As a college grad, defining and communicating a personal brand is the best way to stand out from the crowd and make sure potential employers know exactly what you have to offer. But, did you know that your personal brand is communicated not only during the interview, but before the interview, too?
After speaking with over 50 of the country's top recruiters, I learned dozens of powerful tips that they suggest college grads consider during their job search. Here are just a few:
Network, Network, Network! To land an interview, you can't just send out resumes like darts into the wind. Instead, get the inside track through people you know and meet. It's estimated that as many as 60% to 75% of all jobs are found through networking. So, pick up the phone, make connections with anyone and everyone you can, and let them know what kind of job you're interested in after you graduate.
Put Yourself in the Shoes of a Potential Employer. What would you think of someone who sends you an impersonal form cover letter that has obviously been sent to lots of other companies, too, like a letter that starts off with "Dear Sir or Madam" instead of a person's name? Or how about receiving a resume with not much "meat" in it - no evidence that the grad has made efforts to achieve anything or get involved on campus or in the community?
Norman Saale, Chief Operating Officer at a multi-office accounting firm, recruits candidates on college campuses, and he says, "College students applying for jobs need to show that they've spent time developing themselves." This might include part- or full-time work, internships, volunteer work, or involvement in campus government or athletics, for example. "Show that you have commitment - that you are working toward something and have thought out a longer term plan," he says.
Make Lists for Each Interview. Prior to each of your interviews, make three separate lists:
1.List the key points you want to get across in the interview about your experience, your education, and how you "fit" with the job you're going for.
2.Develop a second list that outlines all of the info about the job or the company that you don't currently know. Split this list into two: (a) the information you need to know in order to decide if the job is right for you, and (b) the information you would like to know.
3.Based on your first two lists, make a final list of the questions you want to ask during the interview. Make choices! Remember: You may only be given enough time to ask one question.
Your Clothes. Actors can often immediately step into character when they're given the right costume. So, how you dress not only impacts the way others perceive you, but it can also impact how you perceive yourself and, even more importantly, how you act. Think of it this way: If you want to "act" professionally, you need to wear the right costume for the play you're in.
Unless you're applying for a job as a fashion designer, you want to be remembered for your skills, not your clothes. So, make sure what you are wearing is of good quality, clean, and free of rips or missing buttons. And avoid bright colors and too many accessories. Whether you like it or not, more conservative blacks, grays, and navy blues work best in most interview situations.
In other words, dress for success - literally - as if you're going to meet the most important V.I.P. of your life. Unless the interviewer specifically tells you to dress casually, play it smart, and don't take chances. Beverly Friedman, Senior Recruiter at Google, says, "Business casual does not include jeans or tennis shoes. Show respect for the process and that it mattered enough to you to dress nicely." As another recruiter put it, "How someone dresses for an interview gives a picture of how they will 'dress up' for important meetings once in the job."
Positive Self-Talk. When you feel anxious, angry, or worried, you can bet those negative thoughts will affect how well you do in an interview and how well you communicate your personal brand. Psychologists say that one of the best ways to move into a better state of mind is to talk yourself out of it. Just hearing your own inner voice telling you to stay calm can take the edge off of the situation. It's a way of soothing your mind and affirming the positive, and you can even do it right before you walk into the interviewer's office. But it's even better to use this method to talk positively to yourself about the interview in the days before the appointment, the same day as the interview, and again while you're sitting in the waiting room. You'll be amazed by how much this can help you to keep your nerves in check.
The truth is: If you just "wing it," your chances of getting hired drop dramatically. Defining your personal brand is the first step, but being prepared to communicate it in your interviews is everything. And that means doing the best prep work possible before you even walk into that important interview.
Brenda Bence, branding expert and certified career coach, is the author of "How YOU™ Are Like Shampoo for College Graduates." Filled with dozens of job search and interview tips from the country's top college recruiters and university placement professionals, the book is the only personal branding system focused on helping college grads craft and communicate a personal brand so they can sail through interviews and land a job they love - right after college. After graduating from Harvard Business School, Brenda developed mega brands for Procter & Gamble and Bristol-Myers Squibb. She now travels the world speaking, training and coaching on corporate and personal brand development. For more information, see: http://www.BrendaBence.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Bence
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
6 Tips For a Successful Medical Device Sales Job Interview
Competition for jobs in medical sales can be fierce. Health care is a fascinating field, and the work environment for medical sales reps is exciting, lucrative, and rewarding for those who want to really make a difference. However, sales interviews are difficult, and interviews for jobs in medical device sales, laboratory sales, biotech sales, imaging sales, or other health care sales are demanding. That means that you're going to have to work a little harder to set yourself apart from the competition and win the job. If your background and experience are up to snuff, all that's left is the interview. Here are six things you can do that absolutely will work to make the most of the time you have in your interview to impress the hiring manager and boost your chances of landing the job:
1. Research the company. In other words, do your homework. There's no excuse for not knowing what the company does, what its current issues are, what its goals are, where its products fit in the marketplace, and who the competition is. Your job is to take in this information and use it to figure out how you can help them reach their goals....and then frame your answers to interview questions accordingly.
