Finding the Perfect Job: Ace the Interview!

Now that you know how to handle Job Fairs, we'll move along to how to ace the interview. This series of articles can be found here on our blog each week, or you can pick up a copy of the Job Seeker's Survival Guide at any of The Employment Guide® job fairs.

"Our hiring philosophy is 'hire the best.' We look for the extraordinary person. Only one in 100 candidates will make it through the hiring process. In order to be successful at Loomis Fargo, flexibility and attention to detail are necessary." - Loomis Fargo

Dressing the Part - The "Do's" and "Don'ts"

Let's face it - first impressions stick! Studies conclude that people form an impression of someone within the first 15-30 seconds of meeting them. Given this time frame, your outward appearance makes up a majority of a potential employer's first impression. Follow these simple rules to ensure you are dressing the part.

Standard Interview Dress:

For Men:

• Wear a suit (preferably dark colors)
• Wear a long-sleeve dress shirt (preferably white)
• Wear a stylish, conservative tie
• Wear dark dress shoes in good condition
• Wear a belt that matches your shoes
• Have well-groomed hair and nails
• Don't wear a short-sleeved shirt
• Don't wear too much cologne

For Women:

• Dress conservatively (preferably dark colors)
• Wear tailored pantsuit, jacket and skirt or dress
• Wear dark dress shoes with 1-3 inch heel in good condition
• Wear hosiery that matches your outfit (natural or dark colors preferably)
• Carry a small purse that matches your shoes and/or belt
• Have well-groomed hair and nails
• Don't wear bright colors or bold prints
• Don't wear too much makeup
• Don't wear too much perfume
• Don't wear excessive, distracting jewelry

Interview Questions

"I look for candidates that fit our hiring profile: Passion for the restaurant business; community involvement/awareness; solid communication skills; bias for taking action; independent; progressive thinker; and a balanced lifestyle." - Pasta Pomodoro

During an interview, you should expect questions about your professional background and experience. You should also expect to hear questions about your goals and what you want to do with your career. The questions will often depend on the type of job you are seeking. Listed below are some sample questions that you should be able answer.

General Company Questions

• How did you hear about our company?
• What interests you about working for our company?

Educational Experience

• How would you describe your academic achievement?
• What courses did you enjoy most?
• What interests you about this position?
• Explain your understanding of the job's responsibility.
• What experiences or qualifications do you have that prepare you for this position?
• What sets you apart from others?
• What will you bring the position?

Your Personal Experience

• How would you describe your ideal job?
• What kind of work interests you?
• Can you give me specific examples of how you handled a difficult situation in your previous employment?
• What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?
• Tell me about a typical day in your current job.
• What are your current hours? Schedule? Workdays?
• How do you plan your day?
• What do you like best about your current job?
• What do you like least about your current job?
• What accomplishment are you most proud of?
• How would your boss describe you?
• What are your strengths?
• What areas could use improving?
• Do you need additional training?

Interpersonal Skills

• How would your coworkers describe you?
• How do you relate to your coworkers?
• What do you look for in a supervisor?
• How do you relate to your supervisor?
• What makes you feel tense or nervous?
• When the pressure of work is high, where does your energy come from?
• Define a good work atmosphere.
• How do you handle criticism?

Your Goals

• What do you expect out of this job?
• How will this help you reach your long-term personal and career goals?
• What do you feel are the disadvantages of this field?
• How will you evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

Interview the Interviewer

During an interview, you are responsible for learning about the company and job. To determine if the job is right for you, it is important for you to interview the interviewer. Don't forget, you are determining if this position is a good fit for you. Bring a list with you to the interview. It shows your seriousness.

Job-related questions

• What are the day-to-day job expectations?
• Who will be my supervisor?
• How will I be evaluated in this position?
• What do you expect from the ideal candidate?
• How does this position affect other positions and the company operation?
• Will there be any training offered to get started?
• If there will be training, what will it consist of and how long will it last?
• Can I speak with someone in a similar role?
• Is this a new position or is it replacing someone who left?
• If someone left, why did that person leave?
• What are the normal working hours?
  
• What are the overtime expectations?
• What is the accepted dress code?
  

Education experience

• Do I need specific training in this position?

Interpersonal skills

• How would your employees describe you?
• What do you look for in an employee?
• Is this a fast-paced environment?

