7 Lessons That Older Workers Should Learn From Generation Y

Generation Y is constantly criticized for having a poor work ethic, displaying a sense of entitlement, and having weak social skills. They are known to sit at the dinner table with their heads in their phones; they undervalue face-to-face communication. However, as someone who works with this generation and is a member of it (I'm 28), I've noticed Generation Y workers also possess traits and work habits that are incredibly useful -- and could help older workers' careers.

Here are 7 habits of Generation Y workers that could make older workers more successful.


1. They focus on work satisfaction, not the paycheck.
Studies are continuing to show that Gen Y cares less about money and more about being happy in their careers. They look for jobs that challenge, motivate and educate. They aren't interested in jobs that will only act as "jobs" and not further them mentally and emotionally. If you focus on work you enjoy, you'll likely be more productive and less stressed.


2. They are adept at multi-tasking.
You may find it annoying that they drive their cars while eating sandwiches, talking on their Bluetooth and making Fantasy Football trades. You may be mystified by how they check their Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Tumblr accounts within seconds each morning. They are juggling more things both professionally and personally than any other generation. But this flexibility has enabled them to launch successful freelance careers and startups, an increasingly important skill as we move into a "gig" economy. The ability to juggle multiple gigs means that you'll be able to thrive in a 21st century economy and you won't have to be stuck in a job you hate.


3. They know how to be productive anywhere.
Young people know how to get their work done from coffee shops, planes or their homes. As more companies are reducing office space, being able to stay productive while working virtually makes you an asset to the team.

4. They are comfortable reaching out to top executives.
You may hate the fact that they don't seem to respect authority or the hierarchy; when you were entering the workplace, it was verboten to reach out to the head of the company. But not being intimidated by position or ranking means that they are more likely to establish relationships with powerful people who can boost their careers. As a result, they are more likely to get what they want out of the workplace.


5. They embrace connectivity.
Gen Y workers don't remember a time when you networked without social media. As a result, after they've chatted with someone at a meeting, they automatically connect -- over Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. They build relationships online -- which means they know about job opportunities first and have more contacts who can help them get jobs.


6. They're in love with their smartphones.
They use it for everything and it is a tool that enables them to multi-task, increase productivity, and stay in touch faster and more frequently. Mobile is becoming the new force in the economy, driving how companies and consumers affect it; those who don't embrace it will be left behind.


7. They are job hoppers.
Unlike the baby boomer generation, Gen Y expects to move from one employer to the next, in pursuit of better opportunities. They've seen their parents get laid off; they know that there is no such thing as company loyalty. They seize opportunities to grow their skills, which means they're much more likely to stay employable throughout their career.






Source: AOL

5 Worst-Case Interview Scenarios

You thought you were prepared for that interview. But sometimes even the best laid plans can't ward off unexpected disaster. Besides having a getaway car waiting to quickly whisk you away from an awkward situation, there are ways to overcome even the most embarrassing interview situations.
Certified career counselor Susan Guarneri says to keep in mind that you are only human, as are your interviewers, and everyone knows that stuff happens. When the unthinkable happens in an interview, what's most important is how you manage the situation.

Here are some suggestions on how to handle unforeseen interview mishaps.

You're Late.
Whether you overslept or your train stalled on the tracks, either way, you know you're going to be late for your interview.
Solution: "If you can see you're going to be late, immediately call ahead and let them know," Guarneri advises. That way you won't keep your interviewer waiting and you give them the chance to call the shots -- squeeze you in for a later appointment or reschedule for another day.

You Forgot Your Résumé Materials.
You grabbed your briefcase, but left your portfolio stuffed with your beautifully printed résumés, letters of recommendation and work examples sitting on your kitchen table.
Solution: "This can be easily handled if you planned ahead properly," Guarneri suggests. "Don't rely on just a paper résumé. Have your résumé available online somewhere, such as a blog, personal Web site or in your e-mail. Then it can be instantly retrieved from the interviewer's office."

You Have a Wardrobe Malfunction.
Somewhere between your house and the interviewer's office your smartly pressed suit ends up looking stupid. This happened to one of Guarneri's clients who was splashed by a passing cab right outside the building of the company with which he was going to interview.
Solution: Guarneri recommends continuing to your interview and briefly explaining what happened. Almost everyone has had a wardrobe malfunction occur at an inopportune time -- your interviewer will likely be empathetic to your mud speckled trousers.

You Forget the Name of the Person You're Interviewing With.
You're nervous during an interview and it's common for your mind to go blank.
Solution: If you didn't write it down on, don't see a nameplate on the desk, or can't read it off of certificates adorning the walls, don't fake it, Guarneri warns. Find an opportune time to ask the interviewer for his or her business card, by saying something like, "Before I forget, could have one of your business cards?"

The Interviewer is Distracted.
Another of Guarneri's clients entered an interview only to find the interviewer sitting with his head in his hands and didn't even look up when her client entered the room and sat down.
Solution: If they're not listening when you're talking, are they bored? Are they stressed with other projects?
"Pick up on the emotional cues the interviewer is delivering," Guarneri says. "Then recognize the situation and get their attention." In this case, her client said, "If this is a really bad time, I can come back."
It ended up the interviewer had just found out his dog had died. Although it wasn't the ideal situation, this gave her client, who has a dog, a chance to connect with the interviewer and they both began sharing dog stories. (He ended up getting the job with just that one interview.)
Guarneri says job seekers often stress when something goes wrong in an interview, but how you manage a challenging situation can say a lot about you. She had a client who flew to Buffalo, New York for an interview and was snowed in by a winter storm. He ended up arriving at the interview three days late, with a rumpled suit (the only clothes he had to wear for the three days) and mismatched shoes (he lost his shoes and had to buy new ones at a nearby thrift store). His perseverance and genuine interest in the position -- along with a healthy dose of humor about the whole situation -- landed him the job.



Source: careerbuilder

11 Surprising Ways to Hurt Your Career

While most career advice focuses on how to succeed, we can all learn valuable lessons by dissecting career failure as well. Workplace experts offer insights into some of the top ways workers undermine their own careers and jeopardize their career development.      

1. Not Taking Your Education Seriously

If you party too much in college and end up with a run-of-the-mill 2.5 GPA, you’ll be passed over for the best entry-level jobs, says New York City-based executive recruiter and coach Brian Drum of Drum Associates. Not finishing your master’s degree is another way to hurt your career development goals, adds Anne Angerman, a career coach with Denver-based Career Matters.

2. Not Having a Plan

In the current poor job market, you may have defaulted into a career you aren’t crazy about. That’s OK, as long as you develop career plans to get where you want to be. “Think of every job you take as a stepping-stone to your next job,” Drum advises.

3. Lying

You’ll lose professional credibility in a hurry if you lie, from exaggerating on your resume to getting caught fibbing on Facebook. “If someone calls in sick to work and then that evening posts a photo on Facebook of their extra day vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, that’s a big problem,” says corporate etiquette specialist Diane Gottsman of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio.

4. Sullying Your Reputation on Facebook or Twitter

Social media can harm your reputation in other ways, too. Personal posts and tweets from work -- when you’re supposed to be doing your job -- can tag you as a slacker. And the content of your posts or tweets can come back to haunt you as well -- you never know who might stumble upon those bachelor-party photos. “You need to assume that every boss and potential employer knows how to use Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, and post from the standpoint that everyone is watching even if in reality they’re not,” Gottsman says.

5. Not Respecting Professional Boundaries

Sharing TMI about your personal life with colleagues is unprofessional. “Your coworkers don’t want to hear about your fights with your husband,” Angerman says. On the other hand, if you’re ultraprivate and work with a chatty group, join the conversations occasionally so coworkers don’t resent you.

