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Interviewing: What NOT to Say
September 29, 2009
There is a lot of information online about potential interview questions, but not as much about “no no” topics and comments. Given that, we thought it would be helpful to have a “What NOT to talk about in an interview” list.
Below are some examples of topics to refrain from discussing. To some, they may be common sense, to some a surprise. To all, take note.
- You were fired from your last job for violating the NDA, but who cares, NDAs don’t matter
- How much you enjoy drinking on the job
- You are planning on moving out of the country in the near future
- You’ll sue anyone if they make you angry
- You really need a job, any job
- You beg for the job
- You ask if you can wear pajamas to work
- You got in a fistfight with a co-worker who disagreed with you
- You discuss your previous boss’s personal problems
- You discuss your religion and ask the interviewer to come to your church
- You don’t have references because you never got along with anyone at any job
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Posted by melina
Research
September 25, 2009
Here is a scenario.
Julie wants a job. She sends in her resume and somehow gest an interview with a company. Julie shows up for the interview and the first question asked is “What do you know about our company?”.
The problem is, Julie didn’t research the company beyond a quick glance through their website for the job posting and contact information. She knows the general industry, but none of the details contained on the website or available in a quick google search.
Her answer is “Your company is a leader in the paper cup industry.”
1 point for the right industry, 0 points for any other information.
To the interviewer, if you are really interested in the position, you know something more. Facts like these show you have done some degree of research, you have put in some effort and actually are interested in them, not just any job:
- How long the company has existed
- Company size
- Annual revenue
- Market share
- Bonus: Challenges they face
- Bonus: Ideas you have to help with challenges they face
Your perceived value increases when you obvious interest in and understanding of the company increases.
So, before the next interview, research the company!
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Posted by melina
Texting your Job Application
July 8, 2009
Do you think you could sum up your skills, successes and qualifications in 160 characters or less?
A company in Wales is asking applicants for just that.
Check it out here if it piques your interest: U want a job? Txt us, sez mobile phone co
I actually find the idea fascinating- a super short elevator pitch. What I love about the idea is that the applicants can’t use filler words or marketing jargon. You have to be succinct and stand out immediately.
In my life as a recruiter, too often cover letters are full of rambling sentences and overused terms that make my eyes glaze over. I always look for the key words or phrases that tell me why I should keep reading. With a submission this short, I can see the “why” in a fraction of the time.
I love the idea and am thinking of suggestion submissions via Twitter now. Let’s take it down to 140 characters!
Could you do it?
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Posted by melina
Excellent Attention to etail
June 30, 2009
“Excellent Attention to etail”
What?
That is what I thought when I read this line in the “Top Skills” section of a resume. Then I laughed at the irony of the only typo on the document.
Do I believe this candidate has excellent attention to detail? No. Will I contact this candidate? Probably not (only if other skills seriously outweigh the oversight).
There are 2 reasons for this. One, the simple fact the word was a typo tells me this person does NOT have excellent attention to detail, and I have the proof in black and white. There could not have been a worse place in the resume the candidate could have neglected. Second, the resume was sent as a Word doc. “etail” came up as a typo when I opened it, and had the sender spent a few seconds doing spell-check (or paying attention to the red underlines), it would have been corrected.
Going back to whether or not I would contact this candidate based on the typo, my concern would be that other highlighted skills are as real as the attention to detail claim.
If you are sending out your resume to prospective employers, always, always, always run spell-check. If you are making claims of excellent, be sure that the content in your resume supports those claims.
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Posted by melina
Resume & Cover Letter- Important?
April 29, 2009
While networking and referrals are the best way to get a job, resumes and cover letters are still an important part of the process. Too often, applicants put little effort into creating anything of value. So, candidates, here is a quick overview of what you need to know.
Think about it this way- we all have heard how important first impressions are when meeting someone. Your resume is the first impression a hiring manager or HR person has of you. What does it say about you? What on your resume draws the reader in, making him/her want to read further- or better yet, contact you?
Think about this next time you revise your resume.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Gear the resume towards the job description and company. Highlight experiences and successes that directly relate. Yes, it takes more time, but if you want the job, put in the effort!
- If you only have 1-2 jobs, add in relevant hobbies, memberships, anything that enhances your value.
- Spell check.
- You don’t have to include every single job, but make sure to include relevant ones.
And when you’re done with that…there’s a bit more.
There is another part to the resume submission process that is vital and that is your cover letter. It could be a separate Word document, or it could be an email. Whichever way you go, just make sure to include it.
A cover letter gives you another chance to WOW your reader- to show why he/she should call you immediately! Instead of listing your successes, tie them into the position. If you achieved high sales numbers at another company, explain how your process/skills will help you reach the same success at the new company. If your super skills in marketing lead to a 1000% increase in sales leads, let the reader know how what you did once, you can do again- for them. Personalize it to the company.
Some passion is better than no passion. Find something about the position that excites you and use it in your cover letter. If you have a passion for the product, let it shine through. If you absolutely love project management (and it relates to the position) tell the reader why.
So, put some thought and real effort into your resume and cover letter, throw in a liberal helping of passion, and see where it can take you!
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Posted by melina