interview | Journey

Home/ interview

Tag Archives: interview

Headed to a Job Interview? Don’t Do This!

By Job Journey on Friday, November 13, 2015

Do you have a job interview soon? Have you prepared for the big day by reviewing popular interview questions, researching the company, cleaning up your resume, and gathering your references? All of those steps are important parts of ensuring a successful interview. But, what should you avoid once you’re in the job interview?

Survey Reveals Mistakes
In a new survey from Express Employment Professionals, business owners shared several real-life mistakes job seekers have made in interviews. These examples include:

Answering the phone
Asking to step out for a smoke break
Asking at the end of the interview, “What am I interviewing for?”
Badmouthing their former employer
Bringing a baby, pet, or parent
Chewing tobacco and/or vaping
Falling asleep
Wearing pajamas
Listing their own cell phone number and pretending to be their own reference
Listening to headphones

Among those employers, 61% agree that the worst thing an interviewee can do is answer a phone call during the interview. Other answers included arriving late, drinking alcohol, or lying about their experience.

“Your interviewer should have your undivided attention,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express. “If you can’t make it through an interview without answering a phone, texting a friend, or smoking a cigarette, I can pretty much guarantee you that you won’t be landing the job.”

Clever Tricks From Interviewees
The survey also revealed the most clever ways job seekers have submitted resumes and attempted to land jobs. Those responses include:

Typing the resume like a movie script, menu, radio commercial, or video presentation
Delivering the resume with a box of doughnuts
Delivering the resume in a box via a mail carrier
Bringing a portfolio and giving a presentation of their work
Creating a business plan
Providing referrals from someone known to the employer
Bringing lists of potential clients and ideas for the position

According to Bob Funk, “When you’re competing to win a new job, it can pay to be creative. The ability to stand out can be the difference between a job offer and a rejection, provided you’re standing out for the right reasons.”

What are some clever ways you’ve landed the job? Let us know in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Job Search

How to Counter a Job Offer

By Job Journey on Monday, October 19, 2015

If you’re searching for a job, it may be tempting to take any offer a company gives you when it comes to pay, but always be prepared to counter their offer.

In fact, experts suggest that an employer’s first offer has some wiggle room, and if you’re savvy enough, a counter offer could score an even bigger salary or more job flexibility.

So how do you prepare a counter offer without blowing your opportunity? We’ve got five easy steps:

When a hiring manager calls with a job offer, tell her or him that you need time to consider the offer. Be sure to let him know that you are excited about the position, but just need to study the salary and benefits.
Study the offer. Really educate yourself on the benefits, vacation packages, and salary. By knowing the full offer, you are better positioned to negotiate. For instance, if the salary is lower than you wanted, maybe you can negotiate for better insurance or extra days of vacation.
When offered the job, study up on the typical salary for that position and for the region where you live. For instance, if you know the starting salary for a particular job is $40,000, then use that as your starting point. If you have multiple years of experience, you could negotiate a higher range based on your knowledge.
Make the counter offer. Many job seekers may find negotiations to be intimidating, but speaking confidently about your counter offer is important. The position has already been offered to you, so the company wants to hire you. You do have a right to go for the benefits or salary you believe you deserve.
Re-negotiate. If the employer feels the salary or perks you counter with are too much, be prepared to negotiate for an amount you’re both happy with. Don’t go into a counter offer with an “all or nothing” approach. Find middle ground that makes you and your future employer comfortable.

While it is always worth a try to improve a job offer, be realistic. Know your market worth, but don’t push the envelope too much. You may not have much wiggle room if the employer is set on the salary offered.

Above all else, make sure you are in a position to walk away when making a counter offer. If you are in a desperate situation, be aware that a counter offer may not be accepted.

Have you ever made a counter to a job offer and had it accepted? Share your story with us in the comments below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Job Search

The Skills Employers Wish You Had

By Job Journey on Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Finding the right person for the job is a task employers often struggle with. In addition to experience and education, top candidates must also possess certain skills that are right for the job. You may be familiar with important hard skills like a college degree or certification, but how often do you assess and improve your soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management?

If “not often” is your answer, you may want to reconsider your job search tactics. In fact, in a recent study from Express Employment Professionals, a group of leaders shared the soft skills that society is missing when it comes to preparing the next generation for the workplace.

“We hear all the time from businesses that they’re looking for workers who are punctual, respectful, properly dressed, and dedicated. Employers prize these soft skills, but we constantly hear from employers that too many potential workers lack these attributes,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express. “Soft skills are vital and there are things we can all do to help develop them.”

The study revealed that the skills employers are looking for include people skills, respect, modesty, humility, self-sufficiency, gratitude, and more. While these skills may come naturally to some, the study suggests there are actions job seekers can take to learn these skills and teach them to others.

To better understand the soft skills employers are looking for, check out the study’s list of ten actions you can take to help prepare those who are about to enter the workforce.

