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Have you ever left an interview thinking that you could have done better? Or maybe it was the interviewer who prevented you from showing what you are worth? It seems that bad interviews happen more than good ones and we shouldn’t cling to the negative aspects. Companies interview more than one person for every available position; and it usually takes more than one interview to finally obtain the job. It is understandable that you can’t ace them every time.
“BAD INTERVIEWS” can fall into a couple of categories:
1 – An interview where you feel you performed poorly or
2 – An interview where the interviewer was not prepared or ill-equipped to perform the interview
1. There’s nothing worse than getting in the car, cab, or subway after an interview and remembering something you wish you would have said better. It’s the old “shoulda woulda coulda” game and it happens to everyone at some point. Knowing how to let go of the bad and cling to the good is how the Koala stays in the tree. Keeping a journal or jotting down your thoughts helps you to avoid the same mistakes twice and recognize and avoid the “weak branches”. If you are keeping a well organized job search folder, you can refer back to your previous notes as reminders before the next interview.
Then there’s the time where you realize you said something you shouldn’t have. Again, making notes of what went well or poorly will help you avoid repeating mistakes. Do your best to avoid negative topics like, what your boss does wrong, what you don’t like or (worse yet) who you don’t like. Even if you’re feeling comfortable with someone, don’t let them drag you into the gossip mill. Find something positive to say about all those people instead of the easy to point out flaws. The more positive or stronger the topics or branches, the higher you will climb in the interviewer’s regard. For example, working for a boss that is never available could be re-worded to something like “my boss was very active in many parts of the company which required me to make special effort to get on their calendar to get my questions answered which, ultimately, made me a better time manager.”
2. It is possible a bad interview stems from the interviewer themselves being not adequately prepared or in the proper frame of mind to focus on you at the appointed time. The interviewer seems distracted reading their emails, taking phone calls, or someone pops in. In today’s hectic business climate, interruptions are expected. Don’t take them personally! Arriving well prepared with a list of questions about the job, the company, and specific projects that have been going on the past six months or so help you to bring these frequently distracted interviewers’ focus on you, the job, and why you are the fittest for the climb.
There’s also the interview where you just don’t hit it off with the person with whom you are interviewing. There are certain techniques you can use to establish rapport quickly to ensure you navigate the sparse branches and make the best first impression every time. For instance, people like to talk about themselves, so attempt to draw them out!
Remember, interviewing is a subjective exercise. There’s no way you can predict the outcome so the best way to win is to listen carefully to the questions being asked, thinking about “what’s in it for them (the company)” not “what’s in it for you”. Focus on the company’s needs as they state them and offer specific examples of how you have performed those duties in the past or could contribute directly.
Be like the Koala and steer clear of the weak branches of conversation, look out for opportunities to climb high on positive topics, and be prepared to wade through a sparse tree and help the interviewer focus.
A few quick tips to keep in mind: Show good manners. Say please and thank you to everyone you meet, not just the decision maker. Dress professionally, even if it’s a casual environment Sit up straight, be engaged in the conversation, and DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research the company so you know what they do and who their major competitors are so you can ask thoughtful questions. Show them you’re into them…and always send a thank you note!
For a webinar on this topic, please visit http://www.carolynthompson.net/interviewingskillswebinar.htm.
Carolyn Thompson
Author of TEN EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT RESUME…available on Amazon.com!
and TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB…available on Amazon.com!
Tags: advice, bad interview, conversation, interview, interviewer, interviewing, Job Search, mistakes, opportunity, preparation, regret, tips
Posted by Carolyn Thompson on Jul 13, 2009 in
Career Path,
Job Search,
Lessons Learned,
Self Improvement Almost every day I receive an email that says something like “think before you print”, or “print responsibly to save a tree”. I was thinking about this, particularly this week, when we had our first run in with a “diploma mill.” I’d heard about this on 60 Minutes, but never came across one until this week. While verifying a candidate’s education, an alert came up that their degree was from an unaccredited institution.
