Common Pitfalls of Social Media
Many of us are familiar with and have heard the term "social media". Most of us are aware of sites like Facebook, My Space, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Many of us today probably have profiles on a few of these sites. Social media can be used for your job search as well. There are a few dangers with social media and your job search you need to know about.
What we put out into cyberspace stays there permanently and this fact is easily forgotten. When our friends post about us on their profiles this also remains in public view forever or until profiles are disabled. We have all heard the stories in the news about employees off on sick time when a harmless photo at a party shows up on Facebook and leads to a termination. There is belief that our profiles on sites like Facebook and My Space belong to us and that they are an expression of our personality. While this is true, more than your family and friends review your profile. Many recruiters, Human Resource professionals and other hiring managers also look at them. Why you may ask? Well curiosity is one reason. People want to know and understand who they will be bringing into their workplace so what a great preview of you than to see you in your natural habitat. Hiring managers look at habits, personality, activities to see the "cultural fit" within their organization. This may not sound fair but there are some common sense things you can do to safeguard your private moments. As time goes by, I feel we as a society are losing perspective on what "private moments" are due to the influence of social media in our lives.
The Google Test
Have you ever performed a“Google” search of your name? If you have, were you surprised to see how much personal information about you came up in that search? Was any of the search material surprising? Was anything that surfaced a little embarrassing? Now imagine what a future employer might think of you if they performed a search and found out about you? Might some of that information prevent you from being hired?
Our personal lives are our “personal lives” however, employers look for people that fit their culture as much as they fit their skill needs. If you appear to be a party type and the company you are applying with is much more conservative, do you think the interviewer will see the fit? This discussion is endless with both pro’s and con’s for social media presence.
What Can You Do About Your On-Line Profile?
The first thing you can do is go to your personal profile on social media sites and examine your security settings. You can decide who can see your profile as well as how much is visible to the public. You can choose a setting that only allows your list of connections to view your pages. This is an advisable setting when job searching. Many people today choose this option all of the time as they prefer to keep their profile private.
Reach out to your friends and tell them about your job search. They can go easy on "tagging" you in some weekend photos that you feel a future employer may not find so charming.
Watch your language! If you are blogging or posting and you choose to use foul language, this will probably influence a future employer's decision about your fit. Blogging can be the source of great angst while job searching. Blogging is a great tool and is a fabulous form of self expression but be careful to not blog about previous employers and make very negative remarks. This could set you up for some litigation and future employers will be fearful of your potential remarks about them!
Keep your social media life under control and good luck in your job search!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Interview Tool Kit and Information
Interview Preparation
Many of us have not had to go to an interview in many years. Interviewing can be a very stressful experience but these tips will provide you with some information about this process to make it a more comfortable. With this information, interviews do not have to be the marathon experience that you may think it is.
Interview Etiquette
Cell Phones – Make sure your phone is turned off. Nothing sends a worse messagae to your interviewer than a ringing or vibrating phone! I have lost count with the interviews I have been in and the candidate is distracted by their phone. I have also had people answer their phone during an interview as well. The interviewer requires your complete attention. Answering your cell phone or text messaging during an interview will send a message that you are not serious about the interview or the job.
Be On Time - Prepare your trip the day before. Be aware of your route if driving and know how long this will take during the time of day you are scheduled for the interview. If you are taking public transit, research your route and transfers so that you arrive on time. Aim for about ten minutes earlier than your interview time. You do not want to arrive too early, as this will not send a great message to your interviewer who may be busy with another interview or their daily work.
Dress For Success – Interviewers will notice small details about your overall appearance. Make sure you have taken extra care with your appearance and personal grooming. Ensure your shoes are polished and in good shape. The same goes for purses or portfolios you may be carrying. Ladies ensure your hair is neatly done and if you wear makeup, natural looking is best. Ladies should be in business attire, which would include dress pants, skirts, jackets, sweaters or blouses. Men should be in dress pants, suits, jackets, shirts and ties. Research your company before you go where possible to find out the corporate culture and dress code. If the company dress code is casual, dress a step above this to look polished. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression! Please leave the strong perfumes or colognes at home. Many companies have a workplace scent free policy you may not be aware of. You want the interviewer to remember you, not your fragrance.
Interview Tool Kit – There are some essential items you will need to bring to the interview. A copy of the ad so that you can review it prior to your interview is a very good idea. You will need to bring two copies of your resume, one for the interviewer plus one extra. You may meet other managers while on site. Pens and a notepad are very important as you will find that there may be details that you will need to record for a second interview. Make sure that you carry these tools in an appropriate portfolio or briefcase that is neat and tidy. Avoid logo items or cartoon characters. Your tool kit does not include carrying in a take away cup of coffee or tea.
