_problem-solving_skills.html, demonstrate your problem solving skills in the interview.

 

quintcareers.com/job_interviews, job interview tutorial.

 

quintcareers.com/tips/interviewing_tips.html

/dob.html

salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp

softwareceo.com/discussions/structured_behavioral_interviewing.php

student.studentcenter.com/brief/virtual

susanireland.com/interviewguide/prep/prep2.html, learn about the company before the interview.

 

tickletux.wordpress.com/2007/01/10/why-logic-puzzles-make-good-interview-questions

western.edu/career/interview/interview_questions.htm, interviewing questions.

 

wm.edu/csrv/career/stualum/intrwdir/icontent.html

wm.edu/offices/career/undergrads/interview/interviewbasics

woljam.com/interview-questions-part-one.htm

wordpress.com/2007/01/10/why-logic-puzzles-make-good-interview-questions/

xinterview.com/interview-questions.php

 

Informational Interview Websites

 

vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/undergrad/InfoInterviews.html

iccweb.ucdavis.edu/LAB/career/Informational_interview.htm

govloop.com/profiles/blogs/top-5-tips-on-informational

ask.depaul.edu/ConversationStarters/index.asp

vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/undergrad/interviewing.html

career.colostate.edu/Students/JobAndInternshipSearch/NetworkingAndSocialMedia.aspx

blog.goinglobal.com/informational-interviews-for-insights

 

Articles at cleverism.com/best-interview-practices-job-seekers

 

Interview articles.

 

Case Interview Websites 

 

managementconsulted.com/case-interview, Case Interview: Complete Prep Guide, Management Consulted 

 

igotanoffer.com/blogs/mckinsey-case-interview-blog/case-interview, Case interview: the ultimate guide, IGotAnOffer 

 

mconsultingprep.com/case-interview, Case Interview 101, MConsulting Prep.   

 

georgetown.biginterview.com, Big Interview 

 

Technical Interview Websites 

 

pramp.com, Pramp.  

 

leetcode.com, leetcode.  

 

interviewbit.com, InterviewBit   

 

interviewing.io, interviewing.io to prepare. Katie Thomas, a self-taught Software Engineer at Google, shares advice on   

 

medium.com/tech-ladies/how-to-ace-your-next-technical-interview-with-katie-thomas-self-taught-software-engineer-at-google-2448d71bd5e7, how to ace a technical interview.  

 

Video Interviewing Websites

 

hospitaljobs.com/the-complete-guide-to-video-interviewing-for-hospital-hiring-managers

 

northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/virtual-interview-tips

 

roberthalf.com/blog/job-interview-tips/screen-time-how-to-nail-your-next-video-interview

 

themuse.com/advice/phone-interview-tips-preparation

 

themuse.com/advice/video-interview-tips

 

indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/video-interview-guide

 

Chapter 7. List of Interview Questions

 

 

Articles on Interview Questions in a Number of Fields at betterteam.com/interview-questions-directory

 

They have a number of occupations listed.  Click an occupation and you get a list of possible questions the interviewer might ask for that field.

 

List of Interview Questions 1

 

Here is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions to get you started.

 

How do you handle an irate customer?

 

You've been given multiple tasks. What do you do?

 

What bothers you?

 

You're right and everyone else is wrong but ganging up on you. How do you react?

 

How well do you handle stress?

 

What do you feel are your best and worst qualities?

 

What interests you about this industry?

 

What are your career goals?

 

What motivates you?

 

What is the hardest thing you've ever had to do.

 

How d you respond to orders?

 

Describe your duties at your last job.

 

What are the most valuable lessons you've learned in life?

 

Describe a big problem you encountered and how you handled it.

 

What do you think about public speaking?

 

How do you persuade anyone about anything?

 

What problems have you had with past employers and how did you deal with these situations?

 

 

What do you like to do?

 

What is most important to you?

 

What are your future goals?

 

What skills and knowledge do you have?