2. Know what kinds of questions to expect from a medical sales interview, like "Can you travel?" or, "How will you build your market?" Have answers prepared for tough (but popular) interview questions such as, "What's your greatest weakness?" (definitely use a real weakness that helps you be a great sales rep--but not perfectionism) or "Why should we hire you?" Especially be ready for behavioral interview questions focused on tough situations you've had to deal with, or goals you've achieved and how you did it. Quantify your answers whenever possible. Hiring managers want sales reps who know their job is to ring the cash register.
3. Dress appropriately, and watch your body language. Dressing appropriately means dressing conservatively with no flashy jewelry or strong perfume. If you're not sure about your job interview body language, find a book to study, or research body language online. Try making a video of yourself and get a friend to help you critique it.
4. Create a 30/60/90-day sales plan, which is a short, 1-3 page outline of your first 3 months on the job-how you will get your training, how you will get up to speed on current accounts, how you will bring in new customers, and so on. It's impressive because it is evidence of how much you want this job, and how hard you're willing to work, before you even get the job. It shows the hiring manager that you understand the company, and you understand how to be successful in the job. A 30/60/90-day plan helps the hiring manager to see you in the job, which then makes it easier to make the decision to hire you. It also helps you guide the direction of the interview so that you are sure to get your points across, and it turns the interview into a conversation rather than a question-and-answer session.
5. Bring your brag book. A 30/60/90-day plan shows the hiring manager what you will do, but a brag book shows the hiring manager what you have done. It's the evidence to back up what you say you can do. It should include your sales stats, performance reviews, "good job" notes or emails, resume, certifications, PowerPoint presentations you've created, brochures you've done, and what types of products or equipment you've marketed. A really thick brag book with a few critical things highlighted (that you show the hiring manager) is especially effective.
6. Know how to close the interview. If you're in sales, you know how to close the sale. A job interview is the same process, except that the product you're selling is yourself. This is one of the most important sales calls of your life. Don't leave without asking for the job. Whether you ask for it directly or you use an assumptive close by asking about the next step, it's important that you uncover any objections the hiring manager might have while you're right there to answer them.
Being well-prepared for the interview will boost your confidence, present you as a better candidate, and help you smoothly navigate the interview toward getting the job offer.
Peggy McKee has over 15 years of experience in sales, management, and recruiting. She is the CEO of PHC Consulting, a nationally-known medical sales recruiting firm. See her website and blog for more on medical sales at => http://www.phcconsulting.com.
There are powerful tools and tips for resumes, LinkedIn, 30/60/90-day plans, brag books, and more that will help you succeed in your job search at => http://www.career-confidential.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peggy_McKee
1. Research the company. In other words, do your homework. There's no excuse for not knowing what the company does, what its current issues are, what its goals are, where its products fit in the marketplace, and who the competition is. Your job is to take in this information and use it to figure out how you can help them reach their goals....and then frame your answers to interview questions accordingly.
2. Know what kinds of questions to expect from a medical sales interview, like "Can you travel?" or, "How will you build your market?" Have answers prepared for tough (but popular) interview questions such as, "What's your greatest weakness?" (definitely use a real weakness that helps you be a great sales rep--but not perfectionism) or "Why should we hire you?" Especially be ready for behavioral interview questions focused on tough situations you've had to deal with, or goals you've achieved and how you did it. Quantify your answers whenever possible. Hiring managers want sales reps who know their job is to ring the cash register.
3. Dress appropriately, and watch your body language. Dressing appropriately means dressing conservatively with no flashy jewelry or strong perfume. If you're not sure about your job interview body language, find a book to study, or research body language online. Try making a video of yourself and get a friend to help you critique it.