6. Gossiping, Slandering, Excessively Criticizing

If you publicly bash fellow employees, the boss, the board of directors or even your competitors, you’ll be perceived as negative at best and a troublemaker at worst. The ramifications can be broad and long term, Gottsman says. “Industries are tight,” she says. “You don’t want to be the one who started that rumor about the head of your industry.” As far as bad-mouthing competitors -- what if your company merges with a competitor, or you want to work for one someday?

7. Carrying on an Inappropriate Relationship with Your Boss

A romantic entanglement with a boss can do real damage to your ability to collaborate with peers. "When you get involved in a drama or in something unethical that can be brought out in the open, you're asking for trouble," Gottsman says. Even getting too chummy with a boss can cause jealousy (as well as other potential problems). When it comes to your boss, keeping things professional is always the wiser choice.

8. Not Controlling Your Alcohol Intake or Libido

Getting drunk at the office party or on a business trip damages your credibility. Ditto a romantic, ahem, “indiscretion” that your colleagues know about.

9. Job-Hopping Just for the Money

Job-hopping -- in moderation -- may not automatically disqualify you from a position. “But it gets to the point -- like if you have seven or eight jobs by the time you’re 35 -- that employers are not going to want to invest in you,” Drum says. Also, if you have leadership aspirations, keep in mind that the top dogs of many large corporations have been with those organizations for long periods, he says. Additionally, many companies have “last in, first out” layoff policies, which could leave you out of a job if you never stick around long enough to build tenure anywhere.

10. Losing Touch with References
You’ll kick yourself later if you leave a job without collecting personal contact information from colleagues who can serve as professional references for you in the future. “If you were forced to leave a job and you can’t ask your boss for a reference, hopefully you’ve built up some rapport with a colleague and can ask them,” Angerman says.

11. Leaving a Job on Bad Terms

Don’t become a lame duck when you’ve got one foot out the door, Drum says. “The employer only remembers about the last five minutes you were there,” he says. Give proper notice and don’t leave a mess behind. And by all means, do not make a huge dramatic production of it when you quit, complete with cursing, slandering and throwing things, Gottsman advises. “It’s very difficult to get another job when you’ve left destruction in your wake,” she says.




Source: Monster

Dos and Don'ts of Handling Interview Silence

You?re at a meeting or job interview. You?ve just answered a difficult question or made an important point and are met with an unmovable silence. You wait, growing a bit uneasy, but the room remains deafeningly still.

What would you do? According to executive coach Mary Kay Scarafile, most candidates rush in to fill the void by talking a blue streak. "Most people are so intimidated by the silence that they slip into the role of someone who has goofed and is trying to recover. They?ll do anything to end the silence, so they begin to qualify and expand on their previous answer hoping to hit on something that will fix the problem.

"This most often results in candidates offering more information than they need to - information that is irrelevant, even damaging, to them and their cause."

A senior advertising copywriter says her panic over an interviewer?s silence cost her her dream job.

"When asked whether I?d still work if I won a $10 million lottery, I said that if I worked for this agency, yes, because I would be doing what I loved. It was an honest answer and I thought a good one, but the creative director just stared at me suspiciously."

"After a while I got so nervous, I began conceding that there were a number of changes I would make if I won the money... It was all down hill from there."

Whenever you are confronted with silence, the best strategy is to refuse to be intimidated by it. Remember, some people use silence as a test to see how you respond under stress. And if you actually did goof, remaining calm will do more to defuse the situation than a stream of chatter.

Scarafile recommends that if you ever encounter the silent treatment, you should keep quiet yourself for a while and then ask very sincerely: "Is there anything else I can add to fill in on that point?"

This puts the responsibility back on the interviewer, and if you have said something that is troubling him or her, will give you a better idea of how to recoup.

Knowing what to say is important. Knowing when to stop is vital. To keep from talking yourself out of a job remember these Do?s and Don?ts.

Do your homework beforehand. Anticipate questions that are likely to be asked and prepare brief (two minutes or less) compelling answers to each.
Don?t spend time talking about dates, chronology or other information readily available on your resume unless asked to do so.
Do pause briefly before answering a difficult question to gather your thoughts. It not only helps you organize what you want to say, but will make you appear more sincere.
Do pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues from the others in the room to gauge their reaction and adjust your responses accordingly.
Do bring along a portfolio of successful projects (if applicable to your line of work) so that the interviewer can see and get a feel for the breadth of what you can do and ask about the projects which interest him or her.

Become comfortable with silence. Remember, eloquence is saying the proper thing... And then stopping!


Source: careerbuilder

8 tips for getting great job references

With more companies researching job candidates online and through social media, it may seem as if traditional references are less useful than they used to be. Have they become obsolete?

Far from it. For hiring managers, there's still no substitute for discussing you and your work with the people who know those topics best. References are a great way to distinguish professionals who have made a lasting impact on their employers from those who merely look good on paper.

Hiring managers hear lots of vague praise. A recommendation that seems halfhearted or generic can actually hurt your chances of receiving an offer. Ho-hum references can suggest not only that you haven't knocked the socks off previous employers, but also that you didn't put much thought into preparing your reference team.
While you can't control what your references say about you, you can set yourself up to receive powerful endorsements. Here are eight tips for doing so.

1. Don't wait. Start preparing your list of references before you send out your résumé. A last-minute scramble to put references together can lead to incoherent or irrelevant recommendations. Employers expect three to five references; it's a good idea to line up more than you need and then choose the most pertinent ones for each prospective position.
2. Choose wisely. Choose your references based on their ability to provide meaningful impressions about you, not the prestige of their title. A busy chief information officer who remembers you fondly but struggles to recall any of your specific achievements may be less helpful than a colleague who has worked alongside you on numerous projects.
3. Round out your team. Hiring managers understand that candidates in the early stages of their career may not have a deep pool of managers and colleagues from which to choose. Former professors or fellow members of a professional association can work fine as long as they know you well and have strong communication skills.
4. Ask first. No matter how confident you are about someone's appreciation for your work, never list a reference without permission. Even if the reference isn't miffed by your presumption, she's unlikely to deliver a convincing endorsement during a surprise phone call.
Note how long it takes each potential reference to respond to your request. If you don't hear back promptly, chances are a hiring manager won't either.
5. Keep in touch. After someone has agreed to serve as a reference, verify his contact information and provide your up-to-date résumé. Follow up whenever you think the person is likely to receive a call. This gives you a chance to confirm your reference's availability and to brief him on the key requirements of the position. Ideally your contact will start thinking about specific reasons you'd be a good fit.
6. Be thorough. On your reference list, include each person's name, title, company, email address and phone number. A sentence or two about your work history with each reference can help the hiring manager ask the most pertinent questions. Hiring managers assume that references are available upon request, so you don't need to include that phrase on your résumé.
7. Be upfront. If you don't want your current boss to know you're looking for a new job, mention that to the hiring manager when you provide your references. Otherwise, the omission of your direct supervisor might look like a red flag. A trusted, discreet colleague at your company may make a suitable replacement.
8. Come prepared. You shouldn't provide your references until they're requested, but it's a good idea to bring a hard copy to your interview. Presenting a complete list on the spot suggests confidence and strong organizational skills.
Building and maintaining a reference list shouldn't be confined to your job search. If you treat it as an ongoing part of your professional networking efforts, you won't have to sweat the process each time you're on the market. Stay in touch and let your most valued contacts know that you're available to provide  references, too. Your endorsement might be the deciding factor for someone whose work you appreciate -- and for that person's fortunate new employer.