 

How would you describe your strengths as a leader?

 

Are you open to new ideas?

 

Are you a people person?

 

List of Interview Questions 2

 

Are you familiar with our company mission statement?

Are you interested in advancing in your career?

Are you looking for a position in other companies?

Are you willing to accept a lower salary?

Are you willing to go elsewhere for a posting?

Can you explain why you were not employed during period of time?

Can you give me an example of one of your failures and what you learned from it?

Can you give me an example of when you showed initiative?

Can you give me the highlights of your resume?

Can you learn from people younger than you?

Can you perform the job's essential function? Can you show proof of your eligibility to work in this country? Can you take instructions without your ego getting in the way?

Can you take orders well? Can you work when under pressure?

Describe a situation in when you overcame a personality conflict.

Describe a situation when you had many assignments or projects due at the same time. What steps did you take to finish them?

Describe a situation where you used persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

Describe a time when you had to defend your decision.

Describe a time when you used persuasion to convince someone to see things your way.

Describe a time when you worked in a team.  What role did you play?

Describe a time where you were angry at work.

Describe traits you want in an ideal company and job.

Describe your ideal job. Describe your leadership style and give me an example of a situation where you successfully led a group. Do you feel you have ever performed to the best of your potential?

Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Give an example of when you had to make a difficult decision. Give me an example of what you've done when your time schedule or plan was upset by unforeseen circumstances?  Give me an example of when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done. Give me an example of your ability to build motivation in your coworkers, classmates or a volunteer committee. Planning and organization Have you ever been asked to resign? Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Have you ever been fired?

Do you get along with different kinds of people? Do you have a big ego?

Do you have a disability?

Do you have any questions?

Do you have any questions?

Do you plan to return to school for further education? Do you prefer working alone or with others?

Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?

Do you set goals for yourself? How often?

Do you think you were paid enough in your last job?

Don't you think you might be too overqualified

Give me an example of how you react to change.

Give me an example of your teamwork and leadership.

Have you ever been asked to do something unethical?

Have you ever been late for work or an important appointment?

Have you ever changed careers?

Have you ever had personal problems getting along with others? Have you had difficulties at a previous job.

Have you ever had to fire anyone? What caused you to take this action?

Have you received any special recognition?

How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? How do you feel about traveling as part of your job? How do you prefer to be supervised? How do you react to criticism?

How do you feel about working in a team environment?

How do you prioritize when you are given too many tasks?

How do you start your workday?

How do you stay current with your field? How does your background relate to this position? How does your education or experience relate to your work?

How does your company compete against ours?

How long would you stay with us?

How many hours a week do you prefer to work?

How much are you making now? How much experience do you have? How much money are you looking for? How would a former supervisor describe you? How would you define a great workplace? How would you describe yourself?

How much do you know about our company?

How would you describe your personality?

If you were starting school all over again, what would you study?

In what type of setting do you do your best work? Is it all about making money?

Is there ever a business situation where it is okay to lie?

May we call your references?

Rate yourself on your strengths and weaknesses.

Tell me about a time when you had to be assertive.  Tell me about a time when you had to present complex information. How did you get your point across? Tell me about a time when you had to take on a leadership role. Tell me about a time when you used written communication skills to communicate an important point.  Tell me about an accomplishment that you are proud of. Tell me about an important goal of yours. Tell me about projects you have initiated. Tell me about something that changed you. Tell me about the most difficult or frustrating individual that you've ever had to work with and how you managed to work with him or her. Tell me about your last boss?

Tell me about an important goal you set for yourself.

Tell me about one of your most significant accomplishments.

Tell me about yourself

Tell me about yourself.

Tell me about yourself.

Tell me an interesting story.

Tell me how your friends/family would describe you.

Tell me this business works.

 

List of Interview Questions 3

 

How  did  you  choose  this  career  field? 

 

What  has  been  your  career  path? 

 

What  is  the  typical  career  path  for  someone  starting  in  this  field? 