4. Create a 30/60/90-day sales plan, which is a short, 1-3 page outline of your first 3 months on the job-how you will get your training, how you will get up to speed on current accounts, how you will bring in new customers, and so on. It's impressive because it is evidence of how much you want this job, and how hard you're willing to work, before you even get the job. It shows the hiring manager that you understand the company, and you understand how to be successful in the job. A 30/60/90-day plan helps the hiring manager to see you in the job, which then makes it easier to make the decision to hire you. It also helps you guide the direction of the interview so that you are sure to get your points across, and it turns the interview into a conversation rather than a question-and-answer session.
5. Bring your brag book. A 30/60/90-day plan shows the hiring manager what you will do, but a brag book shows the hiring manager what you have done. It's the evidence to back up what you say you can do. It should include your sales stats, performance reviews, "good job" notes or emails, resume, certifications, PowerPoint presentations you've created, brochures you've done, and what types of products or equipment you've marketed. A really thick brag book with a few critical things highlighted (that you show the hiring manager) is especially effective.
6. Know how to close the interview. If you're in sales, you know how to close the sale. A job interview is the same process, except that the product you're selling is yourself. This is one of the most important sales calls of your life. Don't leave without asking for the job. Whether you ask for it directly or you use an assumptive close by asking about the next step, it's important that you uncover any objections the hiring manager might have while you're right there to answer them.
Being well-prepared for the interview will boost your confidence, present you as a better candidate, and help you smoothly navigate the interview toward getting the job offer.
Peggy McKee has over 15 years of experience in sales, management, and recruiting. She is the CEO of PHC Consulting, a nationally-known medical sales recruiting firm. See her website and blog for more on medical sales at => http://www.phcconsulting.com.
There are powerful tools and tips for resumes, LinkedIn, 30/60/90-day plans, brag books, and more that will help you succeed in your job search at => http://www.career-confidential.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peggy_McKee
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
15 Smart Job Questions to Ask the Interviewer
It's necessary to ask your interviewer questions because it allows you to have a better understanding of the company and the position. Use this opportunity to ask good questions that will benefit you and help you make an informed decision when a job offer is presented.
The appropriate time to ask questions is when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" The worst thing to say is, "No you've answered all of my questions." They don't like that at all because it tells them you're not really committed or interested in the job.
Keep these tips in mind when you ask questions:
- Ask open-ended, precise questions and avoid the yes or no replies. The goal is to glean as much information about the job or organization
- Ask questions that show your intelligence and knowledge about your industry by asking well-thought out questions that are relevant to the position or organization
- Don't ask about salary, vacation/sick pay or benefits
- Don't ask about things that were discussed in the interview unless you need clarification or expansion
- Don't ask more than one question at a time
- Don't ask too difficult questions that the interviewer may not be able to answer
Here are some suggestions you may want to use to ask your interviewer.
- What three things attracted you to this company?
- What do you enjoy the most about working for this company?
- What aspects of this position would you like to see improve?
- What makes this company better than its competitors?
- What is the most important requirement of doing this job well?
- What is a typical work week like?
- What are some of the challenges your current employees have faced or facing today and how is it handled?
- How is someone's job performance evaluated and how often are they evaluated?
- What are the job advancement opportunities for this position?
- What level of performance do you expect from someone in three months?
- How often does this company hire?
- What traits make a person successful in this job?
- What skills are the most important in this position?
- What kind of turnover rate does the company have?
- What would you like your new hire to bring to the position/company?
A job interview is a two way street. It's a time for the interviewer and you to get know one another and find if there's a good fit for both of you. If it's a company you really would like to work for, it's paramount to ask the right questions that shows your interest.
S McIntyre is the founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com, a free work at home resource focusing on work at home companies, daily telecommute job leads, articles, business resources and other work at home related topics.
Sophia co-owns WorkAtHomeBusinessOptions.com, a comprehensive work at home business resource focusing on helping others who are looking for opportunities and ideas to work from home. You will also find tips and articles on how to balance work, family and play in your daily life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_McIntyre
The appropriate time to ask questions is when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" The worst thing to say is, "No you've answered all of my questions." They don't like that at all because it tells them you're not really committed or interested in the job.
Keep these tips in mind when you ask questions:
- Ask open-ended, precise questions and avoid the yes or no replies. The goal is to glean as much information about the job or organization
- Ask questions that show your intelligence and knowledge about your industry by asking well-thought out questions that are relevant to the position or organization
- Don't ask about salary, vacation/sick pay or benefits
- Don't ask about things that were discussed in the interview unless you need clarification or expansion
- Don't ask more than one question at a time
- Don't ask too difficult questions that the interviewer may not be able to answer
Here are some suggestions you may want to use to ask your interviewer.
