The three main ways of making contact are telephone, email, and snail mail. If you call your potential interviewee, it might help to write down what you plan to say ahead of time. If you send something written, be sure to proofread your missive. It is especially important that you do not say or do anything that makes it sound as though you’re trying to get the person to hire you. While that would be nice, it’s not the point of the informational interview.
Telephone calls, emails, and letters basically follow the same structure:
1. Introduce yourself
2. Explain that you’re interested in the field in question, but that you would like to learn more about it through someone like your potential interviewee, who has a lot of experience and wisdom.
3. Give a specific reason you’re interested in talking to the potential interviewee - you’ll show you’re serious and focused when you, for example, tell the head of a public relations firm that you know her organization does a lot of work for environmental groups, and you’re specifically interested in that aspect of PR.
4. Ask if the person has time for a 30-minute meeting during which you could learn more about the interviewees’ work and thoughts about their career.
This whole process of contacting interviewees might make you a little nervous - if you’re new to the working world and low on the totem pole, calling up a business executive can be a little frightening. You may be especially hesitant because you feel like you have nothing to offer in return for that executive’s time. Relax. Most successful members of the working world have an intimate understanding of the networking system. They know that when they were inexperienced, seasoned professionals helped them out. And now that they’re the high-level executives, they’ll talk to you at a business conference or grant you a 30-minute meeting - with the understanding that when you’re a big shot, you’ll take a few minutes out of a busy day to advise a newcomer about your line of work. And, if that answer doesn’t satisfy you, remember that most people love talking about themselves and relish the experience of feeling like an important expert in their field.
Showing posts with label job tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job tips. Show all posts
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Job Interview Tips
Be Early
Make a winning impression by showing you are reliable and organized. Get directions in advance and take a test drive if you are unfamiliar with the area. Also, check out the parking situation or public transportation schedules. Allow enough time for traffic and unexpected delays.
It’s All About You
Review your resume thoroughly, but don’t memorize it word for word. When talking, focus on your skills and accomplishments and how they correlate to the position you want. Hone in on how your experience has prepared you for this job and what you can bring to the table.
Dress to Impress
Follow this simple rule of thumb: “It’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.” Even if the work environment is casual, your appearance still must be neat, clean and professional. Unless the interviewer specifically tells you to dress casually, a classic suit is always your best bet. Also, limit your use of jewelry, makeup and cologne or perfume.
The Name Game
Make sure you know the correct name and pronunciation of the interviewer. Listen carefully when the interviewer states his or her name and repeat it back when you say hello. Before you leave, ask for a business card from each person you met. This gives you the necessary information to write thank-you letters.
Hand It Over
A firm handshake is a sign of confidence, but avoid the bone crushing vice grip. Weak and clammy handshakes typically make a bad impression. Don’t forget to look the interviewer directly in the eye when initiating contact.
Body Language
Appear confident by sitting up straight and maintaining good eye contact throughout the interview. Poor posture may translate to low self-esteem. Refrain from fidgeting or chewing gum or candy.
Be Nice
You never know who you’ll meet in the parking lot, elevator or lobby, so be polite to everyone from the receptionist to the CEO. After all, they could have an influence in the hiring process.
Short and Sweet
Avoid long-winded answers. Practice in advance and you will sound more focused and polished.
The Sounds of Silence
While it may be golden, silence can be uncomfortable. However, jumping in with irrelevant comments just to fill up airtime will only make you look nervous. If you are experiencing trouble forming an answer to a question, wait a few seconds before responding. The use of “um, uh, like, well, err …” sounds well, um … stupid. Take your time and think before you speak.
Cold Hard Cash
Although salary is an important factor in your job search, don’t let it be the driving force behind your choice. In interviews, it’s more important to talk about why you’re the right person for the job. Do not bring up salary unless the interviewer asks.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearsing is not just for actors. Take time to review what you want to say by asking a friend to play “the interviewer.” By practicing your responses to typical interviewing questions, you will significantly reduce your stress level and improve your chances of making a winning impression on the interviewer.
