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#JobInterview : 10 Common Job Interview Questions For 2024. Must Read Before You Go to Your Next Interview!

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Feeling anxious about an upcoming job interview?  If you’ve been out of the job search game for a while and only now find yourself tip-toeing back in due to a recent layoff, or if you are a fresh graduate and you’re seeking to make your career debut with your first degree-relevant job, it’s only natural for you to feel a little overwhelmed and apprehensive about the job interview.

After all, this is your big moment to shine.  You’ve worked hard to ensure that your application made it through to the hiring manager and created a lasting positive impression—one that would persuade them to get to know the person behind the resume and invite you for an interview.

And you’ve been successful thus far. So you should certainly give yourself a pat on the back for your efforts and success.  But now you want to be certain that all your efforts do not go to waste. The worst thing you can do is turn up unprepared for the interview, simply because you were unaware of how to answer some of the most common, yet challenging interview questions.

Some job interview questions sound simple in theory, but they will actually trip you up if you’re not carefully paying attention. Here are a few that you should be aware of—and some tips for how to answer them:

1. Tell Me About Yourself

For this question, ensure your answer covers three key areas: where you are now (your current or most recent job or educational attainment), where you were (your background and some highlights including relevant skills and experience, briefly), and where you’re going (where you see yourself at the company and your career goal).

Keep your summary concise and focused on the skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate.

 

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Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Why Do You Want To Work Here?

To effectively answer this question, conduct research into the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Look at their annual company reports and any LinkedIn updates they may have posted, as well as employee reviews, to give you a well-balanced idea of what would motivate you to work there. Align your response with how your personal and professional goals and values match the company’s culture and objectives.

3. What Are Your Strengths?

Select strengths, skills, and competencies that are relevant to the job—based on keywords you have extracted from the job advert and provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in past roles. Remember to be honest about your strengths and make your examples specific.

4. What Are Your Weaknesses?

For this question, be sure to relate a genuine area of improvement but frame it in a way that demonstrates you are being proactive in addressing the weakness. Highlight the steps you’ve taken to overcome this weakness, and ensure the one you select is not a dealbreaker for the hiring manager.

5. Can You Describe A Challenging Situation And How You Handled It?

For questions that commence with “tell me about a time,” or “can you describe,” the interviewer is looking for you to tell a story—a practical, tangible example of you in action, demonstrating a particular competency.

In these cases, it is best to use the STARR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflect) to structure your answer. Choose a situation relevant to the job, emphasizing your problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and ending with a reflection on what you could have done better or would do better next time.

6. Why Should We Hire You?

Ask yourself first, Why would I hire me if I was the hiring manager?

Then, closely study the job description, and summarize your key skills, relevant career accomplishments to date, and education, and how they align with the job requirements. Use these to effectively highlight your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from other candidates in terms of what you bring to the table to drive their business forward and improve results.

7. Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?

Employers want to be sure that you have a strong vision and that you are committed for the long-haul. You can demonstrate this through showing ambition and a desire for growth, and ideally, align your goals with a potential career path within the company.

8. How Do You Prioritize Your Tasks?

There is a plethora of time management tools, apps and advice available, and you can pull from any of these resources for your answer. However, they must truly reflect what you do in everyday practice.

Discuss your approach to prioritization and time management, such as using task management tools or prioritizing according to deadlines and importance. You should also have an example handy of how you’ve effectively managed multiple priorities.

9. How Do You Handle Constructive Criticism?

Being able to handle constructive criticism is a sign of emotional intelligence, leadership, confidence, and maturity, qualities that employers desire in their new hires—and which many have admitted are lacking in Gen Z graduate workers.

Since this is so essential, think back to when you have viewed constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow, whether in your career or in your studies. Provide an example, using the STARR method, of how you applied this feedback to improve your performance, and what the positive outcome was.

10. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?

When discussing your current or most recent job, be careful to not sound bitter or unprofessional, or appear to cast the blame on your employer. Be honest, but remember to be diplomatic. It could be as simple as “I was laid off,” or it might be more complicated.

If it’s more complicated than a mere layoff, you could say that you are seeking a new professional challenge, growth opportunities, better alignment with your career goals and working preferences, or that you both realized that wasn’t the job for you.

Whatever your answer, keep it positive rather than talking about the negative aspects of your role.

