Posts Tagged ‘Interviewer’
Employment Opportunities For High School And College Job Seekers… 6 Hot Tips!
Employment opportunities have to be handled with special attention when you’re a high school or college student job seeker. For example, no matter what your age, a hiring decision about you is made only after a face-to-face meeting.
So employment opportunities require you to master a few basic communication skills.
First, you have to look employable. If this is your first job, you have to make absolutely everything work to your advantage. Since you don’t have a work history or at best a thin resume, much more credibility will be placed on how you come across when you meet with a decision-maker. There, it’s up to you to represent yourself assertively and with enthusiasm.
Here are 6 tips that can move you toward success with your employment opportunities:
1. Get your ducks in a row. Write down the specific talents and capabilities your bring to the table. For example any work experience including volunteer work, school and church projects, family projects, athletic prowess . . . anything that demonstrates that you have contributed to helping another organization or individual. Be sure to include any work for neighbors including raking leaves, baby-sitting, shoveling snow, etc.
2. Write a script that details how you’ll present yourself to a prospective employer. Remember, first impressions count BIG! If you stumble around and can’t look an interviewer in the eye, you just lost. You must be prepared to speak with authority.
3. Practice what to say with friends. Let them ask you tough questions so you can learn to respond intelligently without getting rattled.
4. When you’ve done all your prep work, then you can write a resume recapping what you’ve done in the first three steps. It has to be brief and to the point (maximum one page.) Remember–your resume won’t get you a job. Only a face-to-face meeting results in serious consideration.
5. Dress appropriate to the position and according to company standards. Be polite. Have an opening comment to make so you can be the first to speak. Prepare in advance some intelligent questions to ask.
6. Be open to employment options. For example, an internship, starting out part-time, offering to work free for a week, a probation period, etc. Incidentally, the holiday season is a great time to get your foot in the door with retail businesses. Very often part-time holiday employment turns into full-time after the holidays.
Employment opportunities at the high school and college level can be exciting and enriching experiences. They can seriously prepare you for a lifetime of satisfying and lucrative work.
By: PAUL BOWLEY
About the Author:
So employment opportunities require you to master a few basic communication skills.
First, you have to look employable. If this is your first job, you have to make absolutely everything work to your advantage. Since you don’t have a work history or at best a thin resume, much more credibility will be placed on how you come across when you meet with a decision-maker. There, it’s up to you to represent yourself assertively and with enthusiasm.
Here are 6 tips that can move you toward success with your employment opportunities:
1. Get your ducks in a row. Write down the specific talents and capabilities your bring to the table. For example any work experience including volunteer work, school and church projects, family projects, athletic prowess . . . anything that demonstrates that you have contributed to helping another organization or individual. Be sure to include any work for neighbors including raking leaves, baby-sitting, shoveling snow, etc.
2. Write a script that details how you’ll present yourself to a prospective employer. Remember, first impressions count BIG! If you stumble around and can’t look an interviewer in the eye, you just lost. You must be prepared to speak with authority.
3. Practice what to say with friends. Let them ask you tough questions so you can learn to respond intelligently without getting rattled.
4. When you’ve done all your prep work, then you can write a resume recapping what you’ve done in the first three steps. It has to be brief and to the point (maximum one page.) Remember–your resume won’t get you a job. Only a face-to-face meeting results in serious consideration.
5. Dress appropriate to the position and according to company standards. Be polite. Have an opening comment to make so you can be the first to speak. Prepare in advance some intelligent questions to ask.
6. Be open to employment options. For example, an internship, starting out part-time, offering to work free for a week, a probation period, etc. Incidentally, the holiday season is a great time to get your foot in the door with retail businesses. Very often part-time holiday employment turns into full-time after the holidays.
Employment opportunities at the high school and college level can be exciting and enriching experiences. They can seriously prepare you for a lifetime of satisfying and lucrative work.
By: PAUL BOWLEY
About the Author:
Paul Bowley manages EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and innovative e-business strategies . . . since 1985. Check out THE WORLD’S FASTEST JOB SEARCH PLAN! And grab our stunning FREE REPORT! http://www.fastest-job-search.com
Six Great Tips for Job Screening Interviews
The job screening interview may be conducted in person or by telephone. It is almost always a behavioral interview (questions about your past often predict your future action) conducted by just one person. It is very common for recruiters to screen candidates by phone as it is the quickest way to ascertain a candidate’s skill set, qualifications and match to the job opportunity. Likewise, employers receiving numerous applications also find the telephone to be the best method for screening candidates for the first round.
Tip #1: Treat all interviews formally.
It might seem a bit more informal, but do not be lulled into that feeling because every interview is formal, important and critical to your success in moving onto the next interview level. At every step along the way you are being highly scrutinized. Employers are looking for elements in your resume and from your answers that confirms you might be a match for their position, but they are also interested in screening out those that simply do not match up. The sooner they can assemble a solid candidate pool of three to five top notch candidates to invite in for face-to-face interviews, the better.
