Self Improvement Site
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
Interviewing Skills Articles
We are currently looking for an Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to "Interviewing Skills". If you have expertise in Interviewing Skills and your own website and/or product for this topic, please review this form for complete details. The Official Guide Position is part of our Premium Placement Package
- Is your on-line reputation hurting you? - by Submitted on Sep 01, 2010 from Robert Shindell"Is your on-line reputation hurting you?" Chances are you already have a reputation online, even if you don't want one. On Web sites across the Internet, people can find information about you. You should be aware of your online reputation so you can protect it. This is especially important ...
Views: 1129 - You've ve got to have a PLAN! - by Submitted on Sep 01, 2010 from Robert ShindellSo there you were… you were gainfully employed and life was good! Then all of a sudden… BAM! The news that you have been dreading… all of a sudden your life has drastically changed. You became one of the millions of Americans who are unemployed. Although you are not alone in being unemployed, ...
Views: 1218 - Job Interview Tip: Don’t Sabotage Your Interview By Making This Critical Mistake - by Submitted on Aug 31, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAs an interview coach, I always recommend that my clients bring a 30/60/90-day plan to their job interviews. This plan is a written outline for what they intend to do and achieve within the first 3 months on the job. It takes research and strategic thinking to put one together, and it’s a lot ...
Views: 1689 - Job Interview Tip: The Hardest Part of the Interview Is Asking for the Job - by Submitted on Aug 31, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMany job candidates prepare well for the interview, connect well with the hiring manager, and then stumble at the end of the interview session because they’re not comfortable asking for the next step. It feels awkward, or too bold, or even weak (as in, “if they want to hire me, they’ll have to ...
Views: 2687 - Job Search Tip: What’s the One Thing You Must Understand In the Job Search? - by Submitted on Aug 31, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHow many jobs have you applied to online—only to receive no response? Or maybe you received a “thanks but no thanks” letter. Either way, you aren’t making much progress in landing a job. If this applies to you, I have a question: Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Maybe you don’t think it’s ...
Views: 1508 - Job Search Tip: Is “No Experience” Stopping You From Getting Your Dream Job? - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIs your lack of experience stopping you from getting the job you really want and know you deserve and would be good at? This happens to many people, and can be a huge roadblock, especially in our current job market. It does put you at a disadvantage, but there are things you can do. If this ...
Views: 1870(1 vote) - Job Interview Tip: Don’t Kill Your Chances With Your References - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeWhat you say about your references can kill your job search. Many candidates are so focused on the resume and interview preparation that they forget about their references—but they are a critical piece of your job-getting effort. When you are asked who would be your references, and what ...
Views: 1727(1 vote) - Job Search Tips: 4 Ways to Transition into Medical Sales, Even If You Have No Experience - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMany people find that there are roadblocks they can’t get past when trying to break into medical sales, medical devices, laboratory sales, or other health care sales–but it can be done. The biggest one is the lack of a medical background. But here are 4 ways you can overcome that: 1. You ...
Views: 1792 - Can You Over-Prepare for Your Job Interview? - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeI don't think it's even possible to be "over-prepared" for your job interview. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be--and that shows. Especially in this job market, you've got to show up with your "A" game right off the bat to avoid getting eliminated from consideration. ...
Views: 2119 - Why You Need a 30/60/90-Day Plan to Shine in Your Job Interview - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe best-prepared candidate is often the one who gets the offer. And the hands-down, very best way to ensure that YOU are the best-prepared candidate is to construct a 30/60/90-day plan. A 30/60/90-day plan is a written outline of what you will be doing in your first 3 months on the job. ...
Views: 1813 - Coping With Job Layoff - by Submitted on Aug 26, 2010 from Robert ShindellWhen you lose their job or learn that you are about to lose your job, you may experience a wide range of emotions. The reaction to this news can include sadness, anger, fear, numbness, and shame. Experiencing these emotions is normal. Job loss, like any loss, means letting go of something ...
Views: 1216 - Important Job Interview Tips for Executive Candidates - by Submitted on Aug 26, 2010 from John Arthur ThomasEvery company needs a chief executive officer and other executives to manage every aspect of running their business. Selecting the right candidate is a crucial business decision because the executives are the face of the company. The job interview should make sure that the prospective candidate ...