There are many other common interview questions, but these 10 are a good starting point to help you prepare and feel more confident ahead of your upcoming interview. When you answer these questions following the tips provided, you will be sure to impress the hiring team, stand out from the competition, and be more closely aligned to secure the role you’ve been praying for.

 

Forbes.com | August 12, 2024 | Rachel Wells 

 

#JobSearch : How To Conduct A Productive And Positive Job Interview. Insider Secret of the Hiring Manager. MUst REad!

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Interviewing for a job is a stress-inducing event. Job interviewees nervously anticipate and expect the interview process to be a form of interrogation. There’s an uncomfortable feeling of being scrutinized and evaluated on everything they say and do. Bracing for tough questions, it’s hard for job applicants to maintain their composure. They worry that they’ll inadvertently say something that will knock them out of the running.

Here’s an insider’s secret: the interviewer, who could be the hiring manager, human resources professional or recruiter, may be more worried than the candidate.

A job seeker can always walk away from an interview, whereas the hiring manager is under pressure to hire the right person. If they offer the job to someone who epically flames out, they will be forced to contend with the fallout and subsequent political ramifications. Top executives will question why they hired this disastrous person, and harshly judge any decisions this person makes in the future.

Misconceptions About The Job Interview

One of the main purposes of an interview is to assess a candidate’s fit for the role. Interviewers typically ask about an applicant’s current and prior jobs, responsibilities, experiences and to share some success stories where they have made a positive impact. The interviewer also wants to delve into why a candidate wants this specific job at this specific company. Additionally, there is a bit of probing to discern if they would be a good cultural fit within the organization.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

You might be surprised to know that the HR person or hiring manager wants candidates to do well in the interview. When an applicant succeeds in the interview process, it makes the supervisor’s job easier. They won’t have to spend weeks or months sifting through résumés and continually interviewing people, taking precious time away from their main job and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, too many interviewers feel that they need to come across as superior, tough, aggressive and combative. That may work if you’re interrogating someone, but it’s not necessary to bully, pull rank or act and speak in an arrogant, judgemental manner. That approach will usually backfire.

Instead, the hiring professional should come across warm, caring, friendly, easy to talk to and excited to be in the room.

Over the last 25-plus years as an executive recruiter and business owner, I have conducted several thousands of interviews. The majority of the interviews were conducted with high-level Wall Street executives. In light of this cohort, you’d think that the interview would be cold and clinical. It would be reasonable to surmise that the meetings would consist of asking and answering questions as if they were a tennis match.

However, the reality of interviewing is to be gracious and act as if the person is a guest in your home. Rather than grilling the interviewee, which only makes things uncomfortable and contentious, hold an informal, low-key conversation. The goal is to make the job seeker open up and feel more relaxed to talk honestly and freely.

Do Your Homework

Before meeting with a candidate, the interviewer should collect data and intelligence about the person they’re interviewing. This includes checking out the person’s LinkedIn profile and social media posts on X, Instagram, Facebook and more.

This isn’t considered stalking; it’s a convenient way to get a picture of the person. The more information you glean, the better the conversation will flow. From your due diligence, you’ll gain a sense of their personality, know where they attended college, what sports teams they root for and other tidbits. Once you’re in possession of this information, you are ready to start a conversation.

I purposely say “conversation” in the context of the interview because it makes people more comfortable. When someone feels safe, they’re more apt to be honest and transparent. Rather than diving right in, start with an ice breaker such as asking about a sports game from the other night, the weather or some trending topic.

Make The Interviewee Comfortable

To conduct an effective job interview that makes the candidate feel at ease, it’s important to create a welcoming atmosphere and establish rapport from the outset. To create a comfortable mood, an interviewer should start by engaging in small talk to put the applicant at ease. If you create a nurturing environment, the candidate will engage more, which will allow you to learn much more about the person as they become relaxed, comfortable and confident.

On the day of the interview, greet the candidate warmly with a smile and offer a glass of water, coffee or beverage. Small gestures like this can significantly ease nerves and create a bond.

When it comes to asking tough questions, introduce them gradually. Save more challenging questions for the middle or end of the interview, and give the candidate ample time to think and respond. This approach helps to avoid putting undue pressure on the candidate right from the start.

Ask open-ended questions so that the applicant can’t just say “yes” or “no.” You want the person to elaborate on their answers. As they share their responses, provide follow-up questions in a friendly, non-intimidating manner.

