Category: interviewing

Getting To The Core

While waiting for a friend in a hotel lounge recently, I had the chance to speak with the in-house staffing manager prior to his meeting and interview with a prospective employee. The manager, Randall, had been actively recruiting for a new sales manager to bring in more convention business and to oversee catering and meeting…

The Same Old Song and Dance?

Recently, while in the company of a handful of young adults, of course the topic of job search came up. Four of the five were gainfully employed, while one was “exploring his options.” Believing it would ok to inquire, I asked, “How long has it been since you last worked?” Apparently not interested in discussing…

When Too Much is TOO MUCH!

Frequently in this space you have been encouraged to be brief in your responses to interview questions, on resumes, etc. The encouragement continues! It is important to be clear and concise in your written and verbal communication with potential employers. You want to retain their interest, not whack them over the head with too much…

Now Featured on the Small Screen – You, Part One

  As discussed in the last post, where your interview takes place presents considerations beyond your ability to succinctly answer questions. This is also true for interviews that take place over video chat or the phone. Though in-person interviewing will eventually return in greater numbers, this past year has clearly demonstrated the need for job…

Analysis

This week, I wanted to talk a bit about the analysis of your interaction with prospective employers, and their response to you and your efforts to gain employment.  There is no hard-and-fast science at work here, though there are some very workable theories for the analysis and understanding of employer responses to your submissions.  However,…

Patience Is …

Patience is a virtue, and a necessity!  The hardest part of any job search is the waiting.  After dutifully contacting numerous employers with openings well suited to your skills and experience, you hear … nothing.  Nada.  Zip.  Bupkis!  No calls, no emails, no smoke signals.  You have followed every instruction, sent every required document, without…

What Are They Really Asking?

There are all sorts of interviewers.  Some are much better inquisitors than others.  There are those who ask pertinent and relevant questions that delve into your knowledge and experience, and who understand the nuances their questions imply; and there others who ask traditional questions.  And there are those who ask the “off-the-wall” questions just to…

Culture Or Capability?

Recently, I read an article from Bloomberg Business Week about how many employers believe it to be more important for prospective hires to have a strong cultural match with a company’s existing staff, than it is for applicants to just have strong skills.  Really?  I guess I didn’t get the memo on this edict.  When…