How to Answer Hard Interview Questions

The Art of Blogging No. 2: An Interview with Katrina Fernandez

2013-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

By Sam Rocha

Katrina Fernandez was raised by hippies in Northern Virginia. A self-professed snob, abhorrent of hippies, she writes the delightfully anti-Puritanical web log, The Crescat, on the Patheos Catholic Channel. Ms. Fernandez displays a pointed point of view, delivered in expressive and colorful posts that provoke and, oftentimes, astonish. She is the Liberace of the Catholic blogosphere.

While certainly shocking, Ms. Fernandez is not a shock jock. But she is a jock: she played rugby for seven years at the position of prop, one of the two pillars of the scrum. If her fearless prose is any indication, she must have delighted in the intensity and sometimes outrageous pageantry of rugby football. And, of course, the contact.

Like the continuous play of a rugby match, Ms. Fernandez completed her interview within a single eighty-minute session on Facebook chat. And a bottle of wine. The thread was at times chaotic, but never boring, and even adversarial at times — after all, we are both former ruggers.

The sport of women’s rugby is a subtle art. Many times the finesse gets lost in the spectacle of women doing battle, verging on the homoerotic. The same might be said of her writing. LOUD, salacious, and fun, the sheer romp of her sentences and imagery can sometimes obfuscate the absolute seriousness of her aesthetic-religious message, sometimes to a degree that verges on being defensive.

But, as they say, sometimes the best offense is a good defense.

— Sam Rocha

INTERVIEWER

Your writing. It’s good. It clips and verves and achieves something pretty wild sometimes, without totally going off the rails. How do you do that? How do you write that way you do?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I talk to myself in my head. Seriously, that’s how a write. Like a running monologue. I’ve kept a journal every day of my life since I was six. I can’t think or figure things out without first fleshing them out on paper

INTERVIEWER

So, if this were an oral account, a more traditional interview, the transcript would probably be the same, at least in the voice of the prose?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Yes. How I write is exactly how I think and talk. Which is why grammar Nazis hate me. I’m a shit writer in technical terms, I suppose. I wrestle with that inferiority complex when I compare myself to real talent. That kid, Max, I have such an Internet crush on his prose. I don’t do radio interviews well either because of it.

INTERVIEWER

Back to your unique voice: I once had a student who wrote in his deeply street-inflected Philly voice. It reminded me of Twain’s folksy voices in Huckleberry Finn. He took such a beating from profs who thought he needed to “learn how to write proper English,” but all I could think of was Twain (who certainly had total command of the English language) when I read his work.  All I see today are students (and even some professional writers) who don’t have a voice, and certainly not the one you have. What do you think about that?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I don’t really know what to think. It’s just my voice in my head. My narrative that never shuts up.

INTERVIEWER

I feel like I could just give you a cue and you would narrate the whole interview for me, like a John Cage interview technique or something. Is that the voice in your head?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Probably. I write in my sleep. I once read somewhere in some pseudo pyscho babble magazine that you weren’t supposed to be able to read in your dreams. That’s bs. I read and write in my dreams all the time.

INTERVIEWER

Me too. I think I have some harder questions to ask about this voice in your head business, is that okay? Not intellectually hard, but maybe digging too much, presumptuous…

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Sure. Psycho analyze me baby

INTERVIEWER

Here’s my reading of your prose: it’s disarming, cool, fast, but never loose. I know some guitar players who are super coy about what they do because they’ve been doing it for so long, but that also seems to be a failure on their part to recognize and see themselves in a certain interior way, as artists. I mean, “I can’t stop talking” doesn’t strike me as telling the whole story. See?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I guess I’ve honestly never really thought about my writing style because I don’t see myself as having one. It reads more like being all over the place as my mind moves from one subject to the next. Sometimes it really is just me writing to myself. I don’t know why anyone finds that interesting but they do.

INTERVIEWER

Do you edit?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I try. I try to edit for errors but I am terrible at catching them. Edit for content, rarely. If it’s personal I will sit on it for several days. I either publish or trash it. You mean edit for errors or edit for content?

INTERVIEWER

I guess both. What I am driving at isn’t totally clear to me but I think I am trying to ascertain your sense of taste, you have fascinating ability to mix highbrow ecclesial jargon with profanity and loud pictures and shorthand, cool phrases… And ellipses. How do you do it? And do you think you are being coy?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Coy. “Making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring but is often regarded as irritating.” Yes, I’ve been called irritating.
“Reluctant to give details, esp. about something regarded as sensitive.” Yes and No.

INTERVIEWER

Okay, say more about the yes and no thingy.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Am I annoying? Gee, I sincerely hope not, but I kind of fear that I am. I try not to be. Like really super hard. I took an etiquette class once because I don’t think a lot of people get me. OK. Here’s where I’ll share something personal: I took this class because someone I admire said I’d have better dating luck if I toned my gregariousness once. She said she was sure there was a truck driver somewhere who’d love me. “Day-um,” I said, and thanked her for having the balls to be honest.

Then I decided to stop dating till I figured this out. You know that old saying that you are the only constant in all your failed relationships. Well, I figured it was right and took that class. And had some successful dates just like she predicted. But by the third date I couldn’t hide the fact that I snort when I laugh. And I laugh a bit too loud. And when I get nervous I say things like, “I steal votive candles from church”. So I had to decide. Do I want to be “coy,” as you called it? Or just me. So no, I do keep things to myself on my blog. I rarely talk about my ex-husband. Or that acid I took. Because I know how much it sucks to be honestly you and have that honest version, your true self, get rejected. Plus the trads would die if they knew I smoked pot and I regularly attend the Novus Ordo mass.

INTERVIEWER

I can see that. But isn’t there a sort of honesty and authenticity that is also about NOT being who I really am, about trying to cling to that “me” that I think I am, but suspect I may not really be? I think there is a fine line, at least for me there is, between being authentic and being scared.

I have to ask: you do realize that you’re giving me all this to post on the Internet about you, right? All these things you “don’t write about.” Of course that’s the genius of your style, you say what you couldn’t say otherwise by saying what you cannot say about it.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Wait what? This is like Inception.

INTERVIEWER

Like I said earlier, you are disarming, in an oddly aggressive but playful way, and by doing that you are able to say things others could never get away with. But I’m more interested in you and why it is, or how it is, that you do that.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

You know what I miss most? My pathetic never read non-blog from five years ago           because that never read blog was where the real shit flew. This, this, Patheos thing… it’s like a mental filter. It’s like I am forcing my mind to behave like my every day professional self. Now everybody and my fucking confessor read the damn thing.

INTERVIEWER

In others word: “you ain’t seen nothing yet — in reverse”?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

That’s why this interview thing idea you have is great. Cause I can say shit. But I’m not really. I can tell you I steal votive candles from Church and you can do with that as you please but it’s not really my confession because it’s technically not coming from me.

