NOT GETTING JOB INTERVIEWS?

Then, it's time to step back and re-assess your job strategies.Ask yourself the following questions:

1.    Are my employment goals realistic?
2.    Am I tailoring my resume to reflect the employer's requirements?
3.    Am I applying to jobs that I am qualified for?
4.    Is my job search too narrow? Too broad?
5.    Do I need to brush up on my skills? If so what can I do to improve my skills?
6.    Am I limiting my job search? ie. online only
7.    Do I have an exceptional cover letter?
8.    Am I isolated in my job search?  Do I need to expand my job search network?
9.    Am I utilizing all my job search skills? Does my job search include a variety of strategies?
10.  Am I making time to take care of myself physically and emotionally?

Spend time reflecting on your answers to these questions and work on improving your job search plan.
Stepping back and re-assessing your plan will help you to see the light at the end of the job search tunnel!  

                                                                                                                                    -Sunny + Sassy

After the Interview

When you get home from the interview, it's important to do some self-assessment on how you feel that you did.  Write down a few of the questions that you felt were difficult to answer to practice for next time.   It is important to debrief with a friend and/or journal about your experience in order to provide new insights for the next interview as well as to release any pent-up emotions that may be simmering inside you. Also, it is really important to acknowledge and pat yourself on the back for the positive aspects of the interview!

It's always courteous to send a "thank you" card to the employer once you have had the interview; personalize this with your own style and make sure you mention something that stood out for your during the interview.  An example of what you could write is:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.  After discussing the position you have available, I am even more excited about this opportunity.  I appreciate that your company's core values are similar to mine and I feel I would fit in with your team!

If you haven't heard from the employer by the date provided to you, you can give them a call to touchbase and ask if they had made a decision. You can also follow up by email.

Remember, if you were not the selected candidate, you can always ask for the employer's feedback.
And try not to despair! Interviews are good practice for enhancing and polishing your interview skills. Move on to the next interview and before you know it, you will find the light at the end of the job search tunnel.

                                                                                                                              -Sunny + Sassy

Typical Questions you may be asked during an Interview

Through research and experience, we have compiled a list of the most common questions asked during a job interview as well as the most complicated.  As previously stated in our posts about interviews, always remember to breathe and remember it is o.k. to take a pause to think about your answer to the question being asked! 

Use these example questions when practicing for your interview; write down how you are going to answer the question and practice!  Some of these questions will pertain to you, some won't.

Why did you leave your last position?

·        Be honest and brief.  If you were fired or quit for cause; don’t bash your ex-employer

Why are you interested in working for our company?

·        This is where your research of the company itself will come in handy, answer this question honestly and use examples from research that you have done. 

·        You could say that your values are in line with the companies values or that you have heard wonderful things about this company culture and atmosphere, etc.

·        You can also use personal examples as well if you don’t have any examples from work experience

What kind of salary are you looking for?

·        Ensure you research the salary range for the position that you are applying for so that you have an accurate answer to this question;  it is best to answer with a range verses a single salary figure

·        There are a lot of resources online to find out salary ranges and they take into consideration the number of years experience you have and education.  Google search:   Salary Finder, Salary Expert, Salary Range Calculator. 

·        Remember, the job posting that you applied for may have already indicated a salary range that the employer is willing to offer; keep this in mind when you answer this question

Tell me about yourself?

·        Keep the answer to this question related to the position you are interviewing for.  Discuss your work history, educational background and attributes that would make you shine in this position
·        Keep the answer brief - 3 minutes max

More complicated interview questions that you may be asked (for some these may be easy to answer, for others, maybe not):

What are your weaknesses?

·        Everyone has weaknesses – it's our ability to recognize these weaknesses and work on them that is important

·        Be selective when choosing your weakness to discuss as you do not want it to hinder the chance of you being hired. It is a good idea to think about this and select a weakness before attending an interview

·        When discussing your weaknesses also explain what you do/can do to improve upon them

·        Discuss any support that you may need from an employer to work on these weaknesses

If offered this position, how would you improve the positions functionality?
 

·        This is another question where your research about the position and the company will come in handy!

·        Remember, don’t step on any toes – but point out a few things that may make the position stronger and be a benefit for the company

Tell me about your strengths.

·        Remember to not be shy about what you are good at!

·        Sell your skills and use examples that relate to the particular job that you are interviewing for

Tell me about a time when you had to use problem-solving skills; provide a situation and how you handled it.

·        At one time or another, we have all had to deal with some sort of difficult situation with a customer, client, co-worker, etc.  Stick with one example and clearly describe the situation and your steps on handling the situation

·        Keep positive and don't be negative towards the customer/client/co-worker, etc who was involved in the situation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

·        Focus on your career goals when answering this question; be honest if you have advancement ideas that may not include this company but will allow to gain the experience needed

·        Showing that you have realistic goals is important and admirable by an employer

·        Show how this position fits into your goals!

There are so many potential questions that an interviewer can ask you, these are just some examples.  It’s always beneficial to practice before the interview and research the company to ensure you know what they are all about!  Don’t forget, an interview is for you to interview the employer as well - so relax and use the interview as a way to practice your networking skills!!

No matter what, if you are asked any questions that you feel are inappropriate, you can politely decline providing an answer.  That shouldn't happen too often, but sometimes it does.

