Interview Etiquette - Before, During & After

There are many factors that leave a good impression in a job interview but It's foolish to think if we have the experience and skills, we've landed the job.  Of course it's important but there are other things that are considered. How you present is everything.  You can look good on paper (resume), but if you're lacking in presentation, personality or character, you won't be leaving the best impression at all.  In recruiter's terms we call these "soft skills".  You can't change your personality but you can always brush up on proper interview etiquette. 

Interview Etiquette Tips (for starters):

• Never keep an interviewer waiting (see earlier post, "Do You Know The Time Of Day?")
• Don't smoke just before the interview.  Lots of people are offended by the smell of smoke
• Turn smart phone off 
• Don't be more than 10 minutes early for an interview.  An interview is scheduled at a specific time for a reason
•  Always bring a resume even if it was sent electronically (bring an extra one in case another person is called into the interview unexpectedly)
• Dress appropriately (see earlier post, "Dress For Success")
• Send thank you email within 24 hours

"If we could see ourselves as others see us, we would vanish on the spot."

~Emil Cioran

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

   

7 Great Reasons To Take A Temporary Job

Are you out of work and not able to survive solely on unemployment benefits?  Have you been interviewing and feeling discouraged, isolated, unchallenged or fearful of losing your skill set?  If you said yes to at least one of these, I urge you to read on.

I'm no statistician but I was in the staffing business for more years than I care to mention and I can tell you this: temporary work is better than no work at all.  It may not be the ideal scenario for you but in the eyes of an employer, you look more attractive working ( temp, contract, freelance) than having empty real estate space on your resume.

Here are 7 reasons to take a temporary job while looking for your ideal one to surface:

1.  You'll be making money
2.  Your headset (emotions) will be in a better place
3.  You'll be making new connections that can lead to referrals and other work
4.  Your skills are less likely to get rusty
5.  Temporary work can often lead to a permanent position
6.  You are more desirable in the eyes of an employer
7.  Work tends to generate more work and opens up new doors and opportunities

If anything, keep an open mind if a temporary, freelance or contract job is offered you.  You never know where your next position will show it's face......

"By all means, let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out."
~ Richard Dawkins

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Is Your Job The Right Fit?

Looking for a job is a job in itself.  There's research, networking, resume posting, interviewing, follow up, waiting for an offer, more follow up, negotiating the offer, blah blah blah.  It's exhausting just thinking about the whole process.  Does this sound familiar to you?  If you're one of those people who has had one job your entire career, you've been spared what some consider hair raising.

If you're offered a job and done your due diligence, you'll ask yourself (before you accept) if this is an environment you can see yourself spending 8-9 hours a day, 5 days a week.  Can you relate to the people you'll be working with or do they seem like aliens from another planet?  Will you be comfortable in a business suit when you're used to dressing in jeans?  Will the style of management be conducive to you being productive or will you work for someone who is disrespectful or a raging lunatic?  Company culture is VERY important when considering a position.  Ask yourself if you'll be out of your element or does this feel like a comfortable shoe that "fits".  If it doesn't feel comfortable, find yourself another pair of shoes.

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun 

How To Kill A Job Interview In One Easy Step

Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I talk about the importance of appropriateness when job hunting.  Hmm, maybe I'm not that interesting and no one is listening.  Ooh, what an awful thought.  Maybe I should speak LOUDER????  That would be pretty obnoxious.  Or....maybe when it comes to presenting ourselves to the world (like in an interview), we don't really see the impression we make on others.

Tonight, I had dinner with two friends and one of them mentioned her son interviewed for a position at her company.  When she didn't get any news about the interview, she approached a colleague and they explained her son was wearing hoop earrings in both ears.  Even though he was impeccably dressed in a suit, the earrings were the one thing most remembered.  Unfortunately, that was the "take away" impression.  Sadly, he didn't get the job.