INTERVIEWER

Gotcha. Want to get really serious now? Want to fight?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I played rugby for seven years. You’d lose.

INTERVIEWER

Nice! What position?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Prop.

INTERVIEWER

Oh boy. You’re right. Okay then. We’ll do something psychoanalytic instead. Are you familiar with word association?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Yes. It’s where I see an ink blot and tell you it looks like chickens doing it.

INTERVIEWER

Yes. Exactly. In fact there is a good, vulgar joke I know from a guy I write about sometimes (Slavoj Zizek). Want to hear it?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I like jokes.

INTERVIEWER

So there is a peasant being psychoanalyzed using free association. Every cue the therapist gives, he responds to with “Fucking Fatima.” Finally the therapist asks him why he keeps saying that and he replies, “I’m sorry, but all I can think of is fucking Fatima.”  Zizek’s point is that the analyst should have given him the cue “Fucking Fatima” to disrupt his consciousness and flip the script on him.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Was that it?

INTERVIEWER

Yea, I don’t tell jokes very well…

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Obviously.

INTERVIEWER

Ouch. How about some free association? Just type the first thing that comes to mind.
“Building.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Fucking Fatima.

INTERVIEWER

“Dress.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Shirt.

INTERVIEWER

“Leggings.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

NOT PANTS!

INTERVIEWER

“Pants.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Breaths.

INTERVIEWER

“Francis.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Boohoo.  (Sorry, that was my honest reaction.)

INTERVIEWER

“Rabbit”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Food.

INTERVIEWER

“Scouting.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Gay.

INTERVIEWER

“Ski goggles.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Also gay.

INTERVIEWER

“Issues.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Plenty.

INTERVIEWER

“EWTN.”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Sucks ass.

INTERVIEWER

I can’t keep going; you’re making me laugh too much.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I swear these are my honest replies.

INTERVIEWER

I believe you.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I don’t think I am doing it right.

INTERVIEWER

Luckily I’m not a psychoanalyst — is confession sort of like psychoanalysis?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

No.

INTERVIEWER

How does your confessor handle you in there? Do you make him laugh, too?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I disguise my voice. I use a fake British accent. I’m so ashamed.  I’m so arrogant I am ashamed myself.  Sometimes I go full on Cockney.  He HAS to know it’s me. One of the these days I told myself I’d say “AY gov’nr” to him as sort of a confession that it’s me in there being a self conscious dip shit.

INTERVIEWER

So this is another interesting part of your style/personality: you seem to also genuinely make mea culpas and self-deprecations and confessions and alike all the time. I don’t think it is self-loathing, but is it?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Let’s just say that if I were true to myself I’d spend the rest of my life doing penance for my sins. Like hard-core penance. Hair shirt penance, crawling on glass penance. Join a convent penance. But you don’t a join a convent for penance.

INTERVIEWER

Another topic: Recently we’ve agreed on not liking EWTN and other stuff. As a result, you seem to get told that you’re going straight to hell and  I get called a snobby prick. Which is worse?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Snob doesn’t bother me. Hell does though. I hate the heat. I get called snobby all the time. Art snob. Liturgical snob. Book snob. I can’t help if 95% of the literate world is low brow.

INTERVIEWER

So I should get over it and just accept my snobby fate?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Yes, embrace your inner snob.

INTERVIEWER

You went to lots of fine arts stuff as a kid, right?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I was poor growing up and we didn’t have air conditioning and my mom worked a lot so I would hang out in the Chrysler museum because it was cool, free, and the people that worked there were nice. I found God in that museum. Seriously.

INTERVIEWER

Tell me about THAT!

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I was seven. Memling’s “Last Judgment” was on tour  and I stared at that painting so long I am convinced Hell looks like a twisted Danish painting. I was only as tall as the bottom of the painting so I was right at eye level with the demons and Hell , their distorted twisted agony convinced me Hell was real and I was NOT going there. I came back every day for a month to visit that painting. Well, maybe not everyday. But I visited it a lot . And the Hudson River school painters convinced me that Heaven was real.

INTERVIEWER

I was about to ask, “You found God in Hell?”

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Actually, yes. I found God in Hell. If Hell is real then it stands to reason that God was real. Simple as that. Why do atheist struggle so? Their arrogance to dismiss their first instinct… that child voice plainly stating a fact as fact. There’s nothing intellectual about “well, duh!” which is what happened when I saw Hell. Well, duh! God is real. Landscapes showed me God is kind.

INTERVIEWER

Some people, not atheists, might respond by saying that an encounter with Heaven or Hell is not that same thing as an encounter with God in the person of Jesus Christ. How would you reply to that question?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

To which I would reply: BOSH!

INTERVIEWER

Why so?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

God created both. To encounter His creation is to encounter Him.  He is everyfreakingwhere!

INTERVIEWER

Sure, but I guess the question is whether or not it makes a difference to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ or not…

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Hudson River school. Look at nature. God left His fingerprints all over that canvas. Cole knew that. Personal encounter? You got a little protty in there trying to come out?

INTERVIEWER

So you are a panentheist, like St. Francis? My Dad is a Catholic evangelist, deeply influenced by the (protestant) Campus Crusade for Christ-style presentation of the Gospel. The kerygma. So I guess so, maybe just a little protty in there.  But back to Francis…

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Back to encountering God. What do you consider a personal encounter? Does it have to be like an emotional thing, an emotional connection to be a personal encounter?

INTERVIEWER

I think the standard view would be an encounter with Jesus Christ through the love of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit. I think I got that right.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I can encounter God with all that gooey emotional crap by simply appreciating God and what He creates. That’s my encounter.

INTERVIEWER

Did you get that sense of spirituality from art alone or are there other influences, too?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Art alone. Through beauty. It’s why I take Pope Francis’ liturgical style as a spiritual assault.

INTERVIEWER

This does makes more sense out of the serious issues you have with Pope Francis. So you’re less of a Franciscan panentheist and more of an aesthetic Catholic.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

YES. Full on senses. Double incense. Interestingly enough my Catholic conversion was Eucharistic, like St. Paul: flash bang boom. Be Catholic! Said the Lord.

INTERVIEWER

Was that encounter aesthetic, too? Did it happen like your childhood and the painting?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I never thought so but you got me wondering . The church it happened was as plain as the mother ship Francis celebrates mass in.  And I remember thinking, “This is wrong. Very wrong.” It was at a Pentecostal church in Nashville, TN. Can you hear the twang from over here? It was Easter Sunday  and the pastor wanted to “do communion” and wanted to try something a little different  so he had us all line up to come to the “altar” and receive a shot glass containing grape juice and a packet of oyster crackers.           And God said “NO!” I immediately knew this aping display was not the real thing. I grabbed my son under my arm and got up and left.

