Posted by admin at 6:35 pm
How important is body language during an interview? In a recent CareerBuilder survey of over 2500 hiring managers it could be the make or break factor in your job interview.
Take a look at some of the top body language mistakes candidates make in job interviews.
Posted by admin at 2:19 pm
Are you doing your homework before you go into an interview? How much research should you do?
Even for entry to mid-level positions background research shows the type of initiative, due diligence, and work ethic that hiring managers are looking for. This said, studying the company website and understanding the language in the job description may not be enough. Also look for information in recent articles (a simple Google search may do the trick), blogs, trade publications and information on competitors. Organize your findings in a document for review before the interview.
Also make sure to only share positive information and input with the hiring manager. Remember, in most cases it’s not the job of the hiring manager to sell you on the company. YOU are the one interviewing. Asking questions is good but bringing up bad press that may or may not be true is a great way to disqualify you from the interview process.
Showing your interviewer that you are willing to invest time and energy in the interview process could help you achieve the separation you need to land the job!
Posted by admin at 5:47 pm
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Posted by admin at 9:31 pm
Ever deliberate over whether or not you should wear a suit to an interview? Don’t. While some industries and some professions may allow casual attire in the workplace , erring on the side of business professional is always the best policy. Whether you’re interviewing for an entry-level position or an executive-level position, showing your interviewer you can look the part is a must.
Men should shoot for a solid color or at least conservative pattern suit – neatly pressed. Socks should be dark with matching shoes. If you want to exude some personality, the tie is the place. (Leave the fish or piano tie at home.)
For women a solid color conservative suit is also ideal. Limit jewelry and accessories (including perfume and make-up).
In an environment where first impressions carry so much weight, don’t lose points due to your dress. The competition is fierce in the job market so it behooves you to position yourself in the best light.
Posted by admin at 9:02 pm
Just because we’re on the brink of a long weekend doesn’t mean job search activity has to suffer.
Use the holiday to do a little networking. Most likely your social calendar is filling up but that doesn’t mean your professional prospects have to go on hold for the next three days. Time to find your inner social butterfly.
Overall activity by job seekers will more than likely be lower over the next three days, so the level of competition will most surely follow. Use this to your advantage and make sure that you maintain or even ramp up your own activity.
If you really do hit a dead end, it’s the perfect excuse to check a few pesky items off your list. Take care of a few domestic duties you can never seem to tackle because of the job search. Try out a little organizing around the house – Sometimes nothing clears the mind like physical order.
Whatever the case, if you can balance work and fun over the next three days you should hit the ground running next week.
Posted by admin at 9:00 pm
Are you using social media to find a job yet? Jobvite, a maker of recruiting and staffing software, released results from it’s 3rd social recruiting survey and found that social networks will actually lead recruiting channels in terms of investment as the economy recovers. Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter lead the pack with some additional presence on YouTube and Myspace.
What does this mean for the job seeker?
1. Maintain your social profiles with potential employers in mind. Maybe swap the sweet profile pic of you at happy hour for something a little more benign. And Please Note – photos aren’t the only potentially sensitive information. Carefully consider the text disclosed in your profile as well.
2. Linkedin came in at number 1 in social recruiting. If you haven’t set up a Linkedin profile it’s time to get in the game. Get recommendations from colleagues past and current and start making connections. When you’re profile is complete you’ll then be in a position to search for any connection you may have at your target company.
3. It’s cheaper to recruit through social channels so traditional channels of advertising job openings may suffer. Some companies will maintain and publish opportunities on social sites first, so make sure you didn’t miss a job tweet, facebook post, or linkedin discussion with your golden opportunity.
Posted by admin at 10:35 pm
The Handshake – A simple gesture that can often serve as a window into one’s personality, confidence level and (gasp) grip on life itself. Do a quick web search for “handshake” or “art of the handshake” and there is page after page of links delving into psychology of a handshake, the meaning of a handshake…even how-to videos! Somewhere in the middle of all the advice there seems to be a consensus.
1. Present your hand making eye contact
3. Maintain a conservative distance (arm bent 90 degrees)
4. Keep a firm but comfortable grip with the whole hand
5. Shake between 1-3 seconds with a clean break
In the professional world the handshake takes on many forms. A gesture of introduction or reunion. Relationship repair and maintenance…At the best of times it seals the deal or marks a new beginning. Whatever the case, it’s an extension of you. How’s your handshake?
Posted by admin at 9:27 pm
Let’s face it, looking for a job in a down economy can be extremely stressful. With mounting bills and unemployment slowly recovering, it’s difficult to stay positive and motivated. That’s why it’s just as important to manage the inner emotional struggle as it is to manage the daily tasks in your job search. Of course create an aggressive job search plan first (see our survival kit), but also ensure you’ve incorporated plenty of healthy activity to help keep the peace internally.
1. Exercise is easily at the top of the list. It can be cheap and benefits to the brain and your emotional well-being are instant.
2. Take a course/continue your education. It’s hard to quantify success in your JOB SEARCH when you haven’t landed a JOB. This makes maintaining a positive self image a priority and a challenge. Solution: take a course or engage in self-study related to your targeted career. You’ll build on your value as a candidate.
3. Change your venue. Are the walls at home starting to close around you? Hit the bricks and find some neutral ground like a coffee shop, library, or even a park. Transit time in itself is a break and change of scenery can spark your search.
4. Pick up a hobby unrelated to your job search. Whatever your pleasure as long as it’s pleasurable. The goal is distraction, inspiration or passion. After all engagement and stability are general traits that put potential employers at ease during an interview.
Keeping the peace internally is not only critical in maintaining a rigorous job search but will undoubtedly show through when you finally land the interview.
Posted by admin at 10:54 pm
Source: Christopher S. Rugaber, 2010, article Job openings rise to highest levels in 16 months
Though job openings remain far below pre-recession levels, the Department of Labor is now reporting a 16 month high dating back to December of 2008.
Leading the charge are openings in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality and education and health services.
Openings aside, the most intriguing figure is the amount of people who quit their jobs in April. 2 million. At nearly a 15% increase from March, some economists believe this to be an indication of newfound confidence in the market.
Posted by admin at 5:28 pm
Though it’s a small percentage (1 point) the Monster Employment Index climbed to show year-over-year growth rate at 14% in May.