To Do Before You Interview
Preparing for the Interview
Mar 6th
Scoring an interview is only half the battle – you also have to land the job. Here is a list of some of the best ways to be prepared if you want to land your dream job.
Do Your Research
Know the company you are interviewing for inside and out, and be ready to ask questions. A good place to start is the company’s website or their LinkedIn if they have one. Check out the company’s mission, what projects they are pursuing, and be aware of their competitors. Ellen Gordon Reeves, the author of Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?, stresses the importance of research: “you need to know as much as possible about the people you are interviewing with”.
Review Accomplishments from Your Last Job
Spend some time thinking about what you accomplished at your last job, and be ready to talk about your position and what your specific duties were. Especially if you’ve been unemployed, it’s always a good idea to spend some time refreshing your memory. Be sure to come up with a few specific problems you’ve dealt with, in order to be prepared for questions.
Know Why You Want the Job
Yes, you want to be able to pay the rent, but why are you really applying to this job specifically? What are your underlying goals and motivations? What do you know about the industry and what can you bring to the company? There are all questions you should have answers to before you go in for the interview.
Be Prepared to Answer Questions
Don’t bet on spontaneously coming up with great answers to interview questions. Have a friend sit down and be serious about going over potential interview questions . It will feel awkward at first, but practice is the best way to ensure that your answers come naturally.
Employers generally want to get a good sense of the following:
- Your background, experiences, education, and overall qualifications
- Your knowledge of the job,, their company, and the industry.
- Your personality, work style and social style.
- Your skills
- Your future goals, career aspirations and how motivated you will be in the position.
Be able to talk about this list of things, and you should be able to answer most questions you are given in an interview.
If you’d like a list of common interview questions, you can find them broken down into categories here:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/practice/a/practice-interview-questions.htm.
Be Prepared with Questions for the Interviewer
You should come to every interview with at least three good questions to ask your interviewer. If you’ve done your research on the company, coming up with some questions shouldn’t be hard. Here are some examples of solid questions:
-What performance expectations do you have for a successful employee in this position?
-Tell me about some of the company ( or department’s) successes in the past few years.
-Can you explain a typical project that I would be working on? What does a day in this position look like?
Look the Part
Don’t feel like you need to go out and buy an expensive outfit, but do make sure you plan an outfit ahead of time so will look put together. For a first interview it is always best to look more conservative than not, even if the company turns out to have a more business casual environment.
Bring Your Resume
It seems obvious, but can be easy to forget. Always have three copies.
Good luck!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 6, 2013 at 6:14 pm, and is filed under Job Search, Office Observations, To Do Before You Interview. 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. |
Look What We Found – Loft Resumes
Mar 29th
Designing your resume is a task you should spend a lot of time perfecting. Aside from grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors, you also have to think about how you would view your resume, on a surface level, if you received it as a hiring manager.
Loft Resumes, a resume design company based in South Carolina, prides themselves in helping job seekers stand out. The company provides a resume shop stocked with approximately 50 creatively designed resumes.
Loft Resumes says, “On average, they’ll [hiring managers] spend less than 30 seconds looking at yours [resume].”
For just $99 you will receive your new resume in 3 business days. It may seem like a lot, but think about the ROI (return on investment). If someone approached you with your dream job and told you all you had to do was pay $99, would you take it?
Each additional page is $10. You can rush the resume process for an additional $15 for two days and $30 for a one day turnaround. For an additional cost, you can make updates on content, not design.
After the design process is complete you will receive a high resolution PDF of your resume along with an editable, matching cover letter.
Does this seem like a lot?
It’s not! All you have to provide is:
- An uploaded resume in a common word document
- A theme with a photo, you’ll need to upload your photo (optional)
- The custom color option (optional and extra)
What do you think about this service? Beneficial? Would you pay $99 for a potentially brighter future?
Visit the site and shop around. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 29, 2012 at 7:03 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Human Resource, Look What We Found, Sites For Seekers, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Interview Bloopers
Mar 21st
A majority of us have been so nervous in an interview that we’ve “blundered” somewhere, somehow.
