1. Arrive 15 minutes early to the interview. Fill out any applications or forms neatly and completely.
2. Bring at least 2 extra resumes. In case the interviewer misplaces yours or you meet additional people.
3. Do not answer questions with a simple “Yes” or “No”. Sell yourself and your attitude by using examples. However, be sure to answer all questions to the point and do not ramble on.
4. Do not concern yourself with salary, or bonuses on the initial interview.
5. If you have no experience in a certain area, explain a time in the past where you also had no experience with something (a specific software, account or industry) and how your supervisor empowered you. You may then detail the positive result that ensued.
6. Stay positive! Do not make derogatory remarks about previous or present employers. If you are forced to discuss a negative situation always “flip it” by stating what you learned or why you are better because of it.
7. Share stories & anecdotes that relate to the client’s hot buttons. “that reminds me of a time…” Stress what you have made, saved or achieved for previous employers that would not have occurred without your efforts.
8. Be flexible and take cues from the interviewer. Not all interviewers have the best experience interviewing and may not ask you the question you have been poised to answer. Make a list of characteristics, experiences and abilities that you would like to get across during your interview to help lead the discussion.
9. Tell your potential employer what you are going to do for them. Not what they can do for you.
10. Build a relationship. Remember the goal is to hopefully be working with the interviewer(s) in two weeks.
11. Do not underestimate the power of the receptionist. They may comment on you when you leave. Be nice to them and (if they are not too busy) warm-up your vocal chords with a pleasant conversation.
12. Stay focused on the position you are interviewing for. Do not concentrate on long-term growth, promotions, etc.
13. Always represent yourself honestly.
14. Act like you already have the position. The interview is simply a matter of explaining the details.
15. Answer questions with excitement,enthusiasm and relax.
1. Trust factor. Even though you accepted their counteroffer the company will always look at you as a potential flight risk. If they ever need to downsize, your name will likely be on the top of that list. Statistics compiled by the National Employment Association confirm the fact that over 80% of those people who elected to accept a counteroffer are not with their company six months later.
2. When promotion time comes around, your employer will remember who was loyal and who wasn’t. Which list do you think you will be on?
3. You have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy. From this day on, your loyalty will always be in question.
4. The news that you were interviewing and unhappy will leak out to your peers and the other managers at your company. Because of this other employees will interact with you differently. Some people may feel if they associate with you the company will think they are looking as well. Plus nobody wants a quitter on their team especially on a mission critical project. You run the risk of not getting picked for any future high profile projects.
5. If you leave your company professionally you won’t burn any bridges and will have great references for the future. However, you will burn many bridges at the new company if you accept that counteroffer. That company spent a lot of time interviewing and then stopped their hiring process when you accepted the job. By accepting a counteroffer this company needs to start a new hiring process which could cost them months in lost productivity. Burning that bridge could cost you in future job searches, which the odds makers say will be in about 6 months.
You need to think carefully about all these facts before making a final decision. Evaluate your reasons for leaving your current position, the reasons you accepted the position, and what your career goals are. A mistake in your career could cost you your future, professional growth and money. Usually when it comes down to it, you’re better off saying “no” to a counteroffer.
An excellent resume can mean the difference between ending up in a company’s “no” file or being selected for an interview. The resume is your opportunity to highlight your qualifications and make a positive first impression. Job seekers that carefully proofread their resumes, have an increased advantage because they have taken the writing process
seriously.
Appropriate attire for an interview:
Men:
1. A conservative suit in dark blue or dark gray with a long-sleeved white shirt. The tie should be conservative and in-style.
2. Dark socks with dark freshly shined shoes are recommended.
3. Jewelry should be limited to a wristwatch and ring.
4. Fingernails should be clean and well-manicured.
5. Faces should be clean-shaven. Beards and mustaches should be neatly trimmed.
Women:
1. Women today have a few more options when it comes to career dressing, but similar principles apply. Dressing conservatively is still the rule of thumb for interviews.
2. A business suit in a subdued color is best for interviews. Dress in today’s styles, but keep the hemline close to the knee length and keep blouses modest.
3. Shoe heel height should be moderate and comfortable – shoes should be freshly polished. If heel tips are worn get them replaced – so you don’t click as you walk.
4. Jewelry should be minimal and in good taste.
5. Nails should be well manicured and polished in clear, light or French manicure. If long nails are a part of a personal fashion statement, avoid bright colors and glittered accents for interviewing.
6. Make-up should be professional in taste and lightly applied.
7. If wearing a skirt, keep the hemline close to the knee.
8. Keep blouses professional and modest.
The question of compensation can be very sensitive and unnerving to reach a figure that is fair and acceptable to both the company and the individual. Here are some points to remember.