Actively listen to what they say. Then, reframe their answers to show that you’re paying attention. Make sure to maintain eye contact. Nod your head when the applicant is saying something so they know you are paying attention. Use their name a number of times, as it will perk them up.

Be confident in your approach, but avoid coming across as arrogant or intimidating. Throughout the interview, maintain a balance between being friendly and professional. The interview is a two-way process. You’re evaluating the candidate, but they’re also assessing whether the company and role are a good fit.

Wrap up the interview by asking if the candidate has any questions or would like to expand upon something they talked about previously. Thank them for their time. Since there are other applicants, it’s hard for the interviewer to definitely give an answer one way or another regarding their candidacy. However, subtly offer some tidbits to help the applicant get a feeling of how they performed and the likelihood of moving forward in the process. Offer your business card so that they can keep in touch with you.

Forbes.com | August 7, 2024 | Jack Kelly

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 26K Read- How Job Seekers Can Get Ahead Of The Summer Slowdown. Steps to Maximize your Chances of Finding a New Job. Great REad!

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Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, and while hiring may slow down a bit, it does not mean you have to put your job search on hold.

There are action steps you can take during the summer season to maximize your chances of finding a new job.

Job Search Basics

The shifting attitudes, schedules and seasons do not diminish the value or necessity of tried-and-true job-hunting methods. Proven strategies like networking, tailoring your résumé and cover letters, researching companies and practicing for interviews remain crucial regardless of the temperature outside.

Ensure that your résumé is up-to-date, highlights your most relevant skills and achievements and is tailored to specific job descriptions. Craft compelling cover letters that showcase your enthusiasm and qualifications for each position you apply for.

Polish your LinkedIn profile, ensuring it accurately reflects your skills and experience. Consider having an optimized website or online portfolio showcasing your work, especially if you are in a creative field.

Reconnect with old colleagues, friends or classmates in person or on LinkedIn for potential job leads. Attend industry events or online webinars to expand your network and make new connections. Reach out to people in your desired field for informational interviews to learn more about their roles and companies.

Anticipate frequently asked interview questions and practice your responses. Research the companies you’re interested in and prepare insightful questions to demonstrate your genuine interest.

Set up alerts on job boards for positions that match your criteria. Consider working with a recruiter specializing in your industry who can connect you with relevant opportunities.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

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Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Job Hunting Strategies For The Summer Months

While maintaining your job search momentum, it’s okay to adjust your pace during the summer. Prioritize high-quality applications and focus on companies that resonate with you. Even if you don’t hear back immediately, do not ghost recruiters or hiring managers. Send a follow-up email after a week or two if you haven’t heard anything, as this demonstrates continued interest and professionalism. Summer can be a great time for informational interviews. People might be more relaxed and have more time to chat during the upcoming months.

Take advantage of the potentially slower pace to take online courses, attend workshops or gain new certifications relevant to your field. This can enhance your skill set, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Additional Career Advice

Job hunting can be a marathon—not a sprint. Stay positive, focused and don’t get discouraged if you do not land your dream job right away. Hiring managers can pick up on a candidate’s level of enthusiasm and positivity during the interview process. Project confidence in your skills and your ability to contribute to the company. Be open to new opportunities or roles that might not have been your initial target. You might discover a great career path you hadn’t considered before.

Be Better Than You Were Yesterday

Dedicate time to improving yourself. Read books about your industry, watch or listen to relevant career related and motivational podcasts.

Plan out what you want to do to make an impact once the summer is over and it’s back to business as usual, and design a strategy to achieve these goals. Write them down and follow up on a daily basis.

Focus On Your Wellness

Take a break from the constant emails and work notifications and allow your mind and body to truly relax and recharge. Catch up on sleep or establish a regular sleep schedule. Feeling well-rested can significantly improve your mood and energy levels.

Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or spending time in nature. Since the weather is nice, venture outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Go on a hike, jog, run or walk to maintain mental clarity, as well as your physical health.

Pursue activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, writing, listening to music, playing games or creating art. Focusing on hobbies can be a great way to de-stress and express yourself creatively.

Spend quality time with friends and family. Engage in face-to-face conversations, share meals or participate in activities you all enjoy. Strong social connections are essential for emotional well-being.

Take time to reflect on things you’re grateful for in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a helpful way to cultivate a positive mindset, which will be critical to your job search success.

