1. Tips for Job Hunting Online
2. Things NEVER to wear on an interview
3. Most Common Interview Questions

The first step in any job search is to identify your strengths. You want to market your most valuable attributes to your prospective employer. With the increasingly large amount of applying employees you need to prove that you are the best candidate for the job. This will be imperative to securing a second interview or possibly obtaining the job opportunity you are hoping for.

As we talked about in our May newsletter a resume is a crucial step in acquiring an opportunity to sell the prospective employer into wanting to meet you. Once you do that though you must sell the interviewer on why you and only you are the biggest asset to the company or organization to which you are applying for. Even if it was not requested you should bring a portfolio of sample work you have done to show your expertise. Remember with the surplus of applicants you must prove that you are the best person for the job.

Identifying your strengths will allow you to see what kind of career you are most interested in and qualified for. Many community colleges or local technical schools will offer career tests to see what industry will best suit you with your skill set. Regardless of your age or education it is strongly recommended to take this test, especially if you are unsure of what industry you want to be in.

Taking this crucial step will allow you to narrow your search to specific areas. In addition to that these schools could be your stepping stone to finding the perfect job. Many of these schools offer job placement. Employers often times go to the schools to find qualified applicants. Once you have narrowed your search, you need to broadcast your resume.

With the technology world becoming increasingly popular the Internet is a huge tool to job seekers. Years ago the common way to find a job was the newspaper or schlepping from place to place with a resume in hand. However, now you have the job world at your fingertips literally.

There are numerous job search engines available free of charge to anyone. It allows you to search potential opportunities without leaving the comfort of your living room. Be sure to have your resume updated and ready to be emailed in different formats. The majority of the time the postings will not leave a phone number or fax number, therefore email will be the only viable option.

With the click of a button your resume can be emailed to hiring managers within minutes, as well as posted on career search engine sites. Doing this will eliminate a lot of footwork on your end. This action will put you within reach to any hiring employers looking for candidates. As for local companies you may want to contact them directly to see if there are any employment openings available. Lately, due to the economy, companies do not use funds to advertise jobs since many people come to the business.

1. Tips for Job Hunting Online

Look at when the job posting expires. Often time's businesses will remove job postings when the position has been filled or when they have stopped accepting applications. Nevertheless, there are job postings that have expired, yet are still on the internet. While on the job search you do not want to waste your time sending resumes to companies that are not looking for employers.

Read the fine print before posting your resume on a site. Many sites will offer an option where you can post your resume so that prospective employers can view it. Read the terms and conditions and be sure it is a secured site and they are reputable. You don't ever want to put personal information on the computer when there is a chance of it getting in the wrong hands.

Keywords are imperative to finding a variety of options. Search engines usually go by certain words. If you are doing a search and not successful in finding any possible positions try changing around search words. For instance, when searching for a secretary opening you may want to also try administrative assistance or receptionist. This will broaden your search criteria and leave you with more options.

Be aware of scams or false advertising. If a job posting sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Do some research on the company. Be sure the company is credible prior to giving them any personal information or agreeing to meet in person.

Follow up with the companies you have applied with. Don't be afraid to contact the company you sent your resume to. Call them to confirm they received it. This will do a few things. It will show that you are organized, as well as motivated.

One of the most successful ways to find a new job prospect is networking. It sounds complicated, however it is quite effortless. Networking is as easy as talking to people you know, such as friends and family. You never know what job possibilities they may be aware of. Word of mouth is the best asset to finding your new career opportunity.

A great benefit with networking is you usually have a hand up against other candidates, since you were referred by someone that the employer knows personally. Like the saying goes" it is not what you know but rather who you know."

Take full advantage of networking, especially with people who are in the same industry. Employees in your industry will often hear about job openings prior to them being publicized. You could score an interview prior to the job even being advertised.

There are many different avenues available to finding a job. Temporary agencies used to be, well, a temporary thing. Nonetheless, in recent years companies are training the temp wage earners for permanent positions.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the company must pay the agency for supplying that person the wages are usually reduced. Make the most of temporary agencies if that is the only way to get your foot in the door and prove your value to the employer.

Head hunters or recruiters are employed by companies to find qualified employees. If you are not having luck with your job search it would be wise to contact one. They will be able to broaden your job search immensely. Furthermore, the head hunters often have contacts at major companies which they can market your resume to.

High level positions are not always advertised to the public. The company will usually hire a recruiter to seek a qualified potential applicant. Some employers are impressed when you have a professional representing you.

Another great benefit is this professional will be able to negotiate a compensation package for you. Head hunters or recruiters do not cost you money, since companies will hire them to seek experienced, suitable candidates.

Job fairs are a one stop place for a job. Locally and nationally numerous companies come together and join in one place. The big advantage to job fairs is that you can meet with companies that are out of state without having the logistics problem. When attending a job fair be sure to have many resumes and business cards readily available.

You want to make a good impression and leave a lasting memory so the employer will contact you. On the other hand, ask questions that you want to know. If you are interested in possibly applying for a job find out what steps you need to take to get an interview.

The representing party of the company you are meeting with for those brief moments is analyzing everything about you. You should heed this warning and be very professional. Also take this occasion to ask the representing party of the company any questions you may have. This party should have a feeling that you are interested in pursuing the position that needs to be fulfilled.

