JOB AND INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:19:00 +0000

Tough Interview Question - "Tell Me About Yourself"

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:16:00 +0000

Interview Tips: Why should we hire you? - the GOOD answer

Job Interviewing-Say This, Don't Say That-Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:59:00 +0000

Job Interviewing-Say This, Don't Say That-Part 1 by Michael W. Hall

Job Interviewing-Say This, Donâ€™t Say That-Part 1 By Michael W. Hall, Author, Speaker, Career Coach- â€œThe Ultimate Interview Guide for Job and Career Successâ€ Copyright, 2008, Michael W. Hall. All rights reserved

So youâ€™ve got some job interviews coming up. Maybe youâ€™ve had some interviews already, and canâ€™t figure out why you havenâ€™t gotten a follow-up call. Maybe itâ€™s because you blew the interview. Maybe not. Do you know what to say? Do you also know what not to say? Has your resume, or a combination of your resume and applications gotten you some interviews? Good. Job Hunters, as interviewees, range on a scale of 1-10, from 1 being nervous and totally unprepared to 10 being very confident, polished and prepared.

On that scale, where would you rate yourself?

A lot of your rating depends on what kind of work you do, or want to do, how much youâ€™ve interviewed, how long youâ€™ve been in the workforce, whether or not you have a complete resume, etc. The good news is, you can improve your odds of doing well and getting job offers if you know what to say, and what not to say.

In todayâ€™s article, Iâ€™ll cover a few of the typical interview questions, and how to respond. Plus, Iâ€™ll cover some things you shouldnâ€™t say, no matter what.

Letâ€™s start with the basics. The key is to be ready, be yourself, and be brief.

Q. Tell me about yourself.

Â¨Hint: Practice this answer, since youâ€™ll be asked this question most often. The best way to practice is to study the responsibilities and qualifications for the job, then shape your answer to match them with your background, skills, education and experience. (Keep your response to three minutes or less.) For instance, letâ€™s say you were applying for a job as an Electrician/ Supervisor for an electrical contractor.

Say This-

A. I started working with electronics when I was a kid, taking apart the family radio and putting it back together to see if it worked. During summers in high school, I worked for Gus Gimby, a local electrician, who taught me a lot about wiring buildings and how things worked. After high school, I went to _______(name of school), and got certified as an apprentice electrician while working for Gus.

I understand that you are looking for an Electrician/Supervisor (whatever the position is). Is that right? (Wait for an answer.) Well, Iâ€™ve been a journeyman electrician now for over 5 years on both residential and commercial properties. And, Iâ€™ve been a crew leader for the past 4 years. I think I can handle the job here, helping you to make money and build your business and reputation as a first class electrical contractor. (Hush and grin.)

Notice how this response covers a lot of what the interviewer is looking for, and it brings this Job Hunterâ€™s resume to life. Do you do that?

Also, itâ€™s to the point, and youâ€™ve told the interviewer just what they needed to hear. Remember, they want to know if youâ€™re the one they should hire right away! Many interviewers would rather have a root canal on a good tooth, with light Novocain, than have to keep interviewing people. Remember that.

Some people say things like;

I born in a log cabin, and my dad was injured, so my mom worked in a sweatshop sewing clothes. We ate potatoes and rice and my ten siblings and I walked to school, uphill both ways. In the winter we melted snow for bathwater and used lanterns to save money. I walked an extra 2 miles after school to work on a hog farm, cleaning and feeding hogs. They really stink, but you get used to it. We had an old transistor radio at home that I had to work on all the time.

Our one room schoolhouse lights started sparking one day, and caught the place on fire. School was dismissed early. After the volunteer fire department left, Gus, the electrician, came out to rewire the building. I got to be his helper and have been doing electrical work ever since then. And Iâ€™ve only been shocked 6 times.

Donâ€™t say that!

Hereâ€™s another typical question where a lot of people really BLOW their opportunity to knock the socks off the interviewer.

Q. Why are you looking for a new job? (A loaded question.)

Say This-

A. This job sounds great and seems to match up well with my qualifications. I like a challenge and I like to stay busy. I look forward to getting trained in different ways to make myself more valuable to the company. Iâ€™m also looking for a place where I can move up to higher positions with greater responsibility and pay. I understand that you offer these things here. Is that right? (Hush and grin.)

-or-

A. This job sounds great and seems to match up well with my qualifications. I want to be with a company that is growing, has promotion opportunities for experienced and highly motivated workers, and cares about its people. This is a company with those qualities, right? (Hush and grin.)

-or-

If you were laid-off, fired, or displaced from a corporate takeover, or Hurricane Katrina, just say so. Just remember to limit your responses on each of these topics.

Very few, if any, companies or books will tell you the Secret Iâ€™m about to tell you.

Here it is: The real reason most people get crossed off the list for the job during or right after the interview is that they say the wrong things, especially when answering this question.

Bad response- â€œI was fired/laid-off because Gus hired another boss who was a real jackass. I couldnâ€™t get along with him so I told him to â€˜take this job and shove it,â€™ just like that Merle Haggard song. Ainâ€™t that funny?â€

Donâ€™t Say That! Also, donâ€™t ramble, complain, cuss, get physically upset or sick, start talking bad about former bosses, tell victim stories, hard luck stories or get so personal or say anything that will make the interviewer depressed. You donâ€™t want the interviewer to get depressed at anything you say or do. It amazing that some people say these types of things all the time! Duh!

I understand that itâ€™s tough dealing with all these situations. Iâ€™ve had to deal with all of them except Hurricane Katrina.

Say This:

A. â€œIâ€™ve had some challenges. Some were from making wrong decisions. Iâ€™m quick to admit mistakes when I make them, like all human beings do occasionally. Wouldnâ€™t you agree?â€ (Pause to let that sink into the interviewerâ€™s brain. The point being; everyone, including him/her, has made mistakes galore in their lifetime. Nobodyâ€™s perfect, so get over it.)

Now you come back with a positive twist:

â€œHowever, getting laid-off, (or displaced by Hurricane Katrina), were circumstances beyond my control. The good news is, that despite what happened in the past, itâ€™s in the past. Iâ€™m here now and ready to help improve the operation and profits of the company.â€ (Hush and Grin.)

The interviewers will be very impressed, because they hardly ever hear this kind of talk from a job applicant. You'll be put on a short list for the job right away.

In the next article, Part 2, Iâ€™ll tell you more about how to 'Say this, not thatâ€™ in your job interviews.

Be looking for it.

To your success,

Michael W. Hall

About the Author

Michael W. Hall, MPA, CSL, DTM, is an author, speaker and career coach. A popular humorous speaker and writer, he shares proven strategies for overcoming challenges and becoming successful in life. His best selling e-book, â€œThe Ultimate Interview Guide for Job and Career Success,â€ can be found at www.UltimateInterviewGuide.com. You can also reach him at www.JobHope.net

Job Interview Techniques - Job Interview Questions - Essential Questions to Prepare Yourself With

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:52:00 +0000

Job Interview Techniques - Job Interview Questions - Essential Questions to Prepare Yourself With by Charles Rhodes

Job interview techniques can be some of the most valuable skills for someone who is seeking a new job to learn.

Unfortunately, many overlook simple essential steps they can learn in order to maximize their chance to get the job they want. All it takes is a little job interview knowledge.

So I've taken the liberty of compiling a list of common job interview questions that one can use to study and learn how to answer.

The better prepared you are, the better the chance you get the job! Make sure you read through all of them.

* What is your name and educational qualifications?

* From where did you complete your education?

* What is the role that you wish to work for in our company?

* Do you suppose that you can get this job?

* Where did you work before this?

* Do you wish to have a stable and permanent job with our company or would you leave it after sometime?

* What do you think is more important for you, the payment, the job satisfaction, the job security, or convenience?

* What is your last drawn salary?