- What three things attracted you to this company?
- What do you enjoy the most about working for this company?
- What aspects of this position would you like to see improve?
- What makes this company better than its competitors?
- What is the most important requirement of doing this job well?
- What is a typical work week like?
- What are some of the challenges your current employees have faced or facing today and how is it handled?
- How is someone's job performance evaluated and how often are they evaluated?
- What are the job advancement opportunities for this position?
- What level of performance do you expect from someone in three months?
- How often does this company hire?
- What traits make a person successful in this job?
- What skills are the most important in this position?
- What kind of turnover rate does the company have?
- What would you like your new hire to bring to the position/company?
A job interview is a two way street. It's a time for the interviewer and you to get know one another and find if there's a good fit for both of you. If it's a company you really would like to work for, it's paramount to ask the right questions that shows your interest.
S McIntyre is the founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com, a free work at home resource focusing on work at home companies, daily telecommute job leads, articles, business resources and other work at home related topics.
Sophia co-owns WorkAtHomeBusinessOptions.com, a comprehensive work at home business resource focusing on helping others who are looking for opportunities and ideas to work from home. You will also find tips and articles on how to balance work, family and play in your daily life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_McIntyre
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How to Apply For Jobs That Are Not Advertised Online?
If you have searched and applied for jobs online but never got any replies then it is about time you need to know how to apply for jobs that are not advertised online. Most of the employers have already switched to on-line job advertisement but some jobs are still advertised in local newspapers, supermarkets, restaurants and local offices.
First step is to start looking in local newspapers, spread out the words to your family and friends that you are available for work. After finding a job yourself by visiting companies / supermarkets etc or a hint from someone the next step is to apply for it. As long as you meet the criteria, the process is quite simple; you need to let the employer know that you are interested in that position.
There are a number of ways to apply for a job; some companies have an application process so the resume is not necessary while others would like you to submit your resume and a cover letter. A job that can change your life for the better requires a well thought out planning.
An email, a call or a visit to companies asking them about job openings, how to apply for jobs and application process will give you the courage and idea about the company. You might be directed to the hiring manager who will either ask you to come in and fill out an application or ask you to send your resume and cover letter by post or by email. They will also tell you to whom should the letter be addressed.
If they ask you to visit the company and fill out an application form, do not forget to bring original and photocopies of your necessary educational certificates, work experience letters etc with you. Before you visit the company it is a good idea to practice writing punchy paragraphs about your qualifications, skills and work experiences. While filling out an application form inside the company in front of others you have little time to think about the questions and it is best to practice before visiting the company.
If they ask you to send your resume with a covering letter, you must make sure that they are both specific to the job. Your potential employer might have a number of applicants for the job and your covering letter and resume must stand out from all the others.
A badly written cover letter with spelling and grammatical mistakes will not give a first good impression. It is also important to get someone to read your cover letter and resume for mistakes. It is natural that you might miss out your mistakes which the others will point out. Your cover letter must include why you think you are suitable for this job but try to keep it concise and simple.
Once submitted or sent the next step in applying for that job is to follow up. Many employers are not quick in following up. If the job is already filled they might not even get back to you. Sometimes the companies only follow up those candidates who they are interested in and not everyone who applied for the job. Do not feel bad if you do not get a response. You tried your best but that job was not for you.
You might have thought that you were the only perfect candidate for the job but unfortunately in the eyes of the employer you might not. So do not stop and wait after following up, if you get a positive response then keep following up until you get an interview call. Even after interview do not consider yourself hired until you receive a written conformation from that company about the job you are interested in. That is when you know that you are hired.
Saleem Merchant writes on a variety of subjects including job search, interview techniques and resume help. His articles can be reproduced as long as a valid url is provided for http://www.joblifier.com and http://www.joblifier.com/?p=11.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saleem_Merchant
First step is to start looking in local newspapers, spread out the words to your family and friends that you are available for work. After finding a job yourself by visiting companies / supermarkets etc or a hint from someone the next step is to apply for it. As long as you meet the criteria, the process is quite simple; you need to let the employer know that you are interested in that position.
