new horizons career services job placement assistance program · the problem the situation: steps...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome! This program was created to help you prepare your cover letters, resumes,
and provide you with helpful hints that you may use to find a job. Over the
two workshops you will be given an information toolbox that contains all the
pertinent information you need to be successful in your job searching. This is
an important step in the program; please take this seriously as this
information along with your training will be the foundation to getting
employment. I do wish to thank you for choosing New Horizons for your
Career Training needs and wish you the best in your job searching.
We are Real Education for the Real World
New Horizons Career Services Job Placement Assistance Program
***New Horizons does not guarantee placement or employment.
Congratulations! Now that you are 50-75% finished with your program here at New Horizons you have the opportunity to enroll in the Job Placement Program. If you choose to enroll in our program you will over the next few weeks be given a toolbox of information that contains all the pertinent information you need to be successful in your job searching. This is an imperative step in this program. If you think you may need help within the next 12 months please reply yes. Although, we provide you with the tools necessary for your job searching, you will play a huge role in your success. You will have to be proactive in your search, staying in contact with the Career Services Dept. and keeping your resume updated. Please review our 8 step program, located on the back of this sheet or in your workshop packet. We have tremendous success with this program and I know this will help you succeed. I do wish to thank you again for choosing New Horizons for your Career training needs and I wish you the best in your job search.
Please initial the space next to the enrollment option of your choice.
Professional Development Workshops
These workshops help
with resume layouts,
cover letters, job
searching, interview
skills and much more!
Mock Interview Simulated interviews
with members of our
management team.
Come in and
experience what an
interview is like in
today’s job market.
Email Blast Once enrolled in the
Job Placement
Program you will
receive job leads via
email blast.
Welcome to New Horizons Job Placement Assistance Program
________YES, I would like to enroll in the placement program. I have read and
received New Horizons Key Information and Student Expectations. By Enrolling in this program you are giving New Horizons permission to send or use your information including but not limited to; resume, graduation picture, personal quotes. Failure to be in contact, refusal to adhere to guidelines set by Career Services
Dept., or unacceptable behavior with any of our partners/contacts can result in termination of your enrollment of this program.
Student Name:
Preferred Email: Preferred Phone:
________ NO, I do not wish to enroll in the placement program at this time. I understand that I will not be eligible for placement help, professional workshops, job leads, and I lose the ability
to have my resume passed on to our corporate contacts for employment opportunities.
***New Horizons does not guarantee placement or employment.
Steps Description Stage Career Assessment Students discuss both long term and short term career goals. Start of Training
Career Meetings Periodic meetings with Director of Student Services to discuss
classes’ progression and certifications goals.
Whole Program
Workshop 1
Resumes and Cover Letters: Students will learn about all the
tools they need to get out in the job market. How to build a
cover letter and a professional resume.
50% of program
completed
Update Resume The Career Services Dept. will review your resume and provide
feedback for your review.
50% though
graduation
Workshop 2
Professional Development: Students will learn Interviewing
Skills, Negotiating Skills and Time Management. Including:
how to prepare before interviewing, during the interview and
after the interview. Professional Dress, frequently asked
interview questions, thank-you letters, follow-up inquiries, offer
letters, social networking, and job searching.
50% of program
completed
Job Leads The Career Services Dept. will send you job leads based upon
your program.
75% of program
completed
Company
Contacts
Send final resume to staffing companies and corporate
companies for potential employment.
Graduation
Mock Interviews Students will participate in a simulated interview. And provide
feedback you would hear from a hiring manager.
Graduation
● ● ● ● ● ●
New Horizons 8 Step Placement Assistance Program
● ● ● ● ● ●
THE SITUATION:
Corporations are no longer paying for training in this global economy. They save money by increasing their reliance on already well trained and certified professionals.
THE PROBLEM:
Until you are certified you can not validate to a business that you have the knowledge and experience to work on their equipment. Also, not knowing how to position yourself on paper for certification based positions.