Tip # 2: Always be prepared.
So whether or not you are being screened in person or by telephone, you need to be prepared no matter what for the screening interview as this is only the first in what may be several steps and interviews you will have to go through. However, assume that when you are actively job seeking and have distributed your resume, that a prospective employer is going to call you. Your phone is going to ring and you will be facing the initial screening interview. Are you prepared? Probably not. That is because the interviewer is prepared to begin asking you questions about your background, experience and achievements. You, on the other hand, usually have no idea who is calling you, and thus, may not be prepared at that moment, or even be in the situation, to carry on an interview.
Tip #3: Don’t answer your phone.
What can you do? Simple, let the caller go into your voicemail and leave you a call back message and phone number. We all live in a world of voicemail and leaving one message is usually not a problem, as long as the person returns the call in a timely manner. By letting the call go into voicemail you have some time to prepare. That way you can take a moment to compose yourself and be better prepared to call back at a time more suitable to you so you can give the best interview possible.
When you list your phone number on your resume, you can be absolutely certain an employer will use that to make an initial contact. Now you know an employer is going to call you; you must anticipate this and be prepared. Thus, it is imperative that the message on your phone is professional, warm and courteous. It should not be cute, humorous, folksy or anything else but above board and professional. This is another “first impression” and you do not want to drop the ball here.
When your phone rings and you do not recognize the caller, it is safer to let the call go to voicemail so you can return it at the right time than it is to be caught off guard and give a poorly prepared interview. You could knock yourself out of contention right at the outset, so why take such a risk?
Tip #4: Call back at your choosing.
When is the right time to call the interviewer back? As soon as you are relaxed and in a comfortable setting where you will not have annoying background noise, disturbances, interruptions, or anything that implies you are not in a professional setting and mode. You should call back as soon as possible; within minutes is best because the interviewer is eager to talk with you, already has you and your resume on their mind, is somewhat familiar with you and does not want to have to keep chasing you down.
Tip #5: Control the environment.
If you are driving and on your cell phone, pull over and get off a loud, busy street. If you are at home, go into a quiet room where no one can disturb you. Likewise, if you are at your office, close the door, use a private conference room, or go outside with your cell phone and find a suitable location (not near a door where people are going past you with greetings or might be tempted to stop and talk). Have your resume and any other important materials neatly organized and at your fingertips so you can refer to them at a moment’s notice. After all, the interviewer has them and is reading from the materials you supplied to them.
Tip #6: Get prepared for your next interview.
Assuming you have passed the initial screening interview, most likely by telephone, now what? Usually the next step is to invite you in for a more in-depth second screening interview – referred to as the qualification interview. The screening interview was to determine if you match up with the job description, possess the required job skills and requirements, and have most of the qualifications. The qualification interview will determine your strength and position within the candidate pool.
By: Craig Travis
About the Author:
Tip #1: Treat all interviews formally.
It might seem a bit more informal, but do not be lulled into that feeling because every interview is formal, important and critical to your success in moving onto the next interview level. At every step along the way you are being highly scrutinized. Employers are looking for elements in your resume and from your answers that confirms you might be a match for their position, but they are also interested in screening out those that simply do not match up. The sooner they can assemble a solid candidate pool of three to five top notch candidates to invite in for face-to-face interviews, the better.
Tip # 2: Always be prepared.
So whether or not you are being screened in person or by telephone, you need to be prepared no matter what for the screening interview as this is only the first in what may be several steps and interviews you will have to go through. However, assume that when you are actively job seeking and have distributed your resume, that a prospective employer is going to call you. Your phone is going to ring and you will be facing the initial screening interview. Are you prepared? Probably not. That is because the interviewer is prepared to begin asking you questions about your background, experience and achievements. You, on the other hand, usually have no idea who is calling you, and thus, may not be prepared at that moment, or even be in the situation, to carry on an interview.
Tip #3: Don’t answer your phone.
What can you do? Simple, let the caller go into your voicemail and leave you a call back message and phone number. We all live in a world of voicemail and leaving one message is usually not a problem, as long as the person returns the call in a timely manner. By letting the call go into voicemail you have some time to prepare. That way you can take a moment to compose yourself and be better prepared to call back at a time more suitable to you so you can give the best interview possible.
When you list your phone number on your resume, you can be absolutely certain an employer will use that to make an initial contact. Now you know an employer is going to call you; you must anticipate this and be prepared. Thus, it is imperative that the message on your phone is professional, warm and courteous. It should not be cute, humorous, folksy or anything else but above board and professional. This is another “first impression” and you do not want to drop the ball here.