There are a number of ways to apply for a job; some companies have an application process so the resume is not necessary while others would like you to submit your resume and a cover letter. A job that can change your life for the better requires a well thought out planning.
An email, a call or a visit to companies asking them about job openings, how to apply for jobs and application process will give you the courage and idea about the company. You might be directed to the hiring manager who will either ask you to come in and fill out an application or ask you to send your resume and cover letter by post or by email. They will also tell you to whom should the letter be addressed.
If they ask you to visit the company and fill out an application form, do not forget to bring original and photocopies of your necessary educational certificates, work experience letters etc with you. Before you visit the company it is a good idea to practice writing punchy paragraphs about your qualifications, skills and work experiences. While filling out an application form inside the company in front of others you have little time to think about the questions and it is best to practice before visiting the company.
If they ask you to send your resume with a covering letter, you must make sure that they are both specific to the job. Your potential employer might have a number of applicants for the job and your covering letter and resume must stand out from all the others.
A badly written cover letter with spelling and grammatical mistakes will not give a first good impression. It is also important to get someone to read your cover letter and resume for mistakes. It is natural that you might miss out your mistakes which the others will point out. Your cover letter must include why you think you are suitable for this job but try to keep it concise and simple.
Once submitted or sent the next step in applying for that job is to follow up. Many employers are not quick in following up. If the job is already filled they might not even get back to you. Sometimes the companies only follow up those candidates who they are interested in and not everyone who applied for the job. Do not feel bad if you do not get a response. You tried your best but that job was not for you.
You might have thought that you were the only perfect candidate for the job but unfortunately in the eyes of the employer you might not. So do not stop and wait after following up, if you get a positive response then keep following up until you get an interview call. Even after interview do not consider yourself hired until you receive a written conformation from that company about the job you are interested in. That is when you know that you are hired.
Saleem Merchant writes on a variety of subjects including job search, interview techniques and resume help. His articles can be reproduced as long as a valid url is provided for http://www.joblifier.com and http://www.joblifier.com/?p=11.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saleem_Merchant
Monday, April 26, 2010
Company Reviews Help Jobseekers and Employees Make Better Career Decisions
Reading company reviews can help both jobseekers and employees make better decisions in their careers. These reviews include real information about a company's work environment, benefits, security, salary and the like. Such information is provided by the very people who work in the company.
Reviewers may write freely about their company and work experience, sharing anything from interview tips to their seniors' competence, to the work-life balance they may or may not be experiencing. Reviewers may also give ratings of their company based on different criteria. By reading what reviewers have to say about their own experiences, readers can get an insider's point of view of the company.
Some websites provide a database of different company reviews. Such a website may provide reviews of different companies that belong to the same industry. This makes it easier for readers to compare one company with its competitor based on what it can offer as an employee. Some sites allow people to search for a city in the U.S. or even for a particular company, and narrow down their selection to a specific job title.
For those who are already employed, they can read reviews online to find out if their salary is at par with industry standards. While the goal is not exactly to switch companies, employees can use these reviews as a reliable gauge when requesting for a higher salary.
For those who are job-hunting and have always dreamed of working for a particular company, they can check if that company stays true to its reputation by reading reviews about it.
Whether for a fresh graduate on the lookout for that first job, or an employee who's been in the corporate world for years, reading company reviews can pose remarkable effects on a career.
Resource Box:
For a searchable database of hundreds of company reviews online, CareerBliss is the place to visit. The company also provides data on company salaries of different positions in both small and large-sized companies, with lists of the best and worst based on ratings of their own employees. To make that great career move, visit CareerBliss.com or email them at info@CareerBliss.com for inquiries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson
Reviewers may write freely about their company and work experience, sharing anything from interview tips to their seniors' competence, to the work-life balance they may or may not be experiencing. Reviewers may also give ratings of their company based on different criteria. By reading what reviewers have to say about their own experiences, readers can get an insider's point of view of the company.
Some websites provide a database of different company reviews. Such a website may provide reviews of different companies that belong to the same industry. This makes it easier for readers to compare one company with its competitor based on what it can offer as an employee. Some sites allow people to search for a city in the U.S. or even for a particular company, and narrow down their selection to a specific job title.
For those who are already employed, they can read reviews online to find out if their salary is at par with industry standards. While the goal is not exactly to switch companies, employees can use these reviews as a reliable gauge when requesting for a higher salary.
For those who are job-hunting and have always dreamed of working for a particular company, they can check if that company stays true to its reputation by reading reviews about it.