 

How  has  the  field  changed  since  you  started? 

 

Who  are  the  leading  organizations  in  the  field? 

 

How  does  your  organization  compare  with  its  competitors? 

 

If  you  were  back  in  college  and  had  to  do  it  all  over  again, what  would  you  do  differently? 

 

What  skills, personal  qualities  or  abilities  are  important  to  being  successful  in  this  field  or  job? 

 

What  is  your  opinion  of  my  background  and  resume? 

 

Do  you  see  any  problem  areas  or  weaknesses? 

 

What  next  steps  would  you  recommend  with  regard  to  my  (major  or  career)  search? 

 

Is  there  anyone  else  you  recommend  that  I  speak  with? 

 

Tell me what you think your former coworkers

Using single words, tell me your three greatest strengths.

Were you ever disciplined for a reason that seemed unjustified?  What accomplishment gave you the greatest joy?

What accomplishment do you feel most proud of?

What are some of the problems you have had in doing your job?  How do you fix them?

What are some of your skills that apply to this job.

What are some of your strengths?

What are some things you don't like about past bosses?

What are you best at?

What are you good at?

What are your career plans? What are your future ambitions?

What are your goals?

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? What are your greatest strengths? What are your greatest weaknesses? What are your hobbies?

What are your greatest strengths?

What are your interests outside work?

What are your interests?

What are your major strengths?

What are your major weaknesses?

What are your pet peeves?

What are your qualifications?  What are your salary expectations? What are your weaknesses?

What are your short- and long-term goals?

What can you do for us that others aren't so good at? What can you offer us? What classes did you enjoy most/least and why? What courses did you like best or least in school?

What de-motivates you or discourages you?

What did you earn last year?

What did you like best or least about your last job?

What did you like in school? What do you dislike about your last job? What do you do if you disagree with the boss?

What did you think about your former boss?

What do you consider to be your greatest failure?

What do you expect to earn here?

What do you feel it takes to have a successful career?

What do you hope to be doing in five years? 10?

What do you know about our company? What do you know about our company?

What do you know about our services/products? What do you know about this job or company?

What do you like about our product or service?

What do you like least about your current position?

What do you like the most about your current position?

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

What do you see yourself doing in five years? What do you think determines success?

What do you think you could accomplish in your first year here?

What do you usually do on weekends?

What do you want to do in five years? Ten years?

What excites you in life?

What have you done that shows initiative? What have you learned from other jobs you have had? What have you learned from past jobs?

What have you done to make yourself more proficient in X?

What have you learned from the jobs you have had? What have you learned from your failures? What is the most creative thing you have done? What is the toughest situation you have been in at work?

What is the toughest decision you have ever made? Tell me about it.

What is your biggest weakness?

What is your definition of success?

What is your father's occupation?

What is your greatest weakness? What is your greatest weakness?  What jobs have you held in this field?

What is your ideal job?

What kind of experience do you have?

What kinds of people do you like to work with? What makes a good boss?

What motivates you to do good work? What other positions are you interviewing for? What personal characteristics are necessary for success?

What motivates you to succeed?

What position are you interested in? What qualifications do you have in this field?

What salary do you expect?

What skills are you best at for this job? What type of work do you like to do best?

What type of work do you like to do least?

What type of work do you like?

What was your biggest disappointment?

What was your favorite class in school?

What was your favorite job and why?

What was your greatest accomplishment at company?

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

What was your most difficult situation? What did you learn from it?

What was your salary in your last position?

What was your worst mistake?

What weaknesses do you think you have?

What would you change in your past life?

What would you do if..  What would you like to be doing five years from now? What would you like to tell me about yourself?

What would you do if you caught a coworker stealing?

What would your coworkers tell me about you?

What's so unique and special about you?

What's your favorite color?

When did you provide a creative solution? Where do you see yourself fitting in? Where do you see yourself next year?

When in a group setting, what is your typical role?

