Interview Red Flags
If you feel like you know things are disorganized in the hiring process, or you're getting conflicting information from different people, things like that are all indications of maybe a dysfunctional culture that are going to only be exacerbated if you are hired.
Did you pick up any bad vibes from your interviewer?
Do they seem overly complementary?
Does the hiring manager seem dismissive?
... and other signs!
Trust your gut on those red flags. This may not be the company you want to work for. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
I don't know about you, but I always have a lot of questions for my interviewer once I've answered all of theirs. I recently came across a terrific social media post that provided excellent examples of after interview questions, which remind me of those I have asked when at the close of an interview. You benefit from asking questions and it's totally expected that you'll have some about the job role and the company you're applying to even if you've done research prior to the interview.
I encourage candidates to list questions you have based on the job description & the details of the job role. It helps to list those questions & think about why they are important to you since you should be interviewing your potential employer as well as answering their questions. Here's some examples of questions you might ask.
What are some of the best qualities previous employees demonstrated in this role that you would like to see carried forward?
If I were to have this position, can you give me a of what a typical day would look like? What added responsibilities or tasks might be expected of me?
What characteristics do you see in employees who do well in this position? What are some skills that you were most impressed by?
What are the biggest challenges new employees face in this role when they first start out?
What does the first week of training look like for a person newly hired for this role? Is peer to peer training part of that process or is it strictly management led?
Does the company follow a planned training curriculum during the first weeks?
Does the company encourage strong leader/ team member collaboration?
Do team leaders get specific training to help them develop & improve their team building skills?
Can you share with me a brief summary of your time with the company? What are some challenges you've experienced, examples of your favorite aspects & your overall experience?
Is it possible for you to give me a tour so I can get a feel of where I'd be working & who I'd be working with?
These questions demonstrate your interest in that specific job as well as the fact that you still have a decision to make, should the role be offered to you. The answers will help clarify whether or not that role is a good fit for you as well as revealing their expectations on a deeper level.
Asking questions makes the interview memorable. People often like to share their experiences & their subjective perspective, which may give you a good idea of what it's like to be an employee with that company.
Do you have any questions you wish you had asked your interviewer before you accepted a job offer? Thinking back, what would those have been? Do you think you would still have accepted the job knowing what you know now? Share your question examples with us!
#jobsearch #applications #interviewtips #watercoolertopics #hiringtrends
"Interview Tip"
Learn about the hiring manager and interview panel. If you know who you’ll be interviewing with, use tools like LinkedIn to research their backgrounds. This can also be a great way to find common ground or connections. Using your network. Social networks like LinkedIn offer instant access to contacts working in the same industry or even for the company you plan to interview with. Consider reaching out for any insights or advice connections can offer. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
Learn about the hiring manager and interview panel. If you know who you’ll be interviewing with, use tools like LinkedIn to research their backgrounds. This can also be a great way to find common ground or connections.
Using your network. Social networks like LinkedIn offer instant access to contacts working in the same industry or even for the company you plan to interview with. Consider reaching out for any insights or advice connections can offer. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
One trending topic for the interviewing process has to do with the best questions to ask the HR representative or Hiring Manager when the interviewer has asked all of their questions. What should you ask? There are some questions you want answers to but many shouldn't be asked if you haven't been hired yet. These questions include:
What is the starting wage/ salary for this role and is it negotiable? Most job requisitions provide information about pay in the job description. You don't want it to look like you didn't read the description before you applied for the job!
What does this job role entail and will there be more responsibilities once I've been hired? First of all, you don't even know if you're being considered for hire. Secondly, most applications will indicate that there are more duties than just the basics described in the job requisition. Read those descriptions and applications thoroughly!
Am I going to have the chance to be promoted and how soon might that be? Opportunities for promotions are based on performance and depending on the company, tenure. It's better to ask if leadership supports employee training for advancement and it's ok to inquire about that process.
These are the most frequently asked questions that may give the interviewer a reason not to move you forward in the hiring process.
Based on your experience, what are some questions you SHOULD ask following an interview? What makes those great questions?
Think about questions you actually have about the company or the job role and be sure they aren't questions with existing answers that are easily found with a little Internet research.