* What are your expectations from us? How much should be we pay you if we appoint you?

* How much do you know about our company?

* Do you have any medical or fitness, problems? Would you be comfortable at work?

* What are your other interests and hobbies?

* Can you tell us something about your analytical abilities; refer to a few examples of when you applied your abilities in the past?

* What are the long-term goals that you have?

* What are short-term goals that you have?

* Where do you think you would be five years from now?

* Why do you think that you are an able person for this job?

* Why did you quit your previous job?

* What is a team player?

* Can you present examples from the past when you proved to be a team player?

* How would you handle a argument with a colleague?

* Can you site a few examples from the past, when you avoided an argument, on your own?

* Can you describe some interesting incident that occurred during your previous job?

* What do you guess you can achieve by working with this company?

* Where you do stay?

* Would you be comfortable if you undergo a transfer in the future?

* (If long) would you be comfortable with coming so away from your place?

* Would you like to know something about this company?

Keep in mind the questions asked in the interview are of different types according to the requirement of the job. The interview can be divided into two types according to the skills, which are tested. These types are the general interview and the technical interview. The questions asked in the general interview are common for any kind of job. In this round of interview, the candidate is tested for his communication skills and confidence.

The above are examples of general questions.

These are only the common personal questions that are frequently asked for all the types of jobs in companies or firms. These may be asked by a separate interviewer who is especially present for these questions. The other technical questions are asked by the technical interviewers.

While answering these questions it is important that your answers depict clear and professional thinking. They should be answered confidently.

If you want to ensure you're the one selected for the job, make sure you learn everything you can about job interview techniques! They can save your butt and guarantee you a new, better job.

About the Author

Guarantee yourself that new job! For real life job interview techniques that actually help, visit Job Interview Techniques and make sure the bosses love you.

Job Search Tips for Sales Professionals

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Job Search Tips - For Sales Professionals by Jay Bauder

Job Search Tips for Sales Professionals

Each specific industry has a variety of requirements that an employee has to meet. In searching for jobs as sales professionals, how do you prepare for a competitive environment?

Here are useful tips you could perform in searching the appropriate job and acing the interview.

1) Research: In order to be prepared on your interview, you should learn important facts about the company beforehand.

* The internet is one of the best ways to search for information and most companies provide their own websites. Study the content of the company's website; know their background, goals, and information about the top executives.

* By using search engines on the Internet, you could also obtain news and additional information about the progress of the company, past projects and issues, and organizations where the company belongs.

* Review the stock market chart of the company. Since majority of shares are publicly traded, you could examine the recent stock price and learn the difficulties of its market over the past years. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the company will help you in the interview.

* Learn as many information as possible about its competitors. When you read articles about the market space, you will find out who leads the market and you can find out the company's competitors. Having this knowledge could help you during the interview since you could be able to justify how the company is better than its present competitors are.

2) Attitude: Having the right attitude towards the interview and the job itself would ensure the position is yours.

* Majority of successful sales professionals have a unique energy that you can feel. They command a presence and hold the attention of everyone. Be energetic about the job and interview.

* Be enthusiastic. Since you have done your research about the company and its competitors, the interviewers will appreciate your enthusiasm and interest about the position.

3) Preparation: The position you desire could be yours as long as you show up prepared.

* Create a presentation by researching the products and services of the company. Be prepared to speak directly and intelligently about the company's field.

* Provide statistics and industry related facts in your presentation. This goes to show that not only are you enthusiastic about the job, you are also aware of the condition of the industry.

* The fact about sales is its all about numbers. If you are asked about your numbers, simply provide them with production reports, past employment lists or a W-2 form of your yearly earnings.

By successfully performing these basic steps, your sales job could be yours in just a handshake away.

About the Author

Jay is the web owner of http://www.jobs-in.com Online Jobs, a website that provides information and resources on searching for jobs nationwide. You can visit his website at: http://www.jobs-in.net Jobs | Job Search

How to Find a New Job in a Week Flat

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:47:00 +0000

How to Find a New Job in a Week Flat by Brian Troutwein

You need a job. Keep these three tips in mind and you'll likely get hired for a satisfying job within only one week. If you're sick of living off unemployment insurance benefits, read this short article.

It's true. If you were to even move out of state today, these tips will score you a job almost instantly. Put an end to frustration once and for all. Finding a job can be simple actually.

#1. Use Your Network

The best shot you have at finding a job in the least amount of time is by using your network. It's not just about who you know, it's also about who they know. When you inform your friends, family members, and acquaintances that you're looking for work in your field, tell them to spread the word. You'll be amazed at how fast the news of you wanting a new career travels throughout your city, even among a network outside of you own that you have never met.

Not only does this save time in the job search, you won't have to convince a company as much about your character. No need to sell yourself to a potential boss because you're already sold. Companies love to hire based on testimonials of people they already trust.

#2. Target Companies Who Hire Like the Military

This is a lightning-quick way to find a job. Distribution centers, factories, and other large-scale operations hire like the military. They normally have high wages and the best financial and health insurance benefits. While you can get a production, maintenance, or transportation job with little or no education background, there are several positions in fields like HR, IT, and Management. Don't forget about receptionist and security guard positions.

While networking find out whether your city (or within working distance) has for example, a plastics plant, rock mine, automobile factory, retail distribution center, the list goes on...

Then to save time, call and ask how to apply. Large scale operations such as these are looking for new workers on a daily basis. Follow up in a few days to schedule your first interview and drug screening.

#3. Put Your Resume On Your Local Jobs Website

You already have a resume typed up. Now submit it to circulate quickly among local businesses and companies. Just about every city has a local jobs website these days. You can find out about it in the classifieds section of your local paper. All you have to do is copy and paste or upload your resume to the website for interested parties to find in searches.

It's absolutely critical to title your resume with words that involve your area of expertise. Even if you're a general laborer, put something like "labor and production" in your title. Your resume will get into the right hands with hardly any work on your behalf.

Consider this as well. If your name is circulating throughout your network and beyond, chances are an employer is going to log onto the local jobs website and search for your resume based on your name. Again, it would be wise not to waste much time searching on your local jobs site, but rather allowing employers to find you, a method in which (in a way) preserves your values.

Conclusion

No more stress, worries, frustration, or unemployment insurance benefits. Network, target large scale companies who hire like the military, and put your resume on your local jobs website. Do this and you'll be on your way to efficiently finding a fulfilling job within a week.

About the Author

Did you know that you might be able to collect Unemployment Insurance Benefits even if you quit your job? See http://www.caledugov.com for details.

10 Ways to Come out a winner in an Interview

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:42:00 +0000

10 Ways to Come out a winner in an Interview by Aaron Brooks

While the first step to landing the job you covet is the application and covering note, the most important hurdle is the interview. To succeed you need to be a step ahead of the interviewer. To do this you must prepare and that to well.

First and foremost you must prepare well. Write a resume that you can back up with facts during the interview. Well before the meeting; prepare yourself by combing through your resume and jotting down successes and failures. Be sure to pen stories that you can relate, just stating facts weakens your position if you can highlight how you succeeded in x, y, or z against most odds that will highlight your skills.

Always dress appropriately for an interview. Most HR persons will check whether a person is well groomed and has clean finger nails and footwear. Wear a clean well pressed suit that is comfortable. Interviews use grooming as one criterion to judge whether a person will fit the company culture.

Be prepared for complex interviews: * The latest trend is to follow a half hour behavioral interview format. In this method your past experiences and behaviors are tested and used as an indicator of future success. See: http://interview.monster.com/articles/timewhen/ . Read about this kind of interview and be prepared to showcase your abilities well. * Prepare thoroughly. Research as much as possible on the company get not just performance information but personal feed back as well. Know about profit, future plans, company structure and culture, as well as HR policies. * Prepare answer difficult as well as easy questions. If you practice answering difficult questions then you will not falter at the interview. Focus on strengths, skills, achievements, and what you can bring to the company. * Surf the World Wide Web and find out what are the most likely questions in an interview. See how well you can answer the commonly asked questions.