Views: 1168 - Job Interview Advice: Why You Need a Career Coach - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeCareer coaching is sometimes thought of as a counseling session for “what do you want to be when you grow up?” That has its place, for sure, but career counseling is not career coaching. Career coaching works a lot like athletic coaching—it’s an experienced trainer standing behind you, helping ...
Views: 1723 - Job Search Advice for the Unemployed and Over 40 - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIf you’re unemployed and over 40, it can feel like a “double whammy” of trouble for you in the job search, but it doesn’t have to be a negative. First of all, unemployment is a temporary status that you are going to change. Don’t be ashamed of that. Many people (especially right now) face ...
Views: 3056 - Job Interview Follow-Up Tips - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeSo what happens when you have a really great interview, you send your follow-up email in a timely manner, but then you hear nothing? What do you do? Do you send another note? Do you contact HR? Or the hiring manager you spoke to in the interview? It’s a tricky situation, and a lot of people ...
Views: 1838 - Job Search Advice: Are You Applying Online, But Getting No Interviews? - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHere’s a common scenario (and complaint) for job seekers: “I spend all day long applying to jobs online through Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, or niche job boards—and I never get a response. Have I lost the understanding of how this job search works?” If this is happening to you, you’ve ...
Views: 1837 - Job Interview Advice: Talking About Salary - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMoney is a big item on a job seeker’s mind, for sure. You know you’re interested in the job, or you wouldn’t be there, and the top of the list for you is finding out the mystery of what you could get paid. But one of the cardinal rules of interviewing for job seekers is: Never bring up ...
Views: 2238(1 vote) - Job Interview Advice: The Very Best Way to Stand Out - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2010 from Peggy McKeeCandidates always want to know the ONE thing they can do in the job interview that’s going to be the most impressive to the hiring manager. And there really is one answer. There are a lot of other pieces that go into a successful job interview, but the number one thing you can do in the ...
Views: 1729 - Ten Interviewing Rules - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Robert ShindellWhether you are a first-time interviewer making your first transition to the world-of-work or a seasoned professional, these 10 interviewing tips are essential to your success! 1. Look Sharp. Before the interview, select your outfit. Depending on the industry and position, get out your ...
Views: 1105(1 vote) - Job Search Advice: How to Navigate Networking When You’re Unemployed - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2010 from Peggy McKeeWhat do you do if you’re currently unemployed (like so many others are in this economy), and you go to a networking function and are asked “What do you do?” If that question makes you uncomfortable, it’s an indication that you are ashamed of that particular circumstance. That’s the first ...
Views: 1784 - Job Search Advice: How to Explain Your Unemployment (and Get Your Confidence Back!) - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIt seems that there’s always been a stigma attached to being unemployed, and even in this economy, when so many people are without a job for a lengthy stretch, it still causes candidates to be uncomfortable and nervous about telling people that they’re unemployed. They don’t quite know how to ...
Views: 1840 - Job Interview Tip: What To Do If You Got the Offer, But It's Not From the Company You Wanted - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIt’s a little rough-and-tumble right now in the job search, and it’s not uncommon for a candidate to receive a job offer that’s not quite the one they wanted. Often, the candidate then feels like there’s a decision to be made, but it’s not the decision they think. Candidates weighing a job ...
Views: 2504 - The Killer Question - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Robert ShindellSometimes, the simplest question can be the most difficult. How many times have you been asked the following question? “So, tell me a little about yourself.” I've always been an advocate of getting the most difficult things out of the way first. So to help you prepare for job interview ...
Views: 1166(1 vote) - Job Interview Mistakes: Oops! I turned down a job that I want now! - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHave you ever found yourself in this situation? You turned down a job offer because you were sure you were getting a better one…and then you didn’t. What now? Can you get that offer back? Maybe. Here’s your best shot at turning this situation around for you: First of all, find out ...
Views: 6085 - Job Search Advice: References – Written vs. Verbal - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHave you ever wondered if it carries more weight to have a written reference letter, or if it makes a better impression to have your reference speak directly to the hiring manager on the phone? The answer is: both. Written references and verbal references serve different purposes in your ...
