7/1/02 Getting Started in Your Job Search
To successfully launch your search you must be ready to interview on a movement’s notice.
If you were invited to come in for an interview today, (and the decision was to be made today) would you be in a position to go in? Surveys indicate between 50% to 80 % of people are not in a position respond. Think of that, you can double your chances of getting hired just by being ready on a moment’s notice. Many jobs are lost because the candidate is unprepared when the opportunity comes.
First you need to have in place the proper attire: a suit, tie, shirt/blouse dress/skirt socks/stockings, shoes, watch etc. Second you need to have transportation: a car, funds for gas or public transport. And Third you need to assess yourself know what you want to do and how you will contribute to your prospective employer. You should also put that assessment in writing in the form of an updated copy of your resume.’ The resume can serve as the agenda of the interview.
Ultimately to get hired you must be able to make a great impression. If you take the time to prepare you will not only begin your search but you will be ready when an opportunity presents itself.
By William Fulton author of "60 Minutes to Your Next Job"
7/15/02 Connecting with people that can assist you in your search.
It’s not what you know but … who you know. Is that really true? Everyone knows Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Joyner. How does that help you? It doesn’t! More important than who you know is who knows you!!! It makes a tremendous difference if Bill, Oprah or Tom knew you!
How do you get to be known by the right person? Contact organizations that promote that type of work. Emphasize that you are interested in doing that kind of work and want to learn as much as possible about the field, not employment. Other places to try are Trade shows, Conferences, PTA Meetings, Social Events, Union Meetings, and Placement Firms.
Questions you may ask someone you meet:
Q. How did you get into this field/job?* This will allow you to find out how people are selected for these types of positions. For example some companies only hire through certain agencies, and others only through employee referrals.
Q. What skills do you need for this job? These are skills you will make sure you have when you apply for this position. You are now researching the field and preparing for the interview.
Once you get information from the person ask him to refer you to three more people. Repeat the process until you meet 20 to 50 people. Now people that can help you in your search will KNOW you.
By William Fulton author of "60 Minutes to Your Next Job"
* for the list of questions see the book "60 Minutes to Your Next Job" Chapter 3.
8/1/02 Interviewing Techniques
A successful interview should include fundamental preparation, accomplishing specific objectives and effectively handling tough questions. In this two part article I will discuss preparation and objectives in the 1st and objectives and questions in the 2nd.
Fundamental suggestions that can have a major impact on the interview:
1. Wear dark suit: Navy, Gray, Black.
2. Clothes newly cleaned/ pressed.
3. Shoes should be shined.
4. Women have extra pair of stockings.
5. Minimize Jewelry.
6. Bring Reading Material.
7. Avoid Monday/Friday Appointments.
8. Arrive 15 Minutes Early.
9. Decline Refreshments during Interview.
10. Accept Lunch Invitations. (Part of your responsibility may include entertaining clients. The employer will definitely want to know how you represent.)
HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST
You must outshine the competition. The interview is your opportunity to show why and how you will make the greatest contribution to this organization. Present your stench and asset clearly. You are the ideal candidate and you have to prove it.
First interview your objective is to stand above your competitors. In the interviews that follow, however you must convey how well you fit into the organization.
INTEGRATE BODY LANGUAGE AND VERBAL RESPONSES
Your body language, the tone of your voice and how you say things should all convey the same message – you are the ideal candidate for the job.
You belong to the same club.
We feel a bond or alliance to people in the same school, town, nationality, favorite team, etc. You must get the interviewer to see that you are in the same club. This provides a tremendous incentive to hire your.
ENTHUSIAM
You can do everything right but lack enthusiasm and it appears you’re not interested. You may not be ideal candidate but your enthusiasm may tell the interviewer you’ll get the job done.
By William Fulton author of "60 Minutes to Your Next Job"
8/15/02 Interviewing Techniques II
To have a successful interview and land a job offer you must effectively handle tough questions:
Question: Tell me about yourself?
Answer: You are hardworking, enthusiastic, devoted, a team player, reliable, responsible.
Q: What are your greatest strengths?
A: Have these qualities precisely in mind when you discuss them. Remember these are the reasons that you will be hired.
Q: What are your greatest weaknesses?
A: Merely state something that is viewed negative which, however, is positive for the job your apply. For example being competitive is consider negative but is a must for sales. You must get the point across that all of your qualities will be beneficial to the company.
Q: What are you career goals? /Where do you want to be in 5 years?
A: You should have specific shot term and long term career goals in mind. The short-term goals are those you hope to accomplish in the next three years. These goals can be mastering a skill or skill set, establishing a valued place in the organization: job stability, increased professional responsibility and recognition.
The long-term goals can be professional advancement to a supervisor level, a salary goal, recognition within the industry.
Temper your statements so as not to cause your interviewer to think you want his job. Above all, make it clear that you are looking for a challenge and you desire to get things done.