Technology and Employment News and Information, Tips and Techniques

Technology and Employment News and Information, Tips and Techniques

Archive for category Interview Tips

Job Interview Tips and Techniques…

Feb 13

Posted by withinthecode in Career Change, Interview Tips, Job Search, Uncategorized | 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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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?

Sometimes negativity can be short-term. We often react to something that will work itself out over time. Is the situation something that could be changed with a little patience and effort on your part?

Psychology experts state we have one of two responses in the face of stress: “fight or flight”. We dig in both our stiletto heels and fight the beast that burdens us or we avoid difficulties and run away. What is your style? Are you good at resolving situations or is this an area you need to work on? Until you speak up everyone around you will think everything is just dandy. It is important to know when you are the negative sign in the equation of life, because you will take all your habits (good and bad) out one door and in another.

Is it a fear of change keeping you in the situation? Mark Twain once said, “Courage is the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear.” When with a company for a long time we begin to rely on it for the comfort, security and routine it provides. Removing all of those things at once can be a shock. In reality it is a little death. But hopefully it will bring with it a new birth.

These are all things we have to evaluate. Look at your situation squarely. Get feedback from trusted friends who can help you face the situation and discover if it is time to move on.

Plan

Okay you want out!

When you are planning to leave a job the best-case scenario is to have another one to go to. If you are in a professional field a headhunter could do all the preliminary work. All you have to do is come up with the right arrangement of doctor’s appointments for the week you are interviewing. “Uh… I have to go see my… uh… my proctologist today! Oh no I mean my dentist, yeah!” Be sure to tap into your network of friends and associates to help with your search. The Wall Street Journal has reported that 94% of new job seekers found networking the most beneficial way to find a new position.

If the problem is money, shopping around maybe a good negotiation tool with your current employer. If they see someone else wanting you, maybe they will counter offer. But if it is about people and situation no amount of carrots waved will make those go away.

The loss of money maybe the biggest factor barring the exits. Salaries and pay cheques are the arbiters of comfort. If a period of unemployment is on the horizon, financial stress can often keep us shackled where we are.
Save. If you know you are going to quit then start pinching your pennies. Stop the frivolous expenses. Do you really need the extra Donna Karen frock or Madonna CD? (Okay maybe the Madonna CD!) With a little cash or savings to shore up our courage, leaving will not be so traumatic.

Act

I paraphrase Maya Angelou who once wrote referring to a relative, she looked behind her and did not like where she had come from, and looked at the road that lay ahead and did not like where she was going, so she got off the road and cut herself a new path.

How to cut the path? Do we resign with a nice official letter referencing greener pastures? Stay friendly with colleagues, hoping for a nice going away party anticipating trendy gifts? Or do we go all Whitney Houston – “pack your bags, up and leave”? Sylvia Ho also of monster.com says, “Don’t burn your bridges with the company. You might need them for references, or you might want to come back later on.” So the “Take this job and shove it!” approach could be career detrimental and most execs have security on speed dial. Ah but that recurring dream at the top may be just the therapy needed to get it out of your system.

Often when we leave situations we go through a separation anxiety. Be prepared to face a little depression as well as the excitement of moving on. Talk to people. Get support

It is your life. You deserve to be happy in your work and career. Do what it takes to make your situation the one that you want it to be.

(A final thought on when quitting is not an option. Surround yourself with a good support system to help you vent your stresses. Make sure the time you are not at work is full of quality things and people that make the office bearable. Being physically and mentally fit with a full social life just maybe the trick. Then there is always retail therapy!)

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As a matter of fact, a review of King-Reed’s Detection of Deception seminar…by Patrick Ogilvie

May 16

Posted by withinthecode in Guest Writers, Interview Tips | No Comments

King-ReedOn Thursday May 12th King-Reed hosted a full day seminar at Four Seasons in downtown Toronto, featuring Donna Brown, a “ forensic people reader”.

The purpose of the seminar was to teach the Human Resources and Corporate Security attendees the several stages of understanding people’s behaviours and watching for deviations to those normal behaviours through changes and signals in their body language, statements, vocals and facial expressions. Donna’s goal was to empower the attendees to guide their communications during routine work functions such as; pre-employment interviews, workplace investigations and exit interviews, whenever a combination of several of deviations were observed.

Donna made it clear that before efforts to guide those communications were attempted, attendees had to understand there were many reasons and factors for peoples’ deviation or deception from the truth, and that in order to be effective, they had to be aware of many cultural differences and that the attendees must “respect the deception”.

A key question that Donna raised was “why would a person deviate from the truth”. Donna explained that deviation could be a result of many factors, several which we may empathize with, such as; escape punishment, obtain a reward, avoid an awkward social situation, protect or impress others, excitement of risk, obtain privacy, avoid intrusion or just out of jealousy. By understanding people’s reasons for deception, it enables an interviewer or investigator to better lead communications down the path of discovery.

Like any good recipe, the inclusion of all the ingredients can result in a delicious feast. We’ve all likely forgotten to add a crucial ingredient, and we know how that turns out. The ingredients to being a successful people reader, starts with understating a person’s normal behaviour. And, of course, having only one or two of many required ingredients doesn’t make a recipe at all. We can understand their behaviour by getting to know the person under normal conditions and by building rapport, the person can be put at ease and be themselves.

When the interview or investigation begins, we can take the baseline normal behaviours that were displayed and see how their body language, statements, vocals and facial expressions react to questions such as, why did you leave your last employer, what were you doing when the harassment occurred or why are you resigning?

Reactions and changes in that normal behaviour are the signals to continue communications and understand the changes, always remembering the reasons why someone could be deviating from the truth.

Ultimately, it’s knowing when to pursue an issue that in the end could have a negative reflection on your organization and when to take the conversation in another direction.

King-Reed & Associates LP, a Global Investigations and Risk Mitigation firm offers the following corporate services: WSIB Investigations and Surveillance, Pre-Employment Background Checks, Bill 168 Assessments and Reassessment, Workplace Violence & Harassment Investigations, Workplace Theft & Fraud Investigations, High Risk Terminations and Layoff Protection, Executive Protection & Destination Briefs, Training and Education Programs Security Audits and Assessments, Undercover Investigations, Labour Law Complaints and Audits, All forms of Civil Law Claims, Pre-trial Investigation and Interviews, Vendor Audits and Background Reports and Intellectual Property (Trademark) Theft and Misuse.

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Overcoming Interview Nervousness: Reality and Perception shifts by Joshua Kreig

Nov 20

Posted by withinthecode in Guest Writers, Interview Tips | No Comments

Being nervous is something we all experience yet think it is only us. But we do not have to let it be a paralysing event. Whenever we enter an unfamiliar situation we will experience nervousness. Being nervous increases the stress of any situation. The next time you are feeling nervous before an interview or a meeting here are five things to say to help move from paralysis to action:

I am prepared.

Reality – Stress is felt when one thinks or feels they do not have the resources to meet the demands of the situation. When we prepare well there is a confidence achieved thereby alleviating nervousness.

Perception shift – If you can say you are prepared, anyone listening to you will get the right information. Knowing one’s stuff is more important than a flashy presentation style. The prepared speaker will go further than one of all style and no substance. Be prepared!

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

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