#interviewtips #hiringtrends #applications #jobsearch #watercooloertooics
#interview #advice #jobsearch #application #watercoolertopics
One of the top interview questions for an outside sales position is:
“What strategies do you use to identify and target potential customers?”
Best Answer: “To identify and target potential customers, I start by conducting thorough market research to understand the demographics and needs of my target audience. I use tools like CRM software to analyze data and identify trends. Networking is also crucial, so I attend industry events and join relevant online communities. Additionally, I leverage social media platforms to connect with potential leads and stay updated on industry news. Once I have a list of potential customers, I prioritize them based on their likelihood to convert and their potential value to the company. I then tailor my approach to each prospect, ensuring that my pitch addresses their specific needs and pain points.”
This answer demonstrates a comprehensive approach to prospecting, showcasing your ability to use various tools and strategies to effectively identify and target potential customers. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
One of the top interview questions for an outside sales position is:
“What strategies do you use to identify and target potential customers?”
Best Answer: “To identify and target potential customers, I start by conducting thorough market research to understand the demographics and needs of my target audience. I use tools like CRM software to analyze data and identify trends. Networking is also crucial, so I attend industry events and join relevant online communities. Additionally, I leverage social media platforms to connect with potential leads and stay updated on industry news. Once I have a list of potential customers, I prioritize them based on their likelihood to convert and their potential value to the company. I then tailor my approach to each prospect, ensuring that my pitch addresses their specific needs and pain points.”
This answer demonstrates a comprehensive approach to prospecting, showcasing your ability to use various tools and strategies to effectively identify and target potential customers. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
Differences Between the First and Second Interview
The first interview is typically an initial screening. The interviewer gauges your overall fit for the position and gets a general sense of your background and qualifications. The second interview is slightly different.
In your second interview, you’re not just demonstrating that you’re qualified for the position. Rather, you must now communicate what sets you apart from fellow applicants who also meet, and likely exceed, the minimum job requirements.
Additionally, your second interview is likely to be a lengthier conversation with a hiring manager or peer. You want to use this conversation to articulate your unique value proposition and why the hiring manager would benefit from choosing you over other applicants. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
Differences Between the First and Second Interview
The first interview is typically an initial screening. The interviewer gauges your overall fit for the position and gets a general sense of your background and qualifications. The second interview is slightly different.
In your second interview, you’re not just demonstrating that you’re qualified for the position. Rather, you must now communicate what sets you apart from fellow applicants who also meet, and likely exceed, the minimum job requirements.
Additionally, your second interview is likely to be a lengthier conversation with a hiring manager or peer. You want to use this conversation to articulate your unique value proposition and why the hiring manager would benefit from choosing you over other applicants. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Many companies who have used traditional interview methods are changing the way they interview & hire candidates. The standard methods are slowly giving way to new methods that include self recorded video Interviews. This particular method provides the opportunity for hiring managers to review the candidate's responses to posed questions & saves time & cost to the company. This method evolved the hiring process during the pandemic & it's benefits to both the company & perspective employees have caused it to gain popularity.
When I applied to work as a Security Specialist for Target 2 years ago I had never interviewed this way & I was uncertain of how well my presentation would be received. I remember thinking that even though it was to be self recorded from my home computer I wanted my enthusiasm, professionalism & character to be the same as if it were an in person interview. (Quiet room, good lighting, professional appearance, direct eye contact with the camera, good posture & confident body language, great smile!)
This article will provide advice from Harvard University Career Advisor Gorick Ng on how to prepare yourself & your environment to allow you to put your best presentation on point for the job you're interviewing for. Depending on the company, your interview may be reviewed by a hiring manager, an HR representative or even AI.
I took time to watch the pre interview vignettes provided, paid close attention to the instructions & practiced my answers and my post interview questions which I recorded at the conclusion of the interview. I've shared before that due to my careful preparation, practice & presentation, my interview was passed on to a number of Target's HR managers and has been used as a training video. Just remember to be calm, be genuine & if allowed by the process, take your time with answering. Practice your answers until they are concise & represent you at your best!
Has anyone else been interviewed using the self recorded video method? What was your experience like? What did you like or dislike about this interview method? I'd love to hear your opinion!