INTERVIEWER

Sorry, but, how was this Pentecostal service Eucharistic?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

Because I knew what was real and what was not. I just somehow knew that what I needed was the Real Eucharist          .

INTERVIEWER

So, in both cases, you found God in a place of absence — Hell and oyster crackers.

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

If there is a place devoid of spirituality than there has to be a place where the spiritual experience is OVERFLOWING in abundance.

INTERVIEWER

Yours is a really folksy version, I think, of the via negativa. Let’s start to loop back around, to the beginning, or really the beginning before the beginning: Do you mind if I try to review?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

The Catholic Church is that place. The antidote to nothingness. The sites, smells, and sounds.  Folksy. That’s me, I suppose. Ok, the review.

INTERVIEWER

I think I originally wanted to figure out how you write and your response was to push off by saying it is just you and that is all there is to it. You followed that up with a veritable feast of stories and confessions and defenses of your life story, your biography, and even your testimony. Coming all the way back around, my question is pretty direct. Is it really that simple? Is your writing simply a unified part of your life at this point? Was there no craft, none of that? Finally, do you think of your identity as a “blogger” to be as a writer? Cause, you know, I think you’re a great writer. But do you even think of yourself as one?

KATRINA FERNANDEZ

I aspire to be a writer. Only because I want to be validated that what I have to say is important and worthy. But no. I am not a writer. I have written no novels, published no works. I am just a blogger.  I am probably more accurately, an obsessive journal keeper.

Yes, my writing is a unified part of my life. Like my Catholicism. Catholicism is for my heart and soul. Writing is for my mind — my thought process. There’s no craft to it. No style. And I don’t mean that with any shred of false modesty. I am horribly self-conscious at how uneducated I sound when held up to legitimate writers  and I work at trying to improve my writing. I buy books like elements of style and take writing classes. But in the end it’s just as forced as etiquette classes.

3 Types of Interview Questions You Should Never Ask

2013-10-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Daily Muse

When I was a job-seeker, I dreaded interviews. I hated the trick questions, the brainteasers and, most of all, the questions I expected but couldn't quite answer. ("What's your biggest weakness?" was the death of me.)
But when I became a manager and had to interview people for my team, I found myself asking the same tricky and ineffective questions because they were all I knew. That made my hiring decisions pretty tough; after all was said and done, I had no idea whether each candidate was a good fit for the role or not.

If you're a first-time interviewer, don't just wing it. Once you know the right questions to ask, you'll be able to really gauge whether an applicant will be a good addition to your team. And that will not only save you from costly hiring mistakes, it'll also help you recruit the best of the best.

So, I encourage you to learn from my mistakes. Here are three types of questions that I used to ask — and how I've adapted them to make them more effective when I'm interviewing prospective employees.

1. Questions You Already Know the Answers To

When I began my first corporate job, the HR department provided an interview guide that was a little, well, lacking. In fact, the only instructions it provided was to ask the candidate to describe his or her professional experience job-by-job. Following that, it suggested that I ask candidates about their educational background — the school they attended, the classes they took and they major they decided on.

Ultimately, the guide allowed me to hear candidates repeat the information that I already held in my hands: their resume. If I already knew about their background, why would I spend that valuable 30-minute interview having them repeat it to me when I had the opportunity to delve into so much more?

Of course, if there are holes in the applicant's resume that I have questions about (like a gap in work history or an unclear bullet point), I ask. But when those few questions have been answered, I move on to questions that will give the applicant the chance to elaborate on the bullet points they've listed, like "Of the specific projects you mentioned, which contributed most to your professional development, and how?" or "What did you struggle with the most when, as you listed here, you had to work cross-departmentally with the finance and marketing teams?"

This will provide you with information that can't be summarized in succinct bullet points and help you more successfully predict how the potential hire would perform in your team.

2. Arbitrary Questions to Gauge Personality

In my first startup job, my management team and I wanted to make sure any new hires "fit" with the rest of the team. So we came up with what we thought were questions that would help us gauge the personality of each candidate: Think "What's your favorite color?" and "If you could be any animal, what would it be?"
Well, it didn't take many interviews to figure out that this strategy didn't actually provide any helpful insight into the candidate's personality. Most of the time, we were met with a hesitant, "Um, green?"

First, it's important to realize that a candidate's personality will shine though, no matter what question you ask. From a candidate who interjects questions and turns the interview into a conversation to one who thoroughly thinks through a question before thoughtfully answering it — if you pay attention, you can learn a lot.

But if you want to dig even deeper, try curating some targeted questions about the specific personality traits you're after. If you want employees who are spontaneous and go with the flow, try asking, "Tell me about a time when your boss or a client changed a project when you were already halfway finished. What did you do?"

From this answer, you'll gauge both personality and work ethic — and that's a lot more valuable than a favorite color.

3. Questions That Don't Provide the Info You Need

After years of being the interviewee, I felt a rush of power to be on the other side of the table — and that made it very temping to ask riddle-like questions (e.g., "How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?") to catch the applicant off guard, instead of soliciting canned, rehearsed responses.

Sure, I got to see how well my candidates thought on their feet, but that didn't really help me determine if they had the skills and abilities needed for the job — especially when I wasn't hiring for a position that required that kind of analytical thought.

Other companies have also found that these infamous startup brainteasers aren't always helpful in interviews. Lazslo Bock, senior vice president of People Operations at Google, recently admitted that he found brainteasers to be a complete waste of time, based on a study the company did on hiring practices. "They don't predict anything," he said. "They serve primarily to make the interviewer feel smart."

Instead, he suggests using a structured behavioral interview, using the same questions to assess each applicant. To create that consistent rubric, one of the most helpful tips I've learned is to first determine the specific skills I was looking for in a candidate — then base questions around those skills.

For example, customer service associates should love talking to people, be able to remain calm during stressful situations, and know how to problem-solve creatively. So, compile a list of questions that will allow your interviewee to demonstrate her expertise (or lack thereof): "Describe a situation when you had to deal with someone who disagreed with you," "Tell me about a time when you didn't have the answer you needed and couldn't find your manager — what did you do?" or "How do you prioritize when you're juggling multiple clients and deadlines?"

Not only will these questions help you truly determine if the person will be able to fulfill the duties of the job, but since you'll ask each candidate the same set of questions, you'll be able to more easily compare answers.
Of course, interviewing strategies could go on for hundreds of pages, but the key takeaway is this: Figure out exactly what you want in an employee, then ask questions that will actually help you gauge those qualities. You'll have a much easier time pinpointing your must-hire employees when you're not trying to decipher tennis ball calculations or the significance of the color blue.