THE SOLUTION:
The Job Placement Assistance Program prepares you for your next career. The program will give you the tools to market yourself effectively and give you the confidence you need during your job search. You are now making the commitment to change and enhance how you will market yourself in today’s demanding job market.
Key Information & Student Expectations
The must be once a month contact with the Career Services Dept. to
stay enrolled
Career Services must have your resume within 20 days of graduation;
if we do not have your resume they can not provide you with help- as
they do not know what you are qualified for
Enrollment into the program only lasts for 12 months from graduation;
or until you have found full time employment in your field of training
We will help students over the one year time frame on a case by case
basis- the determining factors include but are not limited to: how long
ago you graduated, the effort your put in to your job search, your
communication log with the Career Services Dept.
We are Real Education for the Real World
New Horizons Job Placement Assistance Program
***New Horizons does not guarantee placement or employment.
Strategic Résumés
1
1
Strategic Résumés
Writing for Results
2
Outline
1. Résumés - The 8 Step Formula
2. Résumé Objectives
3. Marketability
4. Résumé Formats
5. Building Your Base
6. Résumé Drafts
7. Quality Check
8. Package with Care
9. Another Quality Check
10. Adding Logos
11. Cover Letters
12. Job Search
13. Posting Your Résumé
Before we Start (excerpt from hiring training)
Reassess Traditional Requirements Develop Skill Criteria
– Learning skills– Relationship skills– Value-add skills
Develop Compelling Recruiting Message Selecting the Right Employee
– Skill and Performance based Profiles3
Before we Start
4
5
Introduction
There are no shortcuts Get the big picture Your résumé:
– Highly personal, important document– Reflects what makes you special– Thoroughly professional in structure,
language, and appearance
36
Eight-Step Formula
1. Define Your Objective2. Assess Your Marketability3. Select Your Format4. Build Your Base5. Develop a Draft6. Refine the Quality7. Package with Care8. Run a Final Quality Check
Strategic Résumés
2
7
Step 1:Define Your Objective (Handout)
Your objective will… Zero in on what you want Create a guide on what to say Help to build your case for opportunities
you are best suited to
8
Distinction of Personal Focus
On average, résumés get a 30 second review
Challenge: stand out immediately and impressively
9
Inner-Directed Approach
Lay aside impulsive responses to job market / job ads
Develop an inner compass to…– The kinds of work you are best suited for– Work yielding the greatest satisfaction– Opportunities offering the greatest success
Multiple options? State an objective for each option
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Résumé Objective
Statement specifying your preferred kind of work
Description of– the contributing role you wish to play– the function you seek involvement with
Short-term employment focus Realistic aspiration
11
Step 2:Assess Your Marketability
Assuming two factors…– If your job objective is based upon a
significant interest and strength, and…– If there is a need or demand for what you
want to do
THEN - YOU ARE MARKETABLE!
12
Marketability
Personal qualities make you an asset Experiences demonstrate your
effectiveness Your task:
– Communicate effectively the ways you can excel and contribute
– Make a compelling case why it is in an employer’s enlightened self-interest to hire you
Strategic Résumés
3
13
Taking Back Control*
Challenge established beliefs Your ability to influence others’
perceptions of you begins withyour perceptions of your own value
Be committed to demonstrate this value creatively and convincingly
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Checklist of Marketability Concerns I’m too young I’m too old No college degree Too many degrees Major doesn’t relate No specialized training No paid experience No professional
experience
Experience in a different field
Out of market too long Held one job too long No promotions Changed jobs too often Gaps in work history Laid off Other concerns
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Strategic Challenge
No aspect of your history or circumstances has the power to block you from your goals
Your are in the driver’s seat of…– How you look at your situation– How you influence others to look at it
How you deal with them is a matter of choice
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The Idea
Remain in charge of your self-presentation
Be matter-of-fact in handling objections Be resourceful and positive in refocusing
attention to your skills and abilities
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Personal Assessment
Most challenging part of achieving my job objective
Marketability myth most vulnerable to Most predictable objection to hiring me Particular concern in presenting qualifications Useful strategy to winning receptivity Belief to reevaluate about job search Impact of economy on job prospects Commitment to area of my objective
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Step 3:Select Your Format
There is no “right” format for everyone A review of your own experiences and
education will help determine the most suitable format
Strategic Résumés
4
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Chronological Format
Merits– Accentuates formal qualifications– Recruiters/managers accustomed to format
Drawbacks– Emphasizes lack of direct, in-depth
experience– Gaps, brief or long affiliations, time elapses
are spotlighted– Can seem dry and repetitive
Effective for people with clear career path 20
Functional Format
Merits– Establishes transferable skills– Not limited to paid employment
Drawbacks– Challenges the standard presentation of
personal strengths– Assumes background info being hidden– Key time/space anchors are missing
Effective for those without direct experience
21
Combination Format
Pure chronological format is too mundane Pure functional format is too free-floating The most effective résumé blends the
best of both formats
22
Step 4: Build Your Base
Review your learning experiences Review your work experiences Review your leisure experiences
Recommendation: Utilize a master information pool containing all items which might appear on your résumé – draw from it when draft a new résumé
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What about References?