It is ideal if you do mock interviews with a career counselor or friend. Try standing in front of a mirror and practice posture as well as speaking.

Tips:

Arrive at the venue before time. Switch of your mobile or pager. Keep on hand extra copies of your resume. * Wish the interviewer or panel with courtesy and sit down only after you are asked. Sit with poise and confidence. * Speak slowly and clearly and keep calm. If a question is not clear ask for clarifications. * Collect your thoughts before speaking. * Be honest about achievements as well as mistakes. Never cover up or lie. * Ask questions that are relevant to the job you are interviewing for. * Be assertive and confident and do not be intimidated by the interviewer or panel. * Request the interviewer for a business card and send a polite thank you note on reaching home. * On the day of the interview try and prepare for the ordeal ahead by listening to music, doing stretching exercises or yoga, or meditation and breathing. Keep all you need including your clothes ready the day before. Plan how you will travel and if you are driving where you will park the car. Reach the venue early and sit down at a café to eat something light and drink some tea or coffee. Never go to an interview on an empty stomach the queasiness will just be worse.

According to the gurus in career counseling it is important to be yourself and never ever compromise in your values or what you believe in.

About the Author

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for http://www.1888jobsearch.com , the premier website to find free search for free online employment services, job vacancies, part time job, job listing and many more. He also freelances for submit free Employment Opportunity press release http://www.1888pressrelease.com/employment-opportunity-0-13.html

Job Search Tips For College Grads

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:38:00 +0000

Job Search Tips For College Grads by Tony Jacowski

How to Start

If you are looking for a job, then you must first analyze and understand your choices and what you want out of a position. Think about your strengths and don't forget to mention them in your resume or cover letter. Your resume gives a potential employer their first impression about you, so you should know exactly what employers are looking for and then tailor your qualifications to fit the bill.

In a competitive job market, like the one present today, you can't afford to wait around for calls from recruiters or HR Managers. You need to be persistent - call them and let them know that you are interested in the job, but don't make a pest of yourself, or come across as desperate.

The Cover Letter and Resume

Before applying for a job, you need to do research on the company. This will allow you to draft an appropriate resume and cover letter. If your resume shows that you are qualified for the job, then it will save the recruiter a lot of time - so don't neglect your cover letter or resume, which is what will ultimately get you that interview call.

Use Your Network

The most important tool in when you're looking for a job in a competitive market is networking - and good networking does not depend on age or experience.

-Ask help from community leaders, as they are the best people to give advice and guide you. They are always ready to help new grads, and perhaps they could give you reference letters.

-Try contacting your Chamber of Commerce for contacts in your industry. This may help to open up some doors.

-Make a list of some companies where you would like to work and get the names of the decision makers. Try calling them to get an appointment - and if you have done your research well, then you are sure to leave an impact on them.

If you are not willing to take a full time job, or are unable to find one immediately, then you can take an internship, part-time job or even volunteer. An internship is a good option for students, as they usually don't require a long-term commitment.

In short, your basic strategies should be:

-Always broaden your search perspective and focus on your strengths -Apply through various recruiting agencies -Use all your networking channels -Try an internship in the summer to enhance your future job prospects

Finding a job just out of college can be difficult - but by using the tips above, you'll be sure to tip the scales in your favor.

About the Author

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

How to Become a Bartender

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:01:00 +0000

How to Become a Bartender | No Bartending Experience Required by Brian Williams

Lots of people want to become a bartender but don't know how to go about doing it. This article will show you how to become a bartender with no previous bartending experience. As you will see it is a simple step-by-step process. Having the right plan of action is more than half the battle.

The Goal - Get an Interview

The biggest obstacle to getting a bartending job is getting the interview first. Without putting yourself in front of the people who do the hiring you can't get a bartending job. This seems simple enough but many would-be bartenders get caught up in the myth of "they won't hire me without any experience."

Employers often use the "no experience" reason for not hiring as a polite way to end the conversation. The truth is that in most establishments your Attitude is way more important than your experience. Experience breeds bad habits. Many owners and managers would rather hire a "blank slate" and train them properly. But this "blank slate" must have a phenomenal attitude. It is your duty to not only develop this phenomenal attitude but to make sure it shines through during the application process so that you can put it on full display during your interview.

Please don't misunderstand me - some bartending jobs require experience, but most do not. Experience is required at high volume, super fast paced establishments. For these bartending jobs you must be extremely efficient at making drinks and serving customers - there is just no time to learn on the job. But most establishments are not high volume and super fast paced. So why are you still hearing that they want experience?

The Tools

There are two tools that will make sure your great attitude is conveyed during your job search. A great cover letter and a bartending specific resume. Many bartending jobs will only require that you fill out their application. If you want to be included with the group of people applying for the job and don't want to stand out - then by all means, fill out the application. If you want to elevate yourself above the crowd - then have a really great cover letter and resume than separates you from the pack.

In order to have a great cover letter and resume you must design it specifically for getting a bartending job. Do not be generic. To write a compelling cover letter you need to tell a compelling story. Remember all the challenging situations you have been in. Try to remember even the smallest details. Is the story about how you handled an aggravated customer? Is about some obstacle you overcame? Does it show how you are a great team player and employee? Your cover letter must show -not tell- that you are a great hire. The employer needs a reason to hire you; you must give them that reason by showing how you will be an asset to their organization.

After you have told a compelling story in your cover letter you must back it up with a solid resume. This resume doesn't have to have bartending experience on it, but it must be tailored to bartending. It should never have irrelevant information (i.e. type 90 words a minute; proficient in excell; etc.) You would be amazed at how many resumes get thrown in the garbage because the applicant doesn't bother to even list relevant information. Examples of relevant information and experience could include: used upselling techniques to increase sales per customer visit, learned customer satisfaction is exceeding - not meeting - customer expectations, voted "easiest to talk to" in my high school yearbook. Notice that none of these bullet points requires bartending experience. You need to tailor your previous experience, no matter what it was, to fit the skill sets of bartending.

How to Become a Bartender

Once you have gained an interview for a bartending job by using the above mentioned tools you must then ace the bartending job interview. Interviews for bartending jobs are very different then interviews for traditional jobs. Bartending requires that you put your personality on display and you must do this in the interview. The tools that you created to get your bartending job interview will come in very handy in preparation for the interview. Since you have created a compelling cover letter and resume all you need to do to prepare for the interview is review them. Have stories ready. Be able to speak intelligently about your experiences and how they relate to bartending. And most importantly, get the interviewer to like you. If they feel like you are likeable and have a positive attitude they will think that their customers will like you and spend more money. Also, people want to work with people they like.

Make it your priority in your interview to make the interview feel more like a conversation. Don't give one word answers, put your opinions and personality on display. Talk to the interviewer about bartending and topics most likely to interest them. If you seem more like a friend then like an applicant you will get the job.

In conclusion, bartending jobs are not as hard to get as it seems. Aspiring bartenders just don't usually know where to start. This article lays the foundation for beginning your bartending job search.

Step 1: Write a Compelling Cover Letter Step 2: Have a Bartending Specific Resume

These two steps combined with a little research on where to send these items should get you a bartending interview.

Step 3: Ace the Interview

Remember that attitude is more important than experience. Be positive and likeable. Project a confident personality.