When would you be willing to start work?

Where do you want to end up?

Where else have you applied for work?

Which do you enjoy more: working as a part of a team or by yourself?

Why are manhole covers round?

Why are you interested in our organization? Why are you pursuing this field? Why did you apply for this job?

Why are you interested in this position?

Why are you leaving your former company?

Why are you looking to leave your current position?

Why are you looking to leave your current position?

Why did you choose this career?

Why did you choose this field of work?

Why did you choose to go into industry?

Why did you choose to work for company?

Why did you choose your major?

Why did you choose your major? Why did you leave your last job?

 

List of Interview Questions 4

 

Why did you leave your last job?

Why did you never finish your degree?

Why do you change jobs so often?

Why do you feel you are right for this position?

Why do you like this particular type of job?

Why do you wanna work here?

Why do you want to work for our company?

Why do you want to work for us?

Why do you want to work in this industry? Why should I hire you? Why should I hire you? Why should I hire you?

Why should I hire you over other candidates?

Why should we hire you?

Why us?

Why were you fired?

Why would you like to work for this company?

Would you object to personality or drug testing?

 

List of Interview Questions 5

 

Are  you currently interviewing for any other job opportunities?

 

Are  you more  of a big-picture  person or a detail-oriented  one?

 

Are  you willing to travel/relocate  for the  job?

 

Are  you willing to work long hours and  weekends if necessary for the  job?

 

Are  you effective  at  meeting deadlines?

 

Are  you a good  decision maker? Do you make  decisions quickly or do you take  time  to think things over before  making a decision?

 

Can we  contact  your current  employer?

 

Can you explain the  gap in your employment  history?

 

Can we  contact  all of your references?

 

Describe  a time  when you had  to adapt  to change. How did  you handle  it?

 

Describe  a time  when your work was criticized. How did  you handle  it?

 

Describe  a time  when you went  above  and  beyond  the  normal scope  of your duties.

 

Describe  a goal you set  out  for yourself in the  past, and  how you went  about  achieving it.

 

Do you feel this position would  be  a promotion, a lateral move, a broadening of your professional experience, or just  a change? Why do you think so?

 

Do your skills and  ambitions best  match this position or another one  more  closely?

 

Do you work best  independently or as a team?

 

Do you have  plans for continued  study? An advanced  degree?

 

Do you have  any questions to ask me?

 

Do you feel you are  overqualified  for this position?

 

Do you work well under pressure?

 

Explain a challenge  you faced  in the  workplace  and how you solved  it.

 

Have  you ever written any works that  have  been published  in a professional journal, magazine, or newspaper?

 

Have  you had  a conflict  with a colleague? How did  you handle  it?

 

Have  you ever been asked  to leave  a position?

 

How would  your work colleagues describe  you?

 

How was your working relationship with your previous boss or supervisor?

 

How would  you establish credibility on a new team?

 

How many cows are  in Canada?

 

How long would  you plan to stay with us, if hired?

 

How do you stay current  in the  industry?

 

How do you motivate  others to do their best  work?

 

How would  you describe  a typical day in your current  job?

 

How would  you handle  having multiple  tasks that  need  to be  finished  by the  end  of the  day with no conceivable  way of finishing them?

 

How would  you fit  a giraffe  into a refrigerator?

 

How do you deal with stressful situations?

 

How do you define  success?

 

How do you handle  constructive  criticism?

 

If I told  you your interview was going terribly today, what  would  you do?

 

If you had  to describe  yourself in only one  word, what  would  it  be?

 

If you had  2 job offers, what  are  the  top five  factors you would  use  to evaluate  which is a better job opportunity?

If a co-worker told  you that  he  plans to call in sick for an entire  week in order to take  a vacation, what  would  you do?

 

If you were  to win $1 million what  would  you do with the  money?

 

If you could  be  number 1 employee  but  have  all your coworkers dislike  you, or you could  be  number 15 employee  and  have  all your coworkers like  you, which would  you choose?