Common Interview Types
Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are a pre-qualifier for a face-to-face interview. Hiring managers will phone you to discuss your resume and work experience to find out if you have the skills to progress further in their hiring process. There may be no notice that this call is coming so we could be caught off guard. Try to sound professional at all times and go to a quiet environment where you can hear your interviewer clearly. If you are in a situation where this is not possible, ask the interviewer politely if this call can be rescheduled. Where possible, have your resume close by so that you are able to answer questioners regarding your skills and work history.
Behavioral Interviews
This interview allows an interviewer to observe how you deal with workplace situations. The interviewer will ask you questions about your past role to see how you worked with a variety of situations to find solutions. Questions asked during an interview may be “Tell me about a time when” or “When this was happening, what were you thinking?” These questions and answers demonstrate to an interviewer your thought processes and how you solve problems or arrive at solutions. Behavioral interviews demonstrate your past performance and are therefore a good indicator of your future performance.
One to One Interview
This interview style is one most people are familiar with. You meet with your future manager or a dedicated HR manager to discuss your qualifications and work history. During the interview, make sure you observe the proper personal space between yourself and your interviewer. It is important that you maintain good eye contact and ensure that your body language is open and receptive. Do not fidget in your chair; be mindful of your hands and gestures. Keep your hands folded and in your lap or if taking notes do not twirl your pen. Your feet should be flat on the floor, not crossed wildly. Do not sit casually in your chair but rather upright and comfortable.
Informational Interviews
These interviews allow you to gather information between yourself and a potential employer. They are very useful if you would like more information regarding a specific industry or business. They are also very useful if you are contemplating a career transition, thinking about education in a particular field of work or have just graduated from a school program. During these interviews, the employer has agreed to meet with you to discuss the business or industry. These interviews can offer you advice regarding your skills or where may need more training and experience. The interview may provide you with some networking abilities to meet other people from the industry and may even become a business mentor to you in the future! Always go to these interviews with prepared questions and be considerate of your interviewer’s time. A more in depth discussion about informational interviews will be covered in Module 5 of this handbook.
Group Interview
A group interview involves several applicants applying for the same role meeting together for an interview at the same time. Typically, a presentation from the company regarding their business is given and then candidates are broken down into groups to complete a project or solve a work situation. Managers observe how you work and relate within a group, how well you integrate and begin to function as a team as well as identify possible leaders within the groups.
Common Interview Questions
Interviewers want to get to know you and understand who you are by asking the questions they do. Most interviews start with standard questions about who you are, review your work history and your skills. Practicing interview questions with a partner or in a mock interview setting will help to lessen your anxiety when an actual interview happens. By reviewing the list below of common interview questions below and practicing them, you will become more polished for your next interview.
Sample Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you looking for another job?
What do you know about our organization?
Can you tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?
What is the most difficult situation at work you have had to face? How did you deal with this?
Tell me about your achievements in your career.
What do you think your references might say about you if I asked them?
Tell me about a time where you had to work as a team member. What was the project and how did it turn out?
What do you like to do for hobbies?
What types of shifts or hours are you available for?
Would you work on a weekend if required?
What motivates you?
What kind of manager do you like to work for?
Tell me why you like working in this industry.
Why did you leave your last job?
What type of salary are you looking for?
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. Can you tell me about a time where you had to work under pressure?
Tell me about a time when you had the most fun on the job.
Do you need to provide notice to your previous employer? How much notice would you need to provide them?
Many of us have not had to go to an interview in many years. Interviewing can be a very stressful experience but these tips will provide you with some information about this process to make it a more comfortable. With this information, interviews do not have to be the marathon experience that you may think it is.
Interview Etiquette
Cell Phones – Make sure your phone is turned off. Nothing sends a worse messagae to your interviewer than a ringing or vibrating phone! I have lost count with the interviews I have been in and the candidate is distracted by their phone. I have also had people answer their phone during an interview as well. The interviewer requires your complete attention. Answering your cell phone or text messaging during an interview will send a message that you are not serious about the interview or the job.
Be On Time - Prepare your trip the day before. Be aware of your route if driving and know how long this will take during the time of day you are scheduled for the interview. If you are taking public transit, research your route and transfers so that you arrive on time. Aim for about ten minutes earlier than your interview time. You do not want to arrive too early, as this will not send a great message to your interviewer who may be busy with another interview or their daily work.