1. Know Yourself Most people dread the moment when their interviewer utters the words - “So, tell me about yourself.” But it’s actually the simplest question to navigate once you get down to the root of what’s being asked. "Tell me about yourself" really translates to: “What can you tell me about how your personality, interests, work habits and background will help you rock this position?” Before you answer, rewind back to when you applied for the job -– the moment you decided that you and the position would be a solid match. Usually, the reasons that ran through your mind before you chose to apply are the answers the interviewer is looking for. Since you’re the most well-versed on the subject of you, this is your moment to paint the picture of what you bring to the table and why you’re the most dynamic and capable person for the job. 2. Bridge the Gap Between Confidence and Enthusiasm (Then Marry the Two) How many times have you been confident in your ability to perform a task but not necessarily enthused about doing it (or vice versa)? Confidence speaks to the way you perceive you, while enthusiasm is more indicative of your feelings about something or someone other than yourself — in this case, the gig. To make sure there’s a healthy balance between the two, draft a list of reasons you’re confident about your ability to perform the job, and pair each one with a reason why you’re enthusiastic about showing up. You should be able to clearly communicate these reasons during your interview. Example: "In over 15 years as a graphic designer, I’ve mastered a number of software programs and techniques. Those skills have helped me contribute to some great work, but the best part of the experience, for me, is collaborating with a team to build something that clients can fall in love with." 3. Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Practice The last thing you want to do in an interview is regurgitate your resume or Linkedin profile. Instead, take a look at how you described your role at previous jobs and practice how you might integrate these into an actual conversation. In other words: if your resume bullet points were complete sentences describing how your experience is relevant to the new job, what would they sound like? To prepare like the pros, do a mock interview with a friend and video record your answers. Ask yourself, “Can I really see myself saying this?" to gauge the authenticity of your delivery. 4. Know When to Wrap It Up Big audiences don’t like a Chatty Cathy -– and neither do busy interviewers. To avoid coming across as a rambler or bad listener, always be mindful of the length of your answers. Even if the interviewer doesn’t give you validation in the form of a nod, smile or laugh, don’t be afraid to simply stop talking once you’ve answered the question. If you can effectively communicate a point in five words, don’t use 25. Trust that if they want to know more, they’ll ask. Need a little practice on this? Do a search for the “most asked interview questions” relevant to the position you’re applying for, jot down the ones you struggle with and practice answering them. Open-ended questions sometimes require lengthier responses, but typically, you should be able to provide a thoughtful answer to most interview questions in under 60 seconds. 5. Be a Team Player The letter "I" stands alone. Unless you’re applying for a position that requires you to work independently, the reality is that stellar results (no matter the industry) require team effort. Be sure to incorporate "we" language to show your ability to work well with others. This doesn’t mean refrain from sharing your individual responsibilities and accomplishments, but be clear about how those things benefitted your team. When in doubt, stick to this equation: What my team does + How I do my part to make sure we get to the finish line = Victory Of course, no two interviews are the same, but if you apply these tips, you’re guaranteed to boost your odds of getting a call back. Knock ‘em dead! Mashable Job Board Listings The Mashable Job Board connects job seekers across the U.S. with unique career opportunities in the digital space. While we publish a wide range of job listings, we have selected a few job opportunities from the past two weeks to help get you started. Happy hunting!

2013-09-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

1. Questions You Already Know the Answers To

2. Arbitrary Questions to Gauge Personality

3. Questions That Don't Provide the Info You Need

After years of being the interviewee, I felt a rush of power to be on the other side of the table — and that made it very temping to ask riddle-like questions (e.g., "How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?") to catch the applicant off guard, instead of soliciting canned, rehearsed responses.

Sure, I got to see how well my candidates thought on their feet, but that didn't really help me determine if they had the skills and abilities needed for the job — especially when I wasn't hiring for a position that required that kind of analytical thought.

Other companies have also found that these infamous startup brainteasers aren't always helpful in interviews. Lazslo Bock, senior vice president of People Operations at Google, recently admitted that he found brainteasers to be a complete waste of time, based on a study the company did on hiring practices. "They don't predict anything," he said. "They serve primarily to make the interviewer feel smart."
Instead, he suggests using a structured behavioral interview, using the same questions to assess each applicant. To create that consistent rubric, one of the most helpful tips I've learned is to first determine the specific skills I was looking for in a candidate — then base questions around those skills.

For example, customer service associates should love talking to people, be able to remain calm during stressful situations, and know how to problem-solve creatively. So, compile a list of questions that will allow your interviewee to demonstrate her expertise (or lack thereof): "Describe a situation when you had to deal with someone who disagreed with you," "Tell me about a time when you didn't have the answer you needed and couldn't find your manager — what did you do?" or "How do you prioritize when you're juggling multiple clients and deadlines?"

Not only will these questions help you truly determine if the person will be able to fulfill the duties of the job, but since you'll ask each candidate the same set of questions, you'll be able to more easily compare answers.
Of course, interviewing strategies could go on for hundreds of pages, but the key takeaway is this: Figure out exactly what you want in an employee, then ask questions that will actually help you gauge those qualities. You'll have a much easier time pinpointing your must-hire employees when you're not trying to decipher tennis ball calculations or the significance of the color blue.

5 Public Speaking Tips That'll Prepare You for Any Interview

2013-08-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

By Holley Murchison

Landing a job interview is incredibly exciting –- and often terrifying. But fear not. There are clever ways to transform your angst into nerves of steel. After all, a good interview should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. Here are five essential key tips from the world of public speaking that’ll help you look just as awesome in person as you do on paper.

1. Know Yourself

Most people dread the moment when their interviewer utters the words - “So, tell me about yourself.” But it’s actually the simplest question to navigate once you get down to the root of what’s being asked. "Tell me about yourself" really translates to: “What can you tell me about how your personality, interests, work habits and background will help you rock this position?”
Before you answer, rewind back to when you applied for the job -– the moment you decided that you and the position would be a solid match. Usually, the reasons that ran through your mind before you chose to apply are the answers the interviewer is looking for. Since you’re the most well-versed on the subject of you, this is your moment to paint the picture of what you bring to the table and why you’re the most dynamic and capable person for the job.

2. Bridge the Gap Between Confidence and Enthusiasm (Then Marry the Two)

How many times have you been confident in your ability to perform a task but not necessarily enthused about doing it (or vice versa)? Confidence speaks to the way you perceive you, while enthusiasm is more indicative of your feelings about something or someone other than yourself — in this case, the gig.
To make sure there’s a healthy balance between the two, draft a list of reasons you’re confident about your ability to perform the job, and pair each one with a reason why you’re enthusiastic about showing up. You should be able to clearly communicate these reasons during your interview.
Example: "In over 15 years as a graphic designer, I’ve mastered a number of software programs and techniques. Those skills have helped me contribute to some great work, but the best part of the experience, for me, is collaborating with a team to build something that clients can fall in love with."

3. Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Practice

The last thing you want to do in an interview is regurgitate your resume or Linkedin profile. Instead, take a look at how you described your role at previous jobs and practice how you might integrate these into an actual conversation. In other words: if your resume bullet points were complete sentences describing how your experience is relevant to the new job, what would they sound like?
To prepare like the pros, do a mock interview with a friend and video record your answers. Ask yourself, “Can I really see myself saying this?" to gauge the authenticity of your delivery.

4. Know When to Wrap It Up

Big audiences don’t like a Chatty Cathy -– and neither do busy interviewers. To avoid coming across as a rambler or bad listener, always be mindful of the length of your answers. Even if the interviewer doesn’t give you validation in the form of a nod, smile or laugh, don’t be afraid to simply stop talking once you’ve answered the question.
If you can effectively communicate a point in five words, don’t use 25. Trust that if they want to know more, they’ll ask.
Need a little practice on this? Do a search for the “most asked interview questions” relevant to the position you’re applying for, jot down the ones you struggle with and practice answering them. Open-ended questions sometimes require lengthier responses, but typically, you should be able to provide a thoughtful answer to most interview questions in under 60 seconds.

5. Be a Team Player

The letter "I" stands alone. Unless you’re applying for a position that requires you to work independently, the reality is that stellar results (no matter the industry) require team effort. Be sure to incorporate "we" language to show your ability to work well with others. This doesn’t mean refrain from sharing your individual responsibilities and accomplishments, but be clear about how those things benefitted your team.
When in doubt, stick to this equation: What my team does + How I do my part to make sure we get to the finish line = Victory
Of course, no two interviews are the same, but if you apply these tips, you’re guaranteed to boost your odds of getting a call back. Knock ‘em dead!

Mashable Job Board Listings

The Mashable Job Board connects job seekers across the U.S. with unique career opportunities in the digital space. While we publish a wide range of job listings, we have selected a few job opportunities from the past two weeks to help get you started. Happy hunting!

Why Are You Leaving Your Job? 4 Simple Tips For Answering a Difficult Interview Question

2013-07-23T11:50:00.003-07:00

By Chrissy Scivicque

You’re currently employed. You get a paycheck twice a month. It’s a sure thing.

Why then are you engaging in a job search? New jobs are risky and stressful. What circumstances have led you to choose the unknown over the known?

Your interviewer is undoubtedly thinking this and almost certainly will ask you about it. A “bad” answer can kill your chances at getting the job offer. A “good” answer can position you for success.

It might sound odd that this is a difficult question for many interviewees. Obviously, you have your reasons for leaving - probably more than a handful.

The problem is that sharing those reasons (the real ones) might give your interviewer a negative impression, if not framed appropriately. As an interviewee, you know that. You might find yourself spinning around in a jumbled mess of vague explanations and platitudes. Your interviewer, sensing your discomfort and the awkward attempt to skirt the question, wonders what you’re hiding and slowly loses interest in you as a candidate.

So there’s a delicate balance required. You want to be both authentic and diplomatic. Your job is to steer clear of potential landmines, while still providing a genuine response that resonates for both you and the interviewer.

Here are some tips for how to do it.

1. Praise your current employer. Before anything else, start by offering a little praise for your current employer just to show you’re not jaded and to frame the answer positively. Try saying something like: “My current employer has given me some great opportunities and I’m sorry to leave. But I’m also really excited about the future.”

Notice that this statement isn’t overly flattering, and it lands right back at the here and now - your enthusiasm for what’s next. Interviewers like to hear this because it demonstrates your loyalty and respect for the company, even though they obviously know you’re not happy there. They see that you’re able to “play the game,” keep emotions out of it and protect the image of the company even if and when things don’t work out.

Interviewers view negative talk regarding your current employer as gossip. If you’re out there badmouthing your company, the interviewer thinks you could easily turn around and do the same to his or her company in the future.

2. Avoid discussing people. Surveys show that the No. 1 reason people leave a job is because of other people. Interviewers know that, but they don’t want to hear it. They know it takes two to tango. Any discussion regarding difficulties with people will lead your interviewer to wonder what your role was - and then you’re in the danger zone.

Instead, talk about things. The same holds true if an interviewer asks you a question like, “What is one thing you don’t like about your current or last job?” Good answers revolve around things like outdated policies, inefficient processes, slow technology, etc. Great answers also focus on what you did to try to improve the situation.

3. Always focus on what you’re moving toward. Remember that the past is old news. The future is why you’re sitting in that interview. Keep your discussion centered on the fact that you’re moving toward something new and exciting, not away from where you are. This might require just a subtle shift in language but the impact is enormous.

For example, instead of saying, “There are limited opportunities for growth where I am,” try saying, “The opportunities for growth here seem unlimited.”

4. Make it about self-improvement. Interviewers love to know job candidates are interested in bettering themselves. It’s a trait that indicates you will (potentially) be a long-term hire and, with the right support, you could be someone who grows with the company.

It’s always a good idea to make your career move about your desire for self-improvement - whether you’re seeking career advancement opportunities or the chance to grow a new set of skills.

Sure, there are times when you just need a change of pace. That’s human nature. But saying that’s the sole reason for your move suggests you might be easily bored or unable to create the experience that serves you best in the workplace. Your interviewer wants to know that you’ll be capable of productively working through those kinds of “typical” challenges (like boredom and the feeling of being stuck in a rut).
Always let your interviewer know that you really did everything in your power to make it work with your current employer. You’ve taken on additional responsibilities, sought out new challenges, advanced as far as you can, etc. You don’t want to be perceived as someone who is quick to jump ship when things don’t immediately go your way. But there are certain things outside of your control, and those are the ones that keep you from staying where you are.

It’s almost guaranteed that your reason for leaving will be a point of discussion in any job interview. Plan your response and practice it aloud a few times so you’re prepared. With any luck, the conversation will move on quickly and you’ll be able to focus on other, more compelling topics.

Chrissy Scivicque, the founder of EatYourCareer.com, believes work can be a nourishing life experience. As a career coach, corporate trainer, and public speaker, she helps professionals of all levels unlock their true potential and discover long-lasting career fulfillment.

Interview tips to help you get that job

2013-04-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

ByDAILY MIRROR

Interview tips to help you get that job

How should you prepare? How can you sell yourself best? Read on to find answers

Getting an interview in the current market is tough, so you need to do everything possible to impress and land that job.

Here's help for you to stand out for all the right reasons:

Match your skills to the job specification
Interviews often start with an open question such as - tell me about yourself. Many candidates fall into the trap of describing their life story or rambling. Start with the present and explain why you are qualified for the position.

Do your homework
Research the company. Its website, press releases and news give you a good insight into its goals and objectives which you can use to ask questions and tie into your answers.