This became a huge exercise in research as to what is an accredited institution. The Department of Education ( www.ed.gov) and the Council for Higher Education Association (www.chea.org) maintain current databases on accredited universities. I called CHEA and was helped immediately by the first person that answered the phone. She was amazingly well informed and was able to verify that not all online universities are fully accredited educational institutions. I was dumbfounded that someone could obtain tuition reimbursement from a publicly traded company to complete a degree with an unaccredited institution. Essentially, the candidate threw many thousands of dollars of tuition down the drain with an institution that claimed to be accredited, but is only accredited as an “online” institution.
There are reputable on line universities and distance learning opportunities such as the University of Phoenix. If you’re considering making an investment in online education, make sure you check with the Department of Education or the kind people at the Council for Higher Education to ensure sure your investment in your future is protected.
Even if it means buying books, turning in papers and taking notes in an actual spiral notebook, and taking a little longer to get through all your classes, completing your education is not the time to be worried about saving a tree.
For the past 20 years while I’ve been a recruiter, we’ve gone to the university registrar directly whenever possible to verify education or to obtain transcripts. It’s unfortunate that these disreputable organizations exist, taking people’s money and not giving the education in return for their financial and time invested. This person lost out on a really great offer because of this situation and now we’ve changed our policies to use The National Student Clearinghouse (www.studentclearinghouse.org ), a third party verification service, before approaching the university directly for transcripts.
Check out my webinar on Job Searching! http://www.carolynthompson.net/jobsearchwebinar.htm
Carolyn Thompson
Author of TEN EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT RESUME…available on Amazon.com!
and TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB…available on Amazon.com!
Tags: accredited institution, advice, education, experience, verification service
Even the jungle has seasons. One of those seasons is a period of less rain called a drought or the dry season. We can think of it as the jungle’s downturn.
Recently the US and World economies have had a period of less prosperity or a drought just like a dry season in the jungle. This is a normal part of the cycle. Droughts help weed out the weak so new species can take hold. They also cause animals to adapt or move in search of food. You must adapt in order to survive and here are some tips on how to survive through this “financial drought.” Droughts tend to strengthen the jungle in the long run just like downturns help to weed out outdated companies or workers who need to improve on their skills set.
The strong survive. You must learn to search for opportunities in new ways and employ those strategies by adapting. If you do this, you will end up stronger in the long run and subsequently, be more successful.
When you suspect that you are going to be laid off or when the layoff actually occurs, you must be polite and accept the news with grace and dignity. You do not want to burn any bridges. Ask about your company’s severance package (if they are offering one) before you leave or get the correct contact information for the HR representative who can help you if you have any questions. You should also thank your manager or boss for the opportunity to work for him or her and ask politely if they would be willing to give you a good reference. Leave, go home and relax. Regroup over the next few days and then start your job search. Do not take months off because you will be sorry if it takes a while to find a new job and you have already taken time off. The average job search takes 2 weeks per ten thousand dollars (so a $50,000 candidate will take about two and a half months to find a job.)
Adapt. Be honest with yourself. Were you laid off or are you having a hard time finding a job because the job that you do is outdated or no longer needed? Do you have older software skills or is your education light compared to what is normally required to do the job that you want? If your answer to these questions is yes, you need to improve your skills to compete in the market.
If you are sending out resume after resume online and are not getting any call backs, you need to adapt the way that you are conducting your search. Be sure your resume is well written. A good resource for this is Ten Easy Steps To a Perfect Resume by Carolyn Thompson available on Amazon.com. You can also have a recruiter or friend read your resume for grammar and ease of understanding. If you know a company has a job and you have not heard back after submitting your resume, call the manager directly and ask if they have seen your resume yet. For example; if you applied for an AP Processor position and you haven’t heard back, call the company and ask to be connected to the AP Manager. When you get them on the phone, ask if they have seen your resume and offer to send it over for their review. Trust me, this works!
