Don't Sweat a Job Interview: 7 Easy Questions to Ask

Everyone knows they need to prepare for a job interview. Resume and portfolio ready? Check. New suit? Check. Interview Answers rehearsed? Check. Cell phone off? Check. Prepared questions to ask? Wait, I need to ask questions? I thought I was just answering them? 

You spent hours working with a professional creating the perfect resume. You researched prospective companies and mailed out your cover letters and resumes. Then came the moment you had been anticipating- the phone call from a prospective employer requesting and interview. Now what?

If you have not really spent much time preparing your own questions, don't feel too bad. this is one of the most common mistakes a rookie interviewee makes (not to mention a few more veteran applicants truth be told). But rest assured, help is here. Not only is this a fairly easy task, it will help make the interview run much smoother as well.

By having a few questions of your own you will be able to avoid any awkward points during the interview process. Just quickly ask one of you prepared questions and you'll have a few minutes to catch your breath and mentally prepare for your next answer.

While each position will obviously have its own unique set of likely questions there are a few basics that will work in just about any situation. Below are 7 to get you started.

1. What exactly would my day-to-day responsibilities be?

2. What are the opportunities for training and career advancement?

3. What is the biggest challenge facing the organization today?

4. When did you join?

5. What are the criteria that you are looking for in the successful candidate for this position?

6. How do you feel that I measure up to your requirements for this position?

Want some more help with the interview process? I also have a 13-page guide to interview that I give away free to subscribers. 

Size Matters: Sometimes Smaller is Better

No, not that kind of size- this is a career blog after all. Today we are talking about company size and how bigger isn't always better. It is a lot like a college class. If you are in a survey course with 100 other students how much individual attention are you likely to get? Will the professor even know your name? 

The same is true in your job. If you are just 1 out of a 100 people in your department do you think your boss is going to notice that great new idea you had? Will you even have the opportunity to share it?

It gets even better. Not only will a smaller firm give you and your work greater visibility, there are also a few little thought of perks to the little guys. So, if you don't want to get lost in a sea of cubicles a smaller firm might just be for you. 

Flexible Environment:
If formal attire is not your thing you should consider a smaller company. Many small firms often allow casual Friday type wear all week-long, in addition to being a more generally relaxed atmosphere. Hours also tend to be more flexible when you opt to work for a smaller company. Things like telecommuting and job sharing are always more likely to be found when all the employees know each other on a first name basis.

Corporate Kitchens:
Don't laugh. Food is serious business, and a happy employee is a productive employee. Small offices are usually stocked with free snacks or weekly take-out meals during company outings and events. I know of one person who has yet to buy a lunch in over three years!

Time and Money On Your Side:
Another bonus is the extra paid time off, tuition reimbursement and annual bonuses. These all are more common among smaller businesses where company loyalty means more.

So the next time someone asks you if size matters, tell them yes. Smaller can be better.

MythBusters: Career Climbing Edition

Ever watched MythBusters? It has been a favorite of my family for quite a while (mostly because we can watch TV with the kids and convince ourselves it is educational). Over the past 10 years the hosts have busted all sorts of myths. Everything from duct tape to weaponry has had its day in the court of Adam and Jaime. But busted myths are not confined to exploding cars and test dummies; there are a number of career related myths that could used some truth telling as well.

Myth #1: Job-hop to the top

Quite a few professionals believe the only way to get to the top of that ever longer career ladder is to hop from job to job. The think taking on new projects at new companies will eventually lead them to the holy grail of career climbing- becoming a CEO. 

However, most CEO's actually come from within their respective companies, and many have only worked at 2-3 companies throughout their careers. There is something to be said for staying put and being promoted from within.

Myth #2: Lateral moves are less productive

It seems reasonable that climbing the corporate ladder should include, well, climbing. But that is not always the case.  Sometimes a lateral move can be just as advantageous  You could be broadening your experience rather than deepening it, and this can be of great benefit when it comes to moving into a management level position.

Myth #3: Big companies have better opportunities

Everyone wants to work at Google, Apple and Goldman Sachs. But the problem is that everyone    wants to work at Google, Apple and Goldman Sachs. The competitions for jobs at the biggest and "sexiest" companies is fierce with thousands of resumes pouring in for every new opening. You may have better luck, and a better experience at a smaller company.