Whether for a fresh graduate on the lookout for that first job, or an employee who's been in the corporate world for years, reading company reviews can pose remarkable effects on a career.
Resource Box:
For a searchable database of hundreds of company reviews online, CareerBliss is the place to visit. The company also provides data on company salaries of different positions in both small and large-sized companies, with lists of the best and worst based on ratings of their own employees. To make that great career move, visit CareerBliss.com or email them at info@CareerBliss.com for inquiries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Social Media and Your Job Search
Do you enjoy social networking? Social networking includes blogging, twittering, and more. From Orkut, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, BlogSpot, and more, there are endless opportunities to state your opinion online. But is this really as anonymous as it seems?
Think about the information many students share. Pictures of drinking events, political opinions that may change as we mature, and sometimes worse. Many college graduates are learning to close their social networking pages before stepping into professional interviews.
Closing some accounts may be a good idea. Big Brother is always watching, and for the job seeker, Big Brother may now be an HR manager from the very company you'd like to work for.
To some, this may sound paranoid, but from an HR perspective, hiring the wrong person is a costly mistake and it is advantageous to learn as much as possible about each candidate. The internet provides a fast, easy, and low-cost method of doing so.
This is a growing trend and should be considered by any person facing a job hunt. For people who have used social networking for less than professional purposes, this may be concerning. Imagine a potential employer pulling up that picture of you letting loose at a college party!
Many young people think that social networking sites that require passwords are fair game. This can be a bit naïve. It is not unlikely that the recruiter for the job you really want has a son or a daughter in the same networking site as you, and they may even create their own and get direct access if you accept anyone you meet online into your group.
If you think that this growing trend will cut down on the social use of blogs and online groups, think again. According to a recent survey conducted by AfterCollege.com, most of the 60 students surveyed have not changed their online habits.
The same survey asked 90 employers if they would not hire a candidate based on information found online. Six percent admitted that this was the case, while 26% failed to answer the question.
Students may want to heed the advice of Roberto Angulo of AfterCollege.com, which is to be more concerned about this trend then 70% of those surveyed appear to be.
My other interest is finding a quality reception chair. Go to http://receptionchair.org to read my other articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Fields
Think about the information many students share. Pictures of drinking events, political opinions that may change as we mature, and sometimes worse. Many college graduates are learning to close their social networking pages before stepping into professional interviews.
Closing some accounts may be a good idea. Big Brother is always watching, and for the job seeker, Big Brother may now be an HR manager from the very company you'd like to work for.
To some, this may sound paranoid, but from an HR perspective, hiring the wrong person is a costly mistake and it is advantageous to learn as much as possible about each candidate. The internet provides a fast, easy, and low-cost method of doing so.
This is a growing trend and should be considered by any person facing a job hunt. For people who have used social networking for less than professional purposes, this may be concerning. Imagine a potential employer pulling up that picture of you letting loose at a college party!
Many young people think that social networking sites that require passwords are fair game. This can be a bit naïve. It is not unlikely that the recruiter for the job you really want has a son or a daughter in the same networking site as you, and they may even create their own and get direct access if you accept anyone you meet online into your group.
If you think that this growing trend will cut down on the social use of blogs and online groups, think again. According to a recent survey conducted by AfterCollege.com, most of the 60 students surveyed have not changed their online habits.
The same survey asked 90 employers if they would not hire a candidate based on information found online. Six percent admitted that this was the case, while 26% failed to answer the question.
Students may want to heed the advice of Roberto Angulo of AfterCollege.com, which is to be more concerned about this trend then 70% of those surveyed appear to be.
My other interest is finding a quality reception chair. Go to http://receptionchair.org to read my other articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Fields
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Job Search Networking - The Forgotten Relationship That Can Help the Employer Hire You
You undoubtedly have a job search strategy that includes networking with recruiters.
Because there are several aspects to networking with recruiters, this article is going to address the situation where you are talking to a recruiter about a specific position for which you are being considered. This is a great opportunity for you to build a relationship that makes you stand out from other candidates. It is also a great way for you to get information about the position the other candidates probably haven't bothered to get. You're going to be head and shoulders above the other candidates. And it is perfectly legitimate to do this.
And I am continually amazed at how few job seekers do this.
Recruiter Secret:
I always let a candidate ask me their questions at the very beginning of an interview. That's because I begin evaluating a candidate's suitability for the position with the questions they have about the position, the company, the issues, culture, etc.