“The results show what everyone in society can do to send signals, especially to young people, so they develop strong soft skills that will guide them in life – and help them get job offers,” Bob Funk said.

What do you think society can do to better prepare workers to be prime job candidates? Share with us in the comment section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Job Interviews

Build Your Power Team of References

By Job Journey on Wednesday, September 9, 2015

If a potential employer reaches the point where they ask for your references, be happy. Checking references takes time and effort, so usually only candidates who are serious contenders for the position make it to the references stage.

References are people who can speak knowledgeably about your skills, experience, and work habits. Because references have the power to make or break your chances at landing the job, having a list of strong references is very important. Do you have a powerful list of references?

Because pulling together a strong group of references at the last minute can be difficult, let’s take some time and see how you can start developing your “power reference group” right now.

Who You Should List As References
Power references shouldn’t be your mom, a family member, or your best friend. Instead, they should be people you have worked with, worked for, or know professionally. It’s important that your references also have strong qualifications, character, and reputation.

To identify good candidates for your power list, consider:

Co-workers at all levels. Don’t just stick with those in management, but also consider your peers as well.
Customers or clients you’ve worked closely with in a previous job.
Professors, if you are right out of college.
Supervisors at an internship or apprenticeship.
Leaders you’ve had contact with through avenues like volunteer activities.

How To Build Your List
Now it’s time to select and build your reference list. Following these steps can help you get your list in shape:

Select at least three top references.
Contact each one to ask if they can be included on your reference list.
Let them know what types of jobs you are applying for, or, if you have the job listing, which skills you’d particularly like them to emphasize.
Provide them with your resume, awards, and other career material so they can speak intelligently about your accomplishments.
Do not ask them to lie.

Keep Multiple Lists
Another thing to consider is having a different list of references for different jobs. While a community leader or professor may have more pull with a nonprofit, using a former employer, public figure, or company executive may work better for a larger company.

Also, make sure to rotate your references so they don’t get burned out by too many reference calls.

Once you’ve qualified your references and have a good idea of which to use, create a document that includes each person’s name, title, company, email address, phone number, and your relationship to him or her.

Lastly, don’t forget to send a thank-you note to all your references who have agreed to help you land the job.

Do you have any tips on how to find quality references? Share your stories with us in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Resumes and Cover Letters

Which Is Better – Chronological or Functional Resume?

By Job Journey on Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The two most common types of resumes are the chronological and the functional resume. When you want to write a stellar resume, one of the most important things to consider is the format you choose. And with roughly 10 seconds to grab the attention of hiring managers looking at your resume, you need to stand out.

Both functional and chronological resumes have unique advantages and disadvantages, but they are very different. Knowing which type of resume best fits your career history and skills can help set you apart from the competition, so take a look at the distinctions below.

Chronological Resume
The most popular resume format, the chronological resume is easy to read and documents your work experience in a consecutive list. Your employment history is listed in reverse order with your most recent position on top.

This resume may fit your needs if you have a consistent employment history without gaps between jobs and the position you’re applying for matches the work experience you have. If you’ve worked many different jobs in a short time period, or if you have large gaps in your employment history, this type of resume may hurt your chances of landing the job.

To see what a traditional chronological resume looks like, click here.

Functional Resume
This resume format could also be called a skills-based resume because it lists your transferable skills and draws on the work experience that best fits the job you’re interested in. Instead of listing the dates of your previous employment, this format focuses on the work you’ve accomplished and the skills you’ve gained.

If you’ve had many different jobs, large gaps in employment, or are entering the workforce for the first time, this type of resume can benefit you by focusing on your competence and abilities. This format is a great option for recent graduates who are looking for a job but have a limited employment history.

Even better news – writing a functional resume is more likely to attract a recruiter’s attention. According to Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, “A well-crafted functional resume that focuses on the specific opening will make you more likely to get a second look from a recruiter, a few more hits on LinkedIn, and a better shot at an interview.”

To see what a functional resume looks like, click here.

Using Both Formats
If you’re torn between a chronological and functional resume, consider combining the two. This lets you use the functional features of pointing out your skills and abilities while also showing off your employment history. Since the chronological format is more familiar to potential employers, using the best of both worlds can help you stand out without being counted out.

Whether you stick with a chronological resume, go for the functional look, or create a mixture of the two, remember that your skills are one of the most important things to show. “It’s absolutely crucial to communicate skills in a resume, especially when moving between industries,” said Bob Funk. “Recruiters aren’t looking for someone with just a laundry list of past employers.”

What kind of resume do you use? Which resume type works best for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Job Interviews

Four Facts You Should Know About a Company Before You Interview

By Job Journey on Wednesday, August 19, 2015

facts_about_company_web Scoring a job interview with a company you’re excited to work for is always a positive thing. But, you still may experience the famous mix of anticipation and dread that goes along with an interview.

