Jun. 30 "Essential questions for every job interview": I cut out this article by Pamela Eyring in the 24 News on Apr. 29, 2013:
First, let's start with what NOT to ask in a job interview. THE biggest faux pas one can make is asking: "What does your company do?" If you've not done your homework and researched the company, you don't deserve a seat at the table.
But let's assume you've done your homework. The best way to approach the interview is to think of it like a first date. While a job interview is in a professional setting and the outcomes are different, the intentions are the same. You've exchanged information because you think there might be a connection, and now you're ready to figure out if you want to pursue things further.
Like a successful first date, there should be a good balance of give and take. Neither person should dominate the conversation and ask all the questions. While the employer will ask about your experience and goals, you should ask questions that help you understand why you should commit to working there. Plus, questions are a great way to demonstrate you understand the company's goals and challenges, highlight your qualifications and work ethic, and, most importantly, make an impression that moves you to the top of the list of potential candidates.
Here are ten questions that will provide you with insight into the company while making a favorable impression.
1. I've been told that I work well as a team member. What are some of the ways your company encourages teamwork?
2. Long-term job satisfaction is important to me. Is the company committed to growing talent from within, whenever possible?
3. I enjoyed your published mission and values. How are these reflected in day-to-day life? Can you share some examples that would help me understand your corporate culture?
4. If your son, daughter or a friend was looking for a job, would you recommend working for your company? Why?
5. What do you think distinguishes your company from its competitors, both from a public and employee perspective?
6. (if speaking to a potential direct supervisor) How often do you speak with your C-level officers? When you do, what do they normally ask you? Do they ask for your opinion?
7. How does your company demonstrate a sense of pride in its employees? Can you help me understand what it looks for in return?
8. Are there paid, ongoing learning opportunities offered at my level of job responsibility? What obligations do I have if I take advantage of them?
9. What does your company expect in the way of personal and professional growth for a person hired into this position?
10. Does your company have a code of conduct covering work ethic and appropriate attire?
Not every question will be appropriate for every job interview. Choose the ones that best address your career and personal goals and don't be shy about delving deeper into areas of particular interest. For example, if you're thinking of starting a family, you may want to explore the company's commitment to work/life balance.
Preparing a list of thoughtful questions before the interview is a great way to boost your confidence and make a great impression. Plus, you'll gain greater insight into the company and the potential fit. Who knows? That first interview might just be the start of something beautiful.
Jul. 1 "Tackle the market on your own terms": I cut out this article by Sidneyeve Matrix in the Metro on Apr. 2, 2014:
Instead of waiting for opportunity to knock, why not get out there today and create it yourself?
To configure your own personal professional development plan — a custom fit for where you want to be at work — the key is developing a laser sharp focus.
Deciding what you want to be doing, where you want to be doing it, and pin-pointing exactly what it’s going to take to get there, requires considerable inspiration, reflection and research.
But let’s face it, unless you have the budget to hire a career or life coach, it’s up to you to create your career and set yourself up for the opportunities you most want.
Here are three DIY opportunities that allow you to take the initiative and open doors for yourself.
Get insider industry intelligence
The challenge:
Line up an informational interview with a VIP in your field, to be conducted by phone or in-person (the latter preferred).
Getting the inside scoop on what it takes to succeed in the field can help you decide if it’s a good fit.
“The more knowledge you have, the better decisions you can make about your career,” advises university career services professional Katharine Brooks, plus “you’ll be better prepared for the real job interview.”
The prerequisites:
You’re persistent, well-prepped with smart questions and have above-average communication skills — including active listening. Remember, busy people may be more inclined to meet if you have a mutual acquaintance.
Expand your referral network
The challenge:
Once weekly, line up a lunch date with someone in your extended professional network — including your loose ties online.
People get jobs because of who they know. Networking doesn’t end once you have made a connection; it’s an active and ongoing process.
The prerequisites:
You’re into reciprocity, are genuinely interested in other people, have already memorized a soft-sell version of your elevator pitch and because eating with someone in a professional context can be tricky, you have above-average dining etiquette — including negotiating multiple forks.
Develop your skills portfolio
The challenge:
Add another line to your resumé by mastering a unique and in-demand job skill.
The ability to wear many hats and deliver results beyond your job title and description sets you apart and positions you on the promotion fast track.
“Your job title should never act as a limit to what you want to achieve,” advises Dharmesh Shah, founder at HubSpot.
The prerequisites:
You are curious, self-motivated and disciplined when you need to be and you genuinely enjoy learning — including via free or paid online courses, post-grad certificate programs, YouTube videos, webinars or workshops.
Become discoverable
The challenge:
Stake your claim to the web with a personal profile that is public-facing and professional. But don’t forget to humanize it with evidence of your unique personality.
When someone searches for you (or someone like you) online, help him or her to find and select your profile over your competitors’. “What I do care about?” asks Cindi Leave, Editor-in-Chief at Glamour Magazine. “That you have passions, professional and otherwise, that make you a real, 3D human.”
The prerequisites:
Your resumé is up to date and ready to be posted online, you have a great headshot, and you can link to or upload digital evidence of your accomplishments and interests — including something creative, because today every employer wants innovators.
Whether you’re currently employed or not, practise self-direction and get ahead in your career with these do-it-yourself opportunities, and generate a bit of self-manufactured luck in the process.
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Tackle the job market on your own terms
Instead of waiting for opportunity to knock, why not get out there today and create it yourself? To configure your own personal professional development ...
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