Technology and Employment News and Information, Tips and Techniques

Technology and Employment News and Information, Tips and Techniques

Archive for category Career Change

Job Interview Tips and Techniques…

Feb 13

Posted by withinthecode in Career Change, Interview Tips, Job Search, Uncategorized, withinTHEcode | No Comments

Experts in Recruitment and Interactive PlacementsThis is a Quick Tip list for that very important upcoming interview that you really want to ace. What I have not included in this list – please read my post on “What not to do” at an interview:

  • When you are asked if you have a particular skill – always try to give a real work example of when you had to use that skill. Whatever you do – don’t make it up. It’s quite ok to say “I haven’t had experience in that particular area but here is how I would handle it”. Keep in mind if the Interviewer does feel that you may not have experience in that area or that you may not have answered truthfully – they will work the questioning back again to address the area of expertise they are looking for.
  • Another very important point to keep in mind is that you are not at an interview to see if the person across from you is going to be your new “best friend”. By this I mean – Keep your interview on a business level at all times. This does not mean you have to be “too” formal. Instead try to engage the Interviewer. This can be done through positive body language – such as an occasional smile and nod – and making sure that you portray the energy level of someone who truly wants to be at the interview in question. Let the interviewer “feel” that you appreciate the time and opportunity they may be giving you. Even if – half way through the interview you discover “to yourself of course” that the job is not a fit for you, then take advantage of the opportunity to practice your interview skills – never just throw an interview. Walk in with your head held high and walk out the same way, knowing that you gave it all you could and in the best way that you could.
  • Of course all Interviewers, myself included – want to see all potential candidates and applicants show their confidence in their own capabilities and areas of expertise. However, keep in mind arrogance is not the same as confidence. You are there at the interview to show what you can do and how you believe you are a good fit for a particular role. This is an amazing opportunity where you are given time to basically “strut your stuff” and sell yourself in a positive and professional manner. It is not something you should take lightly. As I mentioned previously, use the opportunity wisely, even if it is just for practice.

Please do stay tuned for other tips and techniques that we will bring your way. If you have any questions about navigating through the waters of looking for that perfect job or launching a new career, please do send us a quick email and we will try to post it live so that others can also benefit from your queries.

Have yourself a great day!
The Recruiter

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Employability Challenges for the Non-fluent Speaker by Joshua Kreig

Feb 13

Posted by withinthecode in Career Change, Diversity, Job Search, Uncategorized | No Comments

A client from China asked for coaching to become a better interviewer and presenter in English. He wished to express himself more creatively. I asked him how well he thought he expressed himself in Chinese. “It sucks!” he said.

multiculturalism and newcomers

Consideration: Do you possess the skills? It is not the language, it is you.

If you ‘suck’ at it in your first language, you will suck more with a weaker language skill set. Changing languages should not have a profound impact on ability, but language deficiencies expose skill deficiencies or can be seen as incompetency. The good news is communication skills are simply that – a skill set. But you must answer the question: “Do I possess communication skills?” Before looking at the nuts and bolts of communicating in a new language you must be able to do it in your first language

Communication skills are an invaluable asset. Words, both written and spoken, are the instruments of business. The person who can maximize those tools has the greater opportunity for success. A person with dynamic communication skills is often perceived as having a higher aptitude than a person with weaker communication skills. Though there are numerous books and courses on the market to turn you into a good presenter the final decider will be, “Are you creative and dynamic?” The number one skill of the great communicators is that they approach their material from a creative and dynamic perspective.

That is what separates a boring presentation on the annual census report to a forceful one on the relevance of demographics in economic and political decision making. Anyone working in a foreign language should have a forthright evaluation of their skill set in their first language to help understand the challenges they will have in a new language.

If one discovers or knows their first language skills are lacking, taking skills development workshops in the non-fluent language will provide the opportunity to pick up some new skills and practice them in a safe environment. Having the opportunity to practice and receive constructive feedback will help increase confidence.