Whether you’ve answered something like:
Interviewer: Why do you think you would be a good fit for this position?
You: Because I’d be good at it.
OR
Interviewer: We’re looking to pull the trigger at the end of the month.
You: Well, I hope I get shot.
We’ve all been there.
This post is to reassure you that getting tongue tied, being speechless, and lying by accident, happens to all of us. While we’re under the spotlight, in front of one or more people, there’s a chance you will crack under the pressure.
Here are some great ways to ensure you won’t leave your interview feeling like a star in some movie’s blooper reel.
- It Takes Two To Tango – As much as you are being interviewed, remember, you are also meeting with this person to see if the position is a fit for you as well. Try and make it more of a conversation than a “grill fest.”
- Deep Breaths - We read on Yahoo! Finance that a girl took Xanax to relax before an interview. She was so relaxed that the interviewer was actually worried about how slow she was speaking. Concentrated deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, work wonders.
- Sleep Tight – Early to bed and early to rise is in your best interest the night before your interview. Whether it’s an early morning interview or an after lunch meeting, make sure you fill the empty time with some activity to get your mind off the nervousness. Focus!
- Mirror Talk – Stand in front of your mirror and practice smiling, making eye contact, and speaking precisely and slowly.
These are just few tips to help you prepare to be calm, cool and collected for your next interview. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on March 21, 2012 at 3:56 pm, and is filed under Don't Mention It, Human Resource, Interview, Interview With The Interviewer, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Hello? It’s Your Future Boss Calling…
Feb 17th
When you are actively looking for a job, your resume is most likely posted on various job boards. Due to the easy accessibility of your contact information, you must be aware of how, when, and where you answer all private and unrecognizable phone numbers. You never know, it could be your future boss on the line.
Below are some tips on how to answer these calls and make the most of the time you have to speak.
HOW
- Be professional. Do not answer your phone with a “Yo” or a “Hey.” Something more along the lines of, “Hello, this is insert name.” Make sure you have a pen, paper, and your agenda – in case you’re asked to schedule an interview. Take down the person’s name, number, and email address. Do not hang up without this information. If you feel awkward asking for it, simply say:
“What is the best way to contact you if I have further questions?”
WHERE
- If you are not in a quiet and calm place, do not answer the phone. Find somewhere enclosed, where you know you won’t be disturbed, answer or call back.
WHEN
- Do not answer these calls when you’re in your office or with current co-workers. If you see a private number on your phone step out and answer in a quiet place.
Do you have more questions about how to handle incoming calls from hiring managers? Please post on our wall. Have a great weekend!
Photo by: Inside Job Productions
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on February 17, 2012 at 5:17 pm, and is filed under Awkwardly Asking, Chronicles For Candidates, Don't Mention It, Interview, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Please See Attached
Jan 24th
As we have stated in a previous post, email addresses should be tasteful, professional and work best as your firstname.lastname@_____.com.
This way you are easily recognizable and remembered by hiring managers.
The same types of rules apply when attaching resumes, cover letters and references.
Save your documents under a name that is professional and can be found easily in a search.
DO NOT:
- Include dates in the name of your documents (unless you must, be sure it’s the current date) For instance, if it’s 2012 don’t attach a resume titled : Jane Smith’s Resume 2011
- Title your document with the word “General” in it. For example: Jane Smith’s General Cover Letter
DO:
- Include the title of the job in the title: Jane Smith’s Resume – Administrative Assistant
- Add the current date you sent the resume: Jane Smith’s Resume – January 24, 2012
Either of the “do’s” work and keep you and the person receiving your resume, cover letter, and references more organized.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on January 24, 2012 at 8:10 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Make Your Seasonal Position Permanent
Nov 28th
During this busy time of year retail shops are searching for temporary associates to help with the heaps of shoppers!
The trouble is, unless you work part time and need to make some extra cash, you’re probably searching for a permanent role and don’t want to waste time in a temporary position this season.