Remember, everything has a time of plenty and times that are lean. It is natural. By staying strong and adapting, you will come out of the other end stronger and better prepared than you were before.
Webinars on Resume Writing and Job Search Techniques are available at http://www.carolynthompson.net/webinars.htm
Jake Hanson
Senior Associate, CMCS
Tags: adapt, advice, drought, economy, education, layoffs, opportunities, resume, strategies
I remember my first jungle visit very well. I was reminded of my experience for weeks with the thousands of bug bites that overran my entire body. Little did I know that my lightly scented daily moisturizing lotion was an immediate attraction for every type of biting fly, mosquito, spider, and gnat in the entire continent of Australia. But, I learned from that experience. The next opportunity I had for a jungle visit, this time in Puerto Rico, I skipped the lotion and had a great visit to the rainforest canopy and floor that didn’t leave me itching for weeks.
First impressions count.
The last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy in our office. Lots of new jobs coming in and MANY people who have been looking for the past few months called to tell me they had gotten offers and were moving on to new positions.
As the job market begins to pick up, it’s increasingly important to mind your p’s and q’s with regards to making first impressions. You don’t EVER get a chance to take back that first meeting. A friend of mine, Therese Baker from Abbtech, said to me the other day: you’ll never have the same conversation with the same person twice. It got me thinking about first impressions, so next week, I’m presenting a webinar on the subject of making a great first impression; I hope you’ll join in on the discussion register here.
In the meantime, keep these points in mind today as you meet someone new. Whether it’s a meeting at work, an interview, or a charity event you’re attending. You never know who you are going to meet and where that meeting might lead, so make every first impression count:
· Be yourself, at ease, and appropriately dressed.
· Be on time and smile.
· Have good posture, grooming and be confident without being cocky.
· Make meaningful small talk-find something in common with everyone.
· Have a confident handshake
· Use the person’s name when you can.
One of my close personal friends today is someone that I met randomly in the hallway at work ten years ago. Had he never stopped me to ask directions, we never would have had the exchange that we had the second time we crossed paths again later that day. Make each conversation you have meaningful and positive. You never know where it will lead!
For a Webinar on how to make a GREAT first impression visit: http://www.carolynthompson.net/makingagreatfirstimpressionwebinar.htm
Carolyn Thompson
Author of TEN EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT RESUME…available on Amazon.com!
and TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB…available on Amazon.com!
Tags: advice, experience, first impressions, interview, jobs, webinars
Four Gifts For Grads:
1. Even though you are smart and have accomplished completing your degree, you’re likely going to have to start at the bottom and work your way up just like any tree in a thick forest environment. All seeds start growing from within the earth and the more experience they have, the larger they grow until they are high above the rest getting the most light! If you set your expectations that you will learn the business from the ground up, you’ll get where you want to go eventually, right above the canopy!
2. If you’re thinking more education is the answer, think again! Yes, there probably will be more jobs in a couple of years when you get your additional degree, but you still need some practical work experience to combine with your education in order to get ahead. Starting at an entry level spot somewhere that has a tuition reimbursement program is often a better bet than pursuing another degree full time. Learn while you grow in your experience. A tree needs to grow upwards before it can really spread its branches. You will never make it through the thick rooftop of the jungle if your “branches” are too wide to penetrate the leafy ceiling. Ultimately, you don’t want to have more education combined with a lack of practical work experience, now or later!
3. NETWORK! 80% of all jobs are obtained through networking. Even in my office we are looking for an entry level/intern type person and only had 2 qualified responses! The tallest trees that form the canopy of the forest help the smaller trees and shade them from rough winds and other inhospitable elements while they are still young and new. Ask your parents, their friends, and your friends parents for help. Be patient, and keep your Facebook page looking professional, too!
4. Fail to plan, plan to fail! Create a plan based on solid market research and go after jobs at the companies where you want to work. Seek to meet people who already work there by volunteering at charity events their companies sponsor. Those people can refer you internally as jobs open up. Create some good solid roots that will support you and hold you steady as you grow. The better your foundation, and the more you network, the higher you will be able to grow in the job search jungle!
