Job Interviews | Journey

4 Tips for a Successful Interview Follow-Up Call

By Rachel Rudisill on Thursday, July 11, 2013

Phew! You made it through the interview. But, if you thought the pressure would let up, think again. Now the waiting game begins, and you’re tasked with finding the perfect balance between disinterested, not following up at all, and pushy, calling twice a day to see if a decision has been made. Once the critical thank-you note is in the mail, the next big milestone is the follow-up call.

Because it’s sometimes difficult to gauge where a decision maker is in the interview process, you never know how much is riding on the short follow-up telephone conversation. Approach that important call with care by keeping these four tips in mind.

Ask the Right Questions
It’s critical that your last two questions during an interview are, “What are the next steps in the hiring process?” and “When can I expect to hear from you?” And, it is even more critical that you listen and take note of the answers. The interviewer’s response will provide the basis for crafting your follow-up call.

Do What They Said
While it might seem obvious, following the employer’s instructions is key at this stage of the game. If the interviewer tells you to call the HR manager in three days, then do it. This is another opportunity for you to prove that you are paying attention and can follow instructions.

Give It Time
Calling too soon can be just as bad as calling too late, so be strategic and purposeful about your timing. If you were told a decision would be made by a specific date, give it a few extra days before you make the call. Remember, the person who interviewed you probably has many other responsibilities, and filling the open position may not always take top priority.

Keep It Fresh
Before you make the phone call, consider a new nugget of information you can include in the conversation. Perhaps you can mention that you hope to see the interviewer at the next meeting for an association you both belong to. Or weave in an additional reason you think you’d be a good fit for the job. You want to continue to pique the employer’s curiosity so you remain top of mind.

Do you have additional tips on how to handle the follow-up call after an interview? Share them below in the comments section.

Job Interviews The Job Search

Save Money by Thrift Store Shopping For What to Wear For a Job Interview

By Jared Cole on Monday, May 27, 2013

When it comes to finding appropriate professional attire for a job interview, the cost of what you need could be a challenge. Shopping online or in person at malls and suit stores can rack up the dollar signs and quickly go beyond most moderate budgets.

Luckily, that doesn’t have to be an issue. In a news segment from Triad Area North Carolina news station Fox 8, fashion designer and motivational speaker Craig Stokes gave an overview of classic job interview attire and how he was able to find a professional wardrobe in a thrift store for less than $20.

Depending on your area, you might not be able to find perfectly fitted attire at your local thrift store. But if you consider some of his advice, you might be able to save a pretty penny for your next job interview while still looking fashionable and professional.

Job Interviews The Job Search

The Worst and Best Interviews in Movies

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Preparing for a job interview can be a big task. It can take hours at a time and could start days in advance of the actual interview. They can be stressful, nerve-wracking, and exciting all at the same time. But, job seekers can spend so much time and energy practicing and preparing to avoid mistakes that they don’t notice how much they actually do right.

To ease the tension that comes from interviewing, here is a list of my favorite job interview scenes from the movies. You’ll see interviews that go horribly wrong, and others that go really well.

Please note, the video clips herein and their sponsors do not necessarily represent the views of Express and are used for educational purposes only.

The Worst

Staffing Agency in “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard – a down-on-his-luck father whose lack of responsibility and maturity have caused divorce and custody battles. Before he hatches a scheme to disguise himself as a British nanny, Daniel tries to find solid work through a staffing agency. While hobbies and passions can be used as an aid, not displaying solid transferable skills can result in a less than productive interview experience.

In it For The Money in “The Wedding Singer”
Honesty is one of the most important aspects of the job search. But, when it comes to payment and negotiation, being honest is expected. Employers know you are there to work for money, but they want to know why you want to get paid by them instead of their competition. Focus on applying for jobs at organizations you are passionate about so you don’t end up like Adam Sandler’s character Robbie Hart.

Columbus Day in “You, Me, and Dupree”
You are trying to sell yourself in an interview. The whole point is to prove to an employer that you are the best candidate for the position. Owen Wilson, playing Dupree, does the opposite. He even gives up after learning that he won’t get off work for Columbus Day. While he’s a comedic example of an extreme slacker, you could take notes on being aware of company culture when interviewing.

The Best
I Know All About You in “Family Man”
Nicholas Cage plays Jack Cambell, a man trying to regain his old life back. While he appeared unqualified and only had knowledge from his past life, Jack came into the interview prepared and well educated about the potential employer.

Internship Interview in “The Pursuit of Happyness”
Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, was arrested the night before his interview and had no choice but to show up wearing his painting clothes. Being calm, collected, and aware of his situation helped him get the internship he was after, despite making mistakes.

What are your favorite interview scenes in movies? Sound off in the comments section below.

Job Interviews The Job Search

Infographic: Job Interviewing 101

By Jared Cole on Friday, April 5, 2013

I’ve had my fair share of awkward interviews. From interviewing in a magazine editor’s office while her pet mastiff sniffed and growled at me, to a real estate interview where the only thing said was, “So, Jared, tell me how creative you are.” I’ve seen it all.

That’s why this infrographic by Interview Success Formula can be a useful guide to identifying the different personality types of interviewers and how you can connect with them. Take a look at the infographic and let me know if there are any other interviewer types they should include. Sound off in the comments section below.