Research your industry
Demonstrating you know what's going on in a particular industry is great - ask questions about trends, how the company plans to respond and link your experiences to them.

Practise your interview technique
Ask friends to do mock-interviews with you to identify areas to work on.

Prepare examples
Employers want concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. Have at least two examples prepared for each skill area in the job specification and focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved.

Decide what you're wearing
You don't want to waste vital preparation time choosing your outfit or going to the dry cleaners, so plan in advance.

Plan your route
Nothing looks worse than an interviewee who arrives late or gets lost. Try to get there 15 minutes early.

If in doubt, ask for clarification
Not only does this stop you from wasting their time, but it demonstrates confidence.

Imagine you're selling a product
Apply the rules to selling yourself in the interview.

Value yourself
It's easy to get nervous before interviews but try to keep calm and be as natural as possible.

DNA testing on evidence from Bristol woman's 1977 unsolved murder a slow process

2013-03-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

By Matt Coughlin
and Laurie Mason Schroeder Staff Writer

The long wait for answers to the mystery of Shaun Ritterson’s brutal 1977 murder just got even longer, with officials this week saying that DNA tests are taking more time than expected to complete.

Bucks County Chief of Prosecution Matt Weintraub said Monday that technicians at the Local DNA Index System (LODIS) lab outside of Philadelphia are having a tougher time than expected with the decades-old evidence associated with the slaying, so an analysis of Harry Ritterson’s DNA, recovered after his death in January, could be months away.

“Even with this delay built in, we are confident that we’ll get results,” Weintraub said.

Prosecutors have called Harry Ritterson, 77, of Easton, the “primary suspect” in Shaun Ritterson’s slaying. The brutal murder was chronicled in this newspaper’s special investigation series: The Girl on Church Hill.
Shaun Ritterson, 20, of Bristol, was Harry Ritterson’s niece. Witnesses said the two had an unusually close relationship.

Shaun vanished after a night of drinking with friends in Bristol Township. Her nude, badly mutilated corpse was discovered a short time later on a Buckingham hillside.

Based on tips generated from the newspaper series, as well as Harry Ritterson’s interview with a reporter at his home last year, detectives in December had prepared a search warrant to gather a sample of his DNA to compare with evidence recovered from the murder scene.

Before the warrant could be served, however, Harry Ritterson became ill and was placed in a New Jersey hospice, where he died. His DNA was recovered after his death, before his funeral.

Weintraub said forensic scientists are being very careful with the other evidence in the case, much of which is very fragile after sitting in a police storage area for years before it was reexamined at this newspaper’s request.

“The degree of difficulty is very high, especially when you’re dealing with material that has degraded with age. There is also a great number of pieces of evidence,” Weintraub said. “Because of those factors it was very difficult to conceive how long the process would take, or to put a date on when the investigation would be complete.”

Weintraub said tips continue to be generated from the publicity surrounding the newspaper investigation, and he’s looking forward to bringing the Ritterson family answers.

“The case remains a priority for us,” he said. “We remain undeterred and will wait as long as it takes for the test results to come back.”

Laurie Mason Schroeder: 215-694-7489; email: lmason@phillyBurbs.com; Twitter: @BucksCourts
To subscribe: phillyburbs.com/orderBCCT

The reference interview: theories and practice.

2011-08-07T03:18:00.000-07:00

This article has also been published in the journal Biblioletra, published by The National and University Library of Kosova.

* I need some information on breast cancer

* I'm writing a paper on colonialism in Shakespeare's The Tempest

* Do you have Time magazine?

* How do clouds form? Which clouds produce rain?

Clinical Interview of the Child: Theory and Practice These are examples of the questions librarians receive at the reference desk. Sometimes questions are quickly resolved, while other questions seem easy but are actually quite detailed. These questions can be difficult for the new librarian to answer but become easier with time and experience. The reference librarian's fundamental task is to translate the patron's question into one that can be answered with the library's resources. I provide reference service to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Connecticut Libraries, supporting the department of Communication Sciences; I also teach the introductory reference class to library school students at Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science at their South Hadley, Massachusetts campus. Librarians can use several strategies to best help patrons with their questions; I use these in practice and teach them in the classroom. The key element is to know what the patron wants, which can be more difficult than it sounds; the second element is to know what resources the library has and how to use them. Learning how to use the library's resources, and which other resources might be available is very important, but it is beyond the scope of this article. In my introductory reference class, I teach both how to provide good reference service and I also demonstrate over 300 essential reference resources. Students beginning to learn these resources in class, but the learning process continues throughout their career, both because new resources become available, but also because patrons present questions requiring new resources. This article will focus on how to determine what kind of information the patron needs through the reference interview.

About the Patron

First we have to know who "the patron" is. You will probably be familiar with the patrons in your library, but they could vary from library to library, and even within your library. For instance, you could work with a university or graduate student, or you could see a high school student. You could also see a neighbor or a governmental official. This could be in a public library, open to patrons of all kinds, or it could be in a school or university library. In the United States, you could also work in a special library (hospital, newspaper, Fortune 500 corporation). Regardless of patron or library type, you would approach each patron the same way, although you would provide them with different kinds of material. Let's think about the first question in this article: the patron requests "information on breast cancer."

The answer to that question will differ greatly depending upon who the patron is. For instance, if the patron is a biology graduate student studying cancer, his needs would be scholarly, scientific, current, and very detailed, while if the patron were a high school student writing a paper on various types of cancer, she would probably require less detailed material. You would take a completely different approach if the patron were the sister of a survivor, or if the patron herself had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. In that second situation, you would need to be more sensitive than the businesslike approach you might take with students, and you would likely provide less scholarly and more consumer-oriented health materials. Alternatively, you might be assisting a government official who wants to know the latest statistics about the disease: how many people are diagnosed each year, what is the survival rate, and what is the cost of treatment. From this one example, you can see how tricky it might be to help a patron with a question that sounds simple at the start.

Be prepared to ask questions during interview

2011-07-31T03:16:00.000-07:00

Many people are so concerned about the questions that will be asked of them in a job interview, they forget to prepare questions of their own.

Carefully prepared questions are a powerful yet subtle way to sell yourself to the interviewer.
These questions will not only provide you with the information you need, but can also reveal your perceptiveness, experience and job knowledge.

When you ask questions about the company, the job and the people associated with it, you come across as discriminating and careful about where you work. Employers want to hire people who have investigated their company and who feel they would be a good "fit."
Job candidates who know nothing about the company - philosophy, culture, product advancement opportunities, etc. - yet proclaim, "I know I'll be an asset to your company" may sound naive or artificial.

Asking the right questions requires planning as well as being able to think on your feet.

There are also some wrong questions to ask.