For more information on this topic visit: http://www.carolynthompson.net/jobsearchwebinar.htm
Carolyn Thompson
Author of TEN EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT RESUME…available on Amazon.com!
and TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB…available on Amazon.com!
Tags: advice, education, entry level, expectations, experience, Facebook, graduates, networking, students, volunteer
Posted by Carolyn Thompson on Apr 28, 2009 in
Building Confidence,
Career Path The human’s closest relative in the animal kingdom is the Chimpanzee. Like humans, during the first months of life chimp infants are completely dependent on their mothers for food and care and stick close to their mothers until they are mature. It’s a tough job to raise a family and a tough decision when mothers need or want to go back to work. Whether it’s because your family needs the income or because you’re ready to take on corporate challenges again, you feel torn between the responsibility you have to your family and the obligations you accept with your new employer. Here are a few things to consider as you re-enter the work force:
· Be confident in explaining that you took time off to start a family. When you organize your resume, make sure the work experience that you intend to carry forward figures most prominently on the first page. It’s ok to have a gap in employment and you should feel free to explain that you took time off to start a family. There’s no need to pull out the family photo album in the interview, though.
· Be flexible and willing to negotiate. Many people leave behind high powered careers and want to return exactly where they left off, or even at a higher level. In many cases employers may not be willing to pay for someone lacking the most recent, up to date experience. You can prove yourself over time and get back to where you want to be, but be open to the fact that no matter how smart and hard working you are, there will be a learning curve. Consider ten years ago many people didn’t have Internet access at their desks; ITunes and text messaging weren’t even in the dictionary as a quick reminder of how technology alone has changed in a short period of time.
· When you do land your job, get up to speed as quickly as you can. Read appropriate trade publications and obtain necessary computer training. Be pleasant and personable, but professional. Don’t make your water cooler talk about your family until you know more about everyone you work with and avoid overcrowding your workspace with excessive amounts of photos . A few nicely framed ones will keep you focused on why you’re there and keep you from getting too homesick.
· Have a back-up plan and alternative help for the unexpected things that might pop up. Most employers will have a 90 day to 6 month probationary period where you may not be eligible for personal leave or sick time. Obviously emergencies occur, but your new employer will not look favorably on you taking unplanned days off before you have accrued leave.
· Keep one calendar for work and personal so things don’t slip through the cracks. Do your best to schedule doctor’s appointments and necessary personal meetings on one day a month that you have set aside and requested off well in advance, for example, the last Wednesday of the month. That way, you always know if you need to schedule a service appointment you can use that day.
· Consider starting a home-based business. If the thought of going back to an office and giving up the joy of raising children is just too much for you, consider starting a licensed day care service. There is a large need for qualified, caring, daycare providers in many areas. It’s possible that you could earn as much as or more than you would by getting an office job. It’s your own business, too. Licensing, insurance, supplies and advertising cost money, but the bookkeeping alone is great experience you can carry forward into an office later as well.
So, Monkey Mamas! Get out there! Good Luck!
If you have specific questions or need assistance in polishing your resume, finding a job or preparing for interviews, we have on demand webinars, publications and other resources on my website www.carolynthompson.net.
Carolyn Thompson
Author of TEN EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT RESUME…available on Amazon.com!
and TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB…available on Amazon.com!
Tags: advice, experience, gap in employment, home business, mothers, organization, re-entering the workforce, resume, technology, time off
There’s a famous fable about a skunk, a lion and a hawk who debated as to which of them was the most dangerous and feared animal in the jungle.
The hawk claimed to be “top dog”: “I win because I hit ’em from above, and from above, I have the best view of all. I can see things nobody else can!”
The lion rejoined: “Nonsense! I’m the most powerful animal of all, with the longest, sharpest, teeth and claws. I’m the most dangerous, for sure!”
Then the skunk said: “I can stink up the whole jungle and run out every man or beast in the territory.”