Views: 1736 - Interview Coaching for Medical Sales Interviews - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe medical sales arena is the top-tier of sales positions in the workforce. Because the area is so varied, exciting, and lucrative, many, many candidates are vying for those jobs. So, if you want to land a job in medical sales, you’re going to have to bring your “A” game. Every ...
Views: 1771 - What to Look for In a Great Interview Coach - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeToday’s job search is unlike any we’ve seen before. Competition is especially fierce in this economy, and candidates get weeded out quickly. If you’ve landed the interview, you need to bring your best game right off the bat and knock the socks off the hiring manager. One of the most effective ...
Views: 1571 - Job Interview and Preparation Coach - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeDid you ever wish you had the “inside track” at your interview? Or that you knew exactly how to explain that slightly difficult/embarrassing/sensitive situation in your job history? Or even the very best way to explain who you are and what you do in a compelling, “hire me” kind of way? Maybe ...
Views: 1650 - Should You Bring a 30/60/90-Day Plan to the First Job Interview? - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMany candidates wonder if it’s a good idea to bring their 30/60/90-day plan to their first job interview with the company. They have questions about timing, etiquette, or even saving a “wow” moment for the second interview. A 30/60/90-day sales plan (or action plan, if you’re not in sales), ...
Views: 3741 - Tips to match your business attire to fit the country you are working in and traveling to - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2010 from Diane CraigAccording to the recent Ipsos/Reuters survey conducted in 24 countries around the world, there is considerable disagreement about business dress codes. That's not to say workplace attire is an international hot potato with daily conference calls between Brussels and Singapore thrashing out the ...
Views: 2429 - Do You Have a Brag Book? Don’t Leave It at the Interview - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeBrag books are a fantastic way for you to showcase the best you have to offer as an employee. It’s a historical look at what you’ve done over your career, and it’s made up of your performance statistics, project results, product brochures you’ve created, awards, rewards letters, and even ...
Views: 3165 - The Importance of Questioning Skills in the Interview - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIt might surprise you to know that asking questions of your own during your job interview is just as important as answering them. Candidates spend a lot of time on interview preparation, and they should. Doing your research on the company, bringing your 30/60/90-day plan, and preparing ...
Views: 3391 - Job Interview Workshop: References Are Not an Afterthought - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIf you’re asked about your references in the job interview, do you have a few names ready? Do you know what those people would say about you if they were called? You need to know how to choose the best references, how to make sure they say fantastic, glowing things about you, and why it’s ...
Views: 2301 - Bad Things to Say in an Interview - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from gladys stoneWe've all been in a position where we wished we could take back what we said. In the case of an interview, the implications are huge in that saying the wrong thing could eliminate you as a candidate. Having conducted literally thousands of interviews, we've come up with a list of things to ...
Views: 1216 - Coming Back With Creative Questions at the End of the Interview - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAs a recruiter, I am always impressed by candidates who have questions of their own to ask—and I consistently receive feedback from hiring managers all over the country who feel the same way. The candidate who’s asked, “So, do you have any questions?” at the end of the interview better come up ...
Views: 1919 - Speak Up to Prove Your Skills in the Job Interview - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Peggy McKeeDo you have a good work ethic? Do you have good communication skills? Are you a team player/a strong leader/an enthusiastic, innovative, driven job candidate? Well, so is everyone else. In job interviews, candidates tend to speak in generalities. It’s one of the most common flaws. ...
Views: 2787 - Win in Today's Job Search: Don't Apply Online - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe Old Job Search: Not too long ago, if you were in the job hunt, you’d see an ad, or maybe hear about a job opening from someone you know, and you’d turn in your resume or fill out an application to 15 or 20 companies total, get 3-4 interviews, get 1-2 offers, you’d take one, and it would ...
Views: 1706 - $100K+ Job Search Stopper You Don't Realize You're Doing - by Submitted on Aug 02, 2010 from Ken MooreWhat does a broken $100K+ job search have in common with a broken relationship? Poor communication that damages a $100K+ job search is like ruining a friend or family relationship that you really don’t want to lose. It is a self-inflicted wound that worsens over time and most often it cannot ...
