It's all about what can you do for them, not what can they do for you.
Don't be afraid to act humble, just don't act desperate. Be willing to do more for less now in order to get ahead.
We've been conditioned to think that job hunting is answering ads and filling out applications but this is the old, passive way. Most jobs aren't advertised because it's a hassle for the employer to advertise, get a hundred applicants then eliminate 99 of them.
The best way to get a job is to either network like crazy so someone gives you a tip or recommends you when an opening comes up or be an active job seeker. Approach companies and people asking for a job. They like people who take the initiative in looking for work.
It's not just about flooding the marketplace with resumes. It's about following up, calling people, asking for an interview, showing up, asking to speak to the boss, etc.
I repeat. Don't wait for job ads. Network and contact companies to introduce yourself. Even offer to intern for a week for free and they don't have to hire you unless they like your work.
The truth is that in a skilled profession, the boss is always looking for good workers.
Communication is the most important ability. Make up a clear resume that showcases your skills. When you answer interview questions, be clear and specific.
Have a neat appearance.
Be dependable. Show up on time.
Adapt to the people you're with. When you go for an interview, size the interviewer up then present yourself as though you're like this person. If he's a buttoned-up, Christian type, act that way. If he's an easygoing type, show that you're easygoing too but don't cross the line in being too informal right away.
You're there to help the employer decide to hire you. Don't be over-the-top. Be respectful and act conservative and dependable.
Talk about your strengths. If they ask for your weakness, say that you work too hard. Once you start, you don't stop.
Some interviewers have a canned set of questions they ask everyone.
Some interviewers might intentionally try to get you mad by criticizing you. Don't let them see you sweat no matter what.
If the interviewer wants to make smalltalk, go along with him.
Some interviewers are nervous about interviewing people.
After the interview, send an e-mail thank you note and a real one in the mail. Just thank them for the interview and say I hope I get the opportunity to prove myself to you.
It's rare to find a perfect job. Take what you can get, prove yourself and move up in the organization.
Remember, your job is to convince this guy that you can help him make more money.
Most interviews are very generic. The interview is looking for a connection or a common ground with you. He or she will ask versions of the following questions:
Who are you?
What is your personality like?
What can you do for me?
What are you good at?
What are your weaknesses?
What kind of pay do you expect to earn?
What are your dreams and ambitions?
Why do you want to work here?
There's a grey area on the legality of asking personal questions which is why a lot of interviewers won't ask questions such as are you married, do you have kids, what's your religion, etc. but they'll ask a general question like what's your personal life like.
You should have prepared answers for these types of questions. It's ok to pause after a question to think about it for a few seconds. If you blurt out an answer, you might look too well-rehearsed or too spontaneous. You don't think things through.
Whatever you do, don't take liberties with the interviewer. Don't get personal or chummy with him. He wants professional respect even if he tells you to relax. You can make friends later but for now show respect to him as a manager.
Never tell the guy what kind of salary you expect even if he asks the question. Just say within the typical pay range of the profession, that you'll deal with
Don't be afraid to act humble, just don't act desperate. Be willing to do more for less now in order to get ahead.
We've been conditioned to think that job hunting is answering ads and filling out applications but this is the old, passive way. Most jobs aren't advertised because it's a hassle for the employer to advertise, get a hundred applicants then eliminate 99 of them.
The best way to get a job is to either network like crazy so someone gives you a tip or recommends you when an opening comes up or be an active job seeker. Approach companies and people asking for a job. They like people who take the initiative in looking for work.
It's not just about flooding the marketplace with resumes. It's about following up, calling people, asking for an interview, showing up, asking to speak to the boss, etc.
I repeat. Don't wait for job ads. Network and contact companies to introduce yourself. Even offer to intern for a week for free and they don't have to hire you unless they like your work.
The truth is that in a skilled profession, the boss is always looking for good workers.
Communication is the most important ability. Make up a clear resume that showcases your skills. When you answer interview questions, be clear and specific.
Have a neat appearance.
Be dependable. Show up on time.
Adapt to the people you're with. When you go for an interview, size the interviewer up then present yourself as though you're like this person. If he's a buttoned-up, Christian type, act that way. If he's an easygoing type, show that you're easygoing too but don't cross the line in being too informal right away.
You're there to help the employer decide to hire you. Don't be over-the-top. Be respectful and act conservative and dependable.
Talk about your strengths. If they ask for your weakness, say that you work too hard. Once you start, you don't stop.
Some interviewers have a canned set of questions they ask everyone.
Some interviewers might intentionally try to get you mad by criticizing you. Don't let them see you sweat no matter what.
If the interviewer wants to make smalltalk, go along with him.
Some interviewers are nervous about interviewing people.
After the interview, send an e-mail thank you note and a real one in the mail. Just thank them for the interview and say I hope I get the opportunity to prove myself to you.
It's rare to find a perfect job. Take what you can get, prove yourself and move up in the organization.
Remember, your job is to convince this guy that you can help him make more money.
Most interviews are very generic. The interview is looking for a connection or a common ground with you. He or she will ask versions of the following questions:
Who are you?
What is your personality like?
What can you do for me?
What are you good at?
What are your weaknesses?
What kind of pay do you expect to earn?
What are your dreams and ambitions?
Why do you want to work here?
There's a grey area on the legality of asking personal questions which is why a lot of interviewers won't ask questions such as are you married, do you have kids, what's your religion, etc. but they'll ask a general question like what's your personal life like.
You should have prepared answers for these types of questions. It's ok to pause after a question to think about it for a few seconds. If you blurt out an answer, you might look too well-rehearsed or too spontaneous. You don't think things through.
Whatever you do, don't take liberties with the interviewer. Don't get personal or chummy with him. He wants professional respect even if he tells you to relax. You can make friends later but for now show respect to him as a manager.
Never tell the guy what kind of salary you expect even if he asks the question. Just say within the typical pay range of the profession, that you'll deal with