Here are some ideas to help you as you prepare for your next interview.

Read the newspapers and related business journals. They will provide information on marketing strategies, problems, company philosophy and other "big picture" information.

Don't be judgmental. Use this information to formulate questions about the company's activities. "From what I've seen in some recent articles, your company has merged with Acme. How does this effect the marketing department?" (or whatever department you'd be working in.)
Be careful not to say anything judgmental or critical, such as "I'm glad to see the company is using a new commercial on TV. I never liked the old one." This could be a well-intentioned blunder.

Another wrong approach is mentioning information in an obvious attempt to impress the interviewer. If the information fits naturally into your discussion, or relates to the position, use it. If not, you may be better off not trying to force it in artificially.

Another good source of information is the company's annual report. If obtained before the interview, it can provide a wealth of information. "The company must be very pleased with its low turnover and high productivity. How does this affect advancement opportunities?"

If sales are down, you may want to ask some questions about security. "The competition has been very stiff in the widget market. Are there any company plans that will affect staffing needs in the future?"

Friends and relatives who work there can provide lots of inside information - career paths, the department's reputation, the manager of the area, co-workers, etc.

Use this information wisely. Never mention this information directly. (It could be sensitive or inaccurate.) Instead, use it to ask questions that will provide a clearer picture. For example, if you have heard about conflict between potential co-workers in the department, you might ask, "Would I be working alone or with others on these projects?"

It's important to realize how your job would fit in the hierarchy. Ask questions about he organizational levels in the department (and company) to identify the structure within which you would have to operate.

Ask questions about technical aspects of the work that the interviewer doesn't mention. If you have had some special exposure to something in this field, you may want to ask a question in this area. This will tell the interviewer you have special skills to offer and he will likely probe for details.

Ask about work. Even if you don't have a special skill you want to bring to the employer's attention, you should ask questions about the work itself.

If you are up to date on current trends and practices in the field, ask about their application in the position. You will appear to have knowledge and information they will want.

Some other "wrong" questions are premature inquiries about salary, benefits and vacations. These are appropriate after a job offer has been made, at the end of a second or third interview or if the interviewer brings up the subjects first.

Be careful not to ask too many questions about promotional opportunities, or the employer may think your focus is on climbing the corporate ladder rather than on solid performance in the current job.

You may also want to ask questions about special goals or objectives the department hopes to accomplish in the future. This may give you more insight into the position and may open new doors for selling your talents.

Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions? Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd? Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search:

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, special report)

Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, special report)
The Resume that Gets Results and the Interview that Gets the Job (37 page, detailed instructions)

Joan Lloyd has a solid track record of excellent results. Her firm, Joan Lloyd & Associates, specializes in leadership development, organizational change and teambuilding. This includes executive coaching, 360-degree feedback processes, customized leadership & presentation skills training, team assessment and teambuilding and retreat facilitation. Joan also provides consulting skills training for HR professionals. Clients report results such as: behavior change in leaders, improved team performance and a more committed workforce.

Contact Joan Lloyd & Associates at (800) 348-1944, mailto:info@joanlloyd.com, or www.JoanLloyd.com

About Joan Lloyd
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Interview Questions To Help You Assess Customer Service Skills

2011-07-22T00:00:00.002-07:00

by Susan Keane Baker

"What would you say to a patient who yelled at you because he had to wait a long time?" Ask the applicant to speak to you as he or she would to the patient. Watch for a patronizing tone, or a "don't blame me, I just work here" approach.
"Tell me about a time when you went out of your way to give great service to a patient?" Ideally, the applicant will have more than one story to tell you.
"Give me an example of when you solved a tough problem for a patient." Look for ownership of the problem. If resolution of the problem meant referring it to someone else, did the applicant check to make sure that the patient was satisfied with the result?
"Can you tell about a process or system that you improved so that patients could be more satisfied?" Look for a prompt answer and for the applicant's pride in having accomplished the improvement. You might follow with, "Why was it important for you to do that?"
"Describe a situation in which you had a difficult patient. How did you solve it?" How comparable is the described situation to your difficult patients and how you would like them to be treated.
"Tell me about a situation in which you 'blew it' with a patient. How did you resolve it?" Check to see if the applicant takes responsibility for the situation and whether or not she resolved the problem as soon as she became aware of it.
"What do you say when you answer the telephone at your present position?" Look for a time of day greeting, the name of the department/organization, the person's name and 'How may I help you?'

Copied with permission of the author, Susan Keane Baker.
Source: www.susanbaker.com.

Interview With Jennifer Olvera, Author of The Food Lovers Guide to Chicago

2011-07-16T03:58:00.000-07:00

Longtime Chicago food writer Jennifer Olvera has written perhaps the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to the Chicago food scene ever written. Entitled the Food Lovers Guide to Chicago, it's a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike with its vast coverage of the city's diverse culinary destinations. The mouth-watering content includes food trucks, festivals, butchers, ethnic markets, restaurants, distilleries, cooking classes, local food artisans and farmers and it fits as nicely on your book shelf as it will in your glove box.

I spoke with her recently about the making of the book and her own personal haunts in Chicago.

It's interesting that a book this comprehensive on the Chicago food scene hasn't really been done before. Or has it? Did you see this gaping hole and just decide to fill it?

I've covered dining and food for quite some time, and I found it surprising that nothing comprehensive was written, given what a food city this is. I wanted to embody the spirit of Chicago food as a whole, to cover destinations that both chefs and residents are passionate about. But I also wanted it to unearth the things I'd want to learn about if I was coming to Chicago for the first time.

How long have you been in Chicago? I know you've been writing about the Chicago food scene for a while now. How have you seen it change and what do you attribute those changes to?

I'm a native Chicagoan and grew up in the West Suburbs. I've seen the scene change a great deal over the years. A shared interest in food and dining, like sports, has become a common denominator. There was a time when dining out was a special occasion, grownup affair. Now, diners by the thousands, and across generations, are signing up for ticketed dining or queuing up for doughnuts simply because it's hip. Food is more accessible, exciting and varied than ever.

Do you get a sense of any new food trends starting to take shape in Chicago? What do you see coming down the pike?

Heirloom produce and heritage breed meat is becoming more readily available. In kind, artisanal butcher shops and specialty stores are providing a personal, quality experience.

And local food is more accessible, thanks to forward-thinking farms, some of which offer community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Given some farms are producing year-round or growing three seasons of the year, you can get your hands on unusual, locally grown produce and humanely raised meat whatever the weather.

But I think more enthusiasts than ever are choosing to grown and can their own food. There's something satisfying about being self-sufficient, of bringing food to fruition. Plenty of people are foraging for ingredients as well, including mushrooms in urban areas.