 

Forbes.com | May 24, 2024 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : What To Do If You’re Ghosted By A Recruiter. Questions: Has this Happened to You? And What Did you Do?

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As thousands of companies cut costs by laying off workers, many people find themselves back on the job market. The good news is that experts have a brighter outlook for the economy. Still, candidates must adapt to a dynamic employment landscape that requires continuous learning and a proactive approach. Unfortunately, that also includes having to deal with potentially being ghosted by a recruiter.

Recruiter ghosting refers to the point at which you no longer hear from a recruiter who expressed interest in your application. It can happen at any point during the hiring process and is more widespread than you might think. In fact, 75% of job applicants say a prospective employer has ghosted them following an interview. That’s based on a recent survey conducted by software company Greenhouse. One woman even shared how she completed nine rounds of interviews for a marketing role before eventually being ghosted.

This behavior happens for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at potential causes and what you can do if you think you are being ghosted by a recruiter.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

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New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Reasons for being ghosted by a recruiter

Many people assume that an unresponsive recruiter doesn’t care. Often, it’s unintentional and due to a variety of other reasons.

The recruiter found a more qualified candidate

Ideally, companies have a mechanism to alert job seekers that they were not selected for the role. Yet, many do not. In that case, a recruiter might ghost you because they decided to hire someone else who was a better fit. This situation often happens when there are many applicants or if the position needs to be filled quickly.

There are internal issues you aren’t aware of

Sometimes, job seekers are ghosted by a recruiter because the company is still trying to make a decision. Many organizations have a complex hiring process and require feedback from multiple stakeholders. They might also be negotiating with their top candidates or checking references before feeling comfortable sharing updates.

The recruiter experienced a setback

Recruiters sometimes fail to respond because they are inundated with work and have poor time management skills. If they lack the resources, it’s easy to get bogged down and drop the ball. Recruiter ghosting could also be due to a setback like a death in the family, illness or some other personal issue. It’s also not uncommon for recruiters to be laid off, in which case you may need to contact another individual at the company.`

How to handle being ghosted by a recruiter

With a volatile economy causing recruiting teams to shrink, you may be ghosted at one time or another. If it happens, don’t blame yourself. Instead, take steps so you don’t lose job search momentum.

Follow up within a reasonable timeframe

If the recruiter gave you a timeframe and it’s been longer than a week, follow up with them. You can email them to thank them for their time and express interest in the role. Without being pushy, mention that you have another job offer on the table (if you do) but that this position is your first choice. By being professional and persistent, you will stay top of mind while being seen as genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Try other avenues of communication

If you already tried following up with the recruiter via email, consider another method. For example, you should contact them via LinkedIn or another professional networking site. If that fails, seek out another point of contact, like the hiring manager or someone you interviewed with. You might even consider finding an internal connection through your network to gain additional information about the hiring process.

Continue searching for other roles

If you are ghosted by a recruiter, don’t let it negatively impact your self-esteem. Try not to take it personally and continue looking for other opportunities. Maintain a positive attitude by researching, networking and applying for positions that are a good fit. Keeping your job search on track will motivate you and make you more likely to find the ideal role.

Dealing with an unresponsive recruiter can be frustrating, but it’s ultimately out of your control. Remember that being ghosted by a recruiter has more to do with the company than your qualifications. By approaching your job search with confidence and determination, you’ll eventually land a position with an organization that deserves your unique talents.

 

Forbes.com | May 3, 2024 | Caroline Castrillon

#JobSearch : How To Ace Your Job Interview: Insight From A Recruiter. Great Checklists . MUst REad.

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Having spent the past two decades leading recruiting teams around the world, I’ve conducted and observed tens of thousands of interviews. Honestly, I still see things that surprise me. For all of the effort that goes into the interview phase (it’s the most labor-intensive, and therefore the costliest part of the hiring process), the quality of the execution is often, at best, mixed.

This poor execution can be attributed to several factors but is primarily because training hiring managers on how to interview is a rarity in most organizations. Furthermore, it’s a muscle that is used relatively infrequently (unless the company is particularly high growth, individual hiring managers are probably hiring once a year, not once a week).