Dress For Success – Interviewers will notice small details about your overall appearance. Make sure you have taken extra care with your appearance and personal grooming. Ensure your shoes are polished and in good shape. The same goes for purses or portfolios you may be carrying. Ladies ensure your hair is neatly done and if you wear makeup, natural looking is best. Ladies should be in business attire, which would include dress pants, skirts, jackets, sweaters or blouses. Men should be in dress pants, suits, jackets, shirts and ties. Research your company before you go where possible to find out the corporate culture and dress code. If the company dress code is casual, dress a step above this to look polished. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression! Please leave the strong perfumes or colognes at home. Many companies have a workplace scent free policy you may not be aware of. You want the interviewer to remember you, not your fragrance.
Interview Tool Kit – There are some essential items you will need to bring to the interview. A copy of the ad so that you can review it prior to your interview is a very good idea. You will need to bring two copies of your resume, one for the interviewer plus one extra. You may meet other managers while on site. Pens and a notepad are very important as you will find that there may be details that you will need to record for a second interview. Make sure that you carry these tools in an appropriate portfolio or briefcase that is neat and tidy. Avoid logo items or cartoon characters. Your tool kit does not include carrying in a take away cup of coffee or tea.
Common Interview Types
Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are a pre-qualifier for a face-to-face interview. Hiring managers will phone you to discuss your resume and work experience to find out if you have the skills to progress further in their hiring process. There may be no notice that this call is coming so we could be caught off guard. Try to sound professional at all times and go to a quiet environment where you can hear your interviewer clearly. If you are in a situation where this is not possible, ask the interviewer politely if this call can be rescheduled. Where possible, have your resume close by so that you are able to answer questioners regarding your skills and work history.
Behavioral Interviews
This interview allows an interviewer to observe how you deal with workplace situations. The interviewer will ask you questions about your past role to see how you worked with a variety of situations to find solutions. Questions asked during an interview may be “Tell me about a time when” or “When this was happening, what were you thinking?” These questions and answers demonstrate to an interviewer your thought processes and how you solve problems or arrive at solutions. Behavioral interviews demonstrate your past performance and are therefore a good indicator of your future performance.
One to One Interview
This interview style is one most people are familiar with. You meet with your future manager or a dedicated HR manager to discuss your qualifications and work history. During the interview, make sure you observe the proper personal space between yourself and your interviewer. It is important that you maintain good eye contact and ensure that your body language is open and receptive. Do not fidget in your chair; be mindful of your hands and gestures. Keep your hands folded and in your lap or if taking notes do not twirl your pen. Your feet should be flat on the floor, not crossed wildly. Do not sit casually in your chair but rather upright and comfortable.
Informational Interviews
These interviews allow you to gather information between yourself and a potential employer. They are very useful if you would like more information regarding a specific industry or business. They are also very useful if you are contemplating a career transition, thinking about education in a particular field of work or have just graduated from a school program. During these interviews, the employer has agreed to meet with you to discuss the business or industry. These interviews can offer you advice regarding your skills or where may need more training and experience. The interview may provide you with some networking abilities to meet other people from the industry and may even become a business mentor to you in the future! Always go to these interviews with prepared questions and be considerate of your interviewer’s time. A more in depth discussion about informational interviews will be covered in Module 5 of this handbook.
Group Interview
A group interview involves several applicants applying for the same role meeting together for an interview at the same time. Typically, a presentation from the company regarding their business is given and then candidates are broken down into groups to complete a project or solve a work situation. Managers observe how you work and relate within a group, how well you integrate and begin to function as a team as well as identify possible leaders within the groups.
Common Interview Questions
Interviewers want to get to know you and understand who you are by asking the questions they do. Most interviews start with standard questions about who you are, review your work history and your skills. Practicing interview questions with a partner or in a mock interview setting will help to lessen your anxiety when an actual interview happens. By reviewing the list below of common interview questions below and practicing them, you will become more polished for your next interview.
Sample Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you looking for another job?
What do you know about our organization?
Can you tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?
What is the most difficult situation at work you have had to face? How did you deal with this?
Tell me about your achievements in your career.
What do you think your references might say about you if I asked them?
Tell me about a time where you had to work as a team member. What was the project and how did it turn out?
What do you like to do for hobbies?
What types of shifts or hours are you available for?
Would you work on a weekend if required?
What motivates you?
What kind of manager do you like to work for?
Tell me why you like working in this industry.
Why did you leave your last job?
What type of salary are you looking for?
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. Can you tell me about a time where you had to work under pressure?
Tell me about a time when you had the most fun on the job.
Do you need to provide notice to your previous employer? How much notice would you need to provide them?
Job Search Tool Kit - Resumes and Cover Letters
Ten Tips for Excellent Cover Letters That Will Get You Noticed
Writing a cover letter is not that difficult but getting one started can make you feel like a novelist experiencing writers block. You may find yourself asking, “what is my opening line or where do I start?” A cover letter is not just an introduction of yourself to a prospective employer; it also brings some serious consideration to your resume because it highlights your abilities and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role. An effective, powerful cover letter will create interest in your resume and allow the reader to discover your skills and demonstrate your potential ability in the role.