Make a winning impression by showing you are reliable and organized. Get directions in advance and take a test drive if you are unfamiliar with the area. Also, check out the parking situation or public transportation schedules. Allow enough time for traffic and unexpected delays.
It’s All About You
Review your resume thoroughly, but don’t memorize it word for word. When talking, focus on your skills and accomplishments and how they correlate to the position you want. Hone in on how your experience has prepared you for this job and what you can bring to the table.
Dress to Impress
Follow this simple rule of thumb: “It’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.” Even if the work environment is casual, your appearance still must be neat, clean and professional. Unless the interviewer specifically tells you to dress casually, a classic suit is always your best bet. Also, limit your use of jewelry, makeup and cologne or perfume.
The Name Game
Make sure you know the correct name and pronunciation of the interviewer. Listen carefully when the interviewer states his or her name and repeat it back when you say hello. Before you leave, ask for a business card from each person you met. This gives you the necessary information to write thank-you letters.
Hand It Over
A firm handshake is a sign of confidence, but avoid the bone crushing vice grip. Weak and clammy handshakes typically make a bad impression. Don’t forget to look the interviewer directly in the eye when initiating contact.
Body Language
Appear confident by sitting up straight and maintaining good eye contact throughout the interview. Poor posture may translate to low self-esteem. Refrain from fidgeting or chewing gum or candy.
Be Nice
You never know who you’ll meet in the parking lot, elevator or lobby, so be polite to everyone from the receptionist to the CEO. After all, they could have an influence in the hiring process.
Short and Sweet
Avoid long-winded answers. Practice in advance and you will sound more focused and polished.
The Sounds of Silence
While it may be golden, silence can be uncomfortable. However, jumping in with irrelevant comments just to fill up airtime will only make you look nervous. If you are experiencing trouble forming an answer to a question, wait a few seconds before responding. The use of “um, uh, like, well, err …” sounds well, um … stupid. Take your time and think before you speak.
Cold Hard Cash
Although salary is an important factor in your job search, don’t let it be the driving force behind your choice. In interviews, it’s more important to talk about why you’re the right person for the job. Do not bring up salary unless the interviewer asks.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearsing is not just for actors. Take time to review what you want to say by asking a friend to play “the interviewer.” By practicing your responses to typical interviewing questions, you will significantly reduce your stress level and improve your chances of making a winning impression on the interviewer.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions
Interviews are already stressful enough. Between promoting your skills, showing enthusiasm and laughing at the interviewer's bad jokes, you have plenty to concentrate on.
But when you suspect you've been asked an illegal interview question, stress levels can shoot even higher.
Fortunately, if you know in advance what kind of illegal questions are most apt to sneak into an interview, you can diffuse the situation immediately and move on to more important tasks -- like landing that job.
Three Ways to Answer Illegal Interview Questions
Most interviewers are not out to discriminate against job applicants. Many of the illegal questions that interviewers ask are unintentional -- in fact, if you tactfully point out the question is illegal, the interviewer will likely realize his or her gaffe and immediately retract the question.
The challenge for you is to figure out what to say while you're sitting in that chair, faced with an illegal question. You have three basic options:
* Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one. Keep in mind, however, that you should only answer the question if you truly are comfortable providing the information -- it could come back to haunt you.
* Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job. Be forewarned, though, that such a direct response should really be saved for questions that are offensive or deeply troubling.
* Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights. To answer the intent behind the question, try to figure out what the interviewer REALLY wants to know. For example, if the interviewer asks if you are a U.S. citizen (which is an illegal question), a smart answer would be, "If you mean to ask if I am legally authorized to work for you, the answer is yes." In cases like these, it's best to rephrase the question into a legal one and then answer it. This displays flexibility and composure -- strong job skills.
An Age-Old Question
Recent reports say that workers are planning to hold jobs well into their senior years. Many even plan to hold off retirement until their 70s or 80s in order to continue bringing in paychecks.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase in complaints from older workers of age discrimination in the workplace, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The good news is that interviewers are not allowed to ask you your age during an interview. With some rare exceptions, the only age- related question they can ask is if you're over the age of 18.
