At times it feels as if landing a job is only a matter of luck – especially when you have done everything to prepare, like writing a stellar resume, having the right attitude, and practicing your interview.
"Hearing you are a “qualified and appreciated candidate” sounds nice, but feedback like that does not give you reassurance when it seems someone else is more qualified and appreciated than you." - Job Essentials
According to Glassdoor “On average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes.
Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job.” A job seekers’ world is a competitive one. Therefore, standing out is everything!
So, what else can you do to make yourself stand out? Well, perfecting your interview technique could be what you need.
Consider these 3 job interview practices to help make you the best candidate.
**Taking notes **
Taking notes during your interview leaves a positive impression on your interviewer when done properly. This simple task communicates to your interviewer or the hiring manager that you take initiative, are focused, detail-oriented, and interested in the position.
Key things to take notes on during your interview:
- Company’s mission statement and goals
- Day-to-day and overall duties of the position you are interviewing for
- Important people’s names – direct reports, CEO, CFO, etc.
- When taking notes during your interview, make sure to not overdo it. Constantly writing everything down will have you staring at your notebook more than at the interviewer. Also, it is difficult to fully listen when you are writing.
When you remain engaged while highlighting key points, the practice of taking notes is beneficial to job seekers.
Asking questions
Asking questions during an interview gives you an opportunity to showcase your best qualities. Not only does asking questions convey to your interviewer that you are interested, but allows you to impress your interviewer with knowledge of the industry.
In addition, asking questions will help you decide whether or not you truly want to work for the employer. As a golden rule, you are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you.
Essential questions to ask during your interview:
- Describe the company culture
- What is a typical workday like?
- What is the best part about working for this company?
- If offered the position, how will I be notified?
- What are your expectations of me during the first 30, 60 and 90 days?
- Is this position a new one? If not, why did the previous employee leave?
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
Naturally, you will have questions about salary and benefits. However, asking too soon could have a negative effect on the outcome of your interview. To avoid giving off an unfavorable impression, a good rule of thumb is to let the interviewer bring it up. In the case that the interviewer does not bring it up, asking at the end of the interview is the safer route.
It is best to plan your questions ahead of time so that you are prepared. However, as the interview progresses naturally, more questions may arise.
Practice asking questions during all your interviews and you will make a good impression. Click here to read the full interview.
Special Thanks to our friends at Headway Staffing Solutions for taking the time to research and share this helpful information with the Jobcase Community!
Are you currently looking for a job? Go to https://www.headwaywfs.com and discover all the new job opportunities in your area. Thank you.
An effective job application must be customized to the opportunity to be found in the applicant tracking system, so applying for jobs can take a substantial amount of time.
" It’s better to be proactive in your job search than be rushing when the time comes." - Job Essentials
But, even if you’re happily employed at a stable company, or just landed a new position, there’s still plenty you can do to make your next job search easier.
Here are three strategies to prepare your next job search and make it a successful change.
1. Keep track of your accomplishments and projects! Get in the habit of jotting down your accomplishments and projects you are a part of. It’s also a good idea to keep track of important numbers and statistics to reinforce your accomplishments.
One of the hardest parts of updating your resume is trying to remember what you’ve done. Getting in this habit will make updating your resume easier when the time comes. Not only will you be grateful for it a year-end review, but it’ll come in handy if you leave the company abruptly and don’t have access to your work email.
2. Network, network, network! Your current job is a networking goldmine. Take advantage of these opportunities to connect, and look for ways to interact with people outside of your department. Making lasting connections is helpful for when you have to provide professional references.
Similarly, it’s important to keep a good relationship with your manager. When the time comes for a job change, it’s easier to ask for a reference from somebody who you have a connection with. Click here to read the full article.
Special Thanks to our friends at Headway Staffing Solutions for taking the time to research and share this helpful information with the Jobcase Community!
Are you currently looking for a job? Go to https://www.headwaywfs.com and discover all the new job opportunities in your area. Thank you.
Starting the job search process can seem overwhelming. It’s OK, we’ve all been there.
"So, to help you get over that “I’m feeling so overwhelmed” state, we’ve broken it down for you." - Job Essentials
In just 6 easy steps you’ll be on the way to finding (and accepting) your next job!