(Click here for the full version of this article by Joshua Kreig at Recruiting Now Inc – News and Views)

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Employment Interview Tips – What NOT to do at that next job interview…

Feb 13

Posted by withinthecode in Career Change, Interview Tips, Job Search, Uncategorized | No Comments

Here are more interview tips and interview techniques pointing out some of the things you “should not do” at an Interview?

Employment Interview Tips

Summary: One of the things that you must always keep in mind is that there may be aspects of an interview that are simply beyond your control. However as long as you do the best that you can and within a pre-defined awareness of what is “right and wrong”, then you should be confident that you are putting your best foot forward. And it is that confidence that will enable you to keep moving forward until you do secure that position that you want to have. Here is a brief summary of things you should not do at an interview:

  • Be practical when answering the question, “What are your future plans?”: The most common mistake that the interviewee commits is that they answer the question with their “dream job” in mind and not what is the practical advancement for their present career path. Also keep in mind that sometimes you can also go too far, including right up to when you plan to retire. Keep it brief and within a reasonable time frame making sure that you include that you wish to grow through the company, in respect of position, profile and financial condition.
  • Always remember to turn off your cell phone during an interview. Many a candidate has been taken off a shortlist for doing so. However keeping in mind that most interviewers do realize that it may happen accidently, but it is how you respond to the interruption that can keep you on the shortlist. In other words, apologizing and turning your phone of immediately is a positive move. Taking the time to answer it, is definitely not a good move.
  • Do not go to an interview even with a 3rd party agency or recruiter looking like you are on your way to a social gathering. By that we mean dress appropriately. It does not have to be a full piece suit, unless of course you are going for a senior role, then err on the side of caution and dress your best. For other type of roles – business casual is always a safe bet.
  • Another Interview faux pas is showing up late for an interview. What compounds this error is when you don’t even bother explaining or mentioning you were late. Keep in mind as a professional who has had countless interviews I do not forget that tiny little detail when we finally do sit down for the interview.

Have yourself a great day!
The Recruiter

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These Boots Were Made For Walking…by Joshua Kreig

Nov 19

Posted by withinthecode in Career Change, Guest Writers, Interview Tips, Job Search, Let's Chat | No Comments

Joshua Kreig @ Recruiting Now Inc.(You are marching into big bosses office, jumping up on the desk, laughing like the Mad Hatter, and relieving yourself in the midst of a big sissy fit!! Oh the glorious drama. HA! HA! HA! … BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!)

  • “I hate to wake up in the morning knowing I have to go to work.”
  • “I no longer feel challenged at my job.”
  • “I don’t even like this line of work.”
  • “I need more money.”
  • “My colleagues are getting on my nerves.”

Any of that sound familiar? Maybe it is time to think of a career change. More than likely it is a combination of factors causing your discomfort. It is important to maturely assess the situation, plan and then act. Barbara Woodward, a monster.com career guru, advises, “Career movements are challenging and require a certain amount of logistical preparation. Carefully consider the move you are about to make. Ensure that any move is part of how you have defined what it is you want to achieve.”

Assess
Often we are unsatisfied with our jobs because we are no longer feeling challenged, both professionally and personally. A situation that started out exciting has begun to pale with the routine, hidden requirements and hoop leaping. Sometimes we enter jobs for the financial freedom they promise rather than the creative opportunities. Maybe we feel we are no longer financially compensated enough for the quality and quantity of work we are being asked to produce, especially when we look around and see others being treated better or reaping more rewards. Would more money make you happier? Many people work five hell-days to play the two they have off.

Maybe you are in a position to renegotiate the terms of your job to make it more fulfilling or less stressful: a transfer from one department to another, or a little more cash, or benefits. Sometimes a leave of absence or vacation is all that is necessary to recharge the batteries.

Are there personality conflicts that you feel you cannot overcome? Our colleagues greatly influence our happiness. Are there processes within the management structure to aid conflict resolution between staff? Have you tried to resolve these conflicts to no avail?

(Click here for the full version of this article by Joshua Kreig at Recruiting Now Inc – News and Views)

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