Smaller organizations are often easier to get into and they are more likely to give you room to grow within your job. There is also a much greater chance of rapid rise, as there will not be a line of people with seniority waiting in front of you the next time a promotion opens up.

Myth #4: Career switchers are doomed

If you have been on the same track for 10 years, leaving it to try something new can be intimidating. however, it does not signal professional death. In this day and age of rapid technological development, many new opportunities present themselves that were simply unheard of a decade before. Don't be afraid to venture out. The days of doing the same thing for 40 years are long gone, and future employers know this. A career switch is not a resume killer.

So take a page from the MythBusters and prove some of these long help career myths wrong. 

 

How to Write a Post-Interview Thank You Letter

You have spent hours writing, rewriting and proofreading your resume. Your cover letter was perfectly tailored to the company's needs and wants. You poured over interview questions for days rehearsing just how you would approach each one. You got an interview and nailed it. However, as you left the interview room you noticed the line of other applicants waiting to interview for this position.

They likely spent just as much time prepping for this as you did. How can you make yourself stand out? Often the best route is simply to remind the hiring committee of your name. After a long day of interviewing sometimes names faces and credentials can blur together. A quick reminder could be just the thing. That is where the post-interview thank you letter comes in.

You need to be sure that your post-interview thank you letter follows standard letter format. With the proliferation of templates (Microsoft Word has great ones) this should be the easiest step. Find a business letter template and follow it. Hopefully you already did this with your cover letter. Then you can simply follow the same format.

Next, reintroduce yourself and what you applied for. Don't assume that because you remember them, that they remember you. Gently remind them of the credentials you showcased during your interview.

At some point either in the interview or as part of your portfolio you should have stated the type of job you wanted and the type of firm you would like to work for. Tell them that the interview showed you how good a fit you are for each other. This is a good way to restate a lot of your skills and abilities without sounding repetitive.

Now, recall a comment or some dialogue that occurred during the interview. Maybe you went to college at the Alma mater of one of the committee members, or maybe you mentioned in passing you were a passable softball player and would love to play on the company team. Say something that is positive yet casual. The hiring process is as much about getting someone to like you as it is showing off your abilities.

How to Write a Quality Resume Summary

All resumes need to include four main sections: branding statement, summary, history and education. The summary allows potential employers to get a snapshot of your skills and abilities. Luckily, with a little planning anyone can write a quality summary- just follow these steps.

The first thing you should do is come up with a brief list of job-specific skills you have. Think of top ten lists; what ten skills should a sales manager have? 1.Motivational Skills 2.Communication Skills 3.Accounting Skills etc.

Next, look over the job description or job posting. Often there will be some key competencies they are looking for in a potential hire. If they are looking for someone who will also be able to produce quality sales copy, then including something about your writing skills in your summary will be beneficial.

Now you need to boil this information down to a series of bullet points. Something like:
*Proven Program Director
*Top Account Manager
*Articulate Communicator
*Posses Coaching & Mentoring Experience
*Skilled in Strategic Service Planning
*Proven ability with Analytical Analysis
*Budget & Cost Control

This is of course just a partial list. Your full summary should have 12-15 points. Finally, make sure to proofread more than once. It is easy to make a simple mistake and it could cost you an interview. After you have proofread it have someone else with fresh eyes give it a look.

How to Write a Quality Cover Letter

Quality Cover Letters are the first thing an employer will see upon opening your portfolio so considerable attention should be spent on creating a quality one. Your cover letter tells an employer a lot about you. It is a personal sales pitch. You need to show why you are a perfect match for the position. It is not the place to present all of your experience, that should already be in your resume. Simply highlight one or two of your skills or accomplishments that show that you are the right person for the job.

You need to be sure that your cover letter follows standard letter format. With the proliferation of templates (Microsoft Word has great ones) this should be the easiest step. Find a business letter template and follow it.

Next, be sure your lead introduces you and is a direct statement of purpose. Tell them what job you are applying for and tell them you want it. Be very direct and write clearly and concisely. Don’t make the reader guess why you’re writing or how your skills match the position.

Now you need to make your pitch. What skills do you have that will benefit this company or organization? List three or four bullet pointed highlights. Don't just rewrite what is already on your resume. Try to tailor your experience to the companies needs in order to make you cover letter stand out.

Finally, thank the reader for his time and state that you look forward to meeting them to discuss the position in person. Be forceful without being pushy.

How to Write a Quality Resume Objective

All resumes need to include four main sections: branding statement, summary, history and education. What used to be called the objective has been replaced by the branding statement and is one that is often overlooked to the jobseekers detriment. Branding statement are the first thing a potential employer will read and it needs to be powerfully written with a statement of purpose and targeted keywords. Luckily, with a little planning anyone can write a quality branding statement- just follow these steps.

First, write a general statement about the job you want. For instance, " I am an experienced marketer looking for a job in sales." Now you have something to work with. From here we will be adding and fleshing out this basic statement.

A couple powerful adjectives will do wonders. Instead of "experienced marketer" say something like, "innovative salesman with over 10 years experience," or "creative and market-tested professional." Give a potential employer a strong first impression.

Next you need to include some targeted keywords and phrases. This is of vital importance as many companies will use scanners that hunt for these words. To stay with the above example you should say something like, "creative and market-tested professional with experience in cold sales, staff leadership and key demographic development..."

Write exactly what you are looking for! Now you need to come right out and state the position you are going for. If it is posted as a "Sales Manager" then write the words "Sales Manager" in bold as part of your objective.

Finally, you need to include the type of company you would like to work for using some flattering language. "A creative and market-tested professional with experience in cold sales, staff leadership and key demographic development seeks a Sales Manager position in a fast-paced and growing firm that values tam work while rewarding individual achievement."

With a powerfully written resume and cover letter your chances of landing an interview are greatly enhanced.

How to Write a Quality Resume

Apply for a job with a high quality resumes.

7 seconds. Just 7 seconds. Recent studies have shown that is all the time your resume has to make an impression (good or bad) on a potential employer. Knowing this, it becomes apparent just how important a good resume is. Unfortunately, many job seekers don't realize this fact - to their own peril. There are 5 basic mistakes that every job-seeker should avoid.
 
5 Steps to a Quality Resume

Step 1: Proofread Your Resume
The first, and most important, is also the easiest to fix: poor writing. Things like typos, misspellings, verb tenses mixed and sentences butchered. A potential employer will not struggle to get through your resume. He will simply toss it into the "circular file." Your resume must be easy to read; 7 seconds, remember?

Step 2: Keep Your CV Simple
Second, you need to use an easy-to-scan format; something a potential employer can glance over and have key details stand out. You should limit the amount of fancy formatting you do. Just because you can manipulate all of Microsoft Word's functions doesn't mean you have to show it here. Keep it clean and simple. What you should have are the four standard sections: Branding Statement, Summary, Work History and Education. Put enough detail in to sell yourself but no more.

Step 3:Resumes Should be Scannable
Third, and this is closely related to formatting, do not over write. This is a trap all amateur writers fall into. The best authors know that less is more, and what works for books works for resumes too. Too often resumes have huge paragraphs of text explaining every single detail about their current job or even the company they currently work for. Employers and recruiters are not going to wade through volumes of text when they have another 100 or so resumes to get through. They need to know quickly and easily what you have done and what you can do. Most often a short bulleted list accomplishes this best.

Step 4: Focus on Achievement
Fourth, you need to tell potential employers what you are capable of doing. Often, people simply list the job specs. Those could apply to anyone who has held that particular job. It is not singling them out as different, better and more capable than the rest. List your achievements, what you have done above and beyond, not just the job requirements.

Step 5: Pick The Right Kind of Resume
Fifth, there is more than one type of resume. While just about every job seeker writing their own resume tries to make their professional life fit a chronological format, it simply is not the way to go for everyone. A skills-based resume allows one to focus on abilities and potential, rather that just past achievements. An education-based resume allows employers to see your training in detail; this is especially useful for recent graduates. There really is a resume fit for every person. Experiment a little bit, and find the style that fits you best.

Follow these five rules to avoid the mistakes of you job-seeking ancestors. A well-written resume is your first and best chance to make a good impression on potential employers. Make yours count. Remember, 7 seconds goes by awfully fast.