This was taken from About.com with a few of my own additions....
Top 10 Interview Blunders
1. Don't Prepare
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory. Additionally do some research on your interviewers via Linkedin or Google. There may be some commonalities you can reference during your interview.
2. Dress Inappropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position. When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard, for example, dress accordingly in neat and casual attire. Although the environment may be business casual, make sure you have your "Sunday best" on. Appearance is everything!
3. Poor Communication Skills
It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question.
4. Too Much Communication
Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't get the job, didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview.
5. Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question. If you unsure of the question, repeat it back or aks for clarification. Just don't repeat this with every question.
6. Don't Talk Enough
It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn't pleasant. So, even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.
7. Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information. Additionally, know your resume inside and out. Be prepared to address any questions taken directly from your resume.
8. Give the Wrong Answer
Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you'll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.
The interviewer had completely described a sales and marketing position to the candidate. She emphasized that cold calling and prospecting were the most important skills and experiences needed for the position. The candidate responded to the question about what she did or didn't like to do in sales, with these words: "I hate to do cold calling and prospecting, and I'm not good at it." That response ensured that she wouldn't get the job!
9. Badmouthing Past Employers
Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. I cringed when I heard someone ranting and raving about the last company she worked for. That company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn't going to hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there.
It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.
10. Forget to Follow Up
Afraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company. I have had candidates get the job over others because they sent a nice Thank You follow up.
Need help writing or preparing for an interview; feel free to contact me at sschantz@cardalifesciences.com
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Basics of Writing a Resume
For many, writing a resume can be scary but if you follow these few simple bullets, you will be off to the races.....
1. Formatting for results.
The formatting of a resume is very important and provides the necessary information in a logical, easy to read sequence. The use of underlines, italics, bold, and all caps can guide the employer through the resume with ease. Consistency is key when developing a resume and helps make the information on the resume simple for employers to read.
2. Start by including your personal information.
The employer wants to know your name, address, phone number, and email address on the top of the first page of your resume. Personal information such as marital status, age, religion, political affiliation are not included on a resume and are illegal questions for employers to ask.
3. Including an Objective or Summary of Qualifications is optional.
An objective (optional) can immediately help identify the position to which you are applying. A Summary of Qualifications (optional) can offer a list of your skills and accomplishments right at the very beginning of your resume. You can also include why you are writing in the cover letter if the employer asks for one.
4. Marketing yourself.
Be sure to first list the most relevant experiences related to the internship or job to which you are applying. You may entitle this section Relevant Experience, Business Experience, Leadership Experience, etc.
Maintain consistency in your resume by presenting your information in a logical consistent format utilizing boldface, italics, and capital letters to emphasize headings and important pieces of information. Avoid using several different type sets within the resume.
5. Use Action Verbs to describe your responsibilities & accomplishments.
Creating effective verb statements highlighting your skills and accomplishments will make your resume strong and create a favorable impression with employers. By including only relevant information with just enough detail to demonstrate your skills, you will be illustrating your attention to details along with your ability to communicate and organize your thoughts.
6. Include all relevant Education, Honors, Degrees, & Certifications.
When applying for internships Education, Honors, and Awards will usually go at the beginning of the resume and will move to the end once you have developed some professional experience. As a student, Education will be the first major category (after Objective or Summary if you include one), since student is your most recent full-time role.
7. Maintain white space.
Try to keep margins to 1” all around the edges of the resume and include some spacing within the resume to give it a fresh, professional look. You want to create a resume that's easy to skim.
8. Prepare several resumes.
Be prepared to change your resume based on the position in which you are applying. You may choose to change the information provided or you may just change the order in which you present the information.
9. Focus on the qualifications of the position and the needs of the employer.
Each resume should be the result of researching the employer and reviewing the position description if possible. Be sure to include certifications, achievements, volunteer, internship, employment experiences as well as any special skills such as computer, foreign language, music, art, etc.
10. Review the overall format and how the resume appears visually.
Once you have included all the information and have checked for consistency and formatting, take a good look at how the resume looks and if it is professional. The overall look and appeal of the resume will provide the employer with a lasting first impression of you as an applicant.
11. Proofread. ( Better yet, have someone else proofread your resume)
This is the time you will want to be a perfectionist. There is no room for grammatical and/or spelling errors in a resume. Set it down and come back to it, have someone critique it, do whatever is necessary to ensure that your document is absolutely perfect. You will not get a second chance to create a good impression if you send out a resume that includes errors.
Questions? Feel free to email me at sschantz@cardalifesciences.com
1. Formatting for results.
The formatting of a resume is very important and provides the necessary information in a logical, easy to read sequence. The use of underlines, italics, bold, and all caps can guide the employer through the resume with ease. Consistency is key when developing a resume and helps make the information on the resume simple for employers to read.
2. Start by including your personal information.
The employer wants to know your name, address, phone number, and email address on the top of the first page of your resume. Personal information such as marital status, age, religion, political affiliation are not included on a resume and are illegal questions for employers to ask.
3. Including an Objective or Summary of Qualifications is optional.
An objective (optional) can immediately help identify the position to which you are applying. A Summary of Qualifications (optional) can offer a list of your skills and accomplishments right at the very beginning of your resume. You can also include why you are writing in the cover letter if the employer asks for one.
4. Marketing yourself.
Be sure to first list the most relevant experiences related to the internship or job to which you are applying. You may entitle this section Relevant Experience, Business Experience, Leadership Experience, etc.
Maintain consistency in your resume by presenting your information in a logical consistent format utilizing boldface, italics, and capital letters to emphasize headings and important pieces of information. Avoid using several different type sets within the resume.