Source: careerbuilder

The Best Ways to Close a Job Interview

"Do you have any questions for me?"

This is a very typical way for an interviewer to wind down a conversation. It gives the illusion of a level playing field, with each side having a turn to query the other. The employer well knows the questions for which you really want to know answers, but you lose a precious opportunity if you ask any of these:

• Do you love me yet questions: How did I do on this interview? Will I be invited back for another round of interviews?
• Process questions: What happens next? When do you expect to make a decision?
• What's in it for me questions: When would you like me to start? How much will you pay me? What benefits will you offer me? How much vacation time will I get? Can I still take a pre-planned vacation scheduled for one week after I start work?

Of course you will ultimately need the answers to these questions, but now is not the time to ask. Any information about what the company can/will do for you is not relevant until after the hiring managers have decided that you are the best match for the job.

Moreover, taking precious face-to-face interview time to talk about these things means that you aren't using that time to seal the deal, asking questions that demonstrate your interest in contributing to the company's success and highlighting some of your skills or other qualifications that haven't yet been touched upon.
There are, of course, many appropriate questions for you to ask.

• Earlier in this conversation we discussed X. Would my experience doing [fill in the blank] at [fill in company name] be a strength that you would want to draw on for the department/organization?
• What are the most pressing problems that make hiring someone for this position so important right now? When you get the answer, you then have an opportunity to mention things you've done that demonstrate your ability to fill that need.

My all-time favorite closing question is this: "Let's flash forward and assume that I've been working for you for a year. Imagine that you have just given me a stellar performance review. What are the things I will have done during the next year to earn such great praise from you?"

The beauty of this question is multi fold. First, it helps the interviewer to visualize you being both hired and successful. That perception is crystallized when he begins his response, "I think that you will have done….".
On another level, regardless of what has been said up to this point, the answer will parse out the basic job requirements from the things that a stellar performer will accomplish. With this knowledge, you can then circle back with a story, past accomplishment, or something else that demonstrates your ability to be that top-performing employee. And here's the icing on the cake: when you get the job, you'll know exactly what you need to accomplish to be the most valued member of your team.





Source: money.usnews

Mishandling Salary Negotiations

Many people think that once they have landed and aced an interview, all of their work is done. But, sometimes deciding whether or not to accept a job offer can be just as stressful and time-consuming as getting to that point in the first place. One point of contention is salary negotiation. This process can be overwhelming, particularly for job seekers without a great deal of experience. Negotiating a fair and practical salary is a critical step in the job search process, and one that can be navigated smoothly if you know what to do -- and what not to do. Beware of common mistakes.

Not doing your homework.
Before you go to an interview, you need to determine your desired salary range. It is impossible to do so if you do not know your industry. Research typical salaries for someone with similar experience in your industry. There are a wide variety of resources available that can help you determine median salaries and ranges for your position and years of experience. Without doing this, you will be virtually unarmed to present a case for the salary you request.

Neglecting to think carefully about your needs.
Just as researching your industry is important, it's also vital that you do a bit of self reflection. If you never stop to think about what income you need, you may end up taking an offer that leaves you pinching pennies. Before interviewing, ask yourself some important questions. How much do you need to pay your basic expenses, such as rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and car payment? What kind of salary do you need to live a comfortable life that allows you to enjoy yourself? What is the lowest salary you will consider? How much do you need to be able to save for the future?

Laying all of your cards on the table.
Negotiating a salary is like playing a card game. You need to gauge the other person's intentions without giving away all of your secrets. While job applications and interviewers may ask you to name a salary requirement, always avoid providing a number. However, many prospective employees feel pressured into doing so in an interview. That's why you need to be prepared to answer the question: "What kind of salary are you looking for?" Try to use answers such as "I'm sure that if I do receive an offer, it will be fair and reasonable," or "I will consider any reasonable offer." If pressed for a number, give a range rather than a specific. The bottom of your range should be the minimum you must make, with the top being a bit higher than your ideal.

Forgetting about other benefits.
When you receive a job offer, it is important to consider the offer in its entirety. This means paying attention to the company's medical and dental plan, vacation package, retirement benefits, and other perks. If the company cannot meet your salary requirements, it may be able to make it up to you in other ways, such as stock options or additional vacation time.

Believing that you don't have the right to ask for more.
A company is not going to offer you the highest salary they'd be willing to pay right off the bat, and most companies expect candidates to come back with a counter offer. If you have done your research and have supporting information to back up your salary wishes, don't be afraid to let the company know that you would like something higher. However, don't make the mistake of playing hardball, thinking you are irreplaceable, or being unwilling to negotiate. If you receive a low offer, thank the company for the offer, let them know that you are excited about the position, and politely and respectfully request a higher salary. The worst the company can say is no, and you never know what will happen until you ask.

The bottom line is that salary negotiations, like anything else, need to be done respectfully and kept in perspective. But if you do your research, set your boundaries, and always know how to handle the tough questions, chances are you will end up with an offer that works for you and the company.




Source: careerbuilder

Job searching for the average worker

Would you say that you're just working for a paycheck right now? Are you not sure where your career is going or what path you want to take? Maybe you've had ideas about what you want to do, but you haven't found the right opportunity to kick start your career. One thing is certain: You're looking for a new job but don't think you'll stand out from the competition.

What do you do if you haven't yet excelled in your career and don't have huge successes to highlight in a résumé? Here are some tips on job searching for the average worker.

Look for positions in which you can gain experience
If you're new to the working world or are changing fields, look for an entry-level position or a job in which you can gain experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great tool for exploring your next job move. You can select occupations to learn more about them and narrow down your search by salary, education level required, on-the-job training provided and projected growth rate. Honestly assess where you are in your career, and decide where you'd like to be.

Take a class or training program
A lack of experience or the absence of impressive accomplishments on your résumé doesn't have to be a deal breaker if you can demonstrate that you're finding other ways to acquire knowledge. Look for classes in your focus area that will perk up your résumé. The recession has been tough for job seekers, but it has also provided opportunities for getting more education. Including training on your résumé shows that you are ambitious. Hiring managers look for job candidates who add value to the company and are always trying to better themselves. Use your cover letter to elaborate on how you've taken courses to build your skills.

Volunteer
Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community, it's also a great way to add to your résumé. Decide what type of job you're interested in pursuing, and seek out volunteer work in that field. For example, gain public-relations and event-planning experience by helping a charity group organize a fundraiser. Even if you don't get any relevant experience out of a volunteer job, you can still network. Talk to those you're volunteering with and share your career goals with them. You may meet somebody who can point you in the right direction.

Develop an eye-catching résumé
When updating your résumé, include the new classes or training programs you've taken, as well as any freelance or creative projects you've accomplished. But if you need to start your job search before you've accomplished all of your goals, don't worry. Put together a flawless, eye-catching résumé that will make you stand out from other applicants. Not sure where to start? Check out CareerBuilder's infographic on how to make a résumé shine, and you'll be a step ahead of the competition.





Source: careerbuilder

5 job-search tips for career changers

You've hit a turning point in your career. Whether it's because your job has slowly become less satisfying over the years, or you woke up one morning and realized you hated going to work, you've decided it's time for a change.

If only you knew what you wanted to do next. Details.
The "I don't know what I want to do, but I know it's not this" predicament is confusing at best. Besides the issue of figuring out what you want to do, there's also reality to consider. You might  think you'd make a great marriage counselor, but do you really have the time, energy and means to get the necessary training? Will your career change require you to relocate? How will you convince potential employers that, after 10 years in one career, you have the necessary experience for a new one?
Because the career-change process is complicated, it's important not to rush into anything. Take time to explore your options and answer all of the questions you have about the career paths you're considering. Or, as "What Color is Your Parachute?" – the best-selling career guide – puts it:

"Good career choice or career planning postpones the 'narrowing down' until it has first broadened your horizons and expanded the number of options you are thinking about. For example, you're in the newspaper business, but have you ever thought of teaching, or drawing or doing fashion? You first expand your mental horizons, to see all the possibilities, and only then do you start to narrow them down to the particular two or three that interest you the most."

Once you've got a short list of potential careers, it's time to begin your job search. Mark C.D. Newall, senior vice president at Keystone Associates, a career transition and management firm in Boston, offers the following quick tips for job searching in a new field.

1. Play the game. As newbie, you're going to have to put in a lot of footwork. "Intensively networking, utilizing technology, honing your interviewing skills -- all of these things are important and need to be done," Newall says.
 
2. Identify your edge. Since you won't be able to rest on your experience, it's important to identify other selling points that will make you stand out to employers. "Everybody is smart, everybody works hard, everybody has a good degree -- differentiate yourself from all of the others by having an edge," Newall advises. "If you have global expertise, call it out. If you have outstanding and demonstrated interpersonal skills, let interviewers know that you will connect with and take care of their clients."
 
3. Be willing to move. Flexibility can go a long way when breaking into a new career. "Expanding your geography will also expand your opportunities," Newall says.
 
4. Speak to your passion. "Know what is important to you -- what really gives you that sense of accomplishment -- what gets you out of bed in the morning. Hiring managers will see your passion and how it relates to their business, and they want to hire that," Newall says. Given the amount of self-reflection career change usually requires, rattling off a list of things that make you tick shouldn't be too hard.
 
5. Have a solid methodology. Like in any job search, you'll need a game plan, Newall says. "Organize your time, your contacts, your approach, and conduct your job search in a planned and thoughtful manner. Then be ready to toss aside your plan, and be able to react to that last minute call."
Want more tips on career change? Check out:




Source: careerbuilder

Common interview questions -- and how to answer them effectively

Every hiring manager has a different set of go-to interview questions. In a recent survey by our company, we asked more than 650 managers in the United States and Canada to name the single question they ask that provides the most insight about a job applicant. Responses ranged from classic queries ("Where do you see yourself in five years?") to less-traditional ones ("How would you describe yourself in five words?").
While there's not always one right way to answer an interview question, some approaches are better than others.

Here are some questions from the survey that you may face in your next interview, along with tips on how -- and how not -- to answer them...

"Can you tell me a little about yourself?"
Do: Prepare for this popular question -- which is often the first one asked -- by developing an incisive summary of your career. Your sound bite should be succinct but include enough detail about your pertinent skills, work experience, accomplishments and goals that the hiring manager can quickly see what you bring to the table.
Don't: Give your life story, discuss leisure pursuits or describe aspects of your professional background that aren't relative to the position you're interviewing for.
"Why do you want to join our company?"
Do: Walk into the interview with beyond-the-basics knowledge of the firm. Read the company's website, marketing materials and relevant news stories to gain a good grasp of its mission, history, reputation and corporate culture. The more information you collect, the more specific you can be about why you're an excellent fit.
Don't: Answer in the context of your financial needs. Saying "I hear you provide good pay and benefits" or "Frankly, I need a job" won't score you any points.
"What's your biggest weakness?"
Do: View this as an opportunity to demonstrate your self-awareness, sincerity and problem-solving prowess. Mention an area where you could improve and spotlight the steps you've taken to do so.
Here's an example: "In the past, I sometimes overextended myself. Reading time-management books has helped me, though. Now, I make prioritized to-do lists, I've learned it's OK to delegate and I volunteer for extra projects only when I'm caught up on core responsibilities."
Don't: Offer a transparently fake flaw ("I care too much about my work!") or pretend to be perfect ("Weaknesses? None come to mind."). And, of course, don't be your own worst critic by citing countless shortcomings.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Do: Position yourself as an ambitious but flexible realist. One way to do this is to speak of your desire to continually take on broader responsibilities and grow professionally no matter what role you're in. You also might emphasize your commitment to lifelong learning by mentioning your interest in attaining advanced industry certifications.
Don't: Focus on an overly lofty objective. For instance, boldly proclaiming you intend to be the firm's next CFO when you're an entry-level accounting candidate certainly shows drive, but it's not a practical five-year objective. In addition, steer clear of fanciful daydreaming ("I'll be counting my lottery winnings on a Hawaiian beach").
"Why are you looking to leave your current employer?"
Do: The interviewer is trying to figure out if you truly want the position, or if you're looking for any way out of a bad job. As such, reiterate what you like about the role you're seeking rather than gripe about the one you hope to vacate. Make it clear you're chasing a great opportunity, not running away from an unpleasant situation.
Don't: Speak ill of your current employer. Regardless of how unhappy you are with your job or company, never act bitter or resentful in an interview. Hiring managers seek candidates who are loyal, positive-minded and team-oriented. They aren't inclined to hire people they perceive to be potential headaches.
Finally, despite your best efforts, you can't anticipate every question you'll be asked.
"How would you define your personality in one word?" or "How will you behave if you get blamed for something you didn't do?" were just two of the unique questions that popped up in our survey of hiring managers.
If an interviewer throws you a curveball, maintain eye contact, take a deep breath and pause to consider your response. Many of your competitors will fluster easily. Set yourself apart by keeping your cool in the hot seat.





Source: careerbuilder

Online job search 101

The Internet has completely transformed the job search, with job seekers moving from circling newspaper ads to searching online job boards and using social-media tools. In addition, many companies now recruit and research job candidates using online resources. But the new online job-search process can be intimidating.

While the World Wide Web may seem like the Wild, Wild West, there's actually order and reason to it. There are also job opportunities aplenty. Learn the basics of online job searching here, and you'll be applying for jobs in no time.

Create a plain-text version of your résumé
Upload your résumé to a résumé database, where submissions are pooled and organized so employers can search for viable candidates. If your résumé has images or sophisticated formatting, create a text-only version that can be uploaded easily as a Word document, text document or PDF. If the résumé has too many bells and whistles, it won't upload properly or be formatted correctly -- major turnoffs to potential employers.
Use keywords from the job description in your résumé
In the "summary of qualifications" section on your résumé, include keywords taken from the job description. Most companies that post jobs online use applicant-tracking systems to narrow down possible candidates. Incorporate keywords naturally throughout the résumé; don't just copy and paste the job description.

Learn the job-search terms
There are plenty of ways to approach the position you want through online job searching. Once you're on an online job board, you can widen or customize your search as much as you like.

• Location: Unless you're open to relocation, select your target location and how close to that location you'd like to be.
• Keywords: If you're new to online job searching, starting off with a general search, such as "sales" or "administrative assistant" will return many results and can help you become more familiar with job postings. As you become more accustomed to keyword searches, you can customize your search further.
• Industry: If you want to work in a specific industry, you can select that industry in your search to narrow down your results.
• Job category: Besides location, this is the most important selection to make. Choose the category in which your job title (past, current or future) is organized, i.e., "education" if you're a teacher or "entry level" if you're new to the workforce. You can also select multiple categories for more results.

Use social media
If you already have or are interested in creating a social-media presence, understand that sharing personal information online can affect your career. Many companies now research candidates via social networks, so make sure your pages are clean and professional, and change your privacy settings so you control who views your pages.