And so they argued, on and on, until a big old bear came along and swallowed the three of them, Hawk, Lion and Stinker!
With the uncertainty we are all faced with every day, losing your job is high on the list of people’s fears right now. Anxieties are high in both the executive office and in the sea of cubicles where all the work is actually done. Here are a couple of tips for quelling your anxieties so you can conquer your fears so if the Bear (layoffs) comes along, it won’t kill you.
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1. Start by identifying the source of your worry. In the case of your job is it the loss of pay or the dreaded job search that you just don’t feel like doing right now? Talking to someone about your fears or concerns can help differentiate between the products of your imagination and those things truly deserving of worry. It helps to know if the source of your worry is something you can control, or something over which you have no control. If the cause of your worry is something you can affect, then channel that worry into action.
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2. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen if my fear becomes reality?” Think it through logically. If you are prepared for the worst, you can make a pro-active plan for dealing with the cause of your worry and then carry it through. Such a reaction is a positive use of worry helping you to overcome potential problems and threats. However, if there is nothing you can do about the source of your worry, it’s just as important to act to counter that worry, rather than letting it build up harmfully inside you. You need to learn to let go. If something beyond your control might happen, it either will or won’t. Worrying about it will produce only harmful, not positive results.
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3. Another strategy is to simply switch gears. Think of something over which you do have control. Turn to an enjoyable activity, perhaps with a friend, and focus on that rather than the source of your worry. Look to exercise, a fantastic way to relieve stress, burn calories, decrease depression and refocus your attention. Your goal is to stop the worry before it has the opportunity to take control of your emotions and thoughts. You must work quickly and strike when you first become aware of the negative thoughts that fuel worry. Do something, no matter how small, to help you refocus: exercise, splash cold water on your face, snap a rubber band, call a friend, or even imagine a big flashing stop sign in your mind’s eye.
Admittedly, it does take practice to refocus your thoughts away from worry to something positive. However, it can soon become second nature to relax, exercise or change thoughts, rather than resorting to counterproductive worrying.
And sharing your worry in the workplace with colleagues is just like putting leftovers in a trashcan at your campsite in the jungle…the Bear will come straight to you if you invite him!
Carolyn Thompson
Author of TEN EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT RESUME…available on Amazon.com!
and TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB…available on Amazon.com!
Tags: advice, community, control, economy, fear, layoffs, proactive, relieve stress
Posted by Carolyn Thompson on Mar 10, 2009 in
Job Search Crocodiles prepare for and engage in the hunt for food in a methodical way. This leads to lots of overall success in the end result. You should prepare too if you want to be successful in your interview.
Crocodiles identify their prey, move in, and then attack. Once the attack is on, crocodiles do not deviate from the goal until they get their dinner. You should also identify the job you want. Have a resume that gets you noticed and then conduct your interview process full on until you have the job you really want.
Here’s how you do it…
First, make sure you have a well written, relevant resume. If you need help writing a resume, a great resource is Ten Easy Steps to a Perfect Resume.
This book will help you to write an excellent, professional resume. Some general rules of thumb are:
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-Make sure your contact information is accurate.
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-Make sure there are no spelling errors on your resume.
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-Make sure your objective is in-line with, and that you are qualified for, the position that you are applying for.
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-Be sure that you write a little bit about what each company does underneath the company name and then list several well thought out bullet points about your job duties and accomplishments.
Second, apply for jobs that interest you and that you are qualified for. Many people apply to positions in the hope that someone will interview them even if they know you are not qualified for a job. This almost never happens, so do not waste the time of the hiring manager on the other end of the submission.
Third, once you get an interview, be prepared. Research the company. Learn about what they do. There is a lot of good information out on the internet these days. Utilize that information. When the hiring manager asks you what you know about their company, make sure you know. Dress professionally. Shine your shoes, cut your hair, and dry-clean your suit. Show that you care about yourself and that you take yourself seriously and the hiring manager will feel the same about you.