One thing to keep in mind: The EEOC's Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 only protects workers who are 40 years old and older from age discrimination and in workplaces with 20 or more employees. However, some local governments have laws that also enforce age discrimination rules for younger applicants and smaller workplaces.
Married ... With Children?
Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, according to the Department of Labor. And as their numbers grow, so do the potential pitfalls they may face during an interview, especially when asked about marriage, children and pregnancy.
While illegal interview questions surrounding relationships, marriage and children are generally more problematic for female job candidates, protection from discrimination applies equally to male candidates.
Basically, you should be suspicious if you are asked any questions about your marital status, your family status, your future plans for children or your child care accommodations.
So what can employers ask? Questions that deal directly with the job requirements (e.g., "Are you willing to relocate?").
Yes, many proud parents enjoy telling stories about their children, and there may be a temptation to trade toddler stories with a friendly interviewer who has a family picture on his or her desk. But to avoid potential problems, err on the side of silence.
A Race for a Job
A recruiter friend of mine told me a story of how she accidentally asked someone an illegal interview question.
"Oh, you have such an interesting name! What does it mean?" she asked a candidate with a beautiful name that was obviously of non-English origin.
Fortunately, my colleague caught herself and told the candidate that she didn't have to answer the question. But it does show how subtly the issues of race, ethnicity and religion might sneak into an interview.
For instance, according to Nolo.com, interviewers are not allowed to ask if you are a U.S. citizen or ask where you were born. However, they can ask if you are legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
So if you are asked about your race, color, religion or national origin, be aware -- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on such factors.
Somebody Call the EEOC!
Discrimination is an ugly word, but you can't deny that it does occasionally happen. If you are certain that an interviewer asked you an illegal interview question with the intent of using your answer as a basis for a hiring decision, it's time to talk to the pros.
The EEOC is the government agency in charge of handling complaints of workplace discrimination.
While laws can vary from state to state, the EEOC recommends that you file a charge of discrimination if you feel you have been discriminated against on the basis of any of the categories below:
* Race
* Color
* Sex
* Religion
* National origin
* Age
* Disability
To file a charge, contact your local EEOC office. To find your local branch, go to the EEOC "Filing a Charge" Web page here:
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/howtofil.html
Keep in mind that there are time limits by which you must file a complaint. For more information on these limits, contact your local EEOC branch.
Alternatively, find a lawyer and have them help you with your complaints.
While illegal questions do add an extra level of stress to an interview, remember that as long as you are aware of what's fair game and what isn't, you'll be one step ahead.
Laid Off? So What?
Layoffs may now be routine in corporate America, but if you're unlucky enough to be left holding a pink slip, you probably have lots of worries. Among them: How will I explain this during future job hunts?
It's true that your layoff and the gap on your resume will probably come up, not just during the initial job search right after the layoff, but also during future job hunts. But it doesn't have to derail your search. The key, experts say, is to be honest about the layoff but to focus your communication with potential employers on what you can do for their company, rather than on your past. And when the layoff comes up, make sure you talk about what you accomplished during your time off.
Here's how to achieve these goals at all stages of the job hunt, in writing and in person:
# Resumes and Cover Letters. Most career experts say you shouldn't mention a layoff at all in a cover letter.
"A cover letter is strictly to market yourself," says Marianne Adoradio, a career counselor in Silicon Valley. "'Here's what you're looking for, here's what I bring.'"
On a resume, you shouldn't say you were laid off, but you should try to account for any substantial amount of time you were out of work. Never try to bridge the gap between two jobs by using the wrong beginning or ending dates. Instead, focus on what you accomplished while you were out of work. Did you take a class? Do consulting work? Work as a volunteer?
On the whole, the less said in writing about a layoff, the better.
"Paper is two-dimensional," says John Haag, a career counselor at the University of Denver Career Center. "Face to face is a whole lot better."