2. Things NEVER to wear on an interview

You have spent countless numbers of hours searching for the perfect job. Suddenly, your efforts have paid off and you get a call from the potential employer requesting an interview. Your mind races and you freeze. You have come this far. The employer was impressed with your resume and is intrigued enough to want to meet you. Remember first impressions always last. You must do everything in your power to ace the interview. Below are some tips and actions to take to secure your chances at obtaining the job or at least a second interview.

First things first what do you wear? It will depend strongly on the kind of position, as well as the office atmosphere. Do some research on the company you will be interviewing with.

As a general rule, if it is a professional job, such as an accountant or lawyer, you will want to dress business attire. While, if you are applying for a non-professional job, such as a retail store clerk or a waitress, you can wear business casual.

Below are some overall guidelines for interviews.

Things NEVER to wear on an interview:

Flip flops or sneakers

Undergarments that are showing

Shorts or jeans

Skirts that are short or pants that are too tight

Shirts or blouses that are too revealing

Lay off the heavy cologne or perfume. You don't want the interviewer to get a headache while talking to you. Even if you think it smells good people may not agree with you or have an allergic reaction to it.

Business Casual

Men:

Khaki or colored (such as navy blue) cotton pants

Cotton long sleeved button down shirts or collared polo shirts

Leather belts and closed toe loafers or shoes

Tie is optional

Women:

Khaki, corduroy or colored pants or skirts

Polo or slightly dressy blouses

Avoid the bright patterns, solid colors are more professional

Business Attire

Men:

Solid color long sleeved dress shirt underneath a suit or sports jacket

Black or brown dress shoes

Clean shave

Nice hairstyle

Subtle cologne (if any) and no aftershave

Briefcase with any references, resumes, or other useful information for the interview

Women:

Solid colored suit

Dressy blouses

Neatly pressed slacks with a cardigan

Subtle or no perfume

Well groomed or manicured

Hair neatly done

3. Most Common Interview Questions

1. Be prepared to answer questions about past employment.
You should be able to advise the interviewer of the name of the company, position, duties, dates of employment, salary, and why you left.

2. Answering questions about former employers can be tricky.
Keep in mind you do not want to come across as disgruntled. Relay the information in a positive matter. As far as why you left the previous employer, a suggested response is "seeking new business opportunities".

3. If there has been a long period of time that you have been unemployed be prepared to explain why.
Honesty is always your best avenue; however you will want the interviewer to know that you were actively doing something. For instance, you may want to say you were working on freelance projects, taking care of a sick relative or being a stay-at home parent. Whatever the case was for the lapse in employment be prepared with an explanation.

4.One of the most difficult questions to answer in an interview is why you have been fired from a previous employer.

There are ways to answer this question that will benefit you. Below are some sample answers:

My former boss and I agreed that it was time for me to move on to a position that would be better suited for both of us.

After reflecting on my prior job experience, I realized that I should have handled things differently. It was a learning experience and now I am wiser.

At the time I had certain personal obligations that affected my work life; however those obligations are now handled.

The company downsized and unfortunately my position was no longer necessary.

5. What is your greatest weakness and strength?
When asked what your weakness is you will want to turn a negative into a positive. For example, "I tend to be a perfectionist, so I spend a little too much time making sure everything is correct. However, I have realized lately ways to ensure that my work is correct the first time which reduces my time in rechecking it.

Answering a question about your greatest strength is a rather simple question to answer. Keep in mind though you want your answer to relate to the job position. For instance, if you are applying for a retail manager position you may want to point out that your greatest strength is "customer service skills and your ability to diffuse situations between coworkers before it escalates into a difficult situation."

6. Tell me about yourself.
You should assume that you will be asked this with in the first 5 minutes of meeting with the interviewer. As common as this question is most interviewees have no idea how to answer it. The fatal mistake people make is going on for 10 minutes about things that do not apply to obtaining the job. You want to say one or two sentences that will qualify you for the job. Point out your strengths and how you are an asset to employers. This accomplishes two goals. You have the interviewer's attention, and you have set yourself away from most competitors.

7. Why do you want this job?
Answer this question to the best of your ability. Prior to going on the interview, you will want to get educated on the company. Do some research on the company's background? Having that knowledge will show the future employer that you are interested in the job, as well as organized and goal orientated.

8. Why are you the best employee for this position?
This is your time to shine. Go into detail about your skills, work ethic, and experience. Give the interviewer examples of previous accomplishments in your past work history. Explain how your talent would strongly assist in the growth and success of the company.

9. The interviewer will ask you at some point if you have any questions about the position or company.
You now have the option to assess the position and find out additional information. Be cautious about the questions you ask. Below are questions that are important to ask, as well as questions that should be avoided.

Questions to Ask

Is traveling likelihood?

What do you personally enjoy about working here?

If I have the opportunity to work here, when would the start date be?

How soon are you looking to make a decision about filling the opening?

Questions Not to Ask

What kind of company is this?

How many vacation and personal days do I receive?

What are my chances of getting this job?

10. What are you goals for the next 5 years?

When answering this question involve the company in your answer. Perhaps you may say, "My goal for the next 5 years is to be involved in a company, where I have the potential to grow and take on additional job duties." You want to avoid stating that you are thinking of relocating or expanding your family. This will tell the employer that the job position is more of a short term option for you.

---

Got a question? Then contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310 United conducts regular seminars on financial education, including "How to Budget", come along and join us - to reserve your seat contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310

Newsletter 07
Rev.1
July, 2010