Finally, after the interview is complete, send a thank you note or e-mail depending on timing. Be sure to do this step since many applicants do not. This will set you apart from the competition.
More tips to getting the job you want can be found in Ten Steps to Finding the Perfect Job.
For a list of on demand webinars relating to job searching, interviewing, and resume writing visit: http://www.carolynthompson.net/webinars.htm
Jake Hanson
Senior Associate, CMCS
Tags: advice, hiring, interview, jobs, resume, steps
Posted by Carolyn Thompson on Jan 19, 2009 in
Building Confidence,
Job Search Although the noble Zebra is mainly a Savannah dweller, it can survive and even thrive in other environments. Knowing when to find the right environment for you requires asking some difficult questions: Are resources so scarce it seems like nobody can survive? Does your current situation seem so chaotic and confusing you don’t know where to turn? Perhaps things are wide open, but with no signposts to guide you? In any environment you’ve got to keep your eyes open and watch for opportunities.
Scarce resources often offer abundant opportunities to excel and intense competition offers its own challenges. This is the time to put your nose to the grindstone and really let your unique qualities and stripes shine. Nature (or the economy) will thin the herd, leaving only the strong and resourceful.
Chaos and confusion may seem uncertain, but more often than not, it’s a matter of perception. Remember to keep focused and your stay out of the fray and don’t forget to watch your back.
Wide open spaces mean you can go in any direction, but which is the right way? Having choices is good, but you’ve got to find the balanced mix of landmarks (milestones?) and/or intuition. Remember, nobody else has a clue either and the better tracker will prevail. What has your experience taught you?
Small company or large? Private sector or government contracting? For profit or non-profit? Each environment offers its own opportunities and pitfalls. You can thrive anywhere. Which environment is best for you?
Mario Valdez
Associate, CMCS
Tags: advice, opportunities
Posted by Carolyn Thompson on Jan 8, 2009 in
Self Improvement Crocodiles have been around for over 250 million years. They have outlived the dinosaurs. In contrast, you have been around for a much shorter period of time and your career probably took shape within the last decade or two. Right now, our economy is in a state of flux and things are uncertain. What can we learn from these amazing survivors, crocodiles?
Be opportunistic. Crocs see a fish and they eat it. They see a bird land on the water in the pond, they eat it. A zebra comes down to the river to drink, and the crocodile attacks. Crocs eat whatever they can, whenever they can. This helps them to survive. You should be opportunistic at the office too. Pick up responsibilities at work that no one else seems to want to do and do them well. Be the first to volunteer to help the new employee with a project. Offer to do that spreadsheet that no one else wants to put together. Come in on a Saturday to help out. Be productive, opportunistic and you will shine in your manager’s eyes.
Get plenty of rest. Take a hint from crocodiles. Picture a river delta in Africa where the crocodiles rest away the heat of the day so that they can be alert and ready to hunt in the evening or early morning. This is true for you too. Go to bed at a decent hour every night. Save parties and late nights for weekends. Work out, maybe get a massage. Take a break. If you take time to rest, then you will be ready to work hard when you need to and will get more done.
Protect yourself. Crocodiles have teeth and scales to protect themselves. Your career should have some armor too. What type? Education, skill set and work ethic all help armor you from layoffs. If you have a solid skill set, better education, and stronger work ethic than those around you, chances are that you will not be the next person downsized. Utilize your company’s education reimbursement benefit if they offer one, or invest in yourself if they do not in order to keep your skills and education current. Learn how to do something that others in your office are not good at or are weak in such as learn Macros and Pivot tables in excel if no one else knows how to do them well. Work ethic will help to protect you too. Be sure to put in a few extra hours at the office, follow up on projects and with clients. Be an asset to your organization.
Adapt, survive. That is the name of the game. Do not get stuck in workplace mud of laziness, exhaustion and an old, outdated skill set or you may find that you have become the next fossil.
Jake Hanson
Senior Associate, CMCS
Tags: adapt, advice, economy, education, opportunities, training