1. Take Time to Customize each Resume and Cover Letter
A resume that targets the key skills and responsibilities for a specific job description with a powerful summarization of your achievements is absolutely vital. Taking the time to personalize each resume and cover letter allows you to get past the Applicant Tracking System bots.
These systems scan your resume for keywords and skills that match the job description. If you’re resume doesn’t include some of the keywords and skills, your resume is more likely to get skipped over. Finding a job does take time, but in the end, it is worthwhile to take the extra time to stand out from the crowd.
2. Build Your Online Professional Brand
When you apply for a job, a hiring manager may be looking at your social media accounts. No, not just your LinkedIn profile! This means that everything on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even Pinterest is instantly a part of your application. So how do you manage your social media for career success?
Step one is making sure that all public platforms are professional. This can mean cleaning up your public profiles or even making your accounts more private. Depending on your career field, it may even be a good idea to start an online portfolio. This is an easy way to have samples of your work and even your resume in a digital format that is easy to share.
3. Network, Network, Network!
Now that you’ve got your LinkedIn or professional portfolio up and running, it’s time to start using it! The phrase, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know,” is still true in the job searching process!
This is the time to look back over your job history and identify those experiences and relationships that will assist you in finding your new job. Reach out to previous employers, friends, or colleagues about your job hunt. You never know who will help you find your next opportunity. Click here to read the full article!
Special Thanks to our friends at Headway Staffing Solutions for taking the time to research and share this helpful information with the Jobcase Community!
Are you currently looking for a job? Go to https://www.headwaywfs.com and discover all the new job opportunities in your area. Thank you.
Looking for a new job can be time-consuming and an emotionally draining experience.
"Don’t worry – take a deep breath and keep reading for some practical tips for when you’re feeling stuck." - Job Essentials
You’ve put in time perfecting your resume, doing phone interviews, taking time out of your day to meet for in-person interviews, and following-up after every interview. Your job search can seem like its own full-time job!
Ask someone to review your resume
When you’ve been applying for jobs for a while, it can be hard to look at your resume objectively. Sometimes, all you need is someone else to take a quick scan of your resume. They can point out things that you may have missed or can make recommendations for how you can make it sound better.
Network
Networking can be intimidating! But don’t worry, here are some ways to ease into the networking scene. You never know who will lead you to your next job! There are a few ways you can network
Seek a Mentor
A career mentor is someone who shares their knowledge and expertise with you in order to help you set goals, fix problems, and make good choices along your career path. How can you find a mentor? It can be easier than you think. A former boss, professor, or friend can be a mentor. This is where your network skills will come in handy.
Getting interviews but no job offers?
That means your resume is doing its job! Now, focus on polishing your interview skills during your job search. What does this mean? Make sure you are prepared for the interview! Click here to read the full article!
Special Thanks to our friends at Headway Staffing Solutions for taking the time to research and share this helpful information with the Jobcase Community!
Are you currently looking for a job? Go to https://www.headwaywfs.com and discover all the new job opportunities in your area. Thank you.
The good folks at Headway Staffing Solutions just posted an article with a list job search solution strategies during this COVID-19 crisis.
"If you’re in the middle of a job search right now, you may be wondering what affect the pandemic will have on hiring and interviewing." - Job Essentials
This seems to be an ongoing pain point for current job seekers and recently furloughed workers who are struggling to find alternative supplemental income solutions during this unprecedented moment in our nations history.
Here are a few strategies you can use to keep up your job hunt over the next few months:
Start Online Networking, during this downtime, with everyone at home killing time, it’s a perfect chance to make new authentic connections and to revive old ones. Doing so will put you in a more favorable position to find out about new roles quicker.
Stay in Touch, maybe you recently had a promising interview and a job offer seemed to be on the horizon, but now the company has moved to remote work and you haven’t heard from the hiring manager. Now what? Some companies have already called off in-person interviewing and are resorting exclusively to phone and video interviews to continue their hiring processes. Some companies have halted hiring altogether. Don’t lose hope – If the company that you were hoping for has halted their hiring and interview processes, make sure you keep in touch and let them know that you are still interested once things return to normal.
Work on Your Resume & Interview Techniques, take this time to revamp your LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter strategy so it’s easy for an employer to see your value quickly. Practice some of the interview questions that may have tripped you up in another interview. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on some tips and tricks for sprucing up your resume and answering those tough interview questions.