When your phone rings and you do not recognize the caller, it is safer to let the call go to voicemail so you can return it at the right time than it is to be caught off guard and give a poorly prepared interview. You could knock yourself out of contention right at the outset, so why take such a risk?
Tip #4: Call back at your choosing.
When is the right time to call the interviewer back? As soon as you are relaxed and in a comfortable setting where you will not have annoying background noise, disturbances, interruptions, or anything that implies you are not in a professional setting and mode. You should call back as soon as possible; within minutes is best because the interviewer is eager to talk with you, already has you and your resume on their mind, is somewhat familiar with you and does not want to have to keep chasing you down.
Tip #5: Control the environment.
If you are driving and on your cell phone, pull over and get off a loud, busy street. If you are at home, go into a quiet room where no one can disturb you. Likewise, if you are at your office, close the door, use a private conference room, or go outside with your cell phone and find a suitable location (not near a door where people are going past you with greetings or might be tempted to stop and talk). Have your resume and any other important materials neatly organized and at your fingertips so you can refer to them at a moment’s notice. After all, the interviewer has them and is reading from the materials you supplied to them.
Tip #6: Get prepared for your next interview.
Assuming you have passed the initial screening interview, most likely by telephone, now what? Usually the next step is to invite you in for a more in-depth second screening interview – referred to as the qualification interview. The screening interview was to determine if you match up with the job description, possess the required job skills and requirements, and have most of the qualifications. The qualification interview will determine your strength and position within the candidate pool.
By: Craig Travis
About the Author:
For over 25 years Craig Travis has successfully been marketing people with his keen insight and is aptly noted for his highly effective and commanding communication style that’s as bold as it is innovative. He has redefined the way candidates are marketed and his creative approach has helped his clients capture the finest jobs in their fields.
Today, he’s the foremost writer producing exceptionally powerful resumes and persuasive cover letters for Sequence, a premier executive search and staffing firm for the construction, engineering, environmental and light industrial industries. Sequence is dedicated to supporting the core industries responsible for building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure, natural resources and environment by recruiting and marketing personnel to work for the finest organizations throughout the United States. For more information: www.sequencestaffing.com.
Six Great Tips for Job Screening Interviews
The job screening interview may be conducted in person or by telephone. It is almost always a behavioral interview (questions about your past often predict your future action) conducted by just one person. It is very common for recruiters to screen candidates by phone as it is the quickest way to ascertain a candidate’s skill set, qualifications and match to the job opportunity. Likewise, employers receiving numerous applications also find the telephone to be the best method for screening candidates for the first round.
Tip #1: Treat all interviews formally.
It might seem a bit more informal, but do not be lulled into that feeling because every interview is formal, important and critical to your success in moving onto the next interview level. At every step along the way you are being highly scrutinized. Employers are looking for elements in your resume and from your answers that confirms you might be a match for their position, but they are also interested in screening out those that simply do not match up. The sooner they can assemble a solid candidate pool of three to five top notch candidates to invite in for face-to-face interviews, the better.
Tip # 2: Always be prepared.
So whether or not you are being screened in person or by telephone, you need to be prepared no matter what for the screening interview as this is only the first in what may be several steps and interviews you will have to go through. However, assume that when you are actively job seeking and have distributed your resume, that a prospective employer is going to call you. Your phone is going to ring and you will be facing the initial screening interview. Are you prepared? Probably not. That is because the interviewer is prepared to begin asking you questions about your background, experience and achievements. You, on the other hand, usually have no idea who is calling you, and thus, may not be prepared at that moment, or even be in the situation, to carry on an interview.
Tip #3: Don’t answer your phone.
What can you do? Simple, let the caller go into your voicemail and leave you a call back message and phone number. We all live in a world of voicemail and leaving one message is usually not a problem, as long as the person returns the call in a timely manner. By letting the call go into voicemail you have some time to prepare. That way you can take a moment to compose yourself and be better prepared to call back at a time more suitable to you so you can give the best interview possible.
When you list your phone number on your resume, you can be absolutely certain an employer will use that to make an initial contact. Now you know an employer is going to call you; you must anticipate this and be prepared. Thus, it is imperative that the message on your phone is professional, warm and courteous. It should not be cute, humorous, folksy or anything else but above board and professional. This is another “first impression” and you do not want to drop the ball here.
When your phone rings and you do not recognize the caller, it is safer to let the call go to voicemail so you can return it at the right time than it is to be caught off guard and give a poorly prepared interview. You could knock yourself out of contention right at the outset, so why take such a risk?
Tip #4: Call back at your choosing.
When is the right time to call the interviewer back? As soon as you are relaxed and in a comfortable setting where you will not have annoying background noise, disturbances, interruptions, or anything that implies you are not in a professional setting and mode. You should call back as soon as possible; within minutes is best because the interviewer is eager to talk with you, already has you and your resume on their mind, is somewhat familiar with you and does not want to have to keep chasing you down.