The first step to being better at interviewing is therefore to recognize that you’re about to participate in an imperfect process. You may even have more experience of interviewing, albeit from the other side of the desk, than the person interviewing you.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Before The Interview

Conducting some focused research is the best way to set yourself up for success. Follow these three simple steps ahead of every interview:

  1. Review the LinkedIn profile of each person you’re due to meet with, and prepare your questions accordingly (e.g., I see you joined Acme Corp a year ago, what made you want to join and what have you been most surprised by since you started?)
  2. If the company is publicly traded read the most recent annual report and/or quarterly earnings statement. Many larger organizations have an “investor relations” section on their website which contains a wealth of enterprise information.
  3. Search for mentions of the company in credible journals (e.g., here on Forbes, in the Harvard Business Review, The Economist) rather than a broad Google search.

Most importantly, remember that interviewing is just storytelling – your job is to distill your unique career journey into a compelling narrative. Get used to condensing your work history into a two minute “elevator pitch”, specifically focusing on moments of transition (why you left one job for another), and key learnings and achievements along the way. Practice with friends and loved ones.

During The Interview

The single most important thing you can do is be your authentic self: letting your personality show helps to establish a rapport. Whether the interview is in-person or conducted virtually, try to remember it’s just a human-to-human conversation. This is your opportunity to make the most of your time with the hiring team:

  • Try not to let nerves get in the way (easier said than done) – remember hiring managers probably do this less than once a year so in many instances will be just as nervous as you!
  • Make notes and ask questions (both pre-prepared based on your research, and to clarify things you learn from the folks you meet with).
  • Don’t forget that you’re interviewing them too! Can you work with this person? Will you learn from them? Are they inspiring?

After The Interview

One of the hardest lessons to learn is the ability to trust our gut reaction on walking out of an interview, especially in an economy like this one. If your gut is telling you no, listen to that voice. It is easy to let our scarcity mindset to take over, but one of the most powerful things you can do is walk away from an opportunity, especially if you’re getting the feeling that you might not be able to thrive there in the long term:

  • First make an honest assessment – do you still want the job based on what you learned? If the answer is ‘no’, that’s OK! The interview process is a two-way street, and sometimes it’s just not a good match.
  • Irrespective of what decision you make be sure to send thank you notes (email is fine) to the hiring manager, to the interview panelists and to the recruiter.

There has been some discourse on whether the practice of sending thank you notes is outdated, which is a premise I strongly disagree with. At a minimum, sending thank you notes allows you a further touchpoint with the hiring team, and gives you the opportunity to expand or double-down on key points you made during your interview. Furthermore, it demonstrates that you are familiar with longstanding professional etiquette, and that you are the sort of person that follows-through.

Lastly thank you notes can help cement relationships with the folks that you met during the interview process. Even if you are unsuccessful, these “warm” relationships will be useful either for future applications at the company, or indeed elsewhere, as you never know where folks will work next.

Although the interview process is far from perfect (indeed the same can be said for the broader talent market), the best way to set yourself up for success is to be prepared, and to take a pragmatic view of the process you’re about to participate in.

 

Forbes.com | January 17, 2023 | James Hudson

#JobSearch : Do This One Thing To Ace Job Interviews And Get Hired. Got Interview? MUst REad!

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When preparing for a job interview, candidates often equip themselves with an arsenal of qualifications and rehearsed answers to standard interview questions. They do their prep, gather their career marketing materials, and get all their facts straight and ready to respond to hiring managers’ questions. Those are important activities that can help you make it to the next step in the hiring process. There’s one thing, though, that you can do in addition, that will help tip the scale in favor of you over other candidates: connect emotionally.

Although hiring managers will tell you all the logical reasons they made a decision on who to bring in to fill their open position, humans make decisions based on emotion. The amygdala, the part of your brain that processes emotions, activates first during decision-making. The rational elements of decision-making follow that initial emotional response.

Making emotional connections in a job interview can set you apart from other candidates by creating a memorable impression and demonstrating your command of important social skills. Here are 13 ways you can establish that connection:

1. Research. Dive into the digital footprints of your interviewers. Scour Google and LinkedIn to glean insights into their professional journey and personal interests.

 

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Article continued …

2. Relate. Review the results of your research to find commonalities or points of interest that you can relate to during the conversation. Perhaps you both went to the same college, or you both follow Oprah on LinkedIn.

3. Listen. Be present and listen intently during the interview. Show that you are fully engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and reacting appropriately to what the interviewer says. This attentiveness is the language of respect.

4. Tell Stories. Facts inform, but stories resonate. Share anecdotes that illustrate your experiences, especially those that demonstrate empathy, teamwork, and passion. Be sure to combine facts and stats with a big helping of emotion.