-Sunny & Sassy

How to Shine in a Panel Interview

Not many people are used to interviewing with a panel or a group.  These types of interviews can often make you more nervous.
We have compiled a few helpful tips to prepare for this type of interview.  Much like traditional style of interviewing, one on one, you need to ensure that you research the company, bring along extra copies of your resume + reference sheet, and practice before hand what you are going to tal!k about. Also, prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the panel.

Be Prompt!
Best to arrive a bit early to allow time for introductions and possibly a tour of the facility.

Dress Appropriately!
More than one person will be looking at you so it is more so important that you are well groomed and dressed appropriately. Rembember, your personal presentation will be assessed in terms of how well you will be able to represent the company/employer.

First Impressions are Key! 
Your introduction to each panel member is very important as you may not be able to build a rapport with each panel member individually.  When introducing yourself, remember to smile and offer a good hand shake.  Repeat their names as you are being introduced (it will help you remember them).

Eye Contact and other Body Language
Just like in any situation where you are communication with people, your eye contact and body language will show interest in the conversation. Making eye contact shows your attentively listening and your body language shows whether or not you are engaged.  Sit up straight (just like your mother told you!) and don't cross your arms (you can fold your hands on your lap).  When answering questions, make eye contact with the person who asked you the question, but visually include the other members of the panel while providing your answer to the question.

Asking Questions and Engaging the Panel
Like a traditional interview, you will want to ask questions about the position and the company (see previous post).  Engage the panel by asking questions from the discussions that each member has had, and directly asking questions to the appropriate person in the position that the question would likely be answered, ie: ask the HR director about the type of benefits offered for this position, etc.

Answer questions thoroughly but do not elaborate on your answers unless requested.
Its o.k. to pause and think about the answer to the questions you are being asked!  Don't speak too fast and remember to breathe - it will help to reduce your nervousness.

Stay Calm and be as relaxed as possible.  The panel will be determining your ability to stay calm under pressure.  Panel interviews also provide an opportunity for the employer to assess your ability to communicate with a diverse group of people.

Exiting the Interview
At the end of the interview ask the panel members if there is any other information that they would like from you.

Always thank each person before you exit the interview and send "thank you" notes to each panel member!

Your Interviewing Attitude

How’s your Attitude Affecting your Interview?

·        Always walk into an interview with confidence in your skills and abilities and leave whatever history you have with former employers or feelings of rejection during job search, at the door! 

·        Your attitude will greatly impact the employer's decision.  And remember, most employers want someone who is a good “fit”; that means, that while your past experience, skills and education may be well suited for the position, you will want to show that your personality is well suited to the company as well! 

·        Also keep in mind, that this is your chance to interview the company  – so ask questions and ensure you really want to work there!

·        Interviews are much like Sales.  You have to sell your skills and qualifications to the interviewer and show them that you are the best canidate for the job!  Always have a few examples of your work ethic and style so that you can discuss them.

                                                                                                                                     -Sunny + Sassy

So you've been asked to an Interview...Now What?

Over the next few days we are going to look at interviewing.  From pre-interview preparation to post-interview steps.


Follow these steps to ensure you are prepared for your interview!

Research, Research, Research!  If you haven’t already researched the company that you will be interviewing with, do that now!  It is highly important to be knowledgeable about the company, their values, their product, and even their hours of operation!  Have a look at their website, look them up on LinkedIn or Facebook and make sure that you write down a few questions to ask the employer at the interview!

Practice what you are going to say.  Even though when you get to the interview, you may be so nervous that you forget what you prepared; practicing what you are going to say will stick in your memory and pay off in the long run.  Ensure you have a powerful but natural “marketing statement” that tells the employer your greatest strengths and what you have to offer the company.  Develop a script using common interview questions and practice answering these questions in the mirror.  If you have a video camera, video record yourself practicing your interview questions.  Or, ask a friend to role-play with you.

Pick your outfit the day before!  Make sure you dress the part, this will give a good impression in addition to making you feel more confident!  If you are able to, you can visit the company prior to the interview and see the type of clothing other staff members are wearing (classic business, casual business, etc).  Make sure you try on what you are going to wear the night before and ensure it is clean, ironed and ready to go!  Ladies, ensure your hair is neat and tidy.  Gentleman, make sure you are clean shaven..or at least trimmed.


Plan ahead for the commute.  Make sure you know exactly where you are going and the driving/transit route so that you are not late for your interview!  Remember to take into consideration traffic or any construction happening as there may be delays. Arrange to arrive 10 minutes early.


Don't forget copies of your resume.  Make sure to bring along 2 copies of your resume and your reference list in an envelope.  Sometimes you may be interviewed by a panel, or the employer may have misplaced your interview.  You can also use your resume as a guide when discussing your experience and qualifications.

-Sunny & Sassy

Handling Job Search Rejection

 

Handling Job Search Rejection is difficult.  

 

You might start taking it personally, especially if you have had a number of interviews and continue to be unemployed.

 

·         Remain focused, determined and on-track.

·         Learn from your interviews, ask for feedback from the employer.Reach out to friends and practice mock interviews.

·         Remain calm, release your stress in positive ways. It is important not to portray desperation in your interviews.Think positive.

·         Maintain a job search schedule. Do not fall into being complacent about your search.

·         Challenge yourself. Consider volunteering while you’re searching for work.

·         Reach out. Talk about your feelings to friends and family. If isolated, contact a crisis line and/or an employment centre.

·         Learn to deal with rejection – the job was not for you!

·         Move on to the next interview.

And remember, it is only a matter of time before you find the Light at the end of the Job Search Tunnel!

From the Job Search Girls, Sunny + Sassy