Rest assured that nervousness and wariness are normal feelings when faced with an interview, but gaining a little pre-interview knowledge about the company will go far in helping to reduce the nervousness. Here are four facts you should know before walking through the door:

What does the company do, how does it do it, and what is its mission statement?
Because most businesses have a website, look up the company and read about its services, products, business model, press releases, and any other information available. Learn what is most important to the company so you’ll have a good starting point to speak from during the interview.

On the company website, look specifically at the “mission statement” or “about us” page. If the mission statement emphasizes customer service, you’ll know that’s important to the company. These pages also typically give the history and philosophy of the business you’re interviewing with.

How is the company doing financially? Most companies have a website, and most websites have something like an “investor relations” tab. Some companies list their quarterly earnings publically and publish an annual report. Even small start ups have information available on websites like Crunchbase.com.

Why is this important? You’ll be able to speak intelligently about the future of the company, based on the facts you’ve read. In addition, you can decide if a company is financially healthy to be able to hire you long-term, offer a competitive salary or benefits, and be around for the next several years.

What is the company culture? This might take a little more effort. An easy way to see what the company dress code and culture looks like is to drive by early in the morning or at the end of the work day. Doing so may allow you to see how the employees entering or leaving the building dress. Or, if you know any employees, simply ask them about the code.

Again, websites are great ways to explore the feel of a company. Check to see if the company is active on social media, which may help you discover if they value healthy lifestyles, are involved in the community, or other information that can come in handy when answering tough interview questions.

What is the company’s reputation? Local and national news media often report on large corporations, so research news articles about the business. Some businesses may have a marketing page on their website with access to press releases and awards. You can also visit the company’s social media pages and mentions to see what they are saying to followers and what others are saying about them.

The more you know about a company, the better you will feel about answering questions. You will also appear more knowledgeable to potential employers. Knowing these facts about a company is a great way to come up with potential questions for your interviewer and show that you are interested in the job.

Are there other things you should know about a company before you go on the interview? Share your thoughts and tips with us!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Job Interviews

How to Prepare for a Job Interview: 5 Dos and Don’ts

By Job Journey on Monday, August 17, 2015

Although no best way of interviewing exists, we do have a list of “do’s and don’ts” in preparing for that important conversation with hiring managers that may help improve your chances for interview success. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a job interview is not being prepared. Preparation for a job interview makes the difference between getting that job offer or getting a rejection letter.

DO:

Do research the company at which you are interviewing. By researching the company, you show that you’ve done your homework and that you are interested and engaged. An added advantage to researching the company is the ability to speak about the company culture, mission, growth strategy, and more in a clear and intelligent manner.
Do prepare informed questions to ask if prompted. Once you’ve researched the company, make a list of questions on topics you’d like to know more about. Asking about your position’s growth potential and the future of the company can indicate to hiring managers that you are interested in a long-term relationship.
Do bring an up-to-date copy of your resume. Also, proofread your resume for errors and highlight items on your resume that reflect the job you are interviewing for.
Do maintain good posture, a neat appearance, regular eye contact, and a positive attitude. Most college career services offer mock interviews and interview workshops, but you can also practice interviewing with family or friends.
Do send a thank you or follow-up note to the interviewer(s). A hand-written note will have much more impact than an email or text. A professional thank you note sets you apart from other candidates and has the added bonus of reminding hiring managers about your skills and experience.

DON’T:

Don’t use your cell phone. Never take out your cell phone to talk or text during a job interview. Leave your phone in your pocket or purse and put it on silent. If you forget to turn your phone off, do so quickly and apologize to the interviewer if the phone rings or dings.
Don’t interrupt or talk over the interviewer. While you are anxious to impress, interrupting the interviewer is not only rude, but shows that you are a bad listener. Be patient and let the interviewer finish what he or she is saying.
Don’t misrepresent your experience, priorities, or background. In other words, don’t lie. Be as honest as possible about your capabilities and job experience and don’t exaggerate. Lies have a way of coming back to haunt you.
Don’t speak negatively of current or former employers – or anyone for that matter. Nothing leaves a bitter taste in an interviewer’s mouth like someone who talks badly of other employers. Not only is it unprofessional, negative talk makes them wonder what you will say about them in the future.
Don’t be late. Give yourself enough time to navigate possible traffic delays or mishaps. Arrive roughly 15 minutes early. Being late is a big negative during a job interview and only makes a stressful situation even more so.

“Much of this advice should be common sense, but experience tells us it’s not,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “Interviewees should always set a high bar for themselves. Spend plenty of time researching the company, gathering your thoughts, and preparing for an informed discussion. Preparation is key to wowing your interviewer.”

Your job interview goal is to show the employer that you are the best candidate for the job and that you can fit into the company’s culture. Remember, most employers do not just look at skills, but at personality, communication skills, confidence, and enthusiasm. By following the simple do’s and don’ts, you are on the right track to receiving an offer.

Do you have your own list of do’s and don’ts? Share those with us here!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.