5. Express Enthusiasm. Let your genuine excitement for the role and the company’s vision and mission radiate. A warm, earnest smile can be the spark that lights up the room, or, in virtual interviews, the Zoom screen.

6. Use the Interviewer’s Name. People love the sound of their own name. Use the interviewer’s name naturally during the conversation to create a more personal rapport.

7. Mirror Body Language. Words account for only 7% of a communication; the rest is made up of body language, tone of voice. Use your body language to signal agreement and establish rapport—just tread the fine line between mimicry and mirroring with care.

8. Be Authentic. Authenticity is the foundation of your personal brand. It fosters trust. Be honest about your experiences and feelings.

9. Show Empathy. When the opportunity arises, show that you can understand and share the feelings of others. This could be responding thoughtfully to something the interviewer has said about the company or the team. For instance, offering a copy of your resume when the interviewer cannot find hers is a small yet impactful act of empathy.

10. Find the Emotional Why. Try to find a deeper emotional connection to the work and share a personal narrative related to the company’s mission. For example, if you’re applying to a healthcare company, you might talk about a personal experience that makes their healthcare mission meaningful to you.

11. Exude Positivity and Gratitude. Convey a positive attitude throughout the interview, and express gratitude for the interviewer’s time and consideration. Avoid being Doug or Debbie Downer and casting blame or expressing negativity.

12. Ask Meaningful Questions. Pose questions that reflect your deep dive into the company’s ethos and signal a genuine interest in the interviewer’s perspective. Show that you respect the interviewer’s opinions and perspective.

13. Reinforce the Emotional Connection. Post-interview, take a moment to reflect on the peak of your emotional engagement. Use that moment as a core message or theme for a personalized thank-you note that rekindles the shared connection.

Applying these strategies with thoughtfulness and sincerity can elevate you from a mere candidate to an unforgettable prospect. It’s this emotional resonance that often tips the scales and transforms a prospect into a successful hire.

Forbes.com | January 7, 2023 | William Arruda

 

#JobSearch : The Real Secret To Pass Your Final Round Interviews. Question: Think it Lies in Your Skills & Accomplishments? No!

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You might think the real secret to passing your final round interview lies in your skills and accomplishments, but let me tell you that’s not always the case.  Many candidates go into the interview ready to showcase their knowledge and share all their accomplishments. They might also try to present themselves as cool and confident, not wanting to seem overly eager for the position.

However, remember this important point: Hiring managers are looking for someone who they can connect with and who is genuinely interested in the role.  They want candidates who view the position as more than just another job, they’re looking for people who truly want to work at their company and bring value to the team. While they may not need someone there for their entire career, they do want to work with someone who gives them genuine enthusiasm and energy. That’s what is going to separate you from the rest of the pack.

 

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Article continued …

So, when you’re competing with others in the final round, remember that having the same skills and experiences as the other candidates may not be enough. The person who ends up getting the job is the person who shows they want the position the most and has the skills to back it up. They know why the team is hiring and how they can help solve their problems with their unique value to the role. The key is to spend more time and energy on being interested in the company and position rather than trying to be interesting yourself.

Now you’re prepared to ace that final round interview! Rooting for you!

Forbes.com | December 28, 2023 | Sho Dewan

#JobSearch : Why Recruiters Won’t Give You Feedback After Interviewing. How to Get Feedback. MUst REad!

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Much has been written about the parlous state of the post-pandemic job market, with (righteous) anger being directed at recruiters who are ghosting candidates in the middle of interview loops. The unfortunate truth is that recruiting teams were disproportionally impacted by the pandemic, and post-pandemic, layoff cycles. Meta alone went from having more than 9,000 recruiters to fewer than 1,000, and while that’s an extreme example, it’s a barometer of the profession as a whole. There are far fewer recruiters currently in-seat, and those that are gainfully employed are drowning.

The current discourse around candidate experience (or lack thereof) points to an uncomfortable underlying truth. Even at the best of times with fully staffed, and highly trained, recruiting teams, in the majority of cases (in the U.S. at least) you can expect an outcome from your interview loops, but not much more than that. That’s because in risk-averse corporate America, we’re not allowed to give you substantive feedback.

The net result of this risk-aversion are generic boilerplate feedback statements: “there were other candidates that more closely matched our requirements” that recruiters are required to deliver ad nauseam. I recognize that these are almost as infuriating to receive as they are for the recruiter to have to deliver.