 

If you find  yourself getting burned  out  at  your job, what  do you do to revitalize  yourself?

 

If you were  a tree, which kind  of tree  would  you be?

 

If you could  be  a superhero, what  power would  you possess?

 

If you were  an animal, which one  would  you want  to be?

 

If you win the  lottery tomorrow, would  you still work?

 

In the  news story of your life, what  would  the  headline  say?

 

In what  position have  you been most  satisfied  in your job?

 

Is there  any question I haven’t  asked  you that  I should?

 

Our company has strong corporate  social investment  programs and  encourages employees to participate  in volunteer days. How do you feel about  that?

 

Sell me  this pen.

 

Tell me  about  a time  you had  to sell an idea to senior management.

 

Tell me  about  a time  you disagreed  with your supervisor about  how something should  be  done. How did  you deal with it?

 

Tell us about  a time  your integrity was challenged. How did  you handle  it?

 

Tell me  about  a time  you had  to mediate  a conflict  between fellow co-workers?

 

Tell me  about  a time  that  you failed  at  something.

 

Tell me  about  yourself.

 

Tell me  about  a time  you saved  money for an employer.

 

Tell me  about  a time  you had  to give  someone  difficult  feedback.

 

What  attributes do you admire  in your colleagues?

 

What  type  of company culture  are  you looking for?

 

What  have  you been doing since  you were  laid  off?

 

What  managerial task do you least  enjoy?

 

What  are  your greatest  strengths?

 

What  changes would  you like  to make  if hired  for this position?

 

What  would  your manager say is the  area you most  need  development  in?

 

What  are  your hobbies?

 

What  was the  most  creative  or innovative  project  you have  worked  on?

 

What  are  your career goals and  where  do you see  yourself in 5 years?

 

What  would  you do if you knew your boss was wrong about  something?

 

What  color is your brain?

 

What  will you do if you don’t  get  this position?

 

What  was the  last  book you read?

 

What  is good  customer service  to you?

 

What  are  your workplace  values?

 

What  quality or attribute  do you feel will contribute  most  to your career success?

 

What  do you expect  from a supervisor?

 

What  is your management  style?

 

What  working environment  allows you to be  the  most  effective  in your work?

 

What  are  your salary expectations?

 

What  drives you to achieve  your goals in the  workplace?

 

What  are  you looking for in your next  job?

 

What  is your greatest  accomplishment?

 

What  are  three  positive  things your former/current  boss would  say about  you?

 

What  would  you do if a team member wasn’t  pulling his/her weight  on a project?

 

What  is your greatest  weakness?

 

What  do you think of garden gnomes?

 

What  are  your pet  peeves?

 

When was the  last  time  you were  angry or frustrated  at  work? What  happened?

 

Why did  you choose  your course  of study?

 

Why have  you changed  jobs so frequently over the  past  few years?

 

Why do you want  to leave  your current  job?

 

Why should  we  hire  you over another candidate  for this position?

 

Why did  you take  a job that  seems to be  out  of your career path?

Why have  you been out  of work for so long?

 

Why do you want  to work for this company?

 

Why did  you apply for this position?

 

Would  your current  boss describe  you as the  type  of employee  that  goes above  and  beyond?

 

List of Interview Questions 6

  

What  is  your  job  like? 

 

A  typical  day? 

 

What  do  you  do?  What  are  the  duties/functions/responsibilities 

of  your  job? 

 

What  kinds  of  problems  do  you  deal  with? 

 

What  kinds  of  decisions  do  you  make? 

 

What  percentage  of  your  time  is  spent  doing  what? 

 

How  does  the  time  use  vary?  Are  there  busy  and  slow  times  or  is 

the  work  activity  fairly  constant? 

 

How  did  this  type  of  work  interest  you  and  how  did  you  get 

started? 

 

How  did  you  get  your  job? 