Master these three steps and you are well on your way to finding a great, fun and profitable bartending job. For more detailed information and techniques check out my free newsletter and program to learn How to Become a Bartender

About the Author

Brian WIlliams has been in the bartending and food and beverage industries for over 14 years. He has held jobs in 3 different states and worked his way to the top of the bartending profession. He has a step-by-step program on how to get bartending jobs and a free "Get a Bartending Job" newsletter available at getabartendingjob.com

How To Ace Technical Job Interview Questions and Answers

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:47:00 +0000

How To Ace Technical Job Interview Questions and Answers by Kingsley Tagbo

When was the last time you looked forward to a technical programming interview? When was the last time you stepped away from your programming interview feeling great and on top of the world because you wowed your potential hiring manager? How often do you get hired on the spot or receive a job offer within minutes of taking your programming interview? If you are sometimes not on top of your technical programming interview questions and answers or if you have a sneaky suspicion that your next interview will expose your weaknesses, you must go on and read the rest of this article. If you want to learn more about how to ace your programming job interview, you can visit our website http://www.programming-interviews-exposed.com while reading this article.

Programmers Fail At Technical Interviews Because of Lack of Preparation: Most programmers fail at technical programming interviews for the simple reason that they fail to prepare adequately. Because most programmers only start preparing for their interview after they are threatened with the prospect of losing a job. This strategy usually fails job candidates because they spend all their time searching for a job and then try to prepare for the interview at hand in a couple of days. Some programmers get away with this because the job opening they are applying for has got to be filled, therefore they received a job offer inspite of their poor showing at their preparation.

Lack of Self-Confidence: Timidity, fear, nervousness and lack of confidence can drastically reduce your chance of getting a programming job and here is why: 1. Hiring manages may assume that your lack of self-confidence is evidence that you lack good programming skills. 2. Hiring managers may assume that your lack of self-confidence is proof that you lied on your resume about your skills, experience or qualification. 3. Hiring managers may also assume that you are nervous or shy because you are simply incapable of doing the job you are interviewing for. Needless to say, showing strong confidence in yourself, your programming skills and your ability to get the job done will boost your chances of getting a programming job. If you want to learn more about how to prepare better for technical programming interviews visit http://www.programming-interviews-exposed.com

Lack of Real-World Programming Experience: Your ability to show, demonstrate or prove that you have real-world programming experience that matches or exceeds that of the position you apply for will make or break your technical interviews. This is because hiring managers don't want to hire programmers who don't already have the level of expertise and experience required to do the job. So, this can be a strong advantage or strong dis-advantage for you. If you can show your hiring manager that for example, you've worked on the same type of software development project, or that your recent programming experience is relevant to the job opening you are almost hired and if you can't, you will be shoo'd out the door.

About Programming Job Interviews Coaching: I've literally taken dozens of programming job interviews with various IT departments ranging from small software development shops to Fortune 500 IT departments to non-profits to consulting firms to staffing or recruitment agencies over the last decade. I've been interviewed and hired for both management and non-management software developer positions. I've personally interviewed software developers and also coached software developers who've gone on to wow their interviewers and get the programming job they applied for. I've successfully taken more programming job interviews than I can count. Often receiving multiple job offers in the process of finding a new programming job. I've written this article to help you better for forthcoming programming job interviews. So, use the keys outlined in this article to ace your programming interview and get the programming job you so desire.

About the Author

Kingsley Tagbo is an IT Career Coach. His Programming Job Interviews site (http://www.programming-interviews-exposed.com) offers more information on "How To Ace Programming Interview Questions", "How To Get A Programming Job", "How To Prepare A Programmer Resume" and more. Visit the site here: http://www.programming-interviews-exposed.com

5 tips for a successful job interview

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:32:00 +0000

5 Tips For a Successful Job Interview by Robert Lawrence

Job interviews can be stressful. After all, you are trying to convince a stranger that you are qualified for the job. But you can ace your next interview if you follow these 5 tips for a successful job interview.

5 Tips For A Successful Job Interview

1. Be Prepared - This might sound obvious, but there are many aspects of preparing for a successful job interview that many candidates don't realize. One of the best tips for a successful job interview that I can give is to put together a checklist of all the things that you need for the interview. Some things on the checklist might be: bring multiple copies of your resume, print out driving directions to the office, and know how long it takes to get there. The last thing you want to be is late!

2. Make Eye Contact - Making positive eye contact is a key tip for a successful interview. Eye contact is so important because it is one of the strongest forms of nonverbal communication. A person's qualities and personality can be detected simply based on eye contact. Making direct eye contact communicates confidence and high self-esteem, two key qualities employers look for in candidates.

Thus, it is very important that you make eye contact when you first meet interviewer and shake hands. And during the interview, it is important to make eye contact, not only when you talk, but also as you listen. Simply doing these two tips will greatly help your chances of success in a job interview.

3. Dress Appropriately - Knowing what to wear on a job interview is half the battle of the interview itself. The old adage could never be so true, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

When you're going on a job interview, your appearance is extremely important. Whether or not you look professional or sloppy could play a huge role on if you get hired.

When first deciding what to wear on a job interview, you should first take into consideration the culture of the company you are interviewing with, and dress accordingly. Are you interviewing with a company where the employees wear suits everyday or do they wear t-shirts and jeans?

If you want to get the job, your choice of what to wear on a job interview should match or be slightly dressier than the normal work attire of the company. For example, if the normal work attire of the company is business casual, it's ok to wear a suit to impress. If the normal work attire is casual, it's ok to wear a business casual outfit to impress as well. Appropriateness is the most important factor on what to wear on a job interview.

After you decide whether a professional, business casual, or casual outfit the most appropriate for your interview, here are some guidelines you will want to stay with in when deciding what to wear on a job interview. The key is to wear clothing that you feel comfortable and look great in, while at the same time matching the corresponding dress code of the company. That way you'll give off great energy and your true personality shine through.

4. Know the Company - Walking into an interview with proper knowledge of the company will score points with the interviewer. Other candidates may have the same job experience as you, but you can set yourself apart by demonstrating your knowledge of current events of the company and its industry. Visit the company's website for any news or press releases that it has sent out recently. This will give you opportunities to ask questions during the interview, which is definitely a key to a successful job interview.

Was there a recent change in Management? If so, you might want to ask how this will impact the company. Maybe the company just rolled out new technology. You can ask what the interview thinks about it, in relation to the company's competitors.

Familiarizing yourself with the company will give you an edge over your competition, and is critical to having a successful job interview.

5. Know Your Skills - You need to be very familiar with your resume and skill set before going on any interview. Remember, the interviewer is most likely meeting you for the first time, and may not know much about you. Plus, the interviewer is probably meeting with several candidates for the same position, and you need to separate yourself from the crowd.

You must effectively communicate your skills and qualifications to the interviewer, and you can only do so if you are totally familiar with your resume and skills. For example, if they ask you what you learned from your last job, you should have a few answers to choose from. And every answer you give should be supported by concrete examples. Without concrete examples, the interviewer will have nothing to latch on to, and might overlook what you have to say. But if you attach a real-world event or accomplishment to your example, it is more likely to leave an impression on the interviewer. This is key to having a successful job interview.

You now have 5 tips for a successful job interview. I highly recommended that you implement these tips the next time you go on an interview, as they will help set you apart from the crowd and gain an edge over the other candidates.

About the Author

To learn Robert's proven interview strategies that will get you hired, download his free report titled "5 Killer Strategies to Ace Your Interview" by visiting Robert's site @ www.KillerInterviewSecrets.com.

sample interview questions and answers

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:18:00 +0000

Need a Sample interview question? 8 great sample interview questions and answers! by M Porteous

Interviews can be nerve racking and tortuous if you are not prepared. While the interviewer can ask anything there are always a few questions out there that are difficult to answer or can trap you into saying something you do not really mean. With a great sample interview question and answer you can prepare yourself for these tough points in an interview and come out looking like a star! So letâ€™s look at these 8 great sample interview questions and answer them with style!