Have at least 3 solid references ready Never include references on a résumé
– Only checked if You are going to be offered the position, or You are a serious contender for the position
– If included, your résumé distributes contact information widely
– Could result in reluctance to be a reference
24
Step 5:Develop Your Draft
The challenge: generate thinking and phrasing (will be improved upon later)
Experiment with different words and creativity
Pressure for premature results is off
Strategic Résumés
5
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Draft Steps
Reserve a block of time Remove distractions/interruptions Get comfortable Have all available materials Review strategic résumé concepts Reflect on what you want to bring out Write your draft
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How Long Should It Be?
Aim at writing 1-2 pages Length depends upon:
– Personal preference– Scope/depth of your experience– Position’s level of responsibility– Position’s qualifications
27
Core Elements to Develop
Contact information (Email – Cell phone) Career objective Summary of qualifications List of Key skills Related experience Related education Related memberships
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Contact Information
Basic contact information Tips:
– Name in a Larger typeface & bold– Repeat name at top of 2nd page
29
Summary of QualificationsFunction
Create a bridge between the objective and rest of the résumé
Summarize formal & informal qualifications
Capture attention and create receptivity Frame yourself in terms of how you wish
to be seen
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List of Key SkillsItems for Inclusion
Functional skills you do best (natural knacks)
Technical skills and special knowledge
Strategic Résumés
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Related ExperienceStrategic Handling
Optimize your experience – calls for creative judgment, calls on how to sequence, highlight, and de-emphasize various facts of your background
Uncompromising honesty Ability to see yourself the way you wish
others to see you
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Related ExperienceInclusion, Emphasis, Perspective
Cite experience from every realm of life– Strongest categories first– Consider header statements to strengthen
weak or unrelated experience
Only include professional jobs Start your experience from where you
want– From the point you begin, you may not
delete any full-time experience
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Related ExperienceAdditional Points
Cite present/most recent job first and work backward
Single space entries – double (or 1½) space where space permits
For mixed single and multiple positions, see sample résumé’s in handout
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Related ExperienceDescription
Identifies relevant record of direct or related experience
Answers questions:– Did what?– With/for whom?– On what scale?– With what results?