 

What  jobs  and  experiences  have  led  you  to  your  present 

position? 

 

What  are  the  most  important  personal  satisfactions  and 

dissatisfactions  connected  with  your  occupation? 

 

Why  did  you  decide  to  work  for  this  organization? 

 

What  do  you  like  most  about  this  organization? 

 

Do  you  find  your  job  exciting  or  boring?  Why? 

 

What  are  the  major  qualifications  for  success  in  this 

occupation? 

 

What  were  the  keys  to  your  career  advancement? 

 

How  did  you  get  where  you  are  and  what  are  your  long-range 

goals? 

 

What  particular  skills  or  talents  are  most  essential  to  be  effective 

in  your  job? 

 

How  did  you  learn  these  skills? 

 

Did  you  enter  this  position  through  a  formal  training  program? 

 

How  would  you  describe  the  working  atmosphere  and  the 

people  with  whom  you  work? 

 

What  is  the  average  length  of  time  for  an  employee  to  stay  in 

the  job  you  hold? 

 

Are  there  incentives  or  disincentives  for  staying  in  the  same  job? 

 

Is  there  flexibility  related  to  work  hours,  vacation  schedule,  etc.? 

 

What  work-related  values  are  strongest  in  this  type  of  work 

(security,  variety,  and  independence)? 

 

If  your  job  progresses,  as  you  like,  what  would  be  the  next  step 

in  your  career? 

 

How  has  your  job  affected  your  lifestyle/work? 

 

From  your  perspective,  what  are  the  problems  you  see  working 

in  this  field? 

 

Tell  me  about  yourself. 

 

How  would  a  former  supervisor  describe  you? 

 

What  are  your  greatest  strengths  and  weaknesses? 

 

Tell  me  about  an  accomplishment  that  you  are  proud  of. 

 

What  have  you  learned  from  your  failures? 

 

What  motivates  you  to  do  good  work? 

 

Describe  your  leadership 

 

Tell  me  about  a  time  when you  had  to  be  assertive. 

 

 

 

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

 

Typically the interviewer will ask you if you have questions at the end of the interview.  Ask thoughtful questions.  Avoid questions whose answers are on the company's website.

 

Do not ask about salary and benefits until you get a job offer.

 

Here are some questions for you to ask the interviewer.

 

How are decisions made? How are employees evaluated? How important is this job to the company?

How do you reward top performers?

How quickly could I start, if I was accepted for this position?

How would you compare your organization with your major competitors? How would you describe this organization's management style? Is the company growing?

If I exceed expectations, what is the typical timeframe to get reviewed?

May I have your business card?

What advancement opportunities are offered?

What are some typical first year assignments? What are the best aspects of working in this group/organization? What are your plans for expansion? What is that person doing now?

What are the biggest challenges that you are facing today?

What is it about your company that you enjoy the most?

What is the greatest challenge of this position?

What is the next step in this interview process?

What kind of training is given to new employees? What plans does the company have?

What training programs are offered?

What would a day on this job be like?

What's next in the hiring process? This will give you a timeline, peace of mind, and clues for any possible follow-up actions. What's the biggest challenge facing this group right now? Whom would I report to?  May I meet this person?

When do you expect to make a decision on this position?

Why did the last person leave this job?

Would I supervise anyone?  May I meet them?

 

After you ask such questions, listen to the interviewer's answers and then, if at all possible, point to something in your education or experience related to it.

 

You might notice that questions about salary and fringe benefits are not included in the above list.  Your focus at a first interview should be the company and what you will do for it not what it will pay you.  The salary range will often be given in the ad or position announcement and information on the usual fringe benefits will be available from the personnel department.  Once you have been offered a position, you can negotiate the salary.

 

Interview Question Websites

 

techinterviews.com, interview questions for tech companies.

 

gowrikumar.com/interview, the best answers to tough interview questions.