Researching the company you're applying to is simple and essential. Peruse its website and social-media pages to understand the company's personality and mission. This will give you plenty to write about in your cover letter and help you answer that inevitable interview question, "Why are you interested in our company?"

Details matter
You'll likely apply for more than one position online. Because submitting job applications and résumés online is so easy, it becomes equally easy to mess up. Don't send the same information to every potential employer, because you risk accidentally sending a cover letter mentioning a previous application/competitor. Take the time to proofread everything.





Source: careerbuilder

Leave This Info Out of the Interview

Everyone knows someone privy to sharing too much information – the TMI, if you will. TMIs have no boundaries and no shame. They will tell you any and every piece of personal information, whether it's filling you in on her latest try at the fertility doctor or the dream he had about your boss last night.

Sharing too much information with your co-workers is an office no-no; sharing too much personal information during the interview is an entirely different ballgame.

"The No. 1 risk of offering up too much information is losing out on the second interview," says Linda Lopeke, a career advancement expert and creator of SmartStart Virtual Mentoring Programs. If you say something that inadvertently touched the interviewer's hot buttons, you've automatically characterized yourself as a bad fit, Lopeke says.

"You always want to leave them wanting just a little bit more of you," she says. "Employers are looking to hire people who generate goodwill for the company and who make a good first impression on those they meet."

Need help deciding what information crosses the line and what doesn't? Here's a list of what personal information Lopeke says is safe, borderline and absolutely forbidden in your interview.

Green light: Go ahead with the following personal info.

- Goals. It's OK to talk about what you want in your next assignment and what inspired you to apply for the position. "This is the 'what you want, why now, why them' conversation," Lopeke says.

- Growth. You can and should talk about the things you've done up to this point to invest in yourself and your professional development.

- Highlights. "Relate the highlights of your greatest professional achievements to date without exaggerating or pontificating," she says.

- Motivations. Talk about what motivates you, excites you, what brought you to that particular industry and what attracted you to that specific employment opportunity.

Yellow light: Discuss with caution.

- Vacations.  If you can chat about a past vacation in relation to the company, it might be OK for your interview.

"For example, if you know the prospective employer is a big supporter of Habitat for Humanity and you vacationed in the same spot where a new housing initiative was just built, it could work for you," Lopeke says.

But, if you're bragging about the six month trip around the world you took during your unemployment, you should probably refrain.

- Allergies. "If the interviewer is suffering from allergies and you do too, it could be a bonding moment," Lopeke says. But, "if you use the moment to declare you're allergic to stupid people, you'll get tagged as arrogant."

- Pets. Talking about your furry friends at home can work for or against you. Dogs and cats shouldn't get you into too much trouble, but exotic or high-maintenance companions can be perceived as an issue.

- All skills. It's not necessary to possess every quality the employer has put on its wish list. If you mention only a couple of skills, it shows you have both initiative and growth potential.

"It also lets the interviewer feel there is something the company can offer you as well. Reciprocal relationships are the most satisfying," Lopeke says.

Red light: Do not delve into these personal topics during your interview.

- Lifestyle choices, politics, religion or family plans. "Controversial topics may make for stimulating conversation but an attractive employee does not stimulate water-cooler frenzy among the masses," Lopeke advises.

- Endless name dropping. You can establish that you know some of the same people as the interviewer to build rapport, but don't think you're upping the ante by upping the volume.

"While you may know certain people who work for the company already, you don't always know how they are perceived by their employer," Lopeke says. "If they're on the hit list for any reason, you could be painted with that 'birds of a feather' brush instead of being evaluated on your own merit."

- Health history. Stay away from your health history – mental and otherwise. "You're supposed to be positioning yourself as dependable and reliable; not as a candidate likely to spike the bell curve on benefit-related expenses," Lopeke says.

- House problems, nanny drama or rehab trips. Employers don't want to know much about your life except as it relates to what you've done professionally and what you're likely able to do for them.

- Bosses from hell. Simply put, no prospective boss wants to hear a litany of "boss from hell" stories. They'll hate you for it.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: careerbuilder

Boomers into Business: How to Turn What You Know Into Dough

I think that the best way to get your mind going in the right direction for determining how to turn what you know into dough is to provide you with some inspirational examples. I encourage you to have a pen and paper handy because as you read, you are likely to come up with ideas for yourself that you will want to jot down.

Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been A...

Corporate HR Executive: You can become a Consultant and "HR Topic Expert" who advises small and medium-sized businesses that don't have an HR person on staff, on proper HR practices, rules and regulations. You can also offer your services as an interim (freelance) HR Manager for companies that need your knowledge and services on a part-time basis until they have grown enough to require a full-time, permanent employee in that role.
And you can make additional income by conducting seminars, webinars and workshops for small business owners on important HR practices they need to know to avoid legal issues with employees. Business owners are not born with this knowledge, so you can be the expert that educates them... and they'll pay you!

Plumber: You can expand your offerings outside of just providing your normal fix-it services by becoming a "Do It Yourself Plumbing Expert" for homeowners. And, if you want, you can even choose to drill that down to an even more targeted niche of "Do It Yourself Plumbing Expert for Female Homeowners."
As such, you can conduct do-it-yourself presentations, as well as private training for individuals, on how to make basic repairs or upgrades in their home (i.e., installing a new toilet, putting in new faucets, repairing a dripping shower, etc.).
There are many homeowners and new rental property owners with tight budgets. They would be willing to pay to attend your presentations or hire you for private training sessions because it would save them money in the long run because they wouldn't have to hire someone to do the job for them!
Also, you can gain recognition and generate income from your "topic expert" branding by speaking at home improvement expos and at local hardware or home improvement stores in your area.
This can also lead to developing products to sell such as how-to videos, books, e-guides, etc.

Gardener/Landscaper: This is a true story. A colleague told me about an elderly man who had been a gardener for 35 years. He was the typical neighborhood gardener who had simply "mowed & blowed" yards for homeowners throughout his town.
But during his career, he had come up with his irrigation and fertilization strategy for lawns that were brown. He could get just about any sad-looking lawn green and lush fast. And whenever he improved one neighbor's brown lawn, all the other neighbors who had brown lawns hired him to make theirs green again, too.
One of his clients suggested that he start conducting presentations for homeowners, rental property owners, and other gardeners on his amazing method. So he took this advice, and it led to speaking engagements at large gardening and irrigation industry events and home and garden expos, as well as being interviewed by industry and home improvement media.
Basically, this man went from being a neighborhood gardener -- who was starting to struggle physically (thus financially) due to aging -- into becoming a "rock star" in the gardening, lawn care, and irrigation worlds. And, it was all because he leveraged his "fixing brown lawn" expertise and promoted himself as THE expert for fixing them.
Sound a little odd? Well, he tripled his income in one year, left behind the daily physical grind of being a gardener for other people, worked less hours, became a celebrity in his industry, and was able to continue as an in-demand expert, speaker and consultant until he was in his 80's. Why? Because many people were willing to pay him, handsomely, for his knowledge and expertise.