Views: 1361 - 18 Golden Rules of an Interview/ Learn Amazing ways to win over the employer - by Submitted on Jul 26, 2010 from Lorissa WilsonLearn the golden rules that will guide you to the road to success. Remember you are being watch throughout the interview! BE READY! 1. Make a good impression, the interviewer will be watching every move you make. 2. The employer will be observing your body language 3. The first ...
Views: 3916 - 3 Things to Build Rapport During Job Search - by Submitted on Jul 22, 2010 from Ken MooreRapport means making a connection. You can connect on many levels. The interview is to backup your resume and make a stronger connection about your ability to produce future results. It's also to see how you will fit in with the rest of the staff and work environment. Balancing Act You ...
Views: 1931(1 vote) - How To Blow A Job Interview In Less Than Five Minutes - by Submitted on Jul 21, 2010 from Rebekah CockrellYour resume was good enough to get the interview. You woke up feeling confident and even showed up fifteen minutes early to your interview. You felt great as you chit chatted about the weekend and then answered all of the questions with ease. You were a shoe in. Then why didn’t you get the ...
Views: 1665(2 votes) - Preceptorships (or Job Shadowing): Great Career Builder - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAre you looking to transition into a new career? Whether you are being forced to move on because of the current economic situation, or whether you’re one of the millions of adults switching careers just because you’re ready for a change, consider job shadowing to give yourself a boost. Job ...
Views: 1659 - Post-Interview Follow Up Tips: After The Thank You Note - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2010 from Peggy McKeeCandidates often ask me, “Post-interview, how long should I wait AFTER I send the thank you note to contact the hiring manager again? What should I say? Should I call or email again?“ The post-interview follow up period can feel like the trickiest of situations for candidates. Push too ...
Views: 2463 - Finally! A Plan to Get Your Next Job - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2010 from gladys stoneYou're out of work and want to get back as quickly as possible and are willing to be as aggressive as need be. You've heard this a million times, "Make looking for a job, your full-time job". The question is how? You've got a goal, now here's a plan to get that new job: 1. Target ...
Views: 1137(2 votes) - A Winning Career Search Principle - Form and Presentation is Critical - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeI've often been amazed at how little preparation some folks put into their job search and especially into the preparation for the interview itself. So much matters in this process. The day of the week, the color and make of your suit, the condition of your personal hygiene, your plan for the ...
Views: 1628 - Using LinkedIn For Long Term Career and Business Success - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeLinkedIn is an amazing tool. I've seen a wide range of folks land both jobs and contracting opportunities. Careers can grow in unexpected and amazingly positive ways with this tool. Before LinkedIn, a young person beginning their career could have spent decades contacting and connecting with ...
Views: 1847(1 vote) - Stand Out In Your Medical Sales Job Interview - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeWhat does it take to set yourself apart from the competition in the job interview process? Is it a killer resume, a brag book, a 30/60/90-day plan, a great LinkedIn profile, smooth interview skills, or how well you prepare for the interview? Yes, it’s all those things. AND, it’s more. It’s ...
Views: 1833 - What’s Your Greatest Weakness? How to Answer the Most Irritating Job Interview Question—And Still Get It Right - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKee“What’s your greatest weakness?” is one of those typical but tough job interview questions. We all hate this question, but it comes up all the time, and your answer is critical. You know you’re going to get asked, so be prepared. It’s trickier than it seems on the surface, and there’s an art ...
Views: 4946 - How to Handle Unusual Interview Situations - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeOccasionally, candidates will get to the final interview and discover that the company has hired a third party to conduct the interview. Understandably, these interview situations make candidates a little more nervous….but I have a job interview strategy for you to handle this situation. To ...
Views: 1728 - Don’t Send a Thank You Note After Your Interview –Send an Email! - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe era of the thank you note after a job interview is over. Well, not the actual “thank you,” just the delivery system. It’s critically important that you thank the interviewer for the opportunity, but it’s also critically important that you get it to him within 24 hours. And a ...
Views: 2083