 

quintcareers.com/interview_questions.html

 

best-interview-strategies.com/questions.html

 

 

Chapter 8. Job Offer Guide

 

Getting a Job Offer

 

The employer will let you know if the offer is contingent upon passing a background check or drug screening.

 

The organization may include benefits such as health insurance, employee wellness programs, vacation and sick leave.

 

Benefits may include:

 

Vacation

 Sick leave

Health plans, medical, dental insurance, vision

Disability insurance, short-term Life insurance

Relocation/moving expenses

Stock options

Retirement Profit sharing

Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement

Training and development

Health and fitness programs

Bonus-signing or performance

 

Respond to any offers in writing.  Keeping them waiting is a sign of disrespect, a bad way to start a job.  When they call, either say yes or no.  If somebody stalled me, I would withdraw the offer.  I don't want half-assed commitments upfront.

 

I say don't negotiate right upfront because it's sets you up as a trivial ass.  If I make an offer and some possible new employee wants to argue on it with me, it's like screw him.  Nobody is that good, unique or original.

 

Work hard.  Earn a raise.

 

Accept the position both by phone and confirmation email or letter.  Say something like:

 

"Thank you.  I'll be happy to work for JJ Associates as a junior flunkie.  I'll contact the HR office about helping me out with moving expenses.  I'll report to work on July 11, 2012.

 

Decline an offer with a letter or email.

 

Go to the HR office for benefits info.

 

Job Offer Websites

 

caps.uchicago.edu/resourcecenter/jobsearch.html, evaluating a job offer and other

handouts.

bls.gov/oco/oco20046.htm, evaluating job offers.

portergroup.com/html/careerseekers/helpfulres_evaluatingoffer.htm, evaluating a job offer.

 

Salary Negotiation Info

 

To me, salary negotiation is stupidity unless you're a bonafide superstar, they recruited you or want you bad.  You know the salary before you go in.  It's either posted somewhere or you know roughly what it is.  Keep your mouth shut, be thankful you got the job, prove yourself then ask for more.  Refer to the Asking for a Raise section.

 

If you insist on negotiating upfront, wait until you know you have the job then be reasonable and don't ask for the moon until you prove yourself.

 

Don't be wishy-washy.  Ask for more than what you want if you think you're worth it so they can haggle it down if they love you.  It could backfire.  They might think you're an arrogant tit and tell you to get lost. 

I read an article about salary negotiation which I thought was really stupid because the author made it seem like you're fighting management for a better deal.

 

It's stupid to be starting a job and right away demanding higher pay because you think you deserve it.  Are people that stupid that they don't understand the psychology of other people?  Someone offers you a decent job and you show gratitude by saying I'm worth more than that.  Give me a raise right now.

 

For me, it would be like being slapped in the face.  I would immediately tell the guy I just changed my mind.  I'm not hiring you.  I would not hire an arrogant tit right from the start.  It doesn't matter how good the guy is.  Arrogant tits cause trouble.  They're not worth it.  Nobody is that valuable.

 

If the offer is too low, reject it outright.  Don't take a job with a salary a lot lower than the average for the field.

 

You're there to work.  It's not a game of offer-counter-offer.  It's about uniting in the spirit of teamwork to do something worthwhile.

 

Salary negotiating is personal even though you should act professional.  Stay cool.  If you reject an offer, don't act insulted.  Just say thank you for the offer but I'll pursue other options for now.  You never know when you will be back at this company.

 

If you start working and you're not getting what you were promised, speak up.  If they ignore you, quit.

 

Books about employee issues are at #331.25, #650.12 or HF5549 at the library.