1. Tell me about yourself.

Often used as an opening to an interview and is scary because it is so open ended. You could keep the answer short, or long. You could be brief or detailed. You have so much choice of what you can put into this answer it can be confusing and flustering ... which is exactly how it is designed. This is usually just the first question however, they have many more to come so putting everything in would be foolish. What the interviewer wants if a quick summary of why you are the best person for this position. Use it as an opportunity to sell yourself and humanize yourself to the interviewer at the same time. Keep it short and to the point and let the interviewer get the other information out of you by other questions.

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Don't you hate this one! What do you do? Do you say you have none? Surely a sign of an out of control ego. Do you say you are a workaholic? Surely a sign of a liar or someone who considers working hard a weakness!? Fumbling with this question really shows a lack of understanding of what an employer is looking for. No person is without weaknesses and interviewers understand that, what they are looking for is some honesty and introspection. You can do this and still look like a great candidate for the job by presenting them with something that actually is a weakness of yours but also explain how you plan to fix this shortcoming. This shows honesty and a drive to better yourself and will make you look much better than any glib answer you can make up to avoid letting a weakness out!

3. What are your long term plans?

This can be easier for some than others, if you have a good long term plan for your career you can probably let fly with your prepared objectives. For some though the future can be less clear. However in either case what the interviewer wants to know is how is your long term goals going to help his business, not your own. If youâ€™re long term plan is to own your own business that is not what he wants to learn, he wants a good employee with plans to improve his company. Always focus on a long term plan that is beneficial to your interviewerâ€™s long term plans too.

4. Do you work well in a team?

No one in their right mind answers 'no' to this question but the interviewer is actually looking for proof of you being a team player more than a straight yes or no answer. Give the employer some examples where you have worked well in a team, especially focus on those times where working well as a team has given some success. Team sports, other workplaces working in teams, interest groups you may be involved in. If you name more than one or two it truly shows your ability and enthusiasm for working with others and being a sociable person which will be easily integrated into the workplace.

5. Have you ever had a conflict with other co-workers or your boss? How have you resolved this?

Conflict is always a part of life and is no different in a workplace. The interviewer wants to know your social problem solving skills but also wants to know if you are a combative person. Answering no to this usually encourage the interviewer to dig deeper looking for any conflict you may have had even if minor. It is best to pick a single example and show how you skillfully solved the problem to everyoneâ€™s advantage. It is best not to give too many examples lest the interviewer thinks you are a trouble maker however.

6. How would you describe yourself?

This is an interesting question and the tone of how you answer it often has more to do with the content of the answer. You want to appear friendly and confident without being too egotistical not too shy. Be honest with yourself and tell them your personality strengths not your weaknesses and present them clearly and quickly, you do not need examples unless they ask for them.

7. How has your education and previous work prepared you for this job?

This is a question where they want concrete examples of how you would fit the role they are offering. It is also important to show behavioral examples on how your general attitude would be good for their business not just your job specific skills. Give them a few examples that showcase your skills, attitude and work ethic. If you do not have much experience concentrate on your attitude and examples from life or study that could be modified to show applicable skills.

8. Why should I hire you?

This one can surprise many people with its directness. There is no room for doubt here you have to be confident that you ARE the best person for the job and don't be afraid to show it. The interviewer is also looking for confidence, passion and commitment so you should give them a short powerful speech that shows these qualities without being over the top and obviously out of your depth.

While there are thousands of other sample interview questions and variants on each sample interview question as well these are some of the most asked and toughest questions you will encounter. Remember confidence without ego with good preparation is the key to success, no gimmicks or tricks can be used against a good interviewer.

Good luck!

About the Author

Did you find these tips useful? Do you want to be ultra prepared for that interview? Do you want a proven advantage over all the other candidates? Do you want to get your career the greatest boost it can get? If so, click here for all the interview techniques you will ever need! Just check out the free samples for proof!

How to Answer Job Interview Questions

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:28:00 +0000

How to Answer Job Interview Questions by Fae Cheska Esperas

Probably the most dreaded part of every job application is the interview. To feel butterflies in your stomach is actually common whenever you are headed for an interview, but this is something you must get over with. People think of job interviews as "grilling sessions". In reality, interviews are just like any other getting-to-know-you conversation. It's just that your answers determine if you get that job you're applying for. So make sure you give them what they are looking for.

Here are some kinds of questions you should prepare for in a job interview:

1. The "Tell us a little more about yourself" question

Basically the interviewer wants to know about your capacities, so better tell him or her about your strengths and skills.

2. Closed questions

These are questions answerable by "yes" or "no". You are also required to show technical expertise for them to assess.

3. The "What if..." questions

Hypothetical questions, as they are more properly known, test your quick wit and your ability to decide on things right on the dot.

4. Leading questions

A lot of applicants fail miserably when answering this kind of question, for this is structured to be more like a "yes" or "no" question. Examples of this question begin with the phrases "Do you have the ability to...." and "Are you capable enough to..." Respond to this question by citing some examples on how you would demonstrate your skills. Also, try to say something about your goal plan once you get the job.

5. Multi-barreled questions

These are a string of questions that lead to the same topic, and they tend to get confusing. Feel free to ask your interviewer to repeat the questions, or at least rephrase them to give you a clearer picture of his or her inquiry. Some interviewers use multi-barreled questions to check your logical reasoning.

6. Behavioral questions

Try to recall some important experiences that made you a better person in terms of skills and social development. This allows the employer to evaluate how you would deal with different situations once you become part of the company.

The bottom line is, try your best to be straight and direct. Avoid using too many adjectives. Just say what's on your mind. After all, they are just asking questions. You provide the answers.

Find out what career options are available for you that matches your innate talents or interests.

About the Author

Fae Cheska Esperas is a 22-year old writer who aims to help individuals find success in their careers.

Do's and Don'ts of Job Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:09:00 +0000

The Do's and Don'ts of Job Interviews by Kathi MacNaughton

It's easy to go wrong in a job interview. But after investing all the effort into developing a resume and cover letter that gets you in the door for an interview, you don't want to blow it when you're finally face to face with the hiring manager, do you?

Don't worry; follow these few do's and don'ts and you'll be on your way to job interview success!

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO:

==> Arrive on time--or better yet--10 minutes early ==> Refer to the interviewer by name ==> Smile and use a firm handshake ==> Be alert and act interested throughout ==> Maintain eye contact at all times ==> Make all comments in a positive manner ==> Speak clearly, firmly, and with authority ==> Accept any refreshment offered ==> Promote your strengths

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO:

==> Be overly aggressive or egotistical ==> Spend too much time talking about money ==> Act uninterested in the company or the job ==> Act defensively when questioned about anything ==> Speak badly about past colleagues or employers ==> Answer with only yes or no ==> Excuse your bad points about work history ==> Ask for coffee or refreshments ==> Excuse yourself halfway through the interview, even if you have to use the bathroom

So, there you have it... follow these job interview tips for what to do and what not to do and you'll ace the interview!

About the Author

Kathi MacNaughton is a professional freelance writer and online entrepreneur. Visit http://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.com for more information.

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:55:00 +0000

HOW TO GET JOB IN THE UNITED STATES
(cut and paste the following link in your browser)
http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/jobs.html

Job Interview Techniques

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:34:00 +0000

Successful Job Interview Techniques by Steve Hill

Are you looking at changing career? Are you looking for work? Have you been invited to a job interview? Are you looking for advice about interview techniques? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, this article may well be of help to you. I am going to give advice and information about how to be successful when attending a job interview.

In my opinion preparation is the key to most things in life and it certainly is for people who want to gain employment.

When I was in my early twenties, I decided to leave the company where I had worked since leaving school. I wanted to become a financial advisor and had already passed all of the relevant examinations. Now all I needed to do, was to a find a company who was willing to take me on.

I decided to join a specialist financial services agency to help me with my search. I went and met a man who had been assigned my case etc. His name was Mark and he was very professional and knew his stuff. He quickly managed to secure me an interview and asked if I would meet him so that I could have a dummy run with him. He was aware that I had not attended an interview for a number of years and probably felt that I needed the practice.