College Professor or School Teacher: You can take your expertise and expand it outside of the classroom. Perhaps you have been a second grade teacher for 25 years and have an uncanny ability to teach and motivate kids that other teachers, faculty and parents have deemed impossible. And, you've noticed over the years, that a lot of colleagues and parents have sought your advice.
You can package your expertise into a topic expert brand platform that can attract other teachers to seek your consultation. And this can also lead to conducting paid workshops for teachers and paid speaking engagements at industry conferences.
Plus, you can offer private consultation services for parents wanting your advice about their impossible child. Sure, there are child psychologists who do this, but YOUR focus can be on the child's issue in the classroom. And this can result in child psychologists wanting to partner with you or referring clients to you.
In short, your expertise can supplement the therapy other professionals are providing to parents and/or children. You've worked IN the classroom... many child psychologists haven't. That makes your front-line experience valuable. And people will pay you for it.
College Professors can focus on becoming a known expert on their subject matter. Let's say you're an American History Professor. You can leverage your knowledge on American History in general, or in one specific area of American History (i.e. the Civil War). By promoting yourself as a leading expert on the Civil War you can attract paid speaking engagements, media interviews, and lucrative consulting opportunities with the entertainment industry on movies, documentaries and books on that topic. You can even make additional income for paid tutoring sessions with college students seeking help with their term papers and coursework.

Homemaker: Some very successful female entrepreneurs were stay-at-home moms who came up with amazing ideas to simplify or improve different childcare or homecare tasks, and then marketed their solutions. Others are women who were very career-focused prior to having kids, but chose to become stay-at-home moms and then developed ideas to create a business they could run from home.
But, what if you're in your late 50's or 60's, your kids are now adults, you have been a homemaker for the past 30+ years (focused on everyone else except you all those years), and you now want, or need, to generate an income?
Needing to generate an income becomes a serious reality for many Boomer homemakers due to divorce; retirement accounts taking a dive; investments not yielding their anticipated projections; unexpected emergencies draining savings and/or assets; or due to becoming a widow.
So what can you do? Aside from going back to school or enrolling in a vocational program to learn a new skill set (which can take a lot of time and money), you can focus on the skills you've acquired as full-time homemaker and as an intelligent woman.
Perhaps you are an amazing cook; have a flair for home decorating; are brilliant at running a house and raising 3 kids on a tight budget; are known among friends and family as a terrific time management and scheduling pro; or have grown the most amazing vegetable garden, or rose garden, in your neighborhood.
Any skills such as those can be turned into a topic expert platform where other people will pay you for your expertise!
Take a minute to think about The Food Network. Several of the stars on that network did not go to culinary school, didn't own, or even work in, a restaurant, and didn't have professional careers in "food" prior to auditioning. Some of them just had a passion for food and cooking, and decided to audition for the network with the hopes of turning their passion into a profession.
Look back at the example of the gardener I mentioned earlier. Yes, he had been a gardener for a long time. But what ended-up being his topic expert brand platform was his creation of a solution to make dead lawns healthy again. He could have just as easily been a weekend gardening enthusiast who developed an amazing solution to revive a lawn or grow fabulous roses.
There are many people out there who, out of a passion for a hobby (not an occupation), came up with a solution while doing their hobby, and then promoted themselves as an "expert" to teach that solution to others.
Heck, there are women in their 50's, 60's, 70's and 80+ who are scrapbook junkies and market the ideas they come up with to other scrapbook enthusiasts.
The key here is focus on your strengths and interests, and realize that you can "brand" yourself as an expert people will pay to learn from... even if you haven't had a professional career in the workforce for decades!

Final Thoughts
Everything I discussed in the examples above is applicable to any career or background: lawyer, dentist, CPA, realtor, consultant, web designer, corporate employee (in any position, from any industry), farmer, short order cook, logger, truck driver, bookkeeper, pastry chef, pilot, scuba diver, homemaker, parent, etc.
Again, the core concept is that you focus on your strengths and interests, and realize that you can create a brand, or expand your current brand, and people will pay you for what you know. And, yes, professionals such as lawyers and CPA's already get paid for their "knowledge and expertise," but I know many with private practices struggle financially or are bored with what they do. So, they, too, want to expand their brand into an expert platform to generate more income by speaking or developing products, and (oftentimes) to attract more notoriety.





Source: quintcareers

How To Get A Job If You're Over 50

Q: I am over 50, and just got laid off after working in the same place for 15 years. How should I approach prospective employers and deal with the age issue? I have a lot of experience, but the age thing seems like a big deal.
Signed,
Confused

No one doubts it is difficult to find a job after working in one place for over a decade. The job market is different today than 10 years ago. Employers have higher expectations, they source candidates differently and job seekers apply and have materials screened using new tools. That's a lot of obstacles for mature job seekers to overcome. The solution? Stop worrying about the "age issue" and start addressing the real reasons why you may not be landing opportunities:


Your resume is old fashioned and untargeted.
If you're worried about age discrimination, don't start your resume with, "Over 25 years of experience in ______." Don't purposely hide experience in a "functional" resume that mashes up your skills without detailing when and where you gained them. The solution? Focus on your most recent and relevant 10 years of work history and make a strong case for your candidacy.

A human being is unlikely to review your resume unless the automated Applicant Tracking System (ATS) identifies your materials as a good match to pass along to hiring managers. Fill your resume with keywords relevant to the job and incorporate specifics regarding your skills and accomplishments to win a chance to interview.


You balk at technology.
If an employer invites you to interview via Skype, and you hesitate because you don't know how to use it, expect the organization to move on to the next candidate. When you ask if you can fax your resume instead of applying using your (non-existent) LinkedIn profile, assume you've lost an opportunity.

Some employers will jump to the conclusion that anyone over 50 is not technologically savvy. Do not embrace that stereotype – even if it is true for you. Ask your neighbors or grown children for help, or take a class to be sure you are up on the latest "must have" tools. Learn how to use online networks and applications and dispel the myth that older workers cannot learn new things.

Recruiters are looking on social media, and you're not there.
The 2012 Jobvite study shows employers are using social media to recruit, with 92% of U.S. companies using social networks and media to find talent in 2012, up from 78% five years ago.

In the past, engaging with recruiters may have meant attending a lot of in-person networking events. While the in-person event has its place, the statistics don't lie; social media is key to job search success. You need an optimized LinkedIn profile at the very least, and if you're really concerned your age is a factor, take advantage of other social media tools, such as Google+ and Twitter, to demonstrate you are an expert in your field and relevant for today's workplace.

You're inflexible.
If your industry suffered a lot of layoffs or shrunk in the recession, do not bang your head against the wall trying to find jobs that do not exist. If there are no jobs, it doesn't matter if you're 25 or 55. Identify new fields and organizations where you can market your skills.
You're applying for jobs in organizations where no one is over 30. Yes, ageism exists; many companies prefer younger, less expensive workers. Look for organizations that value maturity. For example, if you're interested in a non-profit career, investigate resources at Encore.org, which highlights organizations interested in tapping mature workers' wisdom and experience. Review the AARP's list of "best employers for workers over 50" and apply to organizations known to value your years of experience.


Your mindset is holding you back.
It's understandable if you are angry, or even bitter; you worked hard, and now no one seems to appreciate it. Instead of railing against the system, recognize your best hope to succeed is to embrace change. When you interview with someone young enough to be your child, don't mention your grandchildren or discuss the "good old days." Take a hard look at yourself, your demeanor and how you engage when you're being evaluated. It can't hurt to casually mention the 5K you are training for or to ask if the interviewer has tried the latest Google calendar application.


Adjust your approach; instead of complaining that no one wants to hire someone over 50, use your energy to identify and emphasize your unique value proposition – what makes you more qualified than anyone else for the job. If you can't hone in on why you're the natural choice, that may be the reason you are not getting work, not your age.





Source: AOL

Getting results: 10 strategies for job-search success

Job hunting boils down to finding an opportunity and convincing the employer you are exactly what he needs. Are you doing both effectively?

Here, experts offer 10 suggestions for boosting success.

1. Develop a top-notch elevator pitch
Craft a succinct speech that eloquently conveys what you are looking for and what you can offer. "Practice this pitch in unlikely places, such as the grocery checkout line," says Cindy Hyman, associate director of alumni career programs at the University of Denver. "It will help you gain confidence so you're ready when you're at networking events."