35
Related ExperienceAdditional Points
Begin with power-packed action words Avoid using I I I I - aye Avoid subjective adjectives such as
creative, intelligent, enterprising Avoid technical jargon – make it
meaningful to the target audience
536
Related EducationAdditional Points
Cite most recent and work back Do not refer to a degree or certification
when a higher one already earned Optional items:
– honors/awards– leadership positions– professional development seminars– employer-sponsored training– certificates, licensing status, related course
work
Strategic Résumés
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Related MembershipsItems for Inclusion
National/local groups in your functional/ industry interest areas
Offices held or major service roles Awards/honors/recognition given by them
38
Step 6:Refine the Quality
Close scrutiny of your résumé draft Picture yourself as the hiring manager Picture yourself as an editor
39
Editing Checklist
Selectivity Sequencing Tone Specificity Clarity Simplicity Consistency Accuracy 40
Step 7:Package with Care
Importance of packaging Picture yourself as advertising agent Picture yourself as manager of creative
department
2
41
Packaging Checklist
Overall impact Page layout Highlighting Typography Paper Printing Electronic look and Meta-data
42
Step 8:Run a Final Quality Check
Evaluate résumé through eyes of trusted colleagues
Get feedback from manager or career professional
Value your own judgment – filter the ideas
Strategic Résumés
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Supplement:Electronic Résumés
Paper résumés are on the way out Two basic formats:
– Word (or RTF) – printed by hiring manager– Plain text (.txt) – processed and scored
Submission is through website or via email
Adding Logos to Résumés
To make your résumé stand out from the crowd, some choose to add professional logos after obtaining certifications
Professional logos at the top of a résumé will make résumés stand out to HR/Hiring Managers when they are scanning through a large pile of applicants
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Résumés – Professional Logos?
45 46
Cover Letter
Message– I’m interested– Here’s what makes me the right candidate– Can we set up an interview?
Sharp, crisp, professional
4
Cover Letters
Cover Letters should ALWAYS be personalized to the company and position you are applying to
Direct attention to the skills that you have (through education or work experience) that match what the job ad is seeking
47
Job Search
Post your résumé to all of the major job boards (Monster, CareerBuilder, Dice, Yahoo HotJobs) and some of the local sites as well (nepatoday.com, careerlink.com)
You may not get a call about a great job if your résumé is not posted for employers to search!
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Strategic Résumés
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Posting Your Résumé
You can upload a résumé through most job boards, and you will have the option to make the résumé “public” or “searchable by employers” – this is recommended, so companies can find and view your résumé
Fill out as much information as you can on your personal preferences – locations you are willing to work, level of experience, minimum salary requirements, etc.
If you choose to include the salary requirements - it should be your lowest comfortable minimum salary, to get a foot in the door at a great company, and not to discourage potential employers
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Searching for Jobs
Searching through www.indeed.com will pull job postings from many other sites, you can also sign up for alerts to be sent to your email
Do not rely on one source for searching – check Indeed, all of the major job boards, and specific companies that you would love to work for (some companies will only post to their own websites, rather than pay for Monster or CB postings)
You should be making 5-6 job contacts a week (through applying, calling to inquire about openings, or Networking
Keep a log so you can follow up!506 7 8
Assignment
Build a résumé (based on what you learned here) to share with your career services rep for feedback (electronic or on paper)
It is your responsibility to make sure you schedule time to have your résumé reviewed
New Horizons doesn’t guarantee employment, but we will help to provide you with all the tools needed for a successful job search!
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Strategic Résumés
End of Part 1
New HorizonsFebruary 26, 2014
9
Job Interview Preparation
1
N E W H O R I Z O N S
Job Interview Preparation
Outline
Part I: Before the Interview
Part II:At the
Interview
Part III:After the Interview
Part I: Before the Interview
Preparation Steps
1. Research the Employer, Interviewer, and Industry
2. Identify the Characteristics to Showcase
3. Review Common Interview Questions
4. Rehearsing and Practicing
5. Plan Your Interview Attire
6. Logistics (location, parking, etc.)
7. 24-hour Countdown to the Interview
Employers Expect You to Know
About the organization and industry
You may be asked:
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Why do you want to work in the ____________ industry?
What do you know about our company?
Why are you interested in our company?
