Category: Workplace

Employee experience can seriously impact your bottom line. The Employer Brand Index gives you insight into what talent really thinks about your company.

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Employer Branding Workplace

Useful Interview Instructions from Start to Finish


In a difficult job market, making it to the job interview can feel like quite an accomplishment. But in reality, this is where your chance to land the position begins. Most human resource departments will interview several candidates for the job, and in a competitive job market the number of candidates that are interviewed for each position is increasing from three to five or more.
 
It is important to realize that you need to make the best impression from the time you enter the interview until well after the interview is over.
 

Preparing for the Interview

 
Most people know how to dress appropriately for an interview, but your preparation needs to go further than simply choosing the right pair of shoes and getting your haircut.
 
Prepare a portfolio that displays the work that you have done in the past. The best portfolios are built over time. If you have just graduated from school, you should highlight the classes that directly apply to the position you want. As you gain experience you should substitute out your class projects with examples that you have done in the workforce.
 
If possible you should also create an online portfolio to include in your resume and cover letter. Take a hard copy of your resume and a copy of your portfolio on a jump drive that you can give to the interview committee at the end of the interview.
 
In addition to your portfolio, take time to learn about the company. The company’s philosophy and business strategy should be online. Generally you can also find out about the people who are interviewing you or how the department you will be working in will fit into the company. The Internet makes it easier to find this information, but if you can use this in the interview it will help make a better impression.

Related: How To Best Prepare for Your Job Interview.
 

During the Interview

 
Practicing the basic interview questions is a good idea. Ask friends and family members to review the basic questions with you. You need to prepare for different interview situations such as a panel interview where you will be interviewed by several people instead of by just one person.
 
You need to make sure you make contact with each person you are speaking to throughout the interview. It is important to feel comfortable in front of the group.
 
If you are in a group interview where you and several other candidates are being interviewed at the same time, you should make sure that you volunteer answers for questions.
 
It is important that you have a unique answer that applies to your job skills and that you are not just echoing someone else’s answers. This is a difficult interview because you need to be assertive without coming across as being aggressive or rude.
 
In the interview you need a firm handshake, and make a personal connection with the person who is interviewing you. Make sure you highlight any experience you have that they specifically listed in the job description.
 
Each answer should connect back to one of the strengths you can offer the company with an example of how you have done it in the past. This is essential in the interview; you are selling yourself to the company. This means that it is okay to highlight your strengths and talk about how they can benefit the company.

Related: How To Behave in a Behavioral Interview.
 

After the Interview
 

Take time after the interview to make another good impression. Within twenty four hours you should send a thank you letter to the people who interviewed you. In the email or card you can mention your online portfolio again, but the letter should focus on how much you enjoyed the interview, and that you appreciate their time and consideration.
 
It does not need to be a long letter, but the people who interviewed you will remember you took the time to thank them. In addition to an email you can send a thank you note through the mail. This may make an additional impression. Be sure to use the correct names on the cards.
 
Related: How To Send a Follow-Up Thank You Letter.
  
Charissa Newark is the resident blogger and the editor for AccountingDegree.net. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in English in 2005 and unable to find a “9-5”, Charissa began freelance writing and doing research for various websites. A few of the current topics she is researching include helping with choosing an online accounting school.
Image credit: Astragony

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3 Smart Ways to Boost Your Job Search

A job search can be a joyful and exhilarating process. A job search can be an annoying and exhausting process. Which statement do you identify most with? Most people would say, “It depends.” One emotion that is dominant during a transition is one of urgency.

Here are three simple ideas to simplify and successfully manage your search.
 

1. Pay attention to how you start.

 

Treat your job search as a process NOT an event.

• Thoughtful reflection. What is your “ideal” job? Specifically, list and prioritize your top five criteria and support these with examples. Can you clearly explain to someone why these criteria are important to you? Use your transition time to review your work values, interests, skills in relation to past experience and future possibilities. What was right in the past might not necessarily be right today! Priorities do change with circumstances.

• Critical Analysis. Recognize that hiring does take place even in a tight job market and that employers hire when they are convinced why you can do the job. Conduct in-depth research and analyze position requirements carefully to assess how you can meet employer needs BEFORE you develop your marketing materials and job search strategy.
 

2. Pay attention to your marketing plan.

 

Craft your marketing plan AFTER completing a thorough self-assessment.

• Value-Add Marketing Materials. Craft your written and spoken communication based on performance and results, NOT tasks. Use the “so what” test to convince and build confidence in an employer by giving them insight into how your role made a key difference to a business problem.

• Winning Outcomes: What is the best way to look for a job? With the many choices available, first, create your target list of choice employers and geographic preferences before planning your search strategy. Why apply for a job in Phoenix, Arizona if you never plan to move there? Decide how and where you want to expend most of your creative energy for the best results. You want momentum which you get when you get off the rocking horse.

• Build Your Network: Employee referrals continue to be the number one source for hiring. Networking with people is NOT about asking people for a job; rather, it is the process of building alliances. A process that begins much before you need to look for a position and it is a process that you cultivate as a lifetime habit. Who are your networks? Think of giving back to get help. Create visibility and build credibility by sharing resources and skills to generate opportunities to market your skills.
 

3. Pay attention to your “whole” being.

 

Anxiety, turmoil and loss of confidence are sometimes built into the job search process because you feel vulnerable. It does seem that someone who does not know your and your skills well is judging your worth based on a few conversations. Calm the “storm” when the going is rough with two simple ideas.

• Maintain Focus. Remember transitions are temporary. Remember your preparation. Surround yourself with trusted advisors. Re-assess and re-evaluate. Exercise.

• Assess Your Energy. Recognize that you will have good and bad days in your search. Avoid second-guessing and self-criticism. Remember you are not being rejected; rather your skills might not be the “right fit” for that opportunity. Use all opportunities to get feedback on how effectively you have included self-assessment, research and marketing into your strategy.

• A job search can be a joyful process. A job search can be an annoying and exhausting process. Both statements are true. You make the choice.

Related reading: 6 Clever Ways to Improve Your Job Search Tactics.
 

Sunitha Narayanan is a certified career coach with a passion for connecting people and their talents to life and work opportunities. She is a co-active coach, empowering her clients to believe in their dreams, set actionable goals and actively create joy in their work lives. She is with Image credit Angelo Gonzalez