Job Seekers Interview Tip: Don’t Give Answers, Tell Stories

by Ken Jondahl

“Before a big interview, most people will spend time to prepare answers for likely interview questions. This is useful and can get you prepared for the basics.”

“The trouble is that the interviewer is not looking for answers that are already on your resume, they want to hear something that adds to it.”

“You have to realize that a successful interview isn’t a cross examination, it’s a conversation. If you want to break out of the question/answer ping pong match, you should aim to sprinkle in some interesting information about yourself in the shape of stories.”

“The human brain is hard wired to remember stories, not just the words but the visuals that went through the listeners head as well. Marketers make very clever use of stories to sell products and services and so should you.”

by Jorgen Sundberg

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Jogen provides numerous examples of stories you can tell in an interview.

As with any story, practice is recommended and try to come up with the best stories to tell about yourself. Regardless how good you are at telling stories, even a bad story comes out poorly.

Think about how many times you’ve walked away from a conversation at a party where the reason you moved on was having to listen to really bad stories.

The other hint is to make sure every story has a point and get to it quickly. Ideally, every story you tell in an interview should be less then 90 seconds. If the hiring manager is interested, you will hear these words, “tell me more.”

See on theundercoverrecruiter.com

Questions for Job Seekers to Ask During an Interview and Some to Avoid

by Ken Jondahl

“A job interview is a two-way street. While you need to use it as an opportunity to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job, you also need to be convinced that the job and the company would be a great fit for you.”

“So when the tables are turned and you’re invited to ask questions, do it. “Remember that hiring managers appreciate an engaged conversation and value an inquisitive mind,” Taylor says. This may be your best chance to determine whether the job or the company is right for you.” by Jacquelyn Smith

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

If you are looking for examples of open ended questions to ask during an interview, jump to the bottom of the article.

The intro builds the case as to why you need to come prepared for the end of the interview and the hiring manager says, “Do you have any questions for me?”.

This is a defining moment and it is not the right time to go quiet. Providing you can picture your future dream job in your mind, now is the time to ask questions around what it is you want out of a position, the boss and/or the company.

Many people “wing it” when it comes time to answering questions. Coming in prepared is just another way job seekers rise above the noise and help land the job.

See on www.forbes.com

Job Seekers: 7 ways undergrads can build their resumes

by Ken Jondahl

“No internship this summer? From building a blog to tutoring, there are lots of ways young people can show their worth.”

“Did you want an internship this summer but didn’t land one in time? Or perhaps you simply couldn’t afford to work for free?”

“If you’re an undergrad who is eager for professional experience, there are other ways to make yourself a better future job candidate besides a formal internship.” By Amy Levin-Epstein

See on www.cbsnews.com

During Job Search How to Nail The Social Interview

by Ken Jondahl

“Job seekers, listen up! Your interview doesn’t begin when an employer calls you. It doesn’t begin when you walk into an office. And it certainly doesn’t begin after you’ve done all the talking.”

“It likely begins before you even know it, through a simple online search to check out your presence. Essentially, you’re being “interviewed” online through your social networks — before the background check, before the phone call and before you have any sort of conversation with a potential employer.”

“So, how can you nail this new sort of social job interview? by Alan Carniolnn

Let’s explore: http://mashable.com/2013/04/20/social-job-interview/

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Alan writes an interesting perspective around the typical job interview to remind all of us what is occuring upstream.

Our social foot prints are certainly easily discovered and it makes sense for any hiring manager to do a quick google check before spending time seeing anybody.

See on mashable.com

How Job Seekers Learn From Bad Interviews

by Ken Jondahl

“Bad job interview? Be sure to learn from it and then move on without further ado, advises Heather McNab.

Dwelling on it will only hang over you and kill your confidence. “You certainly don’t want to one bad experience to impact your future interviews too,” says McNab.

“Here’s how to learn from a poor performance — and then let it go.” by Amy Levin-Epstein

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Short quick read with plenty of ideas of how to review what just happened in a bad interview. Than using the pro’s and con’s of what was learned, get ready and move on.

The glass is always half full or half empty. The choice is yours to make, especially during tough times while looking for work.

Bad interviews are bound to happen to all of us and as Amy points out. It may just have been a signal the job was not the right one for you and your career.

See on www.cbsnews.com

Frustrated Searching Job Boards with No Responses – Try Informational Interviews

by Ken Jondahl

New research from Jobvite found that “Employees hired through referral are hired 55% faster than those who come from a career site.”

“If you are frustrated searching job boards, sending resumes into black holes, and not getting responses from prospective employers, the “The Alumni Networking Solution” will help you.”

“What exactly is The Alumni Networking Solution?” by John Muscarello

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

John covers all 5 steps in the article in a concise fashion allowing you to consider the various ideas and whether they will work for you or not. No need to sign up for anything and/or navigate all over trying to find the steps.

The 5 step method looks to be a very solid way to get infront of Alumni from your school for informational interviews. Also recall LinkedIn already has a standard search setup to help you pinpoint who you might want to reach out to by location, by company, and by functional job area.

The LinkedIn alumni search is located here: http://www.linkedin.com/college/alumni

Note: For the search to work, remember to setup your college in LinkedIn first. (Log on, in main header bar, look under contacts drop down to find the link for your school once setup.)

See on www.youtern.com

Job Seekers: What to ask in an informational interview

by Ken Jondahl

“Since most informational interviews are short — often just 15 or 20 minutes — it’s smart to lead with what’s most relevant to your job search.

“Freiberger suggests bringing a list of questions in descending order of importance.”

“As for what to avoid asking, he says, “Aside from questions that are ridiculously inappropriate … there is only one absolute taboo: Don’t ask for a job.” If all goes well, that will come later.” by Anne Fisher

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

As the article points out, use open ended questions around your interest and the person across the table. Which means you must come prepared with “open ended” questions to ask and have an idea what the person you are meeting with is interested in themselves.

There are 10 great open ended questions in the article to help you craft some around your dream job and the skills and capabilities you bring to the table. Plus make sure any questions you ask lean towards what the person on the other side of the table will be interested in discussing.

Next up is getting an informational interview. Here is a link which provides numerous ways to make a connection inside a company you would like to work for longer term.

Full article on management.fortune.cnn.com