Even if I don't have answers (and I always promise not to make up answers), I like to know what questions a candidate has. Your questions indicate your level of professionalism, experience, critical thinking and even whether you are really interested in the position or just looking for a job.
Some simple tips:
As you move through the process, ask the recruiter questions about the position. You may not realize that while most recruiters won't "coach" you for the interview, they do have information they would willingly share. This isn't a game of keep away. Employers really want to do everything possible to hire the right person for the job. They have shared information with the recruiter that is yours for the asking. You may not get to ask all these questions, so start with the ones that will be most helpful for you to know.
Here are some questions you might consider asking:
• What is the reason you are hiring for this position now?
• What is the most important task for this position and what makes it the most important?
• What does the hiring manager think is the most important experience/skill for the position?
• What will this person be expected to accomplish in their first 3, 6 or 9 months?
• What is the culture like?
• What is the hiring manager like? When did they join the company? What is it like to work for him/her?
• How do I stack up against the other candidates?
• Is there anything you think I'm missing that the hiring manager is looking for?
If you have this information, you know what to focus on in your interview, what parts of your experience and style will be most appropriate to discuss. You also have a sense of your competition.
Those last two questions helped me prepare for an interview when I had six months of experience because I learned that the other candidates had 10+ years. Believe me, I was ready to tell the hiring manager why hiring someone with so little experience was in his best interest. Got that job!
Ask the right questions and you are actually helping them to hire you.
Admitting to being the original reluctant networker, Katherine Moody would do almost anything, including hiding out in the ladies room, to avoid a networking event. So she interviewed some networking masters to learn their simple and rarely discussed secrets. Then she went on to get her last 4 jobs by networking her way into the hidden job market with those simple secrets. Katherine shares those insider techniques on her job secrets blog. http://hrjobsearchsecrets.com While there, get her free report: How to create a memorable brand for your networking. You'll love what it does for your networking!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katherine_Moody
Because there are several aspects to networking with recruiters, this article is going to address the situation where you are talking to a recruiter about a specific position for which you are being considered. This is a great opportunity for you to build a relationship that makes you stand out from other candidates. It is also a great way for you to get information about the position the other candidates probably haven't bothered to get. You're going to be head and shoulders above the other candidates. And it is perfectly legitimate to do this.
And I am continually amazed at how few job seekers do this.
Recruiter Secret:
I always let a candidate ask me their questions at the very beginning of an interview. That's because I begin evaluating a candidate's suitability for the position with the questions they have about the position, the company, the issues, culture, etc.
Even if I don't have answers (and I always promise not to make up answers), I like to know what questions a candidate has. Your questions indicate your level of professionalism, experience, critical thinking and even whether you are really interested in the position or just looking for a job.
Some simple tips:
As you move through the process, ask the recruiter questions about the position. You may not realize that while most recruiters won't "coach" you for the interview, they do have information they would willingly share. This isn't a game of keep away. Employers really want to do everything possible to hire the right person for the job. They have shared information with the recruiter that is yours for the asking. You may not get to ask all these questions, so start with the ones that will be most helpful for you to know.
Here are some questions you might consider asking:
• What is the reason you are hiring for this position now?
• What is the most important task for this position and what makes it the most important?
• What does the hiring manager think is the most important experience/skill for the position?
• What will this person be expected to accomplish in their first 3, 6 or 9 months?
• What is the culture like?
• What is the hiring manager like? When did they join the company? What is it like to work for him/her?
• How do I stack up against the other candidates?
• Is there anything you think I'm missing that the hiring manager is looking for?
If you have this information, you know what to focus on in your interview, what parts of your experience and style will be most appropriate to discuss. You also have a sense of your competition.
Those last two questions helped me prepare for an interview when I had six months of experience because I learned that the other candidates had 10+ years. Believe me, I was ready to tell the hiring manager why hiring someone with so little experience was in his best interest. Got that job!
Ask the right questions and you are actually helping them to hire you.
Admitting to being the original reluctant networker, Katherine Moody would do almost anything, including hiding out in the ladies room, to avoid a networking event. So she interviewed some networking masters to learn their simple and rarely discussed secrets. Then she went on to get her last 4 jobs by networking her way into the hidden job market with those simple secrets. Katherine shares those insider techniques on her job secrets blog. http://hrjobsearchsecrets.com While there, get her free report: How to create a memorable brand for your networking. You'll love what it does for your networking!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katherine_Moody
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