Archive for April, 2012
Weekly Inspiration
Apr 30th
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 30, 2012 at 8:05 pm, and is filed under Inspiration. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Mentionings: 10 Musts to Score Your Dream Job
Apr 27th
In a recent article by Refinery 29, five successful Chicagoans were interviewed on what they think are the best pointers to scoring your dream job. Each person interviewed had varying and helpful answers to the same six questions:
- What is the first step to take when searching for the perfect job?
- What is the wisest piece of interview advice you’ve ever been given/given to others?
- How can readers make themselves stand out professionally among other job applicants?
- What is one job hunt mistake, and how can someone avoid it?
- What are some fashion musts when going on an interview?
- What interview question should all interviewees be prepared to answer?
Try and answer these questions on your own before clicking this link to see the actual interviews.
Some of our favorite points included:
- If possible, gain some internship experience in the field where you’re applying
- Do you research before every interview
- Even if it’s just an exploratory interview, always send a handwritten thank you card
- Understand that there is a fine line between being persistent and being a nuisance
- Try and gauge the dress code of the company and dress accordingly for the interview
- Have answers prepared for the questions – “What can you bring to the table” and “What separates you from the stack of resumes I have on my desk”
- Make sure you emphasize your accomplishments and not your credentials
- Always come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
- Customize your resume
- Stay positive throughout the interview process – “You’ve got to stub your toe once in a while.”
We hope you enjoyed this post. Have a great weekend!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 27, 2012 at 6:16 pm, and is filed under Interview, Mentionings, Right Your Resume, SINC - Source, Interact, Network, Connect, To Do Before You Interview, Weekend Homework, Where To Wear What When. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Apr 24th
Proceed with caution because this is a tricky question. If you answer with a strong, “I want to grow with the company,” the hiring manager may get the impression that you’re “too” eager and may not be honed in on the job at hand. If you don’t respond with a growth focused answer, the hiring manager may walk away thinking you’re not interested in a long term career within the company.
We asked around and searched for unique, strong answers.
We liked the response we found on Work Coach Cafe.
“I don’t have a specific plan! I would like to advance. However, I am flexible. I will do my current job to the best of my ability and keep my eyes open for opportunities within the organization to advance even if it means changing roles. I am prepared to learn new things and contribute to the overall success of the organization in a number of ways. The only specific within that “plan of willingness” is that the opportunity be within my ability to learn, interesting enough for me to dig in and do a good job, and the compensation increase a reasonable amount in relation to the demands of the position.”
This is, obviously, the answer of a confident person who knows what they want. We like it because it’s honest. This person was hired and promoted eight times in the past thirty years.
For the interviewing faint of heart, a shorter answer and a connection with the hiring manager may be more your speed. Make eye contact, speak slow, and speak from the heart.
If you’re interested in various answers to this question please visit our Facebook page and leave a comment. Good luck!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 24, 2012 at 6:42 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Weekly Inspiration
Apr 23rd
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 23, 2012 at 4:25 pm, and is filed under Inspiration, Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Mentionings: Making the Wrong Impression
Apr 18th
Most of our posts are about what to do to get the job you want. This post focuses on what not to do after you get the job.
You are excited because this is a new beginning! This is your chance to make a great first impression, work hard, and prove that you are, in fact, the best person for the job.
However, your first day can be very intimidating. We would like to reference Careerealism’s article, 9 Ways to Make the Wrong Impression on Your First Day, to make sure your nervousness doesn’t get the best of you.
Some of our favorites from their article are:
Showing Up Tired
- While this is a “no-no” no matter what day it is on your job, you should remain on point and get a good night sleep for, at least, the first few months of your new job.
Over Sharing (which we blogged about last week)
- Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, tone it down in the beginning and observe office interactions.
Complaining
- What are you complaining about? You just got a new job! If you have something you must whine about, call a friend or family member. DO NOT complain at work on your first day or EVER!
These are just a few first impression blunders to avoid. Even though this article emphasizes not doing the aforementioned on the first day, we would advise steering clear of these in the long run.