Although it is disappointing not to receive actionable feedback after an interview loop, it’s better for your sanity to assume you’re not going to get any, and then be pleasantly surprised if you do. It is even better to accept that whether you receive any feedback or not, it doesn’t really make any difference.

Our Friends In Compliance and Legal

Broadly speaking, most Fortune 500 recruiting teams have strict guidelines around what they can and cannot share with external candidates. Depending on the level of risk-aversion at the company, that embargo can also apply to internal candidates (yes, even employees). Put bluntly these policies originate with compliance and/or legal teams that decide there is too much risk involved, and that the trade-off for a better candidate experience is not worth the risk it poses. So although recruiters often want to give you feedback, there are usually strict guardrails in place preventing them from doing so.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Context Is Everything

Even if recruiters (or hiring managers) were able to give feedback, the only thing they’d be giving feedback on is their assessment of your fit for a specific position, at a specific company, at a specific point in time, amongst a particular competitive set. Put another way, if a hiring manager at Alpha Company decides you’re not right for a Product Manager vacancy, it doesn’t mean that a hiring manager at Beta company will come to the same conclusion.

It is also perfectly possible to go through the same interview process, at the same company, multiple times and get different outcomes. That’s because even when companies control for subjectivity and have well-structured processes, the competitive set you’re up against is the variable factor. There are countless case studies on LinkedIn and Reddit of folks getting hired into their “dream” company on their fourth or fifth attempt.

At worst interviews are unstructured and highly subjective, and at their best they’re anchored to performance norms (competencies) that are specific to an organization. Passing an interview at AppleAAPL -0.3% does not mean you’ll automatically pass an interview at GoogleGOOG +0.5%.

High-quality feedback is critically important to career development, but that is not the same thing as getting feedback from an interview loop. The person interviewing you will be spending an average of 45 minutes with you, and even if the company uses robust interviewing tools, the interviewer may not have been trained on how to use them. All of this to say they are not in a position to provide you with anything substantive or actionable, no matter how much you might want them to.

How Can I Get Good Feedback?

Considering the source is crucial: Has the person giving you feedback spent sufficient time observing your work to be able to offer an objective assessment? Equally important, does the person giving you feedback consistently demonstrate the types of leadership traits you want to emulate? If they’re not the type of leader you’d like to be, there’s no need to internalize anything they offer up.

Lastly, don’t overlook the fact that actionable feedback can come from anyone that works closely with you, including peers and subordinates. Feedback from someone senior to you in the organization doesn’t make it any more valuable in the long term.

The surest way to get feedback is of course simply to ask for it, just remember to manage your expectations around who is in a position to comply with your request.

 

Forbes.com | December 13, 2023 | James Hudson

#JobSearch : 3 Reasons Why You Are Not Getting Interviews. Do These Three Things, and You’ll Start Lining Up Interviews in No Time!

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In a perfect world, if you have the right skills and background for the role, you will get an interview. Unfortunately, “perfect” and “job search” are words that don’t come together too often. From my experience as a former recruiter and HR manager, I’ve found that rarely do the “best” candidates get the job. Instead, the candidates who know how to play the recruitment game the best way are the ones who get the most success.

So if you have been looking for your next role and getting rejection letter after rejection letter, read on and watch this video to see the real reason you are not getting the results you deserve.

You’re Only Using One Resume

Recruiters can immediately identify the candidates that are open to any and every role, and it’s not doing you any favors if you are one of them. The best candidates are the ones who are specific in what they want.

What you want to change is to first study the job description and then work on your resume. Take keywords and skills you find and infuse them into your bullet points. This will help catch the recruiter’s attention.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

You’re Applying To Old Roles

Your best chance of getting interviews is focusing on roles that were published within the last few weeks. Because if you see a role that’s been “available” for months, chances are it’s already been filled but they just haven’t taken it down yet.

A great way to stay on top of the market is to sign up for email alerts on different job boards for specific companies and roles. This will give you access to the most current listings.

You Lack The Right Background

The candidate that recruiters want most is someone who proves they can do the job. So if you don’t have the right skills they are looking for, I encourage you to learn them! You don’t have to go get a new fancy degree, but even enrolling in free courses, putting them to use, and moving that up on your resume will make a big impact.

Do those three things, and you’ll start lining up interviews in no time!