Tip #5: Control the environment.
If you are driving and on your cell phone, pull over and get off a loud, busy street. If you are at home, go into a quiet room where no one can disturb you. Likewise, if you are at your office, close the door, use a private conference room, or go outside with your cell phone and find a suitable location (not near a door where people are going past you with greetings or might be tempted to stop and talk). Have your resume and any other important materials neatly organized and at your fingertips so you can refer to them at a moment’s notice. After all, the interviewer has them and is reading from the materials you supplied to them.
Tip #6: Get prepared for your next interview.
Assuming you have passed the initial screening interview, most likely by telephone, now what? Usually the next step is to invite you in for a more in-depth second screening interview – referred to as the qualification interview. The screening interview was to determine if you match up with the job description, possess the required job skills and requirements, and have most of the qualifications. The qualification interview will determine your strength and position within the candidate pool.
By: Craig Travis
About the Author:
Tip #1: Treat all interviews formally.
It might seem a bit more informal, but do not be lulled into that feeling because every interview is formal, important and critical to your success in moving onto the next interview level. At every step along the way you are being highly scrutinized. Employers are looking for elements in your resume and from your answers that confirms you might be a match for their position, but they are also interested in screening out those that simply do not match up. The sooner they can assemble a solid candidate pool of three to five top notch candidates to invite in for face-to-face interviews, the better.
Tip # 2: Always be prepared.
So whether or not you are being screened in person or by telephone, you need to be prepared no matter what for the screening interview as this is only the first in what may be several steps and interviews you will have to go through. However, assume that when you are actively job seeking and have distributed your resume, that a prospective employer is going to call you. Your phone is going to ring and you will be facing the initial screening interview. Are you prepared? Probably not. That is because the interviewer is prepared to begin asking you questions about your background, experience and achievements. You, on the other hand, usually have no idea who is calling you, and thus, may not be prepared at that moment, or even be in the situation, to carry on an interview.
Tip #3: Don’t answer your phone.
What can you do? Simple, let the caller go into your voicemail and leave you a call back message and phone number. We all live in a world of voicemail and leaving one message is usually not a problem, as long as the person returns the call in a timely manner. By letting the call go into voicemail you have some time to prepare. That way you can take a moment to compose yourself and be better prepared to call back at a time more suitable to you so you can give the best interview possible.
When you list your phone number on your resume, you can be absolutely certain an employer will use that to make an initial contact. Now you know an employer is going to call you; you must anticipate this and be prepared. Thus, it is imperative that the message on your phone is professional, warm and courteous. It should not be cute, humorous, folksy or anything else but above board and professional. This is another “first impression” and you do not want to drop the ball here.
When your phone rings and you do not recognize the caller, it is safer to let the call go to voicemail so you can return it at the right time than it is to be caught off guard and give a poorly prepared interview. You could knock yourself out of contention right at the outset, so why take such a risk?
Tip #4: Call back at your choosing.
When is the right time to call the interviewer back? As soon as you are relaxed and in a comfortable setting where you will not have annoying background noise, disturbances, interruptions, or anything that implies you are not in a professional setting and mode. You should call back as soon as possible; within minutes is best because the interviewer is eager to talk with you, already has you and your resume on their mind, is somewhat familiar with you and does not want to have to keep chasing you down.
Tip #5: Control the environment.
If you are driving and on your cell phone, pull over and get off a loud, busy street. If you are at home, go into a quiet room where no one can disturb you. Likewise, if you are at your office, close the door, use a private conference room, or go outside with your cell phone and find a suitable location (not near a door where people are going past you with greetings or might be tempted to stop and talk). Have your resume and any other important materials neatly organized and at your fingertips so you can refer to them at a moment’s notice. After all, the interviewer has them and is reading from the materials you supplied to them.
Tip #6: Get prepared for your next interview.
Assuming you have passed the initial screening interview, most likely by telephone, now what? Usually the next step is to invite you in for a more in-depth second screening interview – referred to as the qualification interview. The screening interview was to determine if you match up with the job description, possess the required job skills and requirements, and have most of the qualifications. The qualification interview will determine your strength and position within the candidate pool.
By: Craig Travis
About the Author:
For over 25 years Craig Travis has successfully been marketing people with his keen insight and is aptly noted for his highly effective and commanding communication style that’s as bold as it is innovative. He has redefined the way candidates are marketed and his creative approach has helped his clients capture the finest jobs in their fields.
Today, he’s the foremost writer producing exceptionally powerful resumes and persuasive cover letters for Sequence, a premier executive search and staffing firm for the construction, engineering, environmental and light industrial industries. Sequence is dedicated to supporting the core industries responsible for building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure, natural resources and environment by recruiting and marketing personnel to work for the finest organizations throughout the United States. For more information: www.sequencestaffing.com.