 

moneygeek.com/careers/resources/salary-negotiation/

 

salarynegotiations.com

buckleysearch.com/salary_negotiations.htm quintcareers.com/salary_negotiation_tutorial.html quintcareers.com/salary_negotiation.html

1-find-a-job.com/salary-negotiation-tips.html

bob.yexley.net/archive/2006/11/02/salary-negotiation-in-the-interview-process.aspx

butler.edu/career/?pg=366

candocareer.com/career-coaching/1career-coaching.htm, salary negotiation assistance.

careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/careerbytes/0201salarynegotiation.htm

careercrafter.com/salarynegotiation.asp

careeriq.com

careerjournal.com/salaryhiring/negotiate/

careerperfect.com

careers.org/topic/06-22-salary-negotiation-advice.html

cbsalary.com

certifiedcareercoaches.com

chronicle.com/forums/index.php?topic=25788.0

content.monster.com/salarybenefits/home.aspx

employmentspot.com/categories/salary.htm

eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1988857,00.asp

exec-essentials.com, salary negotiation training.

executiveresumes.com

fiveoclockclub.com/careercoach/11fourstepsalary.html

infohost.nmt.edu/~shipman/org/noel.html, the noel smith-wenkle salary negotiation method.

interviewstuff.com/closing-deal-salary-negotiation.html

iseek.org/sv/41490.jsp

itrain.co.uk/gw-salary-negotiation.htm

jobsearch.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/salaryinformation/a/salarynegotiat.htm

jobsearchtech.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/salaryresearch2/salary_negotiation.htm

jobsmart.org/tools/salary

jobstar.org/tools/salary/negostrt.php

manpowerindia.net/salary-negotiation-tips.html

negotiation.com

nmt.edu/~shipman/org/noel.html, the noel smith-wenkle salary negotiation method.

payscale.com

publicationbrodow.com/articles.html

quintcareers.com/salary_negotiation_tutorial.html

salary.com

salarymaster.com

salary-negotiation.agroinzert.sk

salarynegotiations.com

susanireland.com/salarywork.html

thecvstore.net/salarynegotiation.htm

theladders.com/career-advice/salary/salary+negotiation+secrets

umich.edu/~meldi/4_salary_negs.html

wetfeet.com, salary negotiation guide.

worktree.com

 

Chapter 9. Job Interview Websites from feedspot.com

 

A List of Job Interview Websites and Blogs atblog.feedspot.com/job_interview_blogs

 

aneliteresume.com/category/job-interview

 

askamanager.org/category/interviewing

 

best-job-interview.com/Job-interviews-blog.html

 

careersidekick.com/category/job-interview-questions-answers

 

epropelr.com/blogs/coaching-blog

 

impactinterview.com/blog

 

interviewcoach.com/blogs

 

interviewcracker.com/blog

 

jobsearchandinterviewcoach.com/blog

 

milewalk.com/mwblog/category/employees/job-interview

 

receptix.com/blog

 

reed.co.uk/career-advice/interview-techniques

 

theinterviewguys.com/blog

 

walrathrecruiting.com/blog

 

youtube.com/channel/UCN_zEeX1PVvk8kAQierYo3g/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UCXUyg1vYSupswhi0zNeD-5w/videos

 

A List of Job Interview youtube Channels at blog.feedspot.com/job_interview_youtube_channels

 

youtube.com/c/CareerVidz/videos

 

youtube.com/c/JeffHSipe/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UCfoLSmxlPUztBkyBqnyFneA/videos

 

youtube.com/c/InterviewGIG/videos

 

youtube.com/c/ErnestEnabuleleInterviewCoach/videos

 

youtube.com/c/CareerRideinfo/videos

 

youtube.com/user/avillalva/videos

 

youtube.com/user/MichaelPageUK/videos

youtube.com/c/PrimalCareer1/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UCaVMYapb-EY4Xv96yKiOfkQ/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UCWT0xgV0TWvUd8hiwmyZKNw/videos

 

youtube.com/c/Job-applications/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UC9AUepjzrMknH9JhZa2AjfQ/videos

 

youtube.com/c/DanCroitor/videos

 

youtube.com/c/DonGeorgevich/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UC6Db6IgZJjb_UYLM9LWNaKg/videos

 

youtube.com/channel/UCq7gDEHiR6Bw9lEauiqeUxg/videos