To say that he was not impressed with my interview technique was an understatement and he quickly started to give me advice of where I needed to improve.

This is what he advised me to do:

Produce a personal profile of myself. This should include my c.v, any examination certificates, any other qualifications that I have such as first aid, information about my interests and anything else that makes me look good etc. This should all be put into a quality folder and can then be presented to the people conducting the interview when they ask me to talk about myself. They will see how much effort I have put in and will hopefully be impressed.

Try to predict what questions will be asked and prepare good quality answers to these questions. This is something which sounds so obvious but which I had never done before. When you have attended each interview you then try to remember all of the questions which were asked and then add them to your list. When returning home, you then think about the best way to answer these questions in the future, if they are ever asked again.

Find out information about the company with whom the interview is with. You may be asked at the interview if you know anything about the company you are hoping to join. It will sound a lot better if you can reel off a number of important facts rather than just saying something which is obvious. To find out this type of information you can use the internet, ask friends or go to the library.

On the day of the interview it is a good idea to have a bath before you go. A bath is a well known form of relaxation and can help to soothe and loosen up your muscles.

These tips that Mark gave me soon helped me to find work and I hope that they help you in your quest to gain future employment.

Steve Hill

About the Author

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

Tackling Tough Interview Questions

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:28:00 +0000

Tackling Tough Interview Questions - Be Prepared! by GradResumes.com

Immediately upon graduation, most college students start filling in job applications in hopes of securing a job interview. Prior to this, these graduates need to have an impressive graduate resume. Resume writing is an art that is best left to professional resume writers that specialize in graduate and entry level resumes. A good cover letter and an impressive resume is the first step towards being granted a job interview.

Now that you have secured an interview, you need to prepare for the tough questions that lie behind the employers' door. The majority of people considers the expected questions and prepare for these. Many rehearse the answers so that they sound confident while answering them. Practicing responses in advance keeps a check on nervousness, and you sound professional and confident. However, with the job market so competitive and so many applicants applying for the same job, employers have come up with a way to weed out applicants and let the cream rise to the top. Employers will ask questions that are difficult, make your pulse race and be tough to answer.

Tough Questions You Can Expect Let us take a closer look at some of the tough questions you may be asked and what a likely response could be:

* You have no experience. Why should I consider you? - You need to be persuasive. Mention your ability to overcome deficiencies. Also, mention how you increased your knowledge through education, internships and summer jobs. Perhaps explain how your ability to master new technology made your colleagues turn to you for advice. Detail how your budding management skills would have a positive impact on the organization.

* How did you resolve a conflict, if you had any, with your professor or last employer? - You need to accept that you had disagreements with your professors or past employers that required resolution. Give specific examples of how you coped and resolved the issue without being judgmental of your professor or previous employer. To answer this question correctly, you need to show that you are able to see the other persons view in the dispute, consider all options and then act rationally. That is what the employer is looking for. The employer really does not care who was right or wrong but what is important is how you handled yourself and the situation. * How would your professors (or last employer) describe you? - Explain that all would agree that you were a very energetic person who always accomplished whatever task was at hand. You were dependable, creative and possessed a keen eye to apply your knowledge in a very practical sense. Inform the interviewer that you have references for his consideration to backup your comments.

* In your opinion, what are the qualities of a successful manager? - Be brief, clear and meaningful with your answer - as this is a true quality of an excellent manager. Some qualities you could mention are collaborative leadership, visionary planning, understanding the corporate objectives. Also, highlight how to interpret these to increase revenues and service the clientele. You can finish your response by giving an example of a person you consider to be a true leader.

* What is your greatest weakness? - Everyone has one so never answer this question in a lame manner. Be precise and confident in expressing to the employer what you feel your greatest weakness is. Then immediately explain how your main achievement has been to recognize your greatest weakness and work on overcoming the issue.

About the Author

This Article Courtesy Of: GradResumes.com - specialists in graduate resumes and college admission documents. With dozens of professional resume writers and education specialists, and some of the finest editing staff in the industry, we have effectively helped thousands of clients launch their and successfully gain admission to their schools of choice.

How To Use Body Language In A Job Interview

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:48:00 +0000

How To Use Body Language In A Job Interview by Carl Yorke

How To Use Body Language In A Job Interview.

Itâ€™s easy to think that if we go through all the steps when looking for a new job such as searching for ads, sending resumes with cover letters, and landing an interview, then weâ€™re home free. Unfortunately, itâ€™s rarely that simple. It happens often that all of these are flawless, and the applicant is a very good candidate for the job, but the interview flops. What happens? Probably something as simple as ignoring one important step: understanding the body language of the interviewer and using body language to reinforce your excellent resume.

Itâ€™s not uncommon for a person to say one thing while sending an entirely different message with his body language. If you pay close enough attention, you can tell when a person is not telling the truth. There are tell-tale signs in his movements, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.

Taking the time to understand the dynamics of body language may be the best weapon in your arsenal for getting the job you want. You need to know that some companies hire body language experts to help them make the best possible selections. Most interviewers have some training in body language, so itâ€™s in your best interest to have at least a cursory understanding of it.

Facial Expressions

Is the interviewer smiling? He may be signaling that he is friendlyï¿½ï¿½"even that he is supportive of your application. On the other hand, be wary if the person is smiling too muchï¿½ï¿½"while he is talking, for example. He may be hiding something. Maybe he already knows that another candidate has been selected and he is just going through the motions with you. Smiling from time to time is a good sign, though. Itâ€™s an indication that the person is being himself and is probably not hiding anything.

The most important clues will be in the eyes. A shifty-eyed person is not to be trusted. Does the interviewer make eye contact with you? Thatâ€™s a good sign that he is receptive to you. Even so, making eye contact and holding it are two different things. If the interviewer holds eye contact too long, he may be trying to put you on the defensive.

Movements

When two people are talking, and one keeps looking away, itâ€™s a sure sign of lack of interest in what the other one is saying. Ear- or chin-scratching and playing with an ear also indicate either a lack of interest or disbelief. It would be a good time to begin to take action and try to make yourself seem more believable.

Crossed arms send a not-so-subtle signal. It indicates defense, but it also sets up a symbolic barrier. Has the interview turned combative? It might be a good time to lighten up a bit.

The face is also a good barometer of the mind. A blank face indicates either hostility or that the person is thinking about something elseï¿½ï¿½"perhaps what he wants to say next.

Using Body Language to Get the Job

Practice reading body language in the people around you until it becomes natural. But donâ€™t go overboard. If you are so preoccupied with this part of the interview, you may not do well on the other parts. Even so, donâ€™t fold your arms; control your smiling so that you are using it only in those instances where it increases confidence in you; look into the interviewerâ€™s eyes, but do not hold the contact too long. Donâ€™t look away from the interviewer.

In the long run, being scrupulously honest makes it easier for you to put forth the best body language because you wonâ€™t need to hide anything. Have a reality session with yourself before you go into the interview. Go in confident and real and use what you know about body language to read your interviewer.

About the Author

Carl Yorke has 15 years experience of recruiting senior managers as well as sales professionals. Most people find the whole process of finding a new job or career daunting and very stressful, being jobless is also stressful and unnerving...you've got to dress accurately, write your cover letters, resume's, thank you letters, arrange the interviews, prepare and plan for them....are you confident enough? If not then visit www.theinterviewhandbook.com.

Advice for Preparing for a Job Interview

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:43:00 +0000

Advice for Preparing for a Job Interview by Aseriah Jordan

Interviews, for a lot of people, are the hardest part of a job search. Not to worry my friend, with a little preparation, you will ace the interview and then some. Just like when you take an exam, you have to study to be confident in getting a good grade. Interviews are no different, except not as nerve wrecking. It's rather simple to prepare for an interview and I have listed them for you.