Click here for the additional 6 points on how to make the wrong impression on your first day.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 18, 2012 at 7:08 pm, and is filed under Mentionings. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Apr 17th
We are trained not to discuss salary in a first job interview. However, that does not mean the hiring manager will steer clear of asking the question:
What is your salary requirement?
Some are truly stumped by this question because they don’t want to say a number and regret it. By committing to a number you run the risk of low balling yourself. This can result in a potential offer that’s not what you want at a company you really want to work for.
Below are some tips to prepare you for this question.
- Go into the interview knowing the answer to this question. Never say, “Oh, I have never really thought about it.”
- Know your market. Research the position you’re interviewing for and note the standard salaries based on job requirements and qualifications
- Don’t throw out any number. Have a conversation about what you’re currently making and what you earned in your previous positions so that the hiring manager can see your growth potential
- Ask questions. How many people will I be managing? Are there any job responsibilities added to this job that aren’t necessarily on the job description? Will I be commuting (some people require added pay to contribute to transportation)
- Make sure your answer isn’t greedy but don’t devalue yourself either. A great way to avoid this is to do your research
You always want to be honest about what you’re currently making and have made in the past. However, if this conversation is taking place during your first interview, don’t say a number! Leave it open ended and express that you’re willing to explore various salaries based on benefits and added bonuses.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 17, 2012 at 5:09 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Weekly Inspiration
Apr 16th
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 16, 2012 at 5:23 pm, and is filed under Inspiration. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Weekend Homework – Dream Job Wish List
Apr 13th
The great thing about the weekend is it gives you some free time to think about what you’re really looking for in a new job.
Have you been sending resumes out to any job that looks somewhat decent and relatable to your previous experience? Remember, you are valuable and applying takes time, dedication, and attention to detail!
Spend time, this weekend, searching for companies that you would want to work for. Forget about whether or not they have a job open.
Your homework is to make a “Dream Job Wish List.” This list should contain all the companies you see yourself working for and why. This list must also include the contact person at this company.
After your list is complete, start strategizing how you are going to contact this person and your various, creative methods, for following up.
No one gets anywhere but just hitting “Apply” on a job listing. Well, maybe some do, but a majority of candidates, who get interviews, a second interview, more interviews, and inevitably a job offer, have to work really hard, following up and researching, to get where they are or are going.
Good luck with your homework this weekend and let us know if you need any help!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 13, 2012 at 7:10 pm, and is filed under Weekend Homework. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Over Sharing Can Be Overbearing
Apr 11th
We all know someone who tends to over share. Whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter, or in plain ol’ person, this individual goes overboard with personal information and gossip. Some do it out of nervousness and others just like to hear themselves talk or post.
It’s alright to over share with friends and family, but there is one time, in particular, when you should not share personal information or gossip.
Can you guess when and where that may be?
That’s right – your office.
In an office setting there is a time and a place to talk about personal relationships, shopping, parties, and after work activities. When you start a job sit back and observe the setting of your new office space and co-workers. You’ll figure out when “show and tell” is appropriate.
Try to avoid being that person who is the talker or sharer.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 11, 2012 at 8:37 pm, and is filed under On The Job. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
How To Answer…
Apr 10th
In this week’s edition of “How To Answer,” we would like to focus on strengths you have acquired and utilized in previous roles.
During an interview it is beneficial to have at least 3-4 strengths memorized so you can answer:
“What do you think you can bring to this company?”
Use this question to your advantage by answering with hard evidence proving your great skills and qualities that are unique to you and no one else. This is an opportunity to show that you would be a valuable asset to the company. Here are some reasons why.
Think of a time when you:
- Were a leader
- Handled pressure in a professional manner
- Went above and beyond for a co-worker or client
- Showed loyalty
- Solved a problem with a can-do attitude
Make sure you tie in a scenario to each point above and any others you would like to showcase.
How do you answer this question? What interview questions have stumped you in the past?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on April 10, 2012 at 7:19 pm, and is filed under Uncategorized. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