Use a Career Portfolio
Goes beyond cover letter and résumé
Gives complete picture of who you are
Experience / Education
Accomplishments / Skill sets
Tells what you have the potential to become
Use it to…
Showcase a point
Illustrate depth of skills/experience
Secure second interview
Job Interview Preparation
2
Portfolio Categories
Career summary & goals
Professional philosophy / mission statement
Resume & professional biography
Skills, abilities, marketable qualities
List of accomplishments
Samples of your work
Testimonials / letters of recommendation
Awards / honors / certificates
Credentials
Types of Interviews
Phone Interview
Traditional Interview
Situational Interview
Stress Interview
Traditional Interview
Employers are looking for three answers:
Does candidate have skills & abilities to perform the job
Does candidate possess enthusiasm and appropriate work ethic
Will candidate be team player and fit into the organization
Behavioral Interview
Interviewer identifies specific behaviors to look for in the candidate
During interview, pointed questions are asked to elicit detailed responses “Tell me about a time when…”
“Describe a situation…”
Based on response, interviewer may probe deeper with additional questions
Body language / facial expressions watched
Non-verbal Cues
Folded arms
Fidgeting
Clenched fists
Sitting on the edge of the chair
Smile
Eye contact
Immobile face
Clenched jaw
Squinted eyes
Body Language Facial Expressions
- Interviewer checks to see if non-verbalcues are consistent with verbal content
Handling Any Interview
Maintain eye contact (Phone?)
Project confidence
Demonstrate enthusiasm
Job Interview Preparation
3
Keys to Approaching Questions
Best response is your own – no canned answers
Understand what the interviewer is really trying to get at with the question
Discern the kind of response expected
Beware of traps
Most Often Asked Questions
Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.
Interviewer is not looking for an autobiography
Respond with a succinct summary targeted to the job – sell yourself!
Candidate: My background to date has been centered around preparing myself to become the best financial consultant I can become. Let me tell you specifically how I’ve prepared myself.…
Most Often Asked Questions
Interviewer: What are your weaknesses?
Spinning a weakness into a strength is overused
Weakness that’s inconsequential to the job may seem shallow
Denying that you have weaknesses that would affect job performance might be insincere
Best approach may be to talk about an area that was once a weakness, but that you have worked to improve
Most Often Asked Questions
Interviewer: What are your weaknesses?
Candidate: I tend to be a perfectionist who has had trouble delegating tasks to others, but I’ve come to see that teamwork and capitalizing on everyone’s strengths is a much more effective way to get the job done than trying to do it all myself.
Most Often Asked Questions
Interviewer: Why should I hire you? Unspoken question is: Why should I hire you above all
the other candidates?
This is an invitation to make your sales pitch
Use your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Like other candidates, I’m this, this, and this
But what sets me apart from the others is that I offer this, this, and this to your organization
Throughout my career I have consistently strived to uphold these qualities
Most Often Asked Questions
What are your strengths?
Talk about strengths that are specific to the job
Have you ever had a conflict with a boss?
Don’t fall into the trap of trashing a previous employer
Brief, honest information is sufficient; if you’ve never had one, tell how you wouldhandle one
Job Interview Preparation
4
Other Questions
How would you describe your ideal job?
Answer should sound like the job for which you are interviewing
Would you rather work with information or people?
Ideally, both – tailor the answer to the job
Describe strengths in each area
Don’t sound weak in either area
Other Questions
How has your education prepared you for your career?
Describe your preparation as specific to the job
Provide concrete examples
Answering Yes / No Questions
Never respond with just "yes" or "no"
Always elaborate and be prepared to give specific examples
Use fairly current examples
Use a variety of examples – not all from the same area of life or experience
Salary Questions
Interviewers sometimes ask early in the interview for a salary or range
Usually used to screen applicants
Best tactic: delay responding as long as possible
To deflect salary questions… I applied for this position because I am very
interested in the job and your company, and I know I can make an immediate impact once on the job, but I'd like to table salary discussions until we are both sure I'm right for the job.
Questions about Termination
Don't lie about being fired, but don't dwell on it either
Explain that you and the company were not a good fit, hence your performance suffered
Or that you and your supervisor had differing viewpoints
Emphasize what you learned from the experience that will prevent you from repeating it
Questions about Leaving
Your fit with the company & differing views from your supervisor can also work here
Never trash a current or past employer
Always speak positively about past & present employers, even w/ negative experiences
Another good response: you determined you had grown as much as you could in that job and you are ready for new challenges.