General Company Questions

• How do you like working for this company?
• What has your career been like? How did you get started?
• Who is your boss?

Career growth

• What are the opportunities for growth? Training?

What not to Discuss

You should not discuss wages for fringe benefits on the first interview. Allow the interviewer to bring up that subject.

Body Language 101

The old saying "actions speak louder than words," has never rung more true than during the interview process. It is critical that you always arrive on time or early for an interview, and that you are aware of your body language and what it says about you during the interview. When interviewing, consider this about your unspoken words:

If You…	The Interview Thinks you are…	Better to…
Stare	Controlling	Maintain steady look, shifting focus from eyes to mouth
Look away too long	Not interested	Glance away for only brief periods of time
Squint	Untrustworthy	Sustain calm, normal gaze at interviewer
Wink	Fake	Raise eyebrows slightly to draw attention to your face
Grin or smirk with mouth closed	Insincere	Open mouth when smiling
Frown	Disappointed	Smile
Touch mouth frequently	Uneasy	Fold hands in lap
Bite lips	Impatient	Part lips slightly
Cough/clear throat often	Unsure of yourself	Take a sip of water
Slouch	Apathetic	Keep back straight and chin up
Lean back in your chair	Restless	Lean forward in chair
Fidget	Nervous	Sit still, control gestures, and relax with every breath

Personality Pays - How to Interject Yourself into the Interview!

"At Yum! Brands, we're looking for true Customer Maniacs - people with energy, talent, and the desire to give our customers a great experience and have fun doing it." - Yum! Brands

The best advice anyone can give you is to be yourself! We have all heard the saying, "Nice guys finish last." Well, in this case, "honest guys (and gals) finish first!"

So often in the interview process, candidates feel like they have to put on a show and try to be the person they think the interviewer wants them to be, rather than the person they really are. You are better off walking away from a job that does not fit your core personality than accepting a job in which you will not be happy.

There is no such thing as an "ideal interview personality." The person you are is a reflection of your life experiences. Make an accurate assessment of yourself and relate that honestly to the interviewer. Personality does pay - let your personality show!

Some companies will even ask you to take a personality test to gauge your core personality. Sometimes people try to act like a chameleon during the interview. Do you remember those little lizards at the zoo when you were a kid that you couldn't see because they changed their colors and faded into the tree branch or disappeared in the leaves? Chameleons adapt to the situation by changing their true colors. If the personality test comes out that you have a totally different personality style than the interviewer sees, it is going to send up a red flag and you more than likely won't get called back for another interview. Potential employers want to see your true colors.

Some things to consider about your personality in the interview:

• Nobody is perfect, and don't be afraid to admit it. If you have made mistakes in the past, don't try to hide it. Discuss what happened and focus on what you learned from the experience. Follow up by highlighting your strengths.
• If you are nervous during the interview and it shows, own up to it. Say something like, "I apologize, I am very excited about this job and am a little nervous. Do you mind repeating the question?"
• There is an old saying that "enthusiasm is contagious" - is yours worth catching? This statement has never been truer than in an interview environment. If you are someone with a great sense of humor, use it (where appropriate). If you are not one of those people with a naturally outgoing, gregarious personality, then don't try and pretend you are. Remember that interviewers can usually sense people who are acting fake!

Rather, use the skills you do have to show your enthusiasm. Ask well thought-out, pertinent questions about the company and the job responsibilities. Show interest by researching and discussing interesting facts about the company. Demonstrate why you should be hired based on past accomplishments. And remember that many times the interviewer is just as nervous as you are!

Skills Test Anxiety

So you are excited about the job opportunity, the interview is going well, and suddenly the interviewer tells you that you have to take a skills test… yikes! If you are like most people, having to take a test creates unwanted stress and apprehension. Follow these simple rules and "take charge" of managing your test anxiety

First…

• In case you are asked to take a skills test, always get a good night's sleep before an interview and arrive with a full stomach. This will provide energy and ensure you are at your best.
• Think positively! If you tell yourself you are going to do well, then you probably will. Try to maintain an "I will try and do my very best" attitude, rather than an "it must be perfect" attitude.