2. Look for connections
The shaky economy has virtually eliminated job-search stigma, so go ahead and contact that friend of a friend on LinkedIn or let your dad introduce you to his golf partner. Lavie Margolin, author of "Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers," says, "Anyone who works for the company and can submit your résumé is more likely to yield a positive response for you than submitting your résumé cold."

3. Get out of the house and meet people
While computers are an important part of the modern job hunt, don't spend all day in front of your screen. Face-to-face connection is still vital. "Set a goal of meeting or networking with a certain number of people each week and stick to it," Hyman advises.

4. Follow through on leads
"Think of yourself as a salesperson, and treat each job opening that you find as a lead," Margolin says. "You have found a company that has a job that is a fit for you. What about competitors to that organization? Most likely, they would have a similar role at their company as well. Perhaps it is not vacant at the moment, but it is a lead nonetheless." Likewise, it pays to regularly check back in with people and companies you approached previously, because business needs change.

5. Target your cover letter
Margolin recommends thinking of the cover letter as an advertisement to get attention. "Spend time writing a cover letter that will appeal to the reader as opposed to a generic message where you have only changed the name of the company and the job title. Emphasize why you are a fit for that job as opposed to any job."

6. Do your homework
With so much information readily available, there is no excuse for coming to an interview unprepared. Start by perusing the company's website, but then learn more about the organization and the industry as a whole -- and look for opportunities during the interview to show how your abilities match this work environment. Matthew Randall, executive director for the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania, also notes that preparation shows you aren't going to waste the interviewers' time with questions that could have been answered easily beforehand.

7. Show, don't tell
Anyone can say he is a "team player" or an "effective communicator." "When you are discussing your qualifications, give a specific example, not just a list of qualities," says Caroline Ceniza-Levine, co-author of "How the Fierce Handle Fear: Secrets to Succeeding in Challenging Times" and partner at the career-coaching firm SixFigureStart in New York City. "Don't say you are good with people; talk about a specific instance where you managed a team, generated consensus, worked with a difficult customer or some other people-related example with tangible results."

8. Present a consistent package
"Candidates should realize that they need to manage three different personas: an online profile that includes LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter; a written persona that includes the cover letter and résumé; and an in-person persona," Randall says. "These all need to be congruent. If they don't match, that is a huge red flag for hiring managers."

9. Troubleshoot your search regularly
Occasionally, step back and evaluate what is and isn't working in your job search. Ceniza-Levine recommends examining the situation every two or three weeks. "Look at how many meetings you are getting and if these meetings are yielding good information, referrals to other people who can help and actual job interviews. If you are not getting good-quality meetings, something is wrong, and you should review your search with someone who knows the process and can pinpoint what you can change."

10. Keep an upbeat attitude
Finally, don't give off the vibe of a battle-weary job seeker. As Hyman notes, "No matter how long your job search has already taken, how many rejections you have already experienced and how disappointed you are, when you speak with potential employers – and remember, virtually everyone you meet is a potential employer or can connect you with an employer – you need to express a positive attitude and excitement about the new opportunity you are seeking."





Source: careerbuilder

10 Tips to Avoid Bombing Your Skype Interview

More and more employers are conducting initial job interviews over Skype or other online video services, hoping to get a better feel for candidates than a phone conversation might allow. But interviewing well via video requires a whole different type of preparation than a more traditional phone screen does. Here are 10 tips to ensure that you don't bomb your next Skype interview.

1. Do a trial run a few days before the real interview, with a friend on the other end to give you feedback. Treat this trial run the same way you'll treat the real thing, including wearing the outfit you'll wear for the interview. Your friend can tell you if you're talking too loudly or not loudly enough, if the pattern in your shirt is playing oddly on camera, or if you're washing yourself out with overly bright lighting.

2. Pay attention to your physical background. You'll look much more professional sitting at a desk or table and against a neutral background without any clutter. Make sure that you don't have wine glasses, cigarettes, or clutter visible in the background.

3. Pay attention to the lighting. Aim light at yourself from the front, not from behind you. A lamp with diffused lighting about six feet in front of you works well. You can also try covering your light source with a cloth to soften it. And make sure that you're not backlit from a window or light source behind you; if you are, you can end up appearing on the screen as just a dark silhouette.

4. Keep other programs on your computer closed, especially if they might make noise during the call. You don't want a beep every time you receive a new email, for instance, or a reminder popping up of that other interview you have tomorrow.

5. Position yourself correctly. Don't sit as close to the computer as you normally would. Instead, sit a bit farther back so that your face and upper shoulders are framed in the shot. Additionally, place the computer slightly higher than you normally do, so that it's capturing you face-on and you're not looking down at it. (An easy way to do this is to simply prop it up on some books.)

6. Use the highest-speed Internet connection you can. On slower Internet connections, video may not align well with the audio and can cause awkward time lags, so use the fastest connection you can. If nothing else helps, try plugging your computer directly into your Internet cable, rather than using a wireless connection.
7. Remember to look into the camera, not at the picture. If you look directly at the image of your interviewer on your computer screen, you'll appear to be looking slightly away from her. Instead, looking directly into your webcam will read as direct eye contact on your interviewer's end.

8. If you find the image of yourself distracting, cover it. Skype, for instance, will include a small image of yourself in the corner of your screen. If you tend to watch the image of yourself rather than watching your interviewer, change your setting to remove that window altogether—or just cover it with a sticky note.

9. Plan for technological difficulties. Keep your computer plugged in so the battery doesn't die, and keep your phone on hand in case the interview mode changes at the last minute.

10. Don't hesitate to tell your interviewer up front that this is your first time doing a video interview. That will help break the ice, and most interviewers will be very understanding (and inclined to cut you some slack if you seem uncomfortable).





Source: usnews

Smarter Ways For Job Hunters To Use LinkedIn

Millions of people joined LinkedIn because they're job hunting, but most of them aren't taking full advantage of the site. Sure, they create an online profile and add recommendations, but there's a lot more you can -- and should do -- on LinkedIn if you want to find a new job. With 170 million-plus members, many of them recruiters, and countless discussions groups, LinkedIn can jump-start your job search.

Here are 3 ways:

1. Develop human resource and recruiting contacts.

Put together a list of companies that you want to work for and look up the human resource and recruiting contacts at that company via LinkedIn. (You can find that via the search tool.)

Then, be resourceful. Google the person's name, and you will find his or her email address at work. Send an email, telling the person what kind of position you are looking for and ask them if they have advice for you. Keep these emails no more than two paragraphs and attach a resume and customized cover letter. Remember, you never want to insert the cover letter into the body of an email. Keep it saved as a separate attachment so the person can look it over when they have time.

Most people aren't comfortable making cold-calls, emailing blindly, or corresponding with people they aren't personally connected with. That's a mistake. These recruiters and HR officers are always on the look out for talent; you'll be leaving opportunities on the table if you don't reach out. You won't hear back from everyone, but that one person who does get back to you could change your career path forever.


2. Add to your connections once a week.

One of the downfalls to any social media network is that it takes up a lot of time and people often spend more time following other people than they do focusing on themselves. You can make the most of LinkedIn without it taking over your life. I suggest picking one day each week and that can be your LinkedIn Day -- your day to spend an hour or so connecting with people via the website. Make sure that anyone you are emailing with, meeting at conferences, or meeting through friends is a connection on LinkedIn. This will help build out your personal and professional network.


3. Follow target companies and connect with employees.

Find your companies of interest (at least 10) on LinkedIn. Click the Follow button and on a weekly basis, monitor their updates. Many companies also have a separate tab that says Careers or Employee Insights, both of these are very helpful in terms of finding recruitment contacts and hearing more information about hiring at that company. Many even post the actual job listings.

Reach out to the employees at the company through your connections. Don't be afraid to ask mutual friends for an introduction to that person via LinkedIn or personal email. (You can also follow news on LinkedIn Today. Here's AOL Jobs' page.)


4. Expand your network through discussion groups.

Join groups within your industry; there are also college alumni groups. To find out which groups best suit you, look up individuals who have the job titles you would want. Which groups are they members of? Also look up former co-workers and see who they are networking with.

Once you've joined the group, get caught up on the recent communication. Has anyone posted about jobs in the past? Perhaps they still have an opportunity or have a new opportunity? Take some time to scroll through the group members and connect with anyone of interest.

A great way to get connected is to ask for advice. Remember, everyone loves to share tips and talk about their experiences.

Source: AOL

Answers to the 7 Toughest Interview Questions

There you sit, waiting to be ushered into your interview. Your suit is pressed, your shoes are shined and your resume is top notch. But, as the minutes tick past, you feel a mounting sense of doom as you anticipate the questions that will cause a deafening silence during the interview. Want to avoid an interview disaster?

Check out these tough interview questions and their suggested responses: 

Q: "What are your weaknesses?" "Don't take this literally and go into a detailed explanation of your weaknesses," says John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. He advises taking a potential weakness and putting a positive spin on it.

A: "I am very detail-oriented and in some industries that may not be a good fit. But for this accounting position, I think this trait truly will help me excel."

Q: "How would you solve this problem?" Challenger says that these kinds of hypothetical questions can be risky. First of all, they may not like your answer; if they do like it, there's a chance they will steal it. That's what happened to June Sullivan when she interviewed for an activity director's position at a long-term care facility. When asked about marketing ideas, June laid out her entire plan. Well, she didn't get the job, but later recognized some of her strategies being used by the facility.

A: "I think you can increase product awareness by enacting some marketing strategies that could employ advertising, direct mail or media placements."

Q: "Why did you leave your last job?" Again, Challenger suggests presenting everything in a positive light. An interview is not the time to dish the dirt on your previous employer.

A: "The company just wasn't a good fit for my innovative personality. But what I learned is that organizations have distinct personalities just like people do. Now I know to concentrate my job search on companies who value independent thinking and alternative methods."

Q: "Why do you want to work here?" Questions like these require you to do your homework before the interview.
A: "I want to be a part of a global company that last year alone invested $1.4 million in research and development of eco-friendly industrial processes."

Q: "Tell me about yourself." This is a chance for you to shine -- but not to tell your life history. Begin by listing your traits and accomplishments you feel are relevant for the position. Don't delve into personal information unless it relates to the position you're vying for.

A: "I am very creative and resourceful. I have been a sales manager for the past five years and used my creativity to devise unique incentives to keep the sales representatives motivated. Because of this my sales team earned numerous company awards."

Q: "Tell me about the worst boss you ever had." Take the high road and don't give into the temptation to vent any past frustrations.

A: "While none of my past bosses were awful, there are some who taught me more than others did."

Q: "What are your goals?" This is best answered by reiterating your objective statement on your resume. Keep your aspirations to be a vice president of marketing, own your own company or retire at 40 to yourself.

A: "I want to secure a civil engineering position with a national firm that concentrates on retail development. Ideally, I would like to work for a young company, such as this one, so I can get in on the ground floor and take advantage of all the opportunities a growing firm has to offer."






Source: careerbuilder

25 Professionals Share Their Best Career Advice

Doreen Ashton Wagner, Managing Director at Greenfield Services

eVenues Blog

"Be CLEAR on what YOU want. Some of it is regular stuff: salary, the hours, how much travel, how much advancement potential. But also less obvious stuff: how much autonomy to make decisions, what motivates you to get up everyday, what kind of people you like to work with, what you're NOT WILLING to compromise." Source: eVenues Blog

Dawn Penfold, President at Meetingjobs

eVenues Blog

"Everyone tells you that you should do what you love. Sounds good in a blog or on a poster. It isn’t necessarily realistic or possible. Enjoying your work, being valued in your industry and community, and making money makes sense. Bottom line, keep a realistic outlook on your career." Source: eVenues Blog

Randall Whatley, President at Cypress Media Group

eVenues Blog

"At first you will be the youngest person in the room and think you are much smarter than the old ones. At the end you will be the oldest person in the room and think you are much smarter than the young ones. If you do this, you will have been wrong both times." Source: eVenues Blog

Michelle Bergstein Fontanez, Marketing Maven Event Industry Marketing by BeatCreative

The EventMktgMaven via YouTube

"Stick with what you do best and become a master at it and never over-promise. Your stellar work can act as the over promise without mention. The pitfalls of over promising is most likely you will under deliver, not intentionally, but because you promised more. You can't control the unexpected and the unexpected usually happens when you over promise. Be clear, upfront and honest in your communication. If you can't meet a deadline communicate that. Accountability goes a long way! Life happens and its best to admit fault, we are all human, better to be approachable and real about any situation, no matter how much you may fear that phone call, or conversation, the burden that gets lifted alleviates so much stress you wouldn't believe! You'll thank me later!"
Source: eVenues Blog

 

Read more at businessinsider

Source: businessinsider

6 Things NOT To Do In A Job Interview

For many people, the most stressful part of the job-hunting process is the interview. That's the time when you have to sell yourself and prove why you're perfectly suited for the job. Many well-qualified people stumble and make mistakes that kill their chances of getting the job. Here are the most common mistakes I see people make:

Carrying too much stuff into the interview. You want to seem the consummate professional, not a harried traveler navigating through airport security. A slim portfolio or folder to carry extra resumes, pad and pen is all you should have. Ask if you can store your overcoat, umbrella or heavy bag while you are interviewing. Don't carry a beverage into the interview but if they offer you something during your meeting, always take the water. If you get thirsty later, you'll appreciate it (and unlike soda, coffee and tea, water dries clear should you spill it.)

Bragging that you're a 'perfectionist.' Many interviewers will see this as a red flag; it means you're difficult to work with and will never let go of a project. Say, instead, you're detail-oriented.

Confessing to multiple weaknesses. Interviewers commonly ask job applicants to describe their biggest weakness to see if people are humble and self-aware enough to identify something they can improve upon. But that doesn't mean you should cite a list of faults. Name one weakness that is relevant to the job, and explain how you are working to improve that skill.

Giving obviously rehearsed answers. It's important that you seem relatable, natural and likable, as well as competent and smart. Show your personality since the interviewer is checking you out for a workplace fit. I think of this as the "airport test": If the interviewer got stuck in the airport with you for several hours, would he or she consider you a desirable co-worker? Or would you be the kind of person who drove everyone crazy?

Having no clue about the company you're interviewing with. You should always be able to answer the question, "Tell me what you know about this company." Before the interview, you need to check out the company's website and speak with people who might also know the organization. This is how the human resources team determines if you are just fishing for any job or you are genuinely interested in their company and this particular opportunity. An interviewer wants to know that you took the time to do your due diligence since competition is fierce and not preparing indicates a lack of seriousness.

Answering your phone or fumbling with it. Sure, it's rude if the interviewer is constantly checking his BlackBerry, but if your phone goes off during the interview, you just look unprofessional. Seriously, if the phone is set to beep, light or play a concerto, make sure it's really powered off before the interview so you give your undivided attention.





Source: AOL