If you’re interested in the retail Company and want to get a foot in the door, now is your chance.
Before:
- Ask if there is potential to go permanent at the end of the season if you go above and beyond
- Ask what the percentage of seasonal employees that have gone permanent in the past, either right after their assignment or in the future
- Make sure the hiring manager knows how interested you are in the role and the company
During:
- Prove yourself every chance you get
- Be a team leader
- If someone calls out offer to fill in for them
- Volunteer for every project
After:
- If you aren’t offered a permanent spot, make sure you leave on good terms with contact information
- Stay in touch with the hiring manager
- Make sure to touch base with the manager especially when you read current events on the company
If you’re not working and you have an opportunity to work this season, take it! You never know where it will lead.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on November 28, 2011 at 10:03 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Human Resource, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Masked Salaries Scare Recruiters
Oct 27th
In the spirit of Halloween we would like to address an answer to a question that tends to startle our recruiters.
The questions that evoke this scary answer:
“What were you making at your last job?”
“What is your current salary?”
The scary answer:
“I would rather not share that information.”
“Instead of telling you how much I’m making, how about I tell you what I’m looking for?”
In order for a recruiter to one, trust you, and two, help you find a job, you need to be honest and open with them.
Why?
- They are working to help you and without certain information it difficult to network on your behalf
- If you do not provide honest answers it’s hard to pin down the perfect opportunity for you
- All information is confidential. We only ask to better understand your past, present, and successful future
If you have any questions regarding this post please email sbellow@pyramidcg.com. Don’t forget to visit our website for current job openings!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on October 27, 2011 at 5:57 pm, and is filed under Awkwardly Asking, Chronicles For Candidates, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Connected With A Click
Oct 17th
Today, for Monday’s Mentioning’s, we would like to refer to Ere.net’s post about interviewing from anywhere.
One major plus mentioned about interviewing remotely is saving money and the environment.
Companies no longer have to fly candidates to their offices to interview and candidates can save on gas and public transportation. Each party saves on travel expenses while keeping our air clear at the same time. With a webcam (staring at $13 – below) and a decent Internet broadband connection you’re interviewing within moments. You are connected with a click!
2. Microsoft LifeCam Studio 1080p HD Webcam ($47.99)
3. Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF ($86.99)
4. Microsoft LifeCam Cinema HD Webcam ($44.20)
Our recruiters are always conducting Skype interviews in the office. The only important “candidate gage” missing is a firm handshake and a waist! When you’re interviewing via cyberspace you can make up for the missing handshake with strong eye contact and a smile.
For additional reasons about how you benefit from interviewing remotely, click here for the full Ere.net article.
Do you have any online interview success stories? Please share it with us.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on October 17, 2011 at 5:49 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Chronicles For Clients, Human Resource, Interview With The Interviewer, To Do Before You Interview. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Open House: How To
Sep 19th
By now you have probably heard about our amazing and opportunity filled Open House taking place next week from 8am-12pm, Monday – Friday.
If you’re wondering how to attend an Open House with the best chance of receiving a job opportunity, follow these steps!
Before
- Make sure the Open House is focusing on what you’re looking for. For example, this Open House is geared towards those looking for Seasonal Fashion Retail Opportunities this holiday
- Have multiple copies of your resume ready for viewing – you never know how many people you are going to meet
- Plan for a professional outfit
- Confirm directions and plan to arrive early. The busiest time is usually smack in the middle of 8am-12pm. Get in early and spend more time with a recruiter
During
- Set aside some time. This Open House is first come, first serve. If you come at a busy time you may have to wait.
- While you’re waiting, befriend candidates around you. You never know who they know!
- Get business cards! Ask recruiters for their contact information so you have a point of contact for follow up
After
- Send a thank you card!
- Continue to follow up
- Find us on our social networks as we’re always posting new job opportunities as they come in
We’re looking forward to meeting you!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on September 19, 2011 at 8:41 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, To Do Before You Interview, 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. |