5. Use Action Verbs to describe your responsibilities & accomplishments.
Creating effective verb statements highlighting your skills and accomplishments will make your resume strong and create a favorable impression with employers. By including only relevant information with just enough detail to demonstrate your skills, you will be illustrating your attention to details along with your ability to communicate and organize your thoughts.
6. Include all relevant Education, Honors, Degrees, & Certifications.
When applying for internships Education, Honors, and Awards will usually go at the beginning of the resume and will move to the end once you have developed some professional experience. As a student, Education will be the first major category (after Objective or Summary if you include one), since student is your most recent full-time role.
7. Maintain white space.
Try to keep margins to 1” all around the edges of the resume and include some spacing within the resume to give it a fresh, professional look. You want to create a resume that's easy to skim.
8. Prepare several resumes.
Be prepared to change your resume based on the position in which you are applying. You may choose to change the information provided or you may just change the order in which you present the information.
9. Focus on the qualifications of the position and the needs of the employer.
Each resume should be the result of researching the employer and reviewing the position description if possible. Be sure to include certifications, achievements, volunteer, internship, employment experiences as well as any special skills such as computer, foreign language, music, art, etc.
10. Review the overall format and how the resume appears visually.
Once you have included all the information and have checked for consistency and formatting, take a good look at how the resume looks and if it is professional. The overall look and appeal of the resume will provide the employer with a lasting first impression of you as an applicant.
11. Proofread. ( Better yet, have someone else proofread your resume)
This is the time you will want to be a perfectionist. There is no room for grammatical and/or spelling errors in a resume. Set it down and come back to it, have someone critique it, do whatever is necessary to ensure that your document is absolutely perfect. You will not get a second chance to create a good impression if you send out a resume that includes errors.
Questions? Feel free to email me at sschantz@cardalifesciences.com
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Can't Get a Second Interview
Happy 2011 Everyone. I realized it has been some time since I last updated and to my followers, I apologize. I was reading the Business Section in the local newspaper and saw a great article about second interviews and why people don't get them. Some of the information I will be plagiarzing but alot of what I will say is what I have seen over the last 10 years.
Take inventory as this may or may not pertain to you:
First off, remember perception is everything and this is garnered in the first 30 seconds:
Clothing:
Regardless if this is a $10/hr Warehouse/Assembler position or a Management role, dress professionally. Slacks, dress shirt (tie optional but wouldn't hurt) or Blouse and jacket or sports coat. ***Make sure your outfit is ironed/pressed. *** If you don't care to spend 10 minutes to iron then chances are you really don't care about the job.
Jewelry:
Is it minimal?
Gents - watch is all you need!!
Ladies - Watch, perhaps a simple necklace and if you wear earrings, nothing dangling.
Cologne/Perfume:
Please do not bathe in your spray. You may just off allergies of the interviewer(s).
Smoker:
There are 2 types of smokers;
1- Someone that smokes 1 cigarette and you would never ever know they smoke
2- The same 1 cigarette smoker that smells like they just had a pack.
If you want the jobs, try not to smoke prior to the interview. If you must, try to air yourself out, 20-30 minutes before the interview.
Handshake:
Is it firm or do you lay your hand into someone else's?
Ok so you think that you have aced the above?
Let's analyze the interview:
Were your answers short and concise? There is nothing wrong with asking, can I elaborate or was that the answer you were looking for? Just don't do it after every question.
Not sure how to answer a question? Ask the interviewer to repeat the question to buy yourself a few seconds while you quickly scan your brain for the answer.
Were you able to give specific examples or accomplishments or how you achieved certain thing listed on your resume?
Here are a few examples:
1. Give me an example of when you went above and beyond? What specifically did you do? What was the outcome? Was it readily accepted?
2. Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to your boss/coworkers etc? How did you
3. What makes you an ideal candidate for this job.
Lastly, follow up with a Thank You email 48-72 hrs after the interview.
Something I haven't addressed? Email me at sschantz@cardalifesciences.com
Take inventory as this may or may not pertain to you:
First off, remember perception is everything and this is garnered in the first 30 seconds:
Clothing:
Regardless if this is a $10/hr Warehouse/Assembler position or a Management role, dress professionally. Slacks, dress shirt (tie optional but wouldn't hurt) or Blouse and jacket or sports coat. ***Make sure your outfit is ironed/pressed. *** If you don't care to spend 10 minutes to iron then chances are you really don't care about the job.
Jewelry:
Is it minimal?
Gents - watch is all you need!!
Ladies - Watch, perhaps a simple necklace and if you wear earrings, nothing dangling.
Cologne/Perfume:
Please do not bathe in your spray. You may just off allergies of the interviewer(s).
Smoker:
There are 2 types of smokers;
1- Someone that smokes 1 cigarette and you would never ever know they smoke
2- The same 1 cigarette smoker that smells like they just had a pack.
If you want the jobs, try not to smoke prior to the interview. If you must, try to air yourself out, 20-30 minutes before the interview.
Handshake:
Is it firm or do you lay your hand into someone else's?
Ok so you think that you have aced the above?
Let's analyze the interview:
Were your answers short and concise? There is nothing wrong with asking, can I elaborate or was that the answer you were looking for? Just don't do it after every question.
Not sure how to answer a question? Ask the interviewer to repeat the question to buy yourself a few seconds while you quickly scan your brain for the answer.
Were you able to give specific examples or accomplishments or how you achieved certain thing listed on your resume?
Here are a few examples:
1. Give me an example of when you went above and beyond? What specifically did you do? What was the outcome? Was it readily accepted?
2. Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to your boss/coworkers etc? How did you
3. What makes you an ideal candidate for this job.
Lastly, follow up with a Thank You email 48-72 hrs after the interview.
Something I haven't addressed? Email me at sschantz@cardalifesciences.com
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