Interview Preparation

First off, you have to have an idea of the questions you will be asked. Sit down and think about the questions you would ask if you were the one conducting the interview. As a note, you can't possibly anticipate every question, but think of the biggest ones. Doing this little exercise will provide you with a base to answer whatever the employer throws at you.

Key, first impressions are everything. When it comes to an interview, being presentable can make or break your chancing of getting the job. This includes showing up clean shaved, showered, haircut, in other words look professional. Just make sure you don't over do it (too much perfume).

Even though what you say will sell you the most, body language has a huge affect on you communication. An experienced interviewer can read your body language like a professional poker player. While you may not be able to hide the messages your body sends, you can still control the things you say.

In Summary

This is just a simple, brief overview of what you can do to prepare yourself for an interview. Keep in mind the questions you have thought up and most importantly remain calm and collective. You will have success with this little insight but you can check out more information about interviews and what to expect by heading over HERE.

Best of Luck and God Bless

About the Author

Aseriah is a writer for the Iowa Citizen-Press. You can learn a lot more about how preparing for an interview can help you and more at http://www.aseriah.com/interviews

Interviewing Etiquette - Thank You Notes

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:40:00 +0000

Interviewing Etiquette - Thank You Notes by Don Goodman

In today's electronic age, there is often some confusion as to whether you should send a thank you note after a job interview. Some people believe it is not necessary and others think it is a nice touch. I will go beyond that and say it is a must!

Jobs have been won on the basis of a good thank you note. But it must be a good follow-up note. Although there is nothing wrong with saying "it was nice meeting you... and I am excited about the position", that kind of message doesn't SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY a thank you letter offers. If you did your homework and CONTROLLED the interview, then you will walk out knowing exactly what they are looking for in a candidate and what the greatest challenge is that will be faced. Your thank you letter is your opportunity to emphasize your ability to overcome that challenge and deliver the results they are seeking. This little reminder can often tip the scales in your favor.

Imagine though that the interview didn't go as well as you wanted or you want to ensure that you have the competitive edge. Another smart tactic with a follow-up note is to add that you gathered a lot of information in your interview and will surely have some additional questions as you give some thought to how you would face the challenges the job presents. Add "I hope you don't mind if I give you a call in the next day or so to ask you some follow-up questions". This indicates that you are taking the job seriously and are thinking about challenges and solutions. It also gives you the chance to continue the dialog and build rapport with the key decision makers. Remember: people hire people that they like!

Here are my rules for a good interview follow-up letter. First of all, if you met multiple people, send each one a note and make sure it is different and reflects the conversation you had. I suggest you email them a note within 24 hours and then also follow-up with a mailed letter - handwritten is best. If you provide this kind of attention to detail and service, imagine what you can do for their internal/external customers? You can't lose by doing this and you have everything to gain. Bottomline: there is no downside and it might just be the reason you get the offer.

Note: These statistics appeared right after writing this and they confirm my thoughts: in a recent poll, 88% of executives said sending a thank-you note following an interview can boost a job seeker's chances and only 51% of applicants do so. They also said that 52% prefer a handwritten note and 44% prefer email. Need more proof?

About the Author

Don Goodman, President of About Jobs (http://www.GotTheJob.com ) is a nationally recognized Career Coach and Resume Writer. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University's Executive Program, Don has helped thousands of people secure their next job. Read his blog at http://www.GotTheJob.com/blog/ or contact him at 800-909-0109 or by e-mail at dgoodman@GotTheJob.com.

Top Interview Tips

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:17:00 +0000

Top Interview Tips by Steve Burford

Top Interview Tips

Many graduates see going for a job interview as a bit of an ordeal.

Does this describe you?

An interview can be a nerve-racking experience. You want the job you are going for and you are under pressure to perform.

For the better jobs there will often be first, second and in some cases third interviews.

First interviews will follow a brief telephone interview (telephone interview tips) and is used as part of an employer's screening process. Essentially they are 'getting rid of the bad stuff' and trying to find the good stuff (which is hopefully you). Only 20% of candidates get this far.

Second interview tips: Second interviews will look further examine your technical or specialist skills. They will give the chance for the owner, director or senior partner to rake a look at you. You need to be able to anticipate questions you'll be asked, have convincing answers and deliver replies professionally.

An employer will be looking for the following things from you:

- Will this person be able to do the job?

- Will you fit into the team?

- Are you enthusiastic and motivated?

The ability to the job is perhaps the most important part. This can come down to the work experience you have.

You need to guarantee your success by...

* Having extensive knowledge about the organisation you are applying to. * Having tip-top interview skills

* Making sure you fit well into the job. * Sell yourself professionally and enthusiastically.

The Interview generally follows a simple structure:

1. There is a formal start, introduction etc.

2. A middle - a carefully timed sequence of questions

3. An opportunity for you to ask questions (you must ask some!)

4. An end.

The formal start - making the right impression

Lets get this right and keep it simple.

You need to have the right appearance and body language. The morning of the interview make sure you clean up good, put on your best suit, a light touch of perfume/aftershave, some brightening eye drops and a good smile.

Wake up with an air of assertiveness, self-confidence and ready for the challenge ahead. Don't mention anything negative about yourself and if your interviewer brings up anything negative, turn it into a positive.

Speak with great communication skills. See the recommended books on NLP if you want to learn some more about this. Body language is important with communication skills. Make sure you sit in an open body position at a slight angle so not to cause confrontation. Lean forward slightly to show interest, main eye contact and relax!

Make sure your handshake is firm but not knuckle breaking.

It's Question Time!

The most common areas to be questioned upon are...

- About you

- About your academic record

- Your work experience

- Your career objectives, dreams and motives

- Your knowledge of the company you are applying for

- Your personal achievements outside work

To break this down further think remember these things:

* When you talk about yourself remember to be positive. Highlight your strengths and remember they will always ask you about negatives. Always turn negatives into positives. For example, you could say you are always too hard on yourself and expect too much from yourself. This is a negative easily turned into a positive.

* When asked about you're A-levels or degree you may be asked why you chose certain subjects. Answer clearly and concisely.

* When is comes to work experience then you are going to be asked questions on your main responsibilities, lessons learnt, what you found difficult, how you got on with your boss etc.

* Make sure you know why you want the job you are interviewing for, what other jobs you have applied to and where you want to be in 5 to 10 years time.

* IMPORTANT! Your knowledge of the organisation. What do you like about the company? What key issues need addressing? Why will you fit in?

* Make sure you have some personal achievements to hand. Travelling the world, charity work, stand up comedian, sports...

Turn the table around! It's your turn to ask some questions!

Some good ones are...

* Is there anything you have heard from me today that worries you that I wouldn't fit into this job role? (You then tell them why they are wrong!)

* Do you like working here? Why do you like it so much?

* What do you think the strengths of the company are?

* What scope is there for personal growth?

* What kind of people would I be working with if I got the job?

MOST IMPORTANTLY your questions should be showing the interviewer that you are very INTERESTED in working at their company. If you act like you are interested and that you have got other job offers and that you are trying to pick the best job for you (rather than them pick you), then you will seem more sought after.

THE END.

Thank the interviewer, say it was nice to meet them and do the obligatory handshake goodbye.

Make sure you send them a thank you email the next day re-iterating that you enjoyed meeting them and clarifying a couple of your positive points (subtly).

If you want telephone interview tips then please visit this site.

We provide more tips and deals on our weekly email.

This was written by Steve Burford of WealthyStudent.co.uk. This is a guide to top interview tips. See site for further tips and telephone interview tips.

About the Author

President of WealthyStudent.co.uk and expert in online saving and online services.