Cover letters create an interest between the reader and your resume. Hiring managers and recruiters review resumes and cover letters in under a minute. A well-written cover letter will give your application a closer look and a better chance at receiving a call for an interview. A well-written cover letter could make the difference between yourself and your competitor for the role because of your demonstrated good writing skills. These skills show the reader your attention to detail, good communication ability, and professionalism.
Cover Letter Tips
Always use good quality paper that matches your resume if you are submitting your cover letter in person or by mail. Avoid bright colors and opt for neutral shades that will look professional.
If you are submitting your cover letter by email, copy and paste your cover letter into the body of the email and attach it with your resume as well. This format allows the receiver of your cover letter to print it as a letter along with the resume. This allows the hiring manager to submit your information in a complete package that looks professional.
Where possible, always address your letter to the appropriate hiring manager along with the complete company address. If you cannot find this information, perform a Google search or utilize LinkedIn to obtain it. If all else fails, call the company and speak to reception. Ask for the name of your intended recipient. Make sure you verify the spelling of the name as well.
Proof read your cover letter carefully. If possible, have someone proof read it for you as well.
Use an easily readable font when creating your cover letter. Avoid colourful inks and fancy fonts. This is a business letter that is representing you and your career.
Cover Letter Content Tips
The first paragraph of your cover letter should introduce yourself to the reader and let them know how you found the position. If this is a “cold call” cover letter and you are prospecting for an opportunity, let the reader know how you found their organization. Tell the reader why you are interested in a position with them.
Your second paragraph reveals your skills to the reader. If you are responding to a job posting, choose words and skills of your own that match what your reader will be looking for and have used in their job posting. Using words and skills that match the company will resonate with your reader and create more interest in your resume.
Cover letters allow you to explain your skills and what you can offer an organization but there is a fine line between discussing your skills, achievements, or abilities and sounding too bold. Avoid “I” statements or statements that may be considered too bold such as how you are the perfect candidate for the role.
Your final paragraph should ask for an interview. A simple statement such as “My resume is enclosed for your review, I look forward to meeting you to discuss my qualifications in further detail” is a great way to end your letter and let the reader see your enthusiasm for the opportunity one more time.
If you are making an interview request due to a scheduled day off or if you require a specific day to interview, it is fine to mention that. “I will be available to speak with you on Thursday May 5, 2011. I may be reached between 1 pm and 4 pm at this number 555-1234”.
Resume Styles
A resume is the summary of your work experience and career. Combined with a cover letter, this is your marketing tool that introduces you to the job market and prospective employers. In order to be competitive with other resumes that employers receive you must make your document stand out and display your skills. There are several styles of resumes in uses today but we will discuss the three most commonly used.
Chronological
This resume style lists career experience in order of date worked and summarizes skills under each employer. Education, certifications, and memberships follow the employment history summary. This is the most common style used today. This style makes it easy for employers to understand what you have been doing and what skills you possess very quickly.
Functional
The functional resume is a very good choice for people who have a diverse skill set. It is also a good choice for workers considering a career change and wish to demonstrate their skills to an employer before they show work history. The top of the resume lists skills in brief statements or point form. Career history is presented after this usually with company names and dates. After this section, education, memberships, and associations are noted.
Combination Functional/Chronological
This resume combines both features to create a unique document that displays transferable skills, unique skills and work history in one document. It allows employers to see what you are able to do quickly and then summarizes work history with duties underneath. Education, associations or memberships follows this.
Tips for Effective Resumes
Remember to begin your resume with your objective. This statement tells the reader your employment intentions. Your resume is the tool that helps you get the interview. Once you are at the interview, you can speak to your skills and get the job.
Use bulleted sentences that contain action words.
Avoid using pronouns like “I” or “Me.” The document is about you so this would make your statements redundant.
Match your skills and wording to the employer job ad as best as possible. These known key words.
Use effective job titles when constructing your resume. Make sure you are highlighting your job titles to match today’s job market. Secretary been replaced by Administrative Assistant in today’s terminology.
Make sure you use professional, easy to read font. Avoid colourful graphics or unusual fonts or brightly coloured paper. Our creative idea we may like or think is professional can appear less so for a potential employer.
Use achievements to display your skills. Let the reader know that you have been productive in your career and progressing.
Keep your resume confined to one or two pages. Anything longer than this may cause the reader to lose interest.
Remove any older work experiences. 10 years of work history is standard on a resume and it prevents “ageism” when applying for jobs.
You will need to spend some time to customize your resume for each employer. Key words will need to match for each unique job application.
Have someone proofread your resume once you have finished it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)