# Networking and Interviews. Face-to-face communication is critical, both in informal conversations with people while networking and in formal job interviews. This is where questions about your layoff will likely come up, and you need to be prepared with two answers: one about why you left your job, and one about what you did during the time you were unemployed.
"If it's the first time it happened to you, it's going to feel awful," says Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California. "You need to get over it and find the right words to talk about it wherein there were no bad guys."
The best strategy, Pannwitt says, is to craft a very short, matter-of-fact phrase: "I left in the layoff of 2002," for example.
In an informal networking conversation, discuss the layoff only if asked. Haag says the conversation will get off to a bad start if you open with, "I'm looking for work, I've been laid off." Instead, begin by asking intelligent questions and making a good impression on the other person.
"When it does come time for the person to ask you some questions, be forthright," Haag says. And don't use a "half-apologetic tone," he says. By that time you will have impressed your listeners with your interest in their work, and they won't care whether you were laid off.
Finally, be certain you're answering the right question. For example, Pannwitt says, if an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here," your answer should be about how much you like the company and the job, not that you need work because you were laid off. "That isn't going to make the employer feel very good."
Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/How_to_Handle_Illegal_Interview_Questions__20021118-1632.html?subtopic=Interview+Preparation
But when you suspect you've been asked an illegal interview question, stress levels can shoot even higher.
Fortunately, if you know in advance what kind of illegal questions are most apt to sneak into an interview, you can diffuse the situation immediately and move on to more important tasks -- like landing that job.
Three Ways to Answer Illegal Interview Questions
Most interviewers are not out to discriminate against job applicants. Many of the illegal questions that interviewers ask are unintentional -- in fact, if you tactfully point out the question is illegal, the interviewer will likely realize his or her gaffe and immediately retract the question.
The challenge for you is to figure out what to say while you're sitting in that chair, faced with an illegal question. You have three basic options:
* Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one. Keep in mind, however, that you should only answer the question if you truly are comfortable providing the information -- it could come back to haunt you.
* Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job. Be forewarned, though, that such a direct response should really be saved for questions that are offensive or deeply troubling.
* Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights. To answer the intent behind the question, try to figure out what the interviewer REALLY wants to know. For example, if the interviewer asks if you are a U.S. citizen (which is an illegal question), a smart answer would be, "If you mean to ask if I am legally authorized to work for you, the answer is yes." In cases like these, it's best to rephrase the question into a legal one and then answer it. This displays flexibility and composure -- strong job skills.
An Age-Old Question
Recent reports say that workers are planning to hold jobs well into their senior years. Many even plan to hold off retirement until their 70s or 80s in order to continue bringing in paychecks.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase in complaints from older workers of age discrimination in the workplace, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The good news is that interviewers are not allowed to ask you your age during an interview. With some rare exceptions, the only age- related question they can ask is if you're over the age of 18.
One thing to keep in mind: The EEOC's Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 only protects workers who are 40 years old and older from age discrimination and in workplaces with 20 or more employees. However, some local governments have laws that also enforce age discrimination rules for younger applicants and smaller workplaces.
Married ... With Children?
Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, according to the Department of Labor. And as their numbers grow, so do the potential pitfalls they may face during an interview, especially when asked about marriage, children and pregnancy.
While illegal interview questions surrounding relationships, marriage and children are generally more problematic for female job candidates, protection from discrimination applies equally to male candidates.
Basically, you should be suspicious if you are asked any questions about your marital status, your family status, your future plans for children or your child care accommodations.
So what can employers ask? Questions that deal directly with the job requirements (e.g., "Are you willing to relocate?").
Yes, many proud parents enjoy telling stories about their children, and there may be a temptation to trade toddler stories with a friendly interviewer who has a family picture on his or her desk. But to avoid potential problems, err on the side of silence.
A Race for a Job
A recruiter friend of mine told me a story of how she accidentally asked someone an illegal interview question.
"Oh, you have such an interesting name! What does it mean?" she asked a candidate with a beautiful name that was obviously of non-English origin.
Fortunately, my colleague caught herself and told the candidate that she didn't have to answer the question. But it does show how subtly the issues of race, ethnicity and religion might sneak into an interview.
For instance, according to Nolo.com, interviewers are not allowed to ask if you are a U.S. citizen or ask where you were born. However, they can ask if you are legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
So if you are asked about your race, color, religion or national origin, be aware -- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on such factors.
Somebody Call the EEOC!
Discrimination is an ugly word, but you can't deny that it does occasionally happen. If you are certain that an interviewer asked you an illegal interview question with the intent of using your answer as a basis for a hiring decision, it's time to talk to the pros.
The EEOC is the government agency in charge of handling complaints of workplace discrimination.
While laws can vary from state to state, the EEOC recommends that you file a charge of discrimination if you feel you have been discriminated against on the basis of any of the categories below:
* Race
* Color
* Sex
* Religion
* National origin
* Age
* Disability
To file a charge, contact your local EEOC office. To find your local branch, go to the EEOC "Filing a Charge" Web page here:
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/howtofil.html
Keep in mind that there are time limits by which you must file a complaint. For more information on these limits, contact your local EEOC branch.
Alternatively, find a lawyer and have them help you with your complaints.
While illegal questions do add an extra level of stress to an interview, remember that as long as you are aware of what's fair game and what isn't, you'll be one step ahead.
Laid Off? So What?
Layoffs may now be routine in corporate America, but if you're unlucky enough to be left holding a pink slip, you probably have lots of worries. Among them: How will I explain this during future job hunts?
It's true that your layoff and the gap on your resume will probably come up, not just during the initial job search right after the layoff, but also during future job hunts. But it doesn't have to derail your search. The key, experts say, is to be honest about the layoff but to focus your communication with potential employers on what you can do for their company, rather than on your past. And when the layoff comes up, make sure you talk about what you accomplished during your time off.
Here's how to achieve these goals at all stages of the job hunt, in writing and in person:
# Resumes and Cover Letters. Most career experts say you shouldn't mention a layoff at all in a cover letter.
"A cover letter is strictly to market yourself," says Marianne Adoradio, a career counselor in Silicon Valley. "'Here's what you're looking for, here's what I bring.'"
On a resume, you shouldn't say you were laid off, but you should try to account for any substantial amount of time you were out of work. Never try to bridge the gap between two jobs by using the wrong beginning or ending dates. Instead, focus on what you accomplished while you were out of work. Did you take a class? Do consulting work? Work as a volunteer?
On the whole, the less said in writing about a layoff, the better.
"Paper is two-dimensional," says John Haag, a career counselor at the University of Denver Career Center. "Face to face is a whole lot better."
# Networking and Interviews. Face-to-face communication is critical, both in informal conversations with people while networking and in formal job interviews. This is where questions about your layoff will likely come up, and you need to be prepared with two answers: one about why you left your job, and one about what you did during the time you were unemployed.
"If it's the first time it happened to you, it's going to feel awful," says Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California. "You need to get over it and find the right words to talk about it wherein there were no bad guys."
The best strategy, Pannwitt says, is to craft a very short, matter-of-fact phrase: "I left in the layoff of 2002," for example.
In an informal networking conversation, discuss the layoff only if asked. Haag says the conversation will get off to a bad start if you open with, "I'm looking for work, I've been laid off." Instead, begin by asking intelligent questions and making a good impression on the other person.
"When it does come time for the person to ask you some questions, be forthright," Haag says. And don't use a "half-apologetic tone," he says. By that time you will have impressed your listeners with your interest in their work, and they won't care whether you were laid off.
Finally, be certain you're answering the right question. For example, Pannwitt says, if an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here," your answer should be about how much you like the company and the job, not that you need work because you were laid off. "That isn't going to make the employer feel very good."
Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/How_to_Handle_Illegal_Interview_Questions__20021118-1632.html?subtopic=Interview+Preparation
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