Next…

• Carefully read all instructions twice to make sure you didn't miss anything.
• Budget your time and divide it evenly among the various sections of the test.
• Answer easy questions first to build confidence and ensure easy points.
• Focus only on the test at hand. Concentrate on the process of answering the questions, rather than on the end result.
• If you draw a blank, skip the question and move on.
• If at any time you have questions, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. It shows you are concerned about doing well and eliminates the risk of missing something simply because you didn't understand what the test was asking.
• Change positions periodically to help you relax. You cannot think well if you are tense or tight. If need be, set your test aside, and take slow, deep breaths.

Finally...

• Go back and answer the difficult questions you skipped the first time.
• Review the test to make sure you didn't skip any questions or mark any answers incorrectly, but do not second guess yourself and change your original answers. More than likely, your first guess is correct.

To find that perfect job, pick up a copy of this week's edition of The Employment Guide at locations all over the Charlotte area, including all Petro Express stores, or go online at www.employmentguide.com/.

For more information about The Employment Guide call us at 704-676-0051 or 877-676-0051.

Still have questions? Want to add something? Leave us a comment!

NC Jobs Podcast - 12/18

Listen to this week's NCJobs Podcast to learn about our featured employers and how we can help your recruiting efforts.


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Finding the Perfect Job: Making the Most of a Job Fair

It's another week and that means we're posting more from our Job Seeker Survival Guide. This is a free publication from The Employment Guide® that can be picked up at any of The Employment Guide job fairs! Our first one is February 20, 2007 at the Westin in Charlotte. There are several career fairs taking place in 2007, so with this week's article we're helping you make the most of your job fair experience.


Making the Most of a Job Fair!

Before the Job Fair

• Find out what businesses will be there: The more information you can gather beforehand, the more successful the job fair is going to be for you. Find out what businesses are going to be there and start doing some research about them. What types of jobs do they have open? What kind of people are they looking for? What kinds of skills do these people need to have?
• Develop some questions you'd like to ask employers: Narrow down your list of businesses to include those who have positions you are interested in, or are businesses you think you might like to work for. Then list some questions you would like to ask the company representative at the job fair.
• Proofread your resume - at least twice: If you don't already have one, it is a good idea to put a resume together for a job fair. It gives employers a blueprint of your skills and something tangible to remember you by. See our previous post on how to write a great resume.
  

At the Job Fair

• Dress the part: As with a job interview, first impressions at a job fair are important. How you represent yourself sends an immediate message to employers about how serious you are in your job search. It isn't always necessary to wear a suit to a job fair - unless you're looking for a job that would require you to dress professionally at work. However, you should leave the jeans and t-shirts at home. "Business Casual" is usually the most appropriate - nice slacks and collared shirt for men, and nice slacks or a skirt and a blouse for women. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry or clothing that is too short or revealing.
• Take time to talk to employers: Don't just drop off a resume and move to the next booth. Take time to get additional information and make an impression. The point is not to see how many resumes you can give to employers in the least amount of time. It is to establish some solid job prospects. Also, try to avoid approaching employers when they are crowded by a large group of job seekers. Approaching a crowded booth makes it difficult for employers to answer your individual questions, and they are less likely to remember you when they return to their offices.
• Use your research to appear confident and knowledgeable: If you have done research before the job fair, you won't have to ask the question, "What does your company do?" If you have to ask, you are wasting valuable time. Instead, you could be asking questions about the position or department you are interested in. It works to your advantage if you can tell employers how your skills match what they are looking for. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely interested in their company. Do your homework!
• Offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact: Let employers know how serious you are. Greet the employer with a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. Showing interest and good manners is important, regardless of the type of job you are looking for. Every employer appreciates someone who is dedicated, conscientious, and attentive.
  

After the Job Fair

• Follow up with a thank you note: Experts agree that follow up is an important part of attending a job fair. If you picked up a business card, or the name of the company's job fair representative, send a thank you note a day or two after the job fair. This is not only polite, but will let the representative know you paid attention, are serious about the job, and that you are the right person for it.

If you have further questions or suggestions on attending a job fair, please leave us a comment!

Keep checking back for tips from The Job Seeker's Survival Guide. To find that perfect job, pick up a copy of this week's edition of The Employment Guide at locations all over the Charlotte area, including all Petro Express stores, or go online at EmploymentGuide.com.

For more information about The Employment Guide call us at: 704-676-0051 or 877-676-0051.