I love that local, seasonal and artisanal gets a lot of play in your book as do some pretty obscure specialty food markets and eateries that I have never heard of and I am a native Chicagoan! What were some of your favorite finds during this process? What really stood out for you personally?

Going to unfamiliar markets and eateries is exciting. Though it can be intimidating as well, there's a thrill in the hunt.

Restaurant-wise, I'm especially fond of Taqueria Ricardo in the Hermosa neighborhood. You'd never know it's tucked into a non-descript Mexican grocer and serves best-ever tacos al pastor. I also like seeking out noodles from Pasta Fresh and subs and homespun dishes from corner store Freddy's Pizza in Cicero. Some things, like these, are completely worth a detour.

What stands out to me are unpretentious, honest places -- spots that skip the fuss in favor of amazing flavors.

I also love the list of culinary instruction around the city...

Food, dining and cooking aren't mutually exclusive -- or at least they don't have to be. It made sense to include places where readers could test skills -- or begin building them.

There's nothing more empowering than making a meal and seeing the pleasure it brings others. Unfortunately, those who don't know their way around the kitchen tend to think cooking is hard. Really, once you have a foundation, it's not hard at all. It becomes intuitive and can even be meditative.

I'm curious to know, when you travel, what sources do you consult to get your information to find the best local restaurants, food shops and experiences?

More often than not, it's turning to locals that yields the best results. There are so many indigenous foods that never make it into guides. But those are the things I want to know about. When I arrive at a new place, I usually head straight for the public market or a roadside stand. Through personal experience, I've learned what's most popular is rarely what's best. More often, the most memorable recommendations come from vendors, shopkeepers and every day residents. Usually, they're more than willing to divulge places they can't live without, so I've learned to strike up a conversation or ask for advice.

That's great advice, Jennifer. OK, so that begs the question: What are your own personal haunts for shopping and eating in Chicago?

It's nothing fancy, but there's a multi-cultural produce market down the street from me that prepares food in house. If I time things right, I can pick up ultra-lemony Greek potatoes, flaky spinach pies, best-ever refried beans and chile rellenos in one fell swoop, while they're still piping hot.

I love going to Pho 777 on Argyle Street or Double Li in Chinatown for breakfast on the weekends. I also like to make my way to weird, old-timey places, like the original White Fence Farm.

As for shopping, I'm a big fan of Whole Grain Fresh Market in Westmont. I spent years developing recipes for a manga magazine. That involved a lot of trial and error and, sometimes, working with unfamiliar ingredients. I love wandering the aisles and even just looking at labels. Then, toying with new ingredients at home is the best.

So I understand the book is doing incredibly well on Amazon! Can you share the stats on that?

It's been among the top five U.S. and Midwest travel new releases and in the top 50 cooking, food and wine new releases on Amazon.com since it came out, which is great.

I know the food scene changes so frequently, will you be doing an updated version of the Guide on any regular basis?

The plan is to do future editions every two years. In the meantime, there is so much relevant, timeless information inside.

This was a huge accomplishment, what's next for you?

I'm just wrapping up my second book, Select Chicago for London-based Insight Guides. It's a breezy read on the city's little known and loved spots. Beyond that, I'm writing for the same outlets I have all along and am looking forward to culinary adventures here and abroad.

The Food Lovers Guide to Chicago can be purchased on Amazon.com and at many specialty food shops throughout Chicago.

Follow Dana Joy Altman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RealFoodRehab

Curricula vitae

2011-07-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

I will leave it to you to decide on the style and content of your
curriculum vitae. There are many sources which will advise you on these
aspects. Here are some brief pointers:

Use the best paper you can afford.

Use only white or off-white paper.

Do not use a fancy hard cover or binder.

Use a simple font such as Arial and use the same font in your covering letter.

Never use a generic covering letter. Be specific in its content by bringing out one or two elements of how you match what they are looking for. It is not just a wrapper for your CV!

Your CV needs to get past that first 30 seconds after the recruiter has picked it up. Imagine yours is just one of 50 or 60 or more applications received. You want your professionalism to stand and not stand out because you’ve used bright yellow paper!

Stress your achievements in your CV; not simply list your past employers and job titles.

Comply with any instructions in the adverts such as supplying your current salary – you may wish to do this within your covering letter.

Filling in your application form

2011-07-02T04:44:00.000-07:00

Once you receive it, take a copy or two of it to draft your responses. You will want the form that your prospective employer receives to be immaculate and not have any blots, rubouts or scribbles on it!

Read all the instructions contained upon it carefully and comply with them.

Do not be tempted to try to put a form through your computer printer and have your typed words line up into the boxes – it will take you forever!

Never, ever, EVER write in any of the boxes ‘See enclosed CV.’ It is a guaranteed way to have your application rejected. Employers use these forms for a reason; they do not take too kindly to someone who is too lazy to be bothered to fill them in.

Boxes on application forms tend to be small. Choose your words carefully. If the box simply is not big enough for what you want to tell them, attach a piece of plain paper with your script and refer to it on the form.

When listing your previous employers, ensure there are no unexplained gaps.

Try to adopt a positive attitude throughout the form. Stress achievements if you can.

If you are asked to name referees, ensure that you have sought their permission first, or if you do not want them contacted until you’ve been made an offer, indicate this on the form.

FINDING THAT JOB

2011-06-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

While the intention of this book is to provide you with great answers to
tough interview questions, it would be remiss of me not to at least
touch on the subject of job-hunting. After all, you either need to be
actively looking for and applying for jobs or be the subject of a
headhunting exercise before you can stun them with your carefully
crafted answers!

Job vacancies fall into two camps: those that are advertised and are
made available to the public (either the internal population of an
organisation or the public at large) and those which are sometimes
known as ‘hidden vacancies’ – those which are given to recruitment
agencies, headhunters and the like, or those which are not yet
advertised but you have made a speculative application for.

Did you know that it has been estimated that only around 15 per cent
of available vacancies are actually advertised in newspapers or magazines?
Newspaper advertising costs are verging on the prohibitive for many
organisations these days. Even small-circulation, provincial newspapers
can charge several thousands of pounds for one-off adverts in the
‘situations vacant’ section, so many employers are turning to alternative
media such as the Internet. There are many well-known job sites in the UK
such as TotalJobs.com, Reed.co.uk, Monster.co.uk etc. Most job sites will
also allow you to register your search preferences and then e-mail you
when jobs matching your selection criteria are posted.

However, many employers still like to place adverts in specialist
publications such as trade and professional magazines in the hope that
the specialist readership is more likely to elicit a greater response than
the pot luck that is generic press advertising. Choose where you search
for your next job carefully.

OK, so you’ve now seen an advert that has caught your eye and you are
sure you want to apply. Firstly, does the advert say that applications are to
be made by supplying a curriculum vitae plus covering letter or via
application form? Lets look at some pointers for dealing with each of these.