In Kimberly Blanton’s article, Job search diary: mock interviews build Brian’s confidence, she discusses a few questions and answers that the manager-candidate uses to practice his interviewing skills.Questions you should be ready for include: “Why should I hire you?” “Tell me about yourself” “Why did you leave your last job?” “What’s your greatest strength and […]
“Why Should I Hire You” means “How is hiring you going to help me?” You can prepare for this question before, during, and after the interview. Here’s how: Before the interview, review the job description. What specifics can you show the hiring manager about your experience that parallels the job description? Tell behavioral-description stories that
Most people don’t lie on their resumes or in interviews. However, if you’re not sure about a candidate, here’s a checklist to help you detect the truth about a candidate: Always check references. I ask for a minimum of three references from a candidate, at least one of which is a manager. Develop a
Joyce Crane’s article, Crossing honesty line in job search can have dire consequences talks about the consequences of lying on a resume — and getting caught. It’s not worth it. Don’t lie on your resume or in an interview. So how do you best position yourself? By practicing your stories of what you’ve actually done
Via the Boston Job Works blog I found this piece on Hiring in Times of Anger and Fear. The points Jack Thomas makes are great, and can be summarized by making sure you keep your self-esteem, follow through on commitments, and maintain your sense of humor. All easier said than done.If you’re looking for a
In Workplace boomeranging, Jason Butler reports on his experience returning to a previous employer: “I found my previous experience at the company beneficial in minimizing ramp-up time; if you already have a reputation and you already know all the players, you can get right to work.”If you’re looking for a job, call all your ex-bosses
One hiring manager loves this question: “If you had a magic wand, and three wishes, what would they be?” My three wishes deal with enough money to buy a sailboat, paying someone else to drive my kids to their doctor appointments and lacrosse games, and buy books whenever I want. I don’t want to tell
In Hiring Tip #5: Ask Behavior-description Interview Questions, I suggested that hiring managers learn how to ask behavioral interviewing questions. Behavioral questions assume that people’s behaviors don’t change; that people reapply those behaviors to new situations. If you’re looking for a job, learn how to answer these questions.Behavioral interviewing questions ask you questions about how
If you’re interviewing for a position, you’ve heard the old adage: “Research the company.” Yes, that’s true, and it’s not enough. It’s time to research the hiring manager also. Here’s how you research the company and the hiring manager: Research the company by reading the web site. Read the annual and quarterly reports. Read the
It doesn’t matter what kind of paper your resume is printed on. It does matter how your resume looks to potential employers. Here’s a little checklist to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best light: Is your experience in reverse chronological order? It’s too hard to quickly read a resume in any other way.