NCJobs Podcast - 12/11

It's Monday, so you know what that means: another NCJobs Podcast episode. This week listen to learn about our featured employers and ways to save money on your recruitment advertising.



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Finding the Perfect Job: The Right Resume

We are continuing our series of articles with useful tips and information to help you hunt for the perfect job. Previously, we posted on how to determine your perfect job and how to write a killer cover letter. This week, we look at how to write a great resume. This information is also available in The Job Seeker Survival Guide, a free publication from The Employment Guide®. Check back here each week for more tips on finding the "Perfect Job." You can also pick up a copy of the The Job Seeker Survival Guide at our next Job Fair scheduled for February 20, 2007 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte.

The Right Resume!

Your resume provides a snapshot of who you are to potential employer. Along with your cover letter, it is their first impression of you. In a competitive job market, it must stand out from those of other applicants. To ensure you have the right resume, let's start at the top.

Here's what your resume should include...

1. Include pertinent contact information

• Resumes should start with your full name, address, phone number(s), and Email address, if you have one.
• You should always use a font of 10-12 for your text. Choose an easy-to-read font style such as Arial or Verdana (Sans Serif).
• Microsoft Word offers resume templates. To access, go to "file" and click on "new." Then you will see a series of tabs. Click on "other documents." You will see several different templates listed. Open the one that you prefer and fill in your personal information. For a more customized resume, click on "resume wizard," and it will walk you through step-by-step how to create the resume of your dreams!

Sally Smith
12345 Any Street Drive
Some City, ST 98765
(222) 333-4444 Home
(555) 666-7777 Work
SSmith@myinternet.com

2. State your objective

• The objective should be one sentence only.
• State the job you are seeking and what you hope to accomplish long term.

Objective:
To secure a challenging position in a growing company where I can utilize my sales and customer service skills.

3. Highlight your skills

• Showcase any foreign languages you speak, computer and/or software skills you have, and any other technical or skilled trade certifications you hold.

Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, computer literate, and experienced in Microsoft Office software products.

4. List your work experience

• List in reverse chronological order the names and locations of employers, dates of employment, job titles held, description of job responsibilities, skills demonstrated, and accomplishments while on the job. It's only necessary to go back ten years in listing your work experience.
• Be concise - use short, bulleted phrases (complete sentences are not necessary.) State your contributions to the company, not just duties.
• Use action verbs and industry buzz words to enhance the body of your resume.

5. Catalogue your education

• List schools attended, degrees, grade point averages, and honors. Note that it's not necessary to list years attended or dates of degrees.

"Red Flags" to Avoid in your Resume

Employers who review cover letters and resumes are trained to look for certain "red flags." Depending on the employer, these "red flags" might disqualify you immediately from the hiring process. Other employers may just make a mental note of their concerns and address them with you in the interview. Either way, the fewer "red flags" on your cover letter and resume the better the chance you have of landing your dream job!

Resume "Red Flags" and How to Avoid

• Overall messy appearance. Make sure your resume is typed on resume-quality paper and proofread carefully.
• Spelling Errors. Use Spell Check and have a friend edit.
• Grammatical Errors. Use Grammar Check and have a friend edit.
• No employment dates listed. Always include accurate employment dates.
• Gaps in employment dates. Try to avoid gaps. If you've taken time off for personal reasons, school or travel, list it under a section titled Additional Experience or make a notation in the resume that allows for continuity.
• Overlaps in employment dates. Explain overlaps in cover letter.
• Too much information. For recent college graduates and entry-level positions, keep your resume to one page. For everyone else, keep your resume to a maximum of two pages.
• Too little information. Include where you worked, dates of employment, job titles, job responsibilities, and accomplishments for each position held. If you are applying for your first position, highlight areas of study in school, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and hobbies/intrests, so the interviewer can get a sense of who you are.

To find that perfect job, pick up a copy of this week's edition of The Employment Guide at locations all over the Charlotte area, including all Petro Express stores, or go online at www.employmentguide.com/.

For more information about The Employment Guide call us at 704-676-0051 or 877-676-0051.

Still have questions? Want to add something? Leave us a comment!

NCJobs Podcast - 12/4

Who are this week's featured employers? What are the latest deals and information for recruiters? How can you optimize your job postings? Listen to the NCJobs Podcast and find out.


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