INTERVIEWING TIP:

 
Are you prepared to answer the question, “Tell me about yourself?”

Yikes!  I do not like this question!  I freeze!

The best way to approach this question is to put it back on the interviewer.

How do you do that?

Say to the interviewer, “Sure, I would be happy to tell you a little bit about myself. What would you like to discuss first, my professional background, my personal background, or my education?”

I have tested this number of time and most of the time I get this response:

“Well, I have read our resume so I already know a lot about your professional background, so tell me something about you (personal background).”

If you have not been able to find some personal things about your interviewer while looking them up prior to the interview, try to find something in his/her office that you have in common with him/her.

For example, do they have a picture of the family on their boat? If you are into boating, you could say something like this, “I really like spending m weekends on my boat with the family.”

Now, of course you know the interviewer is going to mention his boat and family.  Wow! You now have something in common! 

This helps break the ice and relaxes everyone.

Remember, in addition to being the best candidate for the position they want to make sure you can fit into the organization’s culture.




Resume Writing Tip 

When you find positions that might interest you, print a copy. Highlight the qualifications and requirements. What you are doing here is creating a list of common keywords found in the job postings. The more keywords you have in your resume that match the job description the better chance you will have receiving results.

Most companies have software programs that screen the resumes for keywords.  So, no matter how teriffic you are, if you do not have the right keywords, more than likely the resume will not make to HR or the Hiring Manager.

This is one reason why I will not assist a person with their resume unless they provide me with at least 8 - 10 job descriptions.




Networking Tip

Networks are very powerful and are the best way to land your next position. It is very important that you are prepared when a opportunty is right in front of you!

True story ...

 
My friend Ed was at a neighbor’s barbeque one summer and there were probably 50+ people there. Ed and his neighbor are close, so Ed told him about losing his job.



Ed’s neighbor introduced him to a friend of his that was in the process of expanding his company. It was something that Ed would not have considered, but after an hour of discussing the opportunity and a few follow up meetings, Ed had a new job.

In addition, there was an opportunity available for me too! I did interview and was offered the position, but since the company was moving further away, I politely declined.



Personal Branding Tip

Do you know what your brand is?

Your brand is your unique selling proposition that differentiates you from your peers, and in the job search process, your competition.

If you are not sure what your brand is, ask 10-30 people what they feel are your attributes are and then you can compare them to how you view yourself.

Here is my brand:

I use my dedication, high energy and results-oriented personality to coach and encourage professional individuals to achieve success and enjoyment in their careers.






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