Most companies want to make a fair offer.
They want to bring new employees on board at a salary level that provides incentive to change jobs and that also is consistent with the company’s existing salary structure for that position.
Be realistic in your expectations.
The days of 20% and 25% increases in compensation are gone. Inflation rates are down. All corporations are more conscious of maintaining consistency in existing salary structures. The economic growth in many industries has leveled off and the competition for better positions has increased. A reasonable (although, not guaranteed) percentage increase ranges from 2% to 7%.
The position and opportunity is the single most important element of your decision.
No amount of money will make a bad job good. A quality position and working with quality people in a dynamic work environment offers rewards that money can’t buy. Question companies offering salaries significantly above fair market value, there is always a reason!
Be flexible.
Compensation packages are often a combination of salary, bonuses, reviews, benefits, titles and perks.
Avoid quoting a specific figure.
If you are asked, what salary you are looking for, try to avoid quoting a specific number. Try something like: “I am aware of what the compensation range is for this particular opportunity and am willing to entertain an offer that you care to present”.
Phone interviews are frequently a first step in the interview process. These phone conversations are, in most cases, your first contact with a company. Do not disregard the importance of this first impression.
Here are a few useful hints to help you through the process:
1. Work with your recruiter to set up either a specific time or “window of time” for the call. This will allow you to be fully prepared and commence the interview with a positive mental attitude.
2. Make sure your phone (especially if you are on an extension) is audible and in good working order. Avoid portable or cellular phones.
3. If you own an answering machine or voicemail service, make sure your recording is both courteous and professional.
4. Make sure family members know how to answer the phone and take messages in your absence. Keep several “WHILE-YOU-WERE-OUT” pads by the phone as aids, and reinforce how important their cooperation is to your search success.
5. Stand! You will be more energetic. Remember the tone of your voice is amplified three times over the phone. So be aware of any potential distractions, e.g. radio, television, background conversation, etc.
6. If you have a “call-waiting” feature on your phone, do not interrupt your conversation to answer a call. Should a call come through and there is a distinctive break in the conversation, either ignore it, or make light of the situation.
7. If you have a bad connection and/or have difficulty hearing the other party, have the person call back, adjust the phone or ask them to speak louder.
8. Be fully prepared with your notes with regards to: the company, the position, yourself and resume. You then are able to come across as an organized and articulate interviewee.
Again, do not take this step in the interview process lightly. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself and to find out more about the position. Last, but certainly not least, the phone interview is the opportune time to set up your face-to-face meeting. Don’t be afraid to ask for the appointment! Have your calendar at hand so you may suggest dates that would be convenient to interview.
An excellent resume can mean the difference between ending up in a company’s “no” file or being selected for an interview. The resume is your opportunity to highlight your qualifications and make a positive first impression. Job seekers that carefully proofread their resumes, have an increased advantage because they have taken the writing process
seriously.
1. Can you describe a typical month in this position?
2. What are three main qualities you are looking for in a candidate for this position?
3. How will you measure success in this position?
4. Tell me about the history or growth of the company.
5. Who are your major competitors, and what competitive advantage (or disadvantage) do they have in terms of product, market share, methods of marketing, and strengths and weaknesses?
6. In the recent history of the company, what has been the biggest advance and what has been the biggest setback?
7. What is your highest priority in the next 6-12 months?
8. What are some of the traits or characteristics of your top performers?
9. Where do you see your company going in the next 5-10 years?
10. Based on the discussion we have had and looking at my background, what do you think would be my greatest challenge?
11. How do you feel my qualifications compare to your expectations for the role?
Closing Question: What is the next step?
Closing Question: Now that you have had an opportunity to meet with me and review my resume, how do you see me fitting into this role/organization?
(The importance of a closing question is to receive direct feedback from the interviewer. This is your opportunity to absolve any concerns that the interviewer may have.)
While resigning from your current position can be emotional and sometimes stressful, there are several things you can do to make the process go smoothly and quickly.
Providing your boss with a resignation letter is the most effective way to handle an uncomfortable situation. Put it in writing for these reasons:
1. It’s formal and will become a part of your permanent record – protecting you.
2. It helps focus on the positive aspects of your career move rather than negative aspects.
3. It relieves the pressure of having to speak first.
The sooner you can leave the better. Give fair notice but ask to be relieved as soon as possible. Remember, you’re in an awkward position; the company can get by without you and you owe your energies and loyalty to yourself and to your new opportunity.
Don’t talk about counter offers – it is the single worst thing you can do during the resignation process. Talk to your Caremore Stafing Consultant for guidance.
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