The Job Interview Follow Up Letter

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:12:00 +0000

The Job Interview Follow Up Letter by Carole Martin

Your letter could be the tiebreaker between you and two, or even three, candidates so put some thought and effort behind what you say. Even if it doesn't get you the job, what do you have to lose - the cost of a postage stamp? Hedge your bet it could land you a job.

To send or not to send - will it really make a difference?

Catherine was looking for a business analyst for a position that had been vacant for four weeks. She was eager to hire, but wanted the right person in the job. She had narrowed the field to three candidates, Jim, Kelly, and Steven.

She had promised to call them by Friday, and on Wednesday afternoon she was still vacillating. Each had a strength she was looking for, but each also had some issues that had made her stand back and be objective. Jim had held several jobs in the last few years. Would he stick around for the tough times ahead? Kelly was ambitious, but didn't have the depth of experience interacting with difficult people. And, Steven was the quiet type who didn't reveal himself enough for her to get to know what he could offer, particularly interfacing with other departments and working under pressure.

When Catherine opened her email that morning she had 42 emails. She had glanced over them and thought she had seen Jim's name among the many, but hadn't taken the time to read it. She had 17 voice mails and there was a one from Kelly, but she only listened long enough to hear that she was thanking her for the interview. She hadn't heard from Jim.

That afternoon, Catherine closed her door. She was going to catch up and then work on her decision regarding the business analyst position. The first thing she did was open her mail. Among the mail was a letter from Steven. It caught her attention because of the depth she could see he had gone to. She stopped and read the letter.

Dear Catherine:

Choosing the right candidate is not an easy task and I want you to know I have been in your shoes before.

Based on our interview, I have done some thinking about the position and how I could bring added value to your organization and support some of the problems you discussed in during the interview...

What followed was a spreadsheet with the issues Steven had picked up during the interview. He not only identified some of the problems, but also showed how he could be the solution based on past experience. As Catherine read the letter she became intrigued, and liked what she read. This guy not only heard the issues, but he had given them some thought and did some analysis - looked beyond what was said. This was a trait she was seeking. She wanted to talk to him again.

The follow-up, thank you, letter is more than a nice "thank you for the interview." It is one more chance for you to sell yourself, and to tell them what you can do for them. Don't assume the interviewer remembers everything you said. When three candidates are interviewed and compared, some of the highlights you hoped would be considered, got lost or forgotten. Remind them of what you can do for them - not what they can do for you.

About the Author

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at http://www.interviewcoach.com

How To Negotiate Salary

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:08:00 +0000

How To Negotiate Salary by sas_jonathan

1. Don't negotiate salary at interview

Whilst both you and a prospective employer might be keen to agree salary at interview, don't bring it up. Usually before you apply for any job there will be a guide to what salary is on offer. If you're asked what salary is on offer simply state "The practical details can be worked out at a later date"

Not discussing salary at interview will improve their respect for you as it gives the impression that salary is less important than the role itself, even if it isn't. You interviewers will be left with a positive impression of you and are more likely to offer a good salary because of it.

2. Always turn down the first salary offer

This needs to be done diplomatically. When they call you and make a salary offer, thank them for the call and stress how excited you are by the prospect of working for them, but explain that you need to think it over. Call them back the following morning and explain that whilst you like the job and the organisation the salary offered was a little lower than expected. Tell them that if they make a final improved offer that you will take the job.

This works like a charm and I've seen people get up to $4,000 more on their basic salary for politely turning down the first salary offer made to them.

3. Speak to the decision maker

Most large companies have Human Resource departments that deal with recruitment and make job offers. They are usually rigid salary bands that they will stick to when making you an offer, but these people have little input on organisational affairs and don't know your true potential value to the organisation.

If you get an offer you are disappointed with and the HR department refuses to increase it then go to the real decision maker, the hiring manager. Usually the hiring manager, whom you will inevitably work for, will have interviewed you along side a member of HR staff and it is they who have the real power. Call the switchboard and ask to speak to the hiring manager who interviewed you. Be really polite and explain that the purpose of the call was to thank them for their time at interview and that it is a shame that the offer made by the HR department wasn't enough for you to take the job, as you were looking forward to joining the company. Nine times out of ten you'll receive a call from the Human Resources department within 48 hours, who having been contacted by the hiring manager, want to make a revised offer that is much closer to what you were expecting.

4. Provide Evidence of Market Rates

Usually employers make a salary offer based on what they think you are worth to their organisation. If you want to get an improved salary you need to demonstrate that what you are asking for is not unreasonable and is the going market rate. Visit an online job search site like www.monster.com and check out what other people doing your job are being paid by other companies. Print off this information and take it with you to salary negotiations to evidence your claims.

5. Read Recruitment Magazines in the office

If you are already in employment and are approaching a salary renegotiation period start taking recruitment magazines into work with you and reading them during your lunch break in the office. Ideally circle a few jobs similar to your own and leave that page open on your desk. I guarantee that word will soon spread that you are keeping a look out for a new job. When it comes to your turn to negotiate salary you will have put yourself in a strong position with management to get an improved basic wage.

About the Author

J Dawkins writes detailed and positive professional website reviews. You can find out more about our free service at www.writemyreview.com

Make Friends, Earn Money at www.friendsandmoney.co.uk
Submitted by: Super Article Submitter

How To Negotiate Salary

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:08:00 +0000

How To Negotiate Salary by sas_jonathan

1. Don't negotiate salary at interview

2. Always turn down the first salary offer

This works like a charm and I've seen people get up to $4,000 more on their basic salary for politely turning down the first salary offer made to them.

3. Speak to the decision maker

4. Provide Evidence of Market Rates

5. Read Recruitment Magazines in the office

About the Author

J Dawkins writes detailed and positive professional website reviews. You can find out more about our free service at www.writemyreview.com

Make Friends, Earn Money at www.friendsandmoney.co.uk
Submitted by: Super Article Submitter

The Employer Asks If You Have Any Question

noreply@blogger.com (RENGASAMY NARAYANASAMY) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:03:00 +0000

The Employer Asks If You Have Any Questions by Kenneth Anczerewicz

Job interviews tend to make us nervous about how to respond to various possible questions. However, during a face-to-face conversation it is equally important to prepare for the final question you may be asked, "Do you have any questions for me?"

Some companies consider this a formality. Sometimes the interviewer is just being polite and looking to answer any queries you may have about the position, the company, and so on.

Certain companies (e.g. newspapers, consulting groups) judge whether you're right for the job by the quality of your questions and the way that you ask questions. A person interviewing for a journalistic position should be comfortable probing for information and should display curiosity. For this candidate to say, "No, I don't have any questions," may throw up a huge red flag to the employer, saying that you might not have what it takes after all.

What might you be asked? Here are some sample questions candidates might want to ask an interviewee:

* "Is there a reason why the position is vacant?"

* "How often is this position vacated and filled?"

* "What are some of the toughest problems I would face in this role?"

* "What sorts of things would you like me to do differently than the person who previously held this position?"

* "What are the company's long-term goals for this position?"

* "How much freedom or autonomy would I be given in this role?"

* "What is the career trajectory like for someone who enters at this level?"

And remember, since this reverse question-and-answer portion always comes at the end of the interview, you should be careful only to ask questions that haven't been answered yet throughout the course of the discussion!

Just as you would practice answers to interview questions, practice posing these questions to the interviewer. Keep in mind, you can do a mock interview with a family member or friend.

Above all, stay on your toes, listen carefully, and don't just recite things from rote memory. Participate in the conversation rather than trying to fit it into a particular mold. If you are flexible and yet deeply involved in the conversation, that will reflect very well on you in the end.

Keep the six Ps in mind: Proper, Preparation, Prevents, Particularly, Poor, Performance. And then relax and win.

About the Author

Ken Anczerewicz is an author and publisher devoted to helping career & job seekers of all ages realize their financial goals through creating their own income streams. Learn more by clicking here now: http://www.resourceriver.com