Forbes.com Author:  Sho Dewan – Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website.
Forbes.com | October 12, 2023

#JobIntereviewingQuestions : How To Answer The 3 Most Annoying Interview Questions. Got Interview? MUst REad!

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The day you’ve been waiting for is here. Today is your first round interview for that role you’ve been eyeing for a long time now. Your resume and cover letter have already done their job to get you noticed for the interview. And now, it’s time to shine in the recruiter screen!

But of course, it’s not just a straight shot to the hiring manager round. You still have to answer the questions that the recruiter has prepared.

 

Most of the time, recruiter screens are just a way to see if you are a good fit and can do the job, and will typically go through a set of common interview questions including: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this role,” etc.

 

With that said, there are always going to be a few questions that can cause you to stumble. I’ve coached thousands of candidates in the past, so let me help you run through the 3 most annoying questions and how best to answer them.

1. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

This might seem like a trick question at first. But answering it truthfully and with self-awareness can actually gain you some bonus points and eventually that nod in approval for the next round. Because let’s face it — nobody’s perfect. Even your potential boss has their own set of weaknesses.

The biggest takeaway here is to not try to force your “weakness” to look like a strength. The old lines of “I am a perfectionist” or “I am too obsessed with the details,” can actually bite you on the other end and come off as a red flag. They might also sound scripted or insincere, which is the last thing you want to do to impress a future employer.

You are better off giving an honest answer that shows you are self-aware and working on making improvements. Some examples include things like getting the jitters before a big presentation or having limited knowledge of working with a specific tool. Some may also say they take too long to adapt to a change in environment, or a difficulty managing their expectations of their manager.

The golden rule to all of this is to turn the tables to how you are working on improving it. You can say things such as you are working on your stage fright by attending weekly meetings at a local Toastmaster, taking a mental break when you’re overwhelmed, or blocking off time to learn a new tool to help you at work. It’s normal to have weaknesses, but what sets the winners apart is how they embrace their weaknesses and look forward to getting better.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & move each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Why Did You Leave Your Last Role?

There are a variety of reasons why people leave their jobs. There are some good ones and some not-so-good ones. When you encounter a question about why you’re switching from one job to another (see, that’s why you’re applying!), you must avoid badmouthing your former or current employer at all costs.

You see, this is not about them. The interview concerns you and your potential new job. Whatever you might have experienced with your past employer will most likely be of no concern to your future boss. Furthermore, talking more about your strengths and evolving interests will be more relevant in answering this question.

All companies would prefer hiring a dreamer who innovates and expands their horizons. So you could say that you’re leaving your former job to find some more room for growth and development. Here’s a sample answer that may help:

“I have had some great experiences in my career and, at this point, am really looking to take my skills in Data Analytics to the next level.

I learned a ton from my last manager but felt that I hit a plateau with my development after spending the last 3 years there. This role popped up on my LinkedIn feed, and it just seems like an incredible opportunity to learn from experts in this field. Really excited to learn more today.”

In the end, it is important to recognize that your former employer contributed considerably to your professional growth, but all things, even the good ones, reach their end. And by that time, it’s time to start a new journey.

3. What Is Your Current Salary (And Expectations)?

It’s not always about the money, but of course, it matters. Usually, towards the end of the interview, your interviewer will ask you what your current salary is and your expectations. Before you say anything, take a pause and aim to make this a conversation, not a confrontation.

The best case scenario is that you follow up and ask them first what their budget is for this specific role, and they give you a range. And from there, you can give them feedback if it’s aligned with what you are looking for.

It doesn’t always work this way, though, and they may expect you to be the one that gives the first number out. If that’s the case, do your part to stay calm and work with them, not against them. Let them know you are happy to discuss salary and expectations after you know more about the role and after both sides agree that it may be a good fit.

This is also where your research comes in handy, so you know what other companies are paying for similar roles in this industry. Knowing your market value can give you a good feel for how to negotiate your salary moving forward. Some of the best resources out there to check salary information are Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Salary.com.

And remember that our goal here is never to lie! Being truthful and sincere about what you know, and don’t know will always work out for you in the long run. Knowing who you are, and all the value you bring to the table will ultimately guide you towards your ideal career path. If you’re looking for more resources, get our free Interview Kit and get prepared to nail that interview!

Forbes.com Author:  Sho Dewan   Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website.
Forbes.com | September 11, 2023