Job Seekers

Resumes

Once you decide to begin a job search the most important tool you have will be your professional resume. Be sure you are confident in what you present. Always be prepared to answer questions about detail provided in the body of your resume. This will be your first impression to all prospective employers. The better you feel about your resume the more successful you will be in the interview. Select Search can provide suggestions on content, length, format etc. Always be sure to provide correct and complete contact information. Focus on skills pertaining to the job, interpersonal skills that will make you successful, computer skills and any managerial or project related skills. Always be sure to list achievements and examples of current and previous success. We have provided a sample resume by clicking the link in this section.

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Counter Offers

Mathew Henry, the 17th-century writer said, “Many a dangerous temptation comes to us in fine gay colours that are but skin deep.” The same can be said for counteroffers, those magnetic enticements designed to lure you back into the nest after you’ve decided it’s time to fly away. The litany of horror stories I have come across in my years as an executive recruiter, consultant and publisher provides a litmus test that clearly indicates counteroffers should never be accepted. EVER!

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Resignations

In theory, an employee is responsible for giving “reasonable notice” of his or her resignation. What is reasonable will, of course, vary with the circumstances. Therefore, if you are a particularly critical player, at a particularly critical time with the organization, it may be prudent to offer more than two weeks notice of your resignation. The unwritten accepted norm is 2 weeks and is most typical. Regardless of the situation, always be respectful and professional. Remember, there may be a day when you run in to an old employer in a future position.

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Behavioral Interview Advice

Behavior based interviewing is becoming more and more common. It is based on the premise that a candidate’s past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Rather than the typical interview questions on your background and experience, you will you need to be prepared to provide detailed examples of your work experiences.

The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you’ve acquired. Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of questions and to itemize your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the company rather than just what you are interested in. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. The ultimate goal is to get the job. However, it is a two-way street. You are also interviewing the employer to determine whether this company and the position are a good fit for your career.

Do your research on the business before the interview.
Doing research will also help you produce some intelligent job related questions.
Role play.
Take extra copies of the same resume your prospective employer was provided.
Shake each interviewers hand and make eye contact. Be confident.
Again, make eye contact.
Smile, be polite, and try to relax. Always focus on the positive.
Listen carefully to the questions asked. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused.
Answer questions as directly as possible.
Be upbeat and make positive statements.
Talk about what you learned from previous roles and how it relates to the perspective job. Use examples from your previous positions that relate to the job. This will help emphasize how you can make an immediate impact.

Tell me about yourself. This is often used to start the interview. Keep the answer job or skill related.
What do you know about us? Hint: your research should help answer this question.
What is your weakness? Always make this a positive answer. Be careful in this response. This is a response you should absolutely have prepared prior to the interview.
What are your strengths? Describe your skills in a way that will show you would be a good employee for the company and a good match for the position. Examples, Examples, Examples.
Why did you leave your last job? Answer with a positive statement. you can say: “new job,” “contract ended,” “temporary,” “returned to school,” “to raise a family,” “relocated” or “a recruiter called and it sounded like an opportunity I needed to hear more about.”
Why have you been unemployed for such a long time? Tell the truth. Emphasize that you were looking for a good company where you can settle and make a contribution.
Why should we hire you? Be positive. Try and use the knowledge you have about the position to relate how your past experience would be an asset to the company and your success. Again, examples of your work are always best.
What do you know about me?
Describe your work ethic?
Tell me about your current position.
How do you plan your day?
What is your typical way of dealing with conflict?
Give me an example where you were self directed to accomplish a goal.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
How do you deal with stress?
What are you short and long term goals?
What are your two greatest strengths and weaknesses?
What circumstance brings you here today?
What was a major obstacle you were able to overcome in the past year?
What unique experience or qualifications separate you from other candidates?

Remember, this is you interviewing the company as well. Always have some questions prepared for the interview. You may also hear some information during the interview that will raise additional questions.

Who would supervise me?
When are you going to make a hiring decision?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
What kind of training is provided or available?
What are your expectations for this position?
What challenges do you see regarding this position?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
Could you describe your company’s management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
What is the organization’s plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in?
Could you explain your organizational structure?
What are the various ways employees communicate with one another to carry out their work?
How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
Could you describe your company’s management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?

Thank You Notes (always a good practice)

After your interview, be sure to write a thank you note to the employer or interviewer. This is very important because a thank you note gives you one more chance to remind the employer about the skills you can bring to the company.

It is a good idea to request the interviewer’s business card before leaving the interview. This will help when writing your thank you note to correctly spell the interviewer’s name and job title.

Tips for thank you notes

Keep it short. (No longer than one page.)
First paragraph: Thank the employer for the interview. Also, mention that you are interested in the position.
Second paragraph: Briefly state a few of your skills without repeating the information on your resume word for word. Include any important information not mentioned at the interview.
Third paragraph: Provide your contact information, telephone number with area code, and an e-mail address, if available.
Sign the note with your first and last name.
Proofread the note to check for spelling or grammar errors. Ask another person to proofread the note.
Send the note within two to three days after your interview.