Job Interview Preparation
5
Interview Practice Methods
Mock interviews
Video of mock interviews
Rehearsal
Mock Interview Tips
Make it as real as possible – dress for the interview, be prepared to answer questions
Have interviewer make it hard on you – tough questions, interruptions or office noise to simulate distractions
Have interview close enough (time) to the real interview so input is fresh in your mind
Watch for the Following
Um's and uh's ᴑ Sweating
Chewing gum ᴑ Smoking
Whistling ᴑ Humming
Speaking too softly ᴑ Twiddling thumbs
Fading out at end of response
Touching face, mouth, scratching head
Tapping a pencil or pen
Importance of Dress
First impressions are important – dress sets the tone for that first impression
You are marketing a product – yourself – to a potential employer – the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire
Therefore, dress for success
Musts for Men and Women
Clean and polished conservative dress shoes Well-groomed hairstyle Cleaned and trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume Minimal jewelry; no visible body piercing
beyond conservative ear piercing for women Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
Tips for Being on Time
Make sure you can find the company
Ask for directions, get maps, do a dry run
Allow time to get lost, get tied up in traffic, find a parking place.
Don't arrive more than 15 minutes early
Job Interview Preparation
6
Did You Know?
You are being scrutinized before you ever walk into the interviewer’s office
Receptionists and\or administrative assistants that might be considered unimportant often play a significant role in the interviewing process
These “gatekeepers” may be asked their impressions of you
Tips upon Arriving
Learn the gatekeeper’s name – make friendly conversation – make them feel important
Wait patiently without complaint
Read something intelligent while waiting
If you’ve waited an hour, it would be reasonable to ask the gatekeeper if you can reschedule
Part II: At the Interview
Face-to-Face with Interviewer
Before seeing the interviewer
Never arrive with food in your mouth or on your teeth
Do not smoke before the interview
Turn off cell phone? before entering the building
Face-to-Face with Interviewer
Upon meeting the interviewer Stand if not already standingExtend your hand to offer a handshakeGive a firm handshake, not a fish or bone crusherHand should not be sweaty; wipe off well before
Show a healthy, sincere smileOffer a warm greetingGood morning, I'm glad to meet you!Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a
candidate for this position.Offer a copy of your resume
Confidence & Enthusiasm
Interviewers note that these are very often missing or seriously lacking in candidates
This can be corrected by using body language and nonverbal behavior
Job Interview Preparation
7
Confidence & Enthusiasm Tips
Maintain eye contact with interviewer Don’t look around; don’t look downLook at the eyes or nose of interviewer
Maintain warm, consistent smile Use strong, firm voice Maintain good postureSit up straight and slightly on edge of seatLean forward slightly
Keep hand gestures modest
Drawing a Total Blank
Take a moment to think
Brief moment of silence is acceptable
May result in interviewer voluntarily restating the question
Ask for a minute to think
Evidences intent to think through a matter
Request to come back to the question later
May be risky
Better than not answering at all
Weak Response
As soon as you realize you gave a weak response
Acknowledge the flub
Start again with “Here’s what I really meant.”
Multiple Interviews in a Day
Recommendations
Good night’s rest before the big day
Be prepared for different types of interviews and different styles of interviewers
Stay focused and excel at each interview
Stay fresh, even if bored by the same questions
Salary
Recommendations
Make sure you’re not the one to bring it up
Be prepared with a response
Know the salary range of the position (& area)
Stay as flexible as possible
Questions
Asking questions during the interview is acceptable and appropriate for clarification
Jot down questions you think of but may not have opportunity to ask at the time
Interviewer will give opportunity near end of interview for questions
You must ask at least one questionTo do otherwise may indicate lack of interest
in the job or company
Job Interview Preparation
8
Questions You Might Ask
Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
What is the top priority of the person who accepts this job?
What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of this job?
How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? And by whom? How often?
Can you describe the company’s management style?
At Conclusion of Interview
If you're offered the job
Ask about getting a formal, written offer, and when the company needs your decision
If job offer talk is still too preliminary
Ask about the next step in the process, and the company's timetable for filling the position
Closing the Sale
It’s up to you to decide how strongly you want to close the interview
At a minimum, you should ask about…The next step in the process?How many other candidates there are?Estimated timetable for completing the
process? If interview went well, ask for the jobBest case: you’ll get the job!Worst case: you’ll be told to wait
Closing Considerations
Be careful not to overdo the sales method
Overselling can turn off an interviewer
Bear in mind the interview is a conversation between two parties trying to showcase their best points
Goal is to leave the interview knowing you did your best to sell your unique mix of skills and accomplishments while overcoming any objections raised
Upon Leaving the Interview
Know what the next step in the process is and the timeframe in which to expect action
Know the names, titles and contact info of the interviewer and any other key persons
Business cards help
Part III: After the Interview
Job Interview Preparation
9
Afterward
Be proactive in pursuit of the position
Don’t sit back and wait for it to come to you
Adopt a follow-up strategy as part of your job search process
Thank you letters to interviewers (only 5% do)
Phone inquiries as to hiring for the position
Show enthusiasm and desire for the position
Caution: don’t make it seem as though you are desperate
Final Resumes
Don’t forget to send your revised & FINAL
resume(s) to your Career Services Representative, this way they can help you find success in your career.
Email to: [email protected]
E N D O F P R E S E N T A T I O N
Job Interview Preparation
Social Networking
1
Basics for Job Hunters
Intro to Social NetworkingSigning up for LinkedInBuilding a LinkedIn profileAdding ContactsGetting Recommendations Joining User GroupsWhat NOT to do
If you are new to social networking sites like FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., LinkedIn may be your best bet, as it focuses on professional contacts vs. personal contacts.
www.linkedin.comWith LinkedIn, you have 100% control over
the content that is viewed by others – you build your page, you request professional recommendations, and you approve or deny any connection requests.
Signing up is easy – take a couple of minutes to sign up at www.linkedin.com. If you already have an account, please sign in and make sure you follow these easy do’s and don’ts as well as take advantage of some neat features.
You may use the Option to Import your resume to build your Profile quickly, or you may enter the info manually
Start by entering your current position/company info (if you are not working, you may enter your most recent position under “Past”)
Education: Enter New Horizons Computer Learning Centers as your most recent education, along with your Diploma Program name (MIS Network Admin, Computer & Network Support Technician, Medical Office Assistant, etc.)
Recommendations & Connections will come with time.
Experience: This should be similar to what you would enter on a resume – a list of responsibilities, beginning with action words
Education: Include School Names, Diploma Programs/Courses, and Dates
Personal Information & Contact Settings: This section will determine how/why you want to be contacted – and is all OPTIONAL
You may enter Phone numbers, email address, IM, Birthday, Martial Status, etc. You may choose to enter all or none of these things.
Social Networking
2
Be Discerning on who you add to your contacts – reach out to Business Contacts, Classmates, Instructors, Recruiters you have worked with before, Former Colleagues/Bosses, etc.
When you send a request for a connection, write a personal message to remind the person how you know each other, and why you want to connect with them
You are given 2000 free requests when you sign up.
It is always positive to have several recommendations of your work displayed on your public profile. (Insider Secret: the best way to get recommendations, is to GIVE them!)
Once you have a few Recommendations, you may consider adding your personal LinkedIn URL to your resume header for employers to check out
Seek recommendations from former co-workers/bosses, and anyone who can recommend your work on a professional level.
User Groups are another feature of LinkedIn, that you may decide to use.
In the Search Bar on the upper right hand side of the screen, change the pull down menu to “Groups” and search based on topics (Ex: CompTIA, Medical Billing & Coding) OR for something more local: like searching Allentown, PA – new groups are added often, and your request to join a group must be approved first.
Try not to spam people with too many status updates/messages/requests
Adding contacts that you may not know, probably will not help you advance your career – but that depends on both the industry and the type of connections added
Do not recommend/endorse someone that you do not feel strongly about, and on the flip side, do not request recommendations from someone who doesn’t know much about your work ethics either.
Your LinkedIn profile will continue to be a work-in-progress throughout your career, and may provide you with excellent job leads, or a way to show future employers that you are a highly recommended worker.
GOOD LUCK!!