In this photo slideshow for U.S. News and World Report, Alison Green shows you, 10 Surefire Ways to Annoy a Hiring Manager.
Some of the mistakes listed in this article are:
In her article for BNET.com, Adriana Gardella counts down Seven Ways to Flunk a Job Interview.
Interview mistakes from this article include:
Wall Street Journal article No Market for Lazy Job Seekers, Ruth Mantell warns job seekers of common mistakes that can derail their job search.
Read an excerpt of Mantell’s article below. Read Full Article
Summer is a season to relax, unless you’re a job seeker.
Given the steep competition for jobs, people who are energized and organized — and those who avoid lazy mistakes — are the likeliest to land a spot.
“It’s not all down to the economy — it’s often about how productive people are during their job search,” says Richard Jordan, a staffing management panel member at the Society for Human Resource Management. “The Internet has made it really easy for people to get a sense of false security about how productive they are.”
That means avoiding the “post-and-pray” technique in which job seekers apply to positions online, and then wait for the offers to roll in.
“Just applying through an online job search doesn’t do anything other than throw your résumé into a pile with [those of] hundreds, if not thousands, of other job seekers,” says Dan Ryan, an executive search consultant based in Nashville.
Another red flag: submitting résumés and cover letters with errors, says Holly Paul, U.S. recruiting leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a New York-based accounting and consulting firm.
“I see spelling mistakes, I see punctuation mistakes, I hit delete in two seconds. I don’t even bother to continue reading,” Ms. Paul says.
Here are five more mistakes to avoid:
In her article for Forbes.com, Susannah Breslin warns, How to Fail at a Job Interview.
Below is an excerpt of Breslin’s article. Read Full Article
I’ve been on more job interviews this year than any other year in my life.
This is a good thing (theoretically, at least) because it forces you to figure out who you are and sell it.
Can’t do that? You lose.
TIP #1: Miss the point.
Earlier this month, I hired a young female journalist to write a guest post on this blog for $100. (Expect to see it soon.) As a hirer, I was forced to confront the real reason why people hire you.
Because they like you.
This has been said elsewhere, but it is the single truth people fail to grasp about interviewing. It’s not about your skills, it’s not about your resume, it’s not about if you answered the questions right.
Do they like you? If they like you the best, they will hire you. If they don’t, they won’t.
People tell themselves their “experience,” their successes-filled resume, and their above-par interviewing skills are what will get them the job. That’s simply not true. It’s what people want to believe because if that were true, they could quantify why one person gets hired and why another does not.
Interviews are like two dogs sniffing one another’s butts. Either you click. Or you don’t.
Who should you choose as a reference? Joanna Boydak from LiveCareer has a few Secrets to Passing the Reference Check.
Read an excerpt from Boydak’s article below. Read Full Article
Would you be excited to eat at a restaurant that has a mediocre review? An unenthusiastic reference may hurt more than help, so choose your references carefully and make sure they are prepared. With just a little extra planning, you can guarantee your references help you win the job.
Follow these steps to prepare for a reference check:
1. Make your list- Ideally, you will want to use your most recent supervisor as a reference. Former clients, employees you have supervised and co-workers are acceptable as well. If you are an entry-level candidate with little experience, list a mentor such as a professor or family friend. All of these types of references can provide valid insight into your character and abilities as a future employee.
2. Get their permission- Never submit your references before getting their permission first. Describe the type of job that you are looking for and request that they be a reference. If you sense hesitation, consider asking someone else. Having a great reference requires the individual to be prepared to vouch for you with enthusiasm.
About.com Guide, Alison Doyle writes, Who to Ask for a Reference
Below is an excerpt from Doyle’s article. Read Full Article
When an employer checks references, the first place they are going to check with is your previous employer. However, not all companies provide references for employees. In fact, some companies may only confirm that you worked at the company and confirm your dates of employment.
Who to Ask for a Reference
That’s why it’s important to have a list of professional references, in addition to employment references, that you can provide to employers. Who should you ask to provide references? Supervisors and colleagues (if company policy permits) may be able to provide a reference for you.
Business contacts, customers, clients, vendors, and other individuals you have a professional relationship with can be used as references.
Read on learn more about Professional vs. Personal References & How Many References to Ask For
In this clip from MTV reality series, The Hills, Kelly tells Lauren about her interview with Lauren’s friend Stephanie. Watch as they discuss Stephanie’s resume and why Kelly is afraid to hire her.
Lessons to take from this video:
Tailor your resume to show why you want to work for an organization.
Avoid using general statements that don’t apply to the job you are applying to.
In this clip for CBS hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon tries to make things right when he ruins a friend’s background check.
The Big Bang Theory: You Never Said No Backsies
U.S. News and World Report article, Great Interview But No Offer: Why You Didn’t Get the Job, Lindsay Olson explores possible reasons you didn’t get the job.
Reasons to look for in Olson’s article:
In her article for U.S. News and World Report, Karen Burns tells job seekers 21 Ways to Avoid Job Interview Anxiety.
Below is an excerpt from Burns’ article. Read Full Article
Career experts often offer helpful tips for reducing job interview anxiety. But you don’t want to reduce job interview anxiety; you want to avoid italtogether. Before you say, “But that’s impossible!” let’s clarify: You don’t actually have to eliminate the anxiety. You only have to avoid letting it show.
Anxiety is a turn-off. In a job interview, you want to come across as confident, competent, and ready to go to work. Anxiety detracts from the strong, positive impression you want to make. It’s also contagious—your jitters can infect and distract your interviewer, making him less able to focus on you.
The bottom line: It’s okay to feel anxious. It’s not okay to display it.
How can you prevent yourself from looking nervous? By preparing for the interview. Preparation will boost your confidence and help you make that positive impression. Even if you feel nervous, you won’t look it if you’re prepared.
To put an end to anxiety, follow this preparation checklist:
