Posts Tagged ‘hiring’

Interviews: Listen to the signals the interviewer is sending

May 23rd, 2011

By Judit Price, MS, CDFI, IJCTC, CCM, CPRW

This may not be the light at the end of the tunnel but the job situation in our community has markedly improved.  Not only are recruiters and hiring manager sending more hiring notices, but overall activity is increasing in a very encouraging way.  In fact, it appears more job seekers are out there and they are getting interviews, many interviews in some cases.

In these days of awful uncertainty any job interview can be a lifeline.  Unfortunately, the hope associated with an interview, the position itself and the interviewers perspective will often not meet a candidate’s expectations.  So the question arises as to how hard should you pursue an opportunity when the signals say move on to the next opportunity.  Job hunters have no special insight in a decision-makers thought processes and sometimes there is the great temptation to translate rejection into something else.  The interviewer may be saying no, while the candidate is thinking maybe.

The truth is interviewing is very difficult for both the interviewer and the interviewee.  My experience with managers is they have been on both sides of the desk and understand the complexities and the delicate nature of the interview process precisely because they have been on both sides.  They understand that much of what the candidate hears is exactly what the interviewer intended them to » Read more: Interviews: Listen to the signals the interviewer is sending

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Interviews: Four Reason Why Employers Will Hire You

May 19th, 2011

By Bob McIntosh

Okay, now Forbes magazine in its article, Top Executive Recruiters Agree There Are Only Three True Job Interview Questions,  has confirmed what employers are looking for in candidates. This is not new news. Employers want people who can 1) do the job, 2) will do the job, and 3) will fit in (or be tolerated).

But there’s a fourth piece to the puzzle Forbes doesn’t mention, which is “can we afford you?” Unfortunately, this seems to be almost as important as the other three requirements, as evidenced by the phone screening, where you’ll most likely get the salary question.

Let’s look at the four components employers look for in a candidate.

Of course interviewers won’t ask the questions phrased as such: Can you do the job? Rather they’ll pose them as: “What skills do you see being necessary to do the job?” “Tell me how you’ll handle problem X.” “What kind of experience do you have in the areas of Y?”

Having the technical know-how is essential to performing the job and advancing in your career, but there are other qualities employers look for in candidates, perhaps qualities on par with the hard skills.

For the motivation part, they’ll want to know if you’re in love with the responsibilities and the mission of the organization. Will you work until the job is finished? “Why do you want to work for this company?” may be a question you’ll have to field. Were you ever given the directive, “Tell me » Read more: Interviews: Four Reason Why Employers Will Hire You

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Interviews: 6 Ways to Deal With Anxiety During a Job Interview

February 23rd, 2011

By Dee Barizo

Few people look forward to job interviews. Some job seekers anticipate them as they would a dental procedure. Others would rather have a public speaking engagement or go skydiving. But preparing for a job interview and surviving the event can be a positive learning experience.

The moderately stressful, sometimes high stakes job interview is one of the best places to refine your interpersonal skills and test your ability to communicate under pressure. Perhaps more importantly, if you arrive adequately prepared, you can use an interview to gain knowledge about developments in your industry and make valuable professional contacts.

Keeping your composure in a job interview requires some planning and thought, but most job seekers find that their efforts pay off when they’re able to field an unexpected question. The following job interview tips will help you relax and stay focused before and during the big event.

1. Prepare for a job interview by researching the company and position.
» Read more: Interviews: 6 Ways to Deal With Anxiety During a Job Interview

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