Job Interviews The Job Search

Negotiate in an Interview Like Jack Donaghy

By Jared Cole on Friday, January 25, 2013

From the moment you contact a potential employer, negotiations have begun. How do you go about asking for what you think you deserve when an employer makes the final decision on offering you a job?

Fear not, there’s one business executive from the critically acclaimed TV show “30 Rock” named Jack Donaghy, played by actor Alec Baldwin, who can help shed some light on negotiating during an interview. Jack’s favorite time of the year is when contracts expire so he can play the negotiation game with his employees. Here’s what you can learn about negotiation from NBC’s favorite executive.

“In poker as in business, the key to success is to determine your opponent’s strengths and, more importantly, his weaknesses.”
Jack was able to gain the upper hand in a game of poker because he was able to identify his opponents’ “tells,” indicating they were lying. He carefully studied each and every person before so he could know when to play his hand.

Just because a potential employer is paying close attention to your resume during an interview doesn’t mean you can’t dissect their resume as well. Do some thorough investigating on your potential employer that could include other job postings to get an idea of salary ranges, marketing materials to find out how they stand out from the competition, and any annual reports on the financial health and longevity of the employer.

As G.I. Joe would say, “Knowing is half the battle.” The more you know, the better you will be at judging whether or not your demands are realistic, reasonable, and can provide value to the potential employer.

“I am confident, open, and positive. You are negative, pessimistic, and in danger of becoming permanently sour.”
Throughout “30 Rock,” Jack Donaghy works tirelessly on his appearance with peers and superiors. In reality, he focuses on appearance to a fault. While you shouldn’t repeat Jack’s cutthroat tactics to gain favor with powerful executives, you do need to provide a positive, professional, and enthusiastic manner when interviewing.

The key is to get potential employers to buy into what you can do for them and what you bring to the table so they offer you a job. Once you are given the job offer, then it’s your chance to start negotiating. Employers want to hire someone who wants to work for them, not someone who is only looking for a paycheck or benefits. Put on your Jack Donaghy charm and make them fall in love with you first.

“Now you know how Bin Laden felt at this same point in his career, Mr. Speaker.”
While Jack finds joy in “winning” negotiations by coming out with the better deal, there is one tactic he uses that makes all parties in a negotiation happy– focus on their interests instead of their positions. Just like Jack had conflicting interests with a U.S. Speaker or didn’t want to pay his babysitter the same amount after switching to just nights, he often looks to understand why they want it.

When negotiating with potential employers, it’s always more effective to tell them why you think you deserve a higher salary instead of just asking for it. They may have policies in place you weren’t aware of or they might be willing to make other special arrangements that will meet your specific needs. If both of you know why there is a need, both of you can better find ways of meeting that need instead of just demanding what one side thinks it needs.

We all have needs. Even though the economy still isn’t in the best shape, you can still request to get compensated for what you can bring to an employer. Jack Donaghy knows what he wants and goes for it. As a job seeker, you should to.

Get and Keep a Job Videos Job Interviews The Job Search

The Great Job Interview Prep-Off!

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Prepping for an interview Two job seekers compete, but only one will get the job offer. One uses practice and punctuality, while the other uses laziness and loitering. In this game of job searching, the difference between getting an offer and getting rejected is not only about being mentally ready, but also looking ready.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveyed 457 employers who recruit new college graduates, and an overwhelming 92% stated “a candidate’s overall appearance influences their opinion about the candidate.”

Check out the showdown between these two rivals in this video that highlights the importance of interview preparation.

Job Interviews The Job Search

Overcoming Being Overqualified

By Rachel Rudisill on Friday, January 18, 2013

When you’re job searching, having your experience match exactly with the job qualifications is a long shot. So what do you do when you are overqualified for a position that you are interested in? How do you put your best foot forward? Here are some tips to help your job search move forward even if you’re overqualified.

Check your pride at the door.
When it comes to job searching, you are always trying to look like the best candidate and show off your best qualities. But, when you’re trying to land a job you are overqualified for, now is the time to fit in, not stand out. For example, if you can type 75 words per minute, but the job requirements are for someone who types 45 words per minute, put 45+ words per minute in your resume. If the job requirements asks for five years of experience and you have 15, put “more than 5 years” on your resume. Once you get the job, you can show them what an asset your experience is, but don’t overpower your resume or application when applying for a job for which you are overqualified.
Use the job description as an outline for your resume.
It’s wise to realize that when applying for jobs at large companies, it’s likely your application and resume must make it through an automated talent management system before arriving in front of a human. So, how do you make your resume end up at the top of the results? Use the job description as a guide. For every requirement you match, reformat your resume to match exactly with the requirement. It’s best to create a master resume that lists all of your skills, certifications, achievements, and education, and then pair that down for each job you apply for. The key isn’t to overwhelm recruiters and hiring managers with information on your resume, but to appear as a good match for the job. You can embellish on your skills and achievements in the cover letter or interview.
Stay optimistic, there is no exact match.
David Lewis, a former recruiter for Express Employment Professionals said, “I often told job seekers that there is no perfect candidate for any job. Everyone is either under-qualified or overqualified. Ideally, you need to find jobs where you most align with the requirements and then effectively demonstrate how well you match up.” It’s important to stay optimistic and focused in your job search. It can seem like you are reaching to fit in, but consider your options and stay positive.

How have you handled being overqualified for a job? Share your experience in the comments below.