INTERVIEW TIP:

Being appropriately dressed (presentation) for an interview is hugely important.  First impressions are also lasting impressions.  When in doubt, dress up, not down (see my 9/26 post, "Dress For Success").  If you think dressing too conservatively for an interview is not you, just grin and bear it.  No one ever died from looking appropriately professional and polished.  Don't kill the job interview before you open your mouth.

"I have never experienced another human being.   I have experienced my impressions of them."
~ Robert Anton Wilson

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Recruiters Can Be A Great Job Source

I was a recruiter for over 12 years.  I worked for firms that specialized in accounting, sales, legal, financial and media.  It was a great feeling knowing I could make a difference in the professional lives of my candidates.  It was tremendously rewarding work.  I developed new business in all my roles and found that gratifying as well.  I enjoyed nurturing, servicing and maintaining my client relationships even though it wasn't always smoothe sailing.  There's a fine balance keeping candidate and client equally happy.  But I did it because I'm a people pleaser and that's what recruiters do.

As much as I loved my work, it came with it's share of headaches (can you relate?).  One of my biggest  pet peeves (ask any recruiter) was dealing with the sometimes inconsiderate candidates who wouldn't show up (or call) for an interview with me.  I even had candidates who would "no show" for a client interview.  Can you imagine being that rude?  If you can, than a word to the wise; DON'T BURN ANY BRIDGES WITH RECRUITERS.  If you think a recruiter will work with you again after pulling something so disrespectful, you're dead wrong.   Many recruiters have a bad reputation because they're only interested in their commission and don't care about making the right match for client and candidate.  However, there are plenty who have scruples, talent and a heart.  If you find one, don't let them go.  They can be significantly instrumental in your next career move.

"The secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in the mind".

~ Henry David Thoreau

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

A Guide For A Successful Job Search

The process of job hunting [and/or reinvention] sometimes offers more questions than answers.  In coaching individuals over the past decade, I have learned and seen what does not work – and what has proven to be effective in a highly competitive market.  No matter what the industry, level, job title/description, or salary, the basic “4Rs” are needed:

• Resume. A resume MUST show how your experience translates into solutions and assets an employer can use.  A resume should be "accomplishment" driven to get noticed.

• Responsibility. YOU are responsible for demonstrating how you'll be of service and convey this  every step of the process.

• Reach. Connections matter.  How you reach your network, the people you want to work for, the gatekeepers and every single person you speak to along the journey of the job hunt is forming an impression of you.  

• Results.  When you present yourself with confidence, ease, clarity of purpose, and you know what you want to convey, you get results.  If you don't know what makes you unique, don't expect anyone else to.  You have to know what makes you valuable to an employer.

"Action is the foundational key to all success".

Pablo Picasso

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

Are You A Military Veteran Looking For Work?

Are you a returning vet looking for work in the private sector?  Have you been sending resumes out and not getting any responses?  Are you concerned about transitioning into the corporate world and how that will feel?  The good news is that there are plenty of organizations out there that value your military experience.

Veterans transitioning into the business world certainly have their share of challenges.  However, they have a depth of transferrable skills, possess strength of character, and the ability to meet any issue head on.  In the world of recruitment, we call these "soft skills."  You can't acquire them at an ivy league school or buy them online.  They're either part of you or not.  I don't know any company that wouldn't find these traits of great value.  But it's really up to you to let employers know how your unique skills will translate into their success.

Career transition is not always easy but there are plenty of resources and professionals that can provide you with the tools you need to succeed in the corporate world.  Here's a great way to get started:

Bubble2boardroom is a FREE career development event (January 6th) for returning veterans, recent grads, and young professionals.  It's held at The New York Athletic Club featuring keynote speakers and interactive workshops designed to help you maximize your unique skills and teach you how to navigate success in the New Normal.  Must register @www.bubble2boardroom.com.

I'll be conducting a workshop on "The Ultimate Resume: Creating A Powerful Calling Card" and would love to see you there!

"Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
~ John F. Kennedy

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun