Tag Archive for: #jobinterview

You are here: / / #jobinterview

Posts

#SalaryNegotiations : 7 Mindset Shifts For Mastering Salary Negotiations. A MUst REad Before your Acceptance!

/in /by

Salary negotiations can often feel daunting, mainly because we often subconsciously perceive them as conjuring an unequal power struggle between a prospective employee (with little to no power) and an employer (with all of the power).

That said, adopting the right mindset can completely transform this experience into a mutually beneficial business deal. In this article, we’ll explore the most important mindset shifts to make in preparation for a salary negotiation, emphasizing that negotiations are not just about you needing the company, but also about the value both parties bring to the table.

Mindset Shift 1: Equal Partners in a Business Deal

A significant shift in perspective is to view salary negotiations as a business transaction rather than a one-sided power dynamic. Both you and the employer are investing time, skills, and resources into this partnership. Just like any business deal, both parties expect to gain value from the exchange. Embrace the idea that your skills and contributions are assets that the company values and ultimately needs to continue to be successful.

 

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 …

Mindset Shift 2: Know Your Worth

Before entering negotiations, it’s crucial to understand your market value. Research the industry standards and average salaries for your role and experience level. This knowledge empowers you to make a well-informed case for your desired compensation. Remember, the company needs to secure your talents in order to maintain, or even advance, their business.

Mindset Shift 3: Highlight Your Value Proposition

Shift your focus from merely needing the company to genuinely appreciating the value you bring. Prepare a compelling argument showcasing your achievements, skills, and contributions. Highlight instances where you’ve positively impacted projects, increased efficiency, or demonstrated leadership. Demonstrating your impact demonstrates that you’re an essential asset, not just a replaceable employee.

Mindset Shift 4: Understand the Company’s Perspective

Negotiations are not just about you; they’re about finding a balance that benefits both parties. Put yourself in the company’s shoes to better understand their goals and challenges. Take time to consider the role you could or would play in helping them to achieve their objectives. Not only does this mindset shift foster empathy, it also opens the door for a more constructive conversation.

Mindset Shift 5: Focus on Long-Term Growth

View your compensation package as an investment in your professional journey. While an initial salary increase is valuable, don’t neglect to consider other benefits such as professional development opportunities, performance bonuses, stock options, or flexible work arrangements. This broader perspective emphasizes the long-term partnership you’re building with the company and gives you more leverage in the negotiation.

Mindset Shift 6: Embrace Open Communication

Approach negotiations with transparency and clarity. Communicate your expectations, career goals, and the reasons behind your desired compensation. Encourage the company to share their expectations as well. This transparency builds trust and reinforces the notion that both parties are working towards a common goal.

Mindset Shift 7: Be Prepared to Walk Away

While negotiations are about finding common ground, be prepared to walk away if the terms don’t align with your personal values or the value you could bring to the position. This mindset shift puts you in a position of strength, signaling that you’re committed to securing a fair deal. Remember, your skills are in demand, and other opportunities might await if an agreement cannot be reached.

Approaching salary negotiations with the right mindset can completely transform the experience from an intimidating power dynamic into a strategic business deal. By recognizing your worth, highlighting your value, and understanding the company’s perspective, you can create a win-win scenario that benefits both you and your employer. Remember, negotiations are not about one side needing the other; they’re about leveraging mutual strengths to establish a foundation for growth and success. So, the next time you prepare for a salary negotiation, channel the mindset of a savvy businessperson ready to secure a deal that honors your skills and contributions.

Forbes.com Author:  Kwame Christian    Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com | August 23, 2023

#JobInterview : How Small Talk Helps You Succeed In A Job Interview And Your Career. Did it Help you During your Interview? How?

/in /by

The ability to engage in small talk is a superpower for succeeding in a job interview and advancing your career growth. The term refers to initiating and holding a light and casual conversation. It’s a smart way to break the ice at the start of an interview, during a meeting or when interacting with executives and clients.

The goal of small talk is to quickly ingratiate yourself with the person with whom you’re speaking. You want to set the stage that you are highly interested in the meeting or conversation and can make others feel relaxed. People generally like to do business with folks that they feel comfortable with.

Do Your Research

A good hack is to do your homework before engaging in small talk. Look up the hiring manager or corporate leader you have to meet on LinkedIn and other social media sites. You’ll get a sense of their interests, where they went to school, prior jobs and additional information that will help you gain a picture of the person and what would be the suitable topics to bring up.

Ask your network to see if anyone knows the person you’re meeting with and for them to share some insider information. This way, you come into the meeting knowing a lot about the person, which will help make you feel more comfortable and confident.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 6K 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/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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 …

How To Get Started

To win with small talk during a job interview, prepare some conversation starters, be cheerful and polite and practice active listening and empathy. By mastering the art of small talk, you can increase your chances of winning a job interview and fast-tracking your career.

Small talk can help build rapport with the interviewer and make them feel more comfortable, creating a positive first impression. It can demonstrate social skills, such as active listening, empathy and humor, which are highly valued in the workplace. Having or learning the “gift of gab” or the ability to “schmooze” can show that you are likable and enjoy interacting with people.

Chatting up an interviewer and giving specific information that could only have been gleaned from doing a lot of homework shows that you are highly interested in the company, demonstrating that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

 

What Topics To Bring Up

You should bring up low-key, non-polarizing topics to build rapport when engaging in small talk. It’s the equivalent of dipping your toes in the water before diving in. You want to break the ice by raising different types of non-controversial topics, such as the weather, your commute into the office, sports, a new movie, why you respect the organization, or some trending topic everyone is discussing. It’s also helpful to play “people geography,” figuring out people you know in common.

Doing this lets you slowly get to know the other person and find commonalities, setting the stage for a long-term relationship. Ultimately, you’ll hit on something that resonates with your counterpart, and the conversation will start flowing. The key is to come across as sincere, genuine, upbeat, motivated and happy to be in the meeting or conversation.

How To Do Small Talk

For many people, engaging in conversation with someone they’ve never met before is difficult. It’s reasonable to feel awkward initiating a conversation with a stranger. You might be afraid that when you try to make that connection, the hiring manager, senior executive or important client will not reciprocate, and you’ll feel uncomfortable.

Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you become. Role-play light-hearted conversations with people you know. Then, graduate to approaching strangers and chatting them up. I always do this to improve my communication skills and learn what cold introductions work and what doesn’t go over well.

My wife and daughter habitually compliment other women over their nice outfits, jewelry, eyeglasses or something else they appreciate. Every time that happens, I see the eyes of the recipient of the compliment light up, and it makes their day. A brief, lovely conversation stems from the initial praise, improving the mood of all parties involved.

During the conversation, practice active listening. Nod your head if the person says something you agree with. Use their name a few times and treat them as if they are the most important person in the world at that time. Ask open-ended questions to engage the other person in a dialogue, as you don’t want to dominate the entire conversation.

Don’t dwell too much on the small talk, as the interviewer may get irritated, as they want to get to the meat of the conversation. At what feels like the appropriate time, subtly segue into why you’re there.

Forbes.com Author:   Jack Kelly Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com | July 27, 2023

#JobSearch : 4 Job Search Lessons From Hiring Managers Who’ve Worked At Meta, Shopify & IBM. Asked these Recruiters on HOW to Stand Out? A MUst REad.

/in /by

How can I stand out from other candidates? What do hiring managers actually look for when it comes to deciding if they’ll interview someone, move them along in the hiring process, or give them a job offer?

                     Question: How do you stand out?

​​With tech layoffs still happening, there are thousands of job seekers in the tech industry looking for a new role right now. And these are some of the top questions job seekers ask me as a career and future of work expert.

So I went to the source and talked to hiring managers at Gusto, Cash App, Meta, Shopify, and IBMIBM +0.6%. Their top advice and takeaways will help you avoid making mistakes and increase the chances that you stand out in the sea of candidates out there and get hired for the job.

Lesson #1: Don’t discount your cover letter

I spoke with Amy Thibodeau, Chief Design Officer at Gusto, the SaaS company for HR and payroll, and here’s what Amy had to say about how to stand out with a cover letter.

“I pay attention to cover letters. I pay attention to the storytelling around why this role is for you because in the absence of that storytelling, all I have to go on are the facts that you happen to have listed in your CV. When I look at those facts, if I can’t see really clearly why this role makes sense for you, then I’m probably going to move to reject you before we even talk.”

She goes on to explain that a personalized cover letter that addresses the specific company you’re applying for goes a long way. Many people do not include cover letters with their job application and they are likely ending up in the no pile.

Lesson #2: Your interview is really your first day on the job

I spoke with McLean Donnelly, who is currently a professor of UX design at Savannah College of Art and Design.

When I spoke to him, he was the director of UX at Shopify and McClean, and I discussed the importance of the interview and the way you prepare for and conduct yourself in an interview is a foreshadowing of how you’ll perform once you are hired. Here’s what McClean had to say.

“People perform at the company like they interview. When you interview, you’re really starting the company, you’re building your peer group – it’s really setting the tone is not just like getting the job, it’s actually how you’re going to step into the company. And so if you’re upbeat, positive, well prepared. That’s kind of how people work, too. And so really think of it as almost like you’re starting your job. I really think there’s a correlation between how you interview and how people perform. And for me, I do keep an eye on that as we go through the interview process.”

To help take the pressure off during interviews, try to imagine that you’re having a conversation with someone who’s already a colleague. Try to create opportunities for back and forth dialogue rather than you rattling off answers and waiting for the next question.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

Lesson #3: Sweat the details of layout and design

Our third lesson is to sweat the details of layout and design. This one comes from a chat I had with Tyler King, who is currently a senior UX researcher at SAP, and when we spoke, Tyler was a UX research lead at IBM.

Tyler mentioned the importance of not neglecting the basics such as spelling and grammar, which seems so obvious, but as someone who’s done hiring myself, I can say with certainty, a lot of times candidates miss these details. Another thing she mentioned though, is the content and design of your resume.

So many resumes are either overly designed, or frankly unreadable due to small font sizes, poor layout, et cetera. Here is what Tyler had to say.

“Most of the time it’s hard to see red flags in resumes, but as a designer, if there’s not good information architecture and I can’t read your resume very easily, I’ll think, why are you a designer?

Help me get through your resume easily and parse very quickly, and make sure you have action words at the beginning of each statement. An example: “My leadership yielded… X amount of new users.”

Lesson #4: Understand that job descriptions are a wishlist

Our fourth lesson is that job descriptions are a wishlist.

Alik Brundrett, a Head of Design at Cash App and previously a Product Manager at Meta shed light on how job descriptions are written, why sometimes they aren’t written very well, and why candidates need to see job descriptions as a wishlist and not a hard set of requirements. Here’s what Alec had to say.

“Speaking broadly, not every job descriptionis written by the person who’s hiring for that job.

I think that that’s one big thing to keep in mind is that, at many companies, there’s a HR person or a recruiter that’s actually helping the hiring manager, and they might be the one drafting the job descriptions, or they might be going off of templates for when the last time they hired a designer.

As an example, if I need to get someone ramped up on a tool or software, it’s really not a big deal for me. I think if the right person applies for the role, we interview them and they don’t know a specialized software, if they really are the right fit, we will definitely consider them.

Most hiring managers view that as a low cost way to hire the right fit as it takes minimal cost for us to include training videos on a new tool.”

In the world of career and job search advice there is a lot of conflicting information out there. However, one thing that stands out is a lot of the advice lacks context and explanation. Next time you hear career advice that you’re templated to follow, ask yourself “why” to understand the strategy and context – just as we’ve heard from these four people involved in hiring.

 

Forbes.com Author: Sarah Doody –  Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

 

Forbes.com | June 22, 2023

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 12K Reads-How To Stand Out And Win The Job Interview. How do You Stand Out? A MUst REad before Your Next Interview.

/in /by

Heading into a job interview is an important and stressful event. Even if you are the best at what you do, you cannot waltz into an interview without being prepared.

To succeed in the interview, you must research the company, search for the interviewers on LinkedIn, thoroughly read the job description to ensure you understand the requirements and update your LinkedIn profile. You’ll also need to master the art of small talk to make an excellent first impression and pay attention to the message you’re signaling with your body language.

Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer to show you’re interested? Let the hiring manager know that you want the job. Mirror the interviewer and be charming, yet authentic and genuine.

Doing Your Homework Is Essential

Try to find out about the people with whom you’ll meet. You can seek them out on LinkedIn and search for information about them online. By learning a little bit about the interviewers, you’ll be able to have enough information to engage in relevant small talk to break the ice and establish a bond.

The interview questions will be based on the job description. Ensure your résumé is in sync with the requirements. Think of your current and prior experiences and skills that can be matched with what the job responsibilities demand.

Look into the company’s products, services, mission statement and place within the sector, so you won’t have to worry when asked, “So, what do you know about our company?” Seek out people from your network who work at the firm or someone who knows an insider who can give tips on how the hiring process works.

Prepare and practice an elevator pitch to help you effectively sell yourself within 30 seconds. Role-play commonly asked interview questions with a mentor or trusted friends and colleagues. Ask for feedback and constructive criticism to improve your interviewing technique. Take a fresh look at your LinkedIn profile to ensure it aligns with your résumé, and everything is accurate. If you are utilizing the services of a recruiter, pump them for as much information about the job, corporate culture, interview process and people you’ll be meeting with.

First Impressions Count

If the interview is in an office setting, make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Check out the commute beforehand, so you’re not running late. When entering the building and meeting people, pull your shoulder back, hold your head high and walk confidently. Be polite to everyone you meet, as they’ll offer their input to human resources and the hiring personnel.

If it’s a video call, ensure your background, lighting, audio and internet connectivity are top-notch. Remember to look into the camera, but not to stare too hard. Having some notes discretely taped to the computer is okay if you need help or feel stuck.

You want to capture the interviewer’s attention from the start. Upon meeting, you can say, “Thank you for inviting me to the interview. I’ve always admired and respected your company, and I feel honored to be considered for this important role.” Then ask, “Why did you choose my résumé over all the others you’ve received?” The rationale behind the question is that it will force the interviewer to think about all the positives regarding your background, experience and good qualities that fit the role.

You want to make the interviewer like you. While people will tell you that possessing the right skills is the only thing that matters, managers want a person they feel comfortable with, find pleasant to deal with and have a positive, can-do attitude.

The Subtle Art Of Small Talk

Armed with knowledge about the interviewer, due to your research, you have an advantage. You can bring up a topic you know will resonate with the person. A good icebreaker would be, “I don’t know if you follow sports, but did you watch the Yankees game last night?” The interviewer will come to life and happily respond that they’re a huge Yankees fan and the game was thrilling.

You can then subtly bring up a few topics you already know the person is interested in. The conversation will organically go in a positive direction, and you will establish a bond.

Mirror The Hiring Manager

Interviews tend to go better when you mirror how the interviewer talks. This doesn’t mean mimicking them. For instance, as a New Yorker, I’ll slow down my cadence and smooth out the brashness in my tone when talking to someone from the South.

People like to hear their own name. Throughout the conversation, sprinkle in the manager’s name. Don’t overdo it, as it will come across as phony.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

All Eyes Are On The Interviewer

It’s understandable to be fidgety and awkward in an interview, but you must suppress the tendency to shake your leg, fiddle with something on the desk, get distracted or look away from the video lens. You must offer your full attention and actively listen to the hiring manager. This interviewer is the most important person in the world to you at the moment.

A good couple of questions to ask right away to demonstrate interest and empathy is, “How can I help you? What would I need to do to be successful in this role and exceed expectations?” When you get the manager talking, it’s a good sign. The more they speak, the more invested in you they are. It’s a psychological hack. The hiring manager talks themself into hiring, thinking, “Wow, I’m really selling this person on the job. They must be really good!”

Let The Interviewer Know You’re Interested

Whether it’s an onsite or video interview, the same principles apply. Pay attention to the conversation, make eye contact and, most importantly, let the interviewer know you want the job. Many job hunters play hard-to-get and think that’s an effective formula for success. It’s not, and that strategy often backfires. Managers want a person who desires the role. They are disinterested in mere window shoppers.

Selfishly, hiring managers want someone they know will accept an offer. It is problematic if the hiring process lingers on for six months with 10 different individuals involved, only to end up with the applicant taking a pass. All the time and effort is wasted. Senior management and everyone involved in the hiring process will be irritated by expending so much time, energy and political capital only to have to start the search all over again.

Always Be Authentic

Come across as positive, motivated and enthusiastic. Demonstrate that you are a team player. Avoid putting on pretenses. Be your true genuine self, and let them know the real you.

Don’t default to acting like the stuffy, corporate drone, espousing corporate jargon and buzzwords. Be your genuine and authentic self. It doesn’t pay to pretend because they are hiring you for you. If it turns out that you are a drastically different person than you pretended to be, it will be uncomfortable once you start. Your employer will feel as if you committed a bait and switch.

Don’t say anything disparaging against your former or current boss and co-workers. When you do this, the manager will instinctively believe you will one day badmouth them when you leave the firm and interview with another company. It makes the hiring manager feel that you’re not trustworthy.

You have to win over all the interviewers with your charm and likability, in addition to possessing the right skills. Listen intently to what people say. Then you can reframe their thoughts to show that you get it and are paying close attention. Nod your head when you agree with a statement someone made that resonated with you. It demonstrates that you are both on the same page. Avoid interrupting when the interviewer is talking.

What To Say

You want to come across as motivated and enthusiastic. Tell the hiring personnel, “I’m so happy to be here and meet you. I’ve extensively researched the company, reread the job description 10 times over and spoken with many people who raved about your company. I believe my skills, background, talent, education and credentials perfectly match the opportunity.”

At the end of the interview, you need to have some questions ready when they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” Rather than worrying about what questions to ask at the end, which distracts you from being in the present, ask genuine questions based on your curiosity and interests as they arise.

A Call To Action

As the interview is winding down, give it one last pitch. “It was fantastic to get to know you and (reference others involved with the process). It was a pleasure learning about the opportunity and company.”

Share something from the heart: “When I initially read the job description, the opportunity spoke to me. After all the great conversations, I’m even more convinced that I have all the right skills for the role and would love to come aboard.”

“It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to the next step” is a smart way to position yourself before the meeting ends. Then, offer, “Can you please share the next steps and who I’ll meet with for the following rounds?” The questions frame that you are motivated to get the role and subtly nudge the interviewer to start thinking about the next steps and moving forward.

 

Forbes.com Author:  Jack Kelly –  Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

Forbes.com | June 12, 2023

#JobSearch : How To Write A Follow Up Email After An Interview. The Most Important Thing you Do After an Interview. A MUsst REad!

/in /by

What’s the one thing you want, most of all, after a job interview? A job, right? But first things first – before you get the job offer, you’ve got to have a little more dialogue – even if you crushed the interview and you are an ideal candidate. After you’ve met with your prospective employer, either in person or via video call, there’s one thing that every candidate desires. Of course, the easy answer is “a job offer”. But the job search process is a process. And in that process, the one thing you want after a job interview is simple. Every candidate wants and needs another point of connection. Another conversation. A conversation is what leads to a job offer! To be sure, that conversation begins when you send your follow-up email, after the interview. Here’s how to rely on your own resourcefulness and craft an email message that can get you the dialogue you need.

The suggestions below are offered as tools, not rules, for your email message. Consider that the intention is to choose the words that will help you most – and of course, those words will always come from inside of you. Even if you turn to a chatbot for solutions, you still have to craft the right prompts. Consider also that a follow-up email should be no more than 250 words, as a rule of thumb, with no attachments. These prompts and suggestions below will give guidance for your email, after a job interview – feel free to modify and personalize as you see fit.

What’s A Good Subject Line?

After a job interview, the best email subject is the one that clearly represents what it is that you want. And what you want in a follow-up email after a job interview is (always) another conversation. So, the subject line should reflect that intention. While there’s no exact recipe for an email – because what works for you needs to come from you – here’s a possible subject line that might be useful: “Time to Talk?” Before you hate on that line, remember: it’s a tool, not a rule, to point you in the direction of a follow-up email subject that gets you closer to your next gig. When you look at the subject of “Time to Talk?” it’s a bit provocative. Does it mean, “do you have time to talk?”, or “I need a time to talk!”, or …well, what exactly? Didn’t you just talk to the hiring manager, the person in HR, the folks at the company? Yes, of course. But the funny thing about conversation is that it can always continue – especially for the candidate that deserves the job. The communication principle here is: the subject must reflect what you need, and what can be of service to your potential employer. A time to talk – to continue the conversation from the job interview – is the next logical step. Would you like a time to talk? If so, it might be a good start in the subject line.

You can also send a follow-up email after a job interview that has a more boring subject line, such as “Thanks for Your Time”, if you want to be basic. Why not write, “I’m Not Creative” or “Busy Joining the Herd” or “Don’t Read this One” instead? (that last sentence was written in sarcastic font). Look, if you’re reading this post, you want to stand out from other candidates when you send an email after your job interview. Come straight at the thing that you want, and offer the thing that will help your next employer most. That’s a conversation! So, some other possibilities that can elevate your game include “Positive Reflections on Our Conversation, from [Your Name]”, “Our Next Conversation”, “Looking Forward to Our Next Conversation”. Your subject needs to be clear on the conversation you want – and point towards your next one!

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

Show an Attitude of Gratitude

Appreciation is where the conversation begins. Remember, general statements get general responses. Of course you appreciate the opportunity to share your skills and abilities, but what specifically stood out for you, and sparked your appreciation? What did you see, observe or learn in the interview that you really appreciated? Was there anything that stood out – something that you might call extraordinary, special or compelling about the company? If those words feel too grand or too fancy or too whatever, adjust accordingly – but be specific and remind yourself and your potential employer of the alignment you felt towards the organization. If you can’t be specific about what you liked – in one sentence – then you won’t stand out from the other candidates.

Remind and Reinforce

A follow-up email, after a job interview, is a reminder. A reminder to the hiring manager of your point(s) of connection. A reminder of the service you can provide. A reminder of why you are a beautiful and compelling fit for the role. It’s not necessary to rehash your resumé or recreate the entire conversation – but hitting the highlights can be really useful. Words and phrases – followed with simple, specific reminders – can be wise reminders for the hiring manager. Which of these words and phrases would help you most, when writing an email after your job interview? “alignment with your organization”, “my values”, “my contribution”, “connection to your team”, “your insights into ______”, “my previous X years experience as a _____”. And don’t forget phrases like “an ideal fit”, “a deep understanding of _____” and “commitment”, “dedication” and “sincere interest”. Write about your values. Write about what matters most to you, and how you can help solve problems for the organization. It might seem really simple, but it can be very useful to let the employer know that you are very interested in coming on board – and that’s why you are seeking a time to talk!

Solutions and Service – How to Close Your Email Message After a Job Interview

After sharing some reminders of your qualifications and your interest, is there something you’d like to know more about? Steer clear of specifics around compensation, or start date, as these issues might be a bridge too far. Like asking someone to marry you on your first date, the intention might be OK but the execution is suspicious. The secret of success is all in the timing, so consider topics that could get you another time to talk. Don’t be presumptuous. Be curious. What would you like to know more about? What is it that you’d like to explore further in a conversation? Perhaps that conversation would allow you to put together a plan for the first 100 days in the role. Or a strategy for helping the team in some way. Whatever the case may be, and you will have to evaluate your own case, consider how curiosity drives conversation. That curiosity always looks in the direction of the service (and solutions) that you can provide. Because every employer, from the machine shop to Meta, hires one thing and one thing only: solutions providers. There’s more to explore, regarding the solution you can provide. So explore ways to find a time to talk, and discover ways to be of service – because that’s the solution you want, after your job interview.

Every person has their own style, and however you choose to express yourself in an email, remember: the worst thing you could do would be nothing. The candidate who doesn’t send an email is actually sending a crystal-clear message: namely, that you don’t want the job. Every conversation is a point of connection, and after a job interview it’s best to always send an email message. Be grateful, be specific, be curious, and be clear. Consider how you can set up the conversation that leads to the offer you want. Maybe all you need for your next gig – or your next email, after your job interview – is really simple. Maybe you just need a time to talk.

 

Forbes.com | June 7, 2023

#JobInterview : Ask These Three Questions After Your Next Interview. MUst REad!

/in /by

A job interview is an exciting opportunity to exhibit your experience and skills in the hopes of securing your dream job. While it’s important to research the company while preparing for an interview, you also need to have some questions ready to ask the interviewer. Not only does this show your interest in the company and the position, it also gives you the chance to learn about the company culture and career growth opportunities. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the questions you should ask during an interview.

At the end of your job interview, you’ll be asked whether you have any questions; this is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the company and whether the role is a good fit for you. Here are three questions to ask after your next interview:

1. What do you enjoy most about working for this company?

Asking this question allows you to develop a rapport with the interviewer. Additionally, their personal perspective will give you more insight into the company culture.

2. What attributes and qualities make a successful employee in this organization?

You’ll give the impression that you’re determined to succeed and that you want to make sure you’re well suited to the company.

3. Is this a new position? If not, why did the previous employee leave?

This question seems a bit bold, but it’s a savvy question to ask. The interviewer can give you one of three answers, they were either promoted, fired, or left for personal reasons. If they left for personal reasons, that’s their way of saying they can’t give you that information which could be a red flag.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

What Are Good Questions to Ask About Company Culture?

Everyone needs a job, but what you really need is the right job. By asking questions about the company during an interview, you gain a more balanced perspective about the organization you could potentially work for. Here are three questions to ask about a company:

1. Can you tell me more about the company culture?

Hiring managers want to hire employees who will fit into the company culture. By asking this question you demonstrate that you want to know so that you can decide whether it’s a culture you want to be a part of.

2. Can you give me an example of a project I’ll be working on?

Asking this question will give you insight into the type of work you’ll be doing on the job. You can then decide whether the project fits the job description advertised and if it’s a role you’ll be comfortable with.

3. What skills do you feel would improve the company’s performance?

This is a good question to ask to prepare you for a second interview if you’re really serious about getting the job. Once you have the answer to this question, you can take a class to gain or improve this skill if you already have it. If you do get a second interview, you can mention that you’re currently taking a course in the skill they need to improve their company.

What Questions Should You Avoid Asking In An Interview?

Although you should ask questions during an interview to gain insight into the job you’re applying for and the company you could potentially be working for, there are some questions you should avoid because they’re inappropriate and will give the wrong impression about you. Here are three questions you should not ask in an interview:

1. What does your company care the most about?

While there are a lot of questions you can ask about a company, this isn’t the strongest of them. Asking what a company does shows that you didn’t prepare for the interview which means you’re not serious about the job.

2. What benefits does the company offer?

An interview is all about making a good first impression. You’re there to let your employer know what you can do for them. While you do have the right to know what benefits you’ll have access to, your first interview isn’t the time to ask this question.

3. What is the exact salary for this role?

Most companies are not going to advertise a position without including salary information. In California and New York, this is beginning to change and they will list exact salary ranges. But in general, they don’t put the exact amount, they’ll put an estimate; for example, you’ll know they’re paying between $50k – $70k. Salary is typically negotiated during the second or third interview when the company has a better idea of how much they think you’re worth. Therefore, asking about salary at the first interview is a huge red flag because it gives the impression that your main concern is making money and not being an asset to the company.

When preparing your interview questions, remember to tailor them to the specific company and role you’ve applied for. And one last tip, after the interview, follow up with a thank-you note, reaffirming your interest for the position. A thank-you note is another strategy that will set you apart from the other applicants.

 

Forbes.com Author: Goldie Chan 

 

Forbes. com | May 15, 2023

 

#JobSearch : How To Answer ‘Why Should We Hire You?’ In A Job Interview. When answering this question, you can start by saying…. A MUst REad!

/in /by

You may not be aware of this, but hiring managers are generally not trained on how to interview candidates. It’s one of those quirks in the business world in which leadership believes managers can conduct in-depth interviews without any formal training by the company.

Since supervisors are not well-versed in interviewing, it’s natural that they often default to innocuous, standard, basic questions. This strategy works to the advantage of applicants, as they can brush up on the frequently asked interview questions. One of the most commonly asked questions by a hiring manager is, “Why should we hire you?”

This question is designed to determine if the candidate truly desires the specific role and wants to work at the company, or just wants any job they can get. Understandably, managers want to hire people who are highly excited and passionate about the opportunity and the chance to work at the company. For many, it’s hard to feign enthusiasm, as the interviewer will immediately pick up on the vibe and take a hard pass on their candidacy.

Preparing For The Question

To answer this question successfully, take the time to adequately prepare for the interview. Prepare and practice your elevator pitch, which keeps you on-point by having a brief, 30-second sales pitch about your background and how it’s relevant for the role. Focus on your strengths and how they can transfer to this new role. Put together a list of your achievements. Be ready to demonstrate how you will add value to the organization.

With a trusted family member, friend or mentor, role-play answering commonly asked interview questions, including “Why should we hire you?” Go over it aloud several times so you’ll be comfortable, confident, and in the flow when you’re interviewing.

Bosses want employees who are upbeat, motivated and passionate about their work. You’ll need to practice sounding excited, but ensure it comes across as genuine and natural.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

Preparing For The Question

The question is one of the best to receive. The hiring manager gives you the leeway to deliver your elevator pitch on why you want the job and how your skills, background, talents, education and other attributes make you a perfect fit. To be prepared, before you attend the interview, make sure you have put in a lot of time to become an expert on the company, its culture and its mission statement. The knowledge will infuse you with confidence, which will come across well in the meeting.

When answering this question, you can start by saying, “Thank you for inviting me to interview for the (insert the title of the position) role. I’m excited to be considered for the opportunity. I’ve admired your organization for years and would love to work here.”

You need to follow up with specific reasons why you want to work at the organization. This will demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and possess much knowledge about the company, its management team, financial situation, products, services and rankings compared to other companies in the same space.

Provide details about why the job is important to you. Do this by making sure that your experiences match up with the job description. Provide color on your current responsibilities at your firm that will seamlessly transfer over. Share tasks, projects and big wins from your job and prior roles.

Since you are seeking a new opportunity, you will understandably need room to grow and develop. It’s okay to say, “My experiences, responsibilities, talents and prior background are tailor-made for the job. I am confident that I can hit the ground running, add value to the organization and help you with the workload. The position is a perfect fit. Additionally, according to the job advertisement, there are new things that I could be involved with, which will help me get to the next level. Unfortunately, they are downsizing at my firm, and there may not be a path forward.”

 

Forbes.com Author:  Jack Kelly – Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

 

Forbes.com | May 11, 2023

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 12K Reads- A Crash Course In What To Do Before Going Into A Job Interview. Interview Coming Up? MUst REAd!

/in /by

The more you research, prepare and practice before the interview, the better your chances of succeeding. In fact, the greater your knowledge is of the job at hand, the industry and your prospective employer, the more relaxed and confident you will feel.

Self-confidence will serve you well when interviewing for a new job, as interviewers pick up on this. If you come across confident and adept, you will be viewed favorably.

You can empower yourself by thoroughly reviewing the job description, conducting due diligence on the company, researching the interviewers on LinkedIn, cleaning up your social media footprint, role-playing interview questions and preparing the questions you’ll ask beforehand.

Be Courteous About The Dates And Times Of The Interview

Be reasonable and understanding when scheduling interview times. Politely ask the interviewers what days and times work best for them. Avoid requesting an early Monday meeting or late on Friday, especially during the summer or on the eve of a holiday weekend. By doing this, the company will recognize that you are empathetic and polite. It will immediately make you look good in their eyes.

Closely Read The Job Description

One of the first things you must do is thoroughly read the job description. You want to lead by letting the interviewer know you’re well-informed about the company and the job advertisement requirements. It’s appreciated when you can clearly and concisely match your background with what’s required for the role.

The interviewer will ask, “What do you know about our company?” In preparation for the meeting, you must scour the company’s website and the internet to learn as much as possible about the firm, its management team, products and services and reputation. You should also have a basic knowledge of what is happening in the industry and any challenges the company might face.

Showing you did your due diligence signals to the interviewer that you are smart, capable and interested in the job opportunity.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

Find Who You Know At The Company

Tap into your network to find out if you have any connections at the organization. If so, reach out to them and politely grill them for all the insider information you can get, which will offer a competitive advantage. If you have a close relationship with a senior-level person at the company, ask them to put in a good word with human resources, the hiring manager or anyone involved in the interview process. The recommendation will go a long way and make you stand out, as this person has personally vouched for you.

Practice Outloud Your Elevator Pitch

Although you know what you do in your job and did in prior positions, it always sounds better in your head than when you say it out loud for the first time. To convey this seamlessly in an interview, outline an elevator pitch—a clear and concise 30-second to a one-minute advertisement about yourself. Keep practicing the pitch until you are on autopilot. Although you will have rehearsed it numerous times, avoid coming across robotically. The key is to let your genuine and authentic self shine through.

Role Play Answering Commonly Asked Interview Questions

There are several frequently asked interview questions, such as, “Tell me about yourself. Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work for this company? Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work.” Research these types of questions and role-play answering them with a friend or colleague, who can offer honest and constructive feedback on your responses.

Conduct A LinkedIn Search Of Your Interviewers, As They Are Snooping On You Too

Interviewers and other people involved in the hiring process will peek at your LinkedIn profile and search your social media postings on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other sites. You want to make sure that there is nothing inflammatory that could cause a problem.

In the same right, you should conduct an online search of the interviewers to learn more about them. Seek out what interests and things you have in common. For instance, maybe you live in close proximity, attended the same college or are fans of the same sports teams. Small talk is an underappreciated skill. It’s a superpower. By having insights into the interviewers, you can break the ice by bringing up last night’s game or talking about your alma mater. You’ll create a quick bond, lending to a much more excellent collegial conversation.

Get The Inside Scoop From Your Recruiter

Ask your recruiter to share everything they know about the company, the people you’re meeting with, the corporate culture and any nuances you should know about. The headhunter will know about layoffs on the horizon, whether workers are happy or not and if there is a turnstile of employee turnover. If the search agent worked with the hiring manager in the past, ask what you need to know about the person, so you’ll have a vibe about the interviewer before you enter the room or video call.

What To Do Right Before The Interview

Don’t wait until the last minute for Zoom video interviews to check your internet connectivity, lighting, sound quality and background. Similarly, if you are going into an office, map out your commute days before the interview to gauge the timing and ensure you know where you are going. Arrive onsite early, have several copies of your résumé on hand and dress appropriately.

Before the interview commences, give yourself a pep talk. Use self-affirmations or mantras. Get your body moving to get your blood flowing and energy pumped up.

 

Forbes.com Author: Jack Kelly Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com | April 25, 2023

 

#JobSearch : 4 Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands In Salary. How did You Ask for Salary Level? Got Interview? MUst REad!

/in /by

With many companies laying off workers in 2023, competition is increasing for high-paying roles. Put more money in your pocket by avoiding these common interview process mistakes I’ve seen as a former recruiter.

Leaving Your Salary Alignment Unconfirmed

In previous generations, it was considered rude or presumptive for candidates to ask about the salary alignment up front. I was personally told it made me seem like I cared more about the money than the job. Unless you have the free time to go on purely exploratory interviews, move forward with a formal job interview only if you are clear that what you are willing to accept is within the range the employer is willing to pay.

Eight states have established, and at least 15 states are exploring, salary range transparency laws. Though the salary range might be public on a job posting, I’ve often found them to be inaccurate as they are often copied from old job descriptions. Even if you do not live in one of these states, it is acceptable for you to ask the recruiter to confirm the salary range for the role during your first-round interview.

Websites like Salary.com, Glassdoor and PayScale are a good place to start, but they often show ranges that are unreasonably large — for example, $50,000 to $150,000 — which aren’t very helpful. Some sample questions you can use to confirm the salary range fits your expectations are:

  • I found this salary range for a similar role in my research. Is your company competitive with this range?
  • What quartile within the range are you targeting for this role?
  • What was the salary of the last person who was in this role?
  • My target salary is around this amount. Is this within the budget?

I’ve interviewed hundreds of candidates as a human resource professional. In those experiences, most people knew to ask what benefits were offered, but very few asked how much those benefits would cost them. I’ve encountered several cases of employees who were surprised at the amounts deducted on their paychecks because they didn’t know the details beforehand.

Before you accept any job offer, be sure to ask for the paycheck deductions for each of your health, dental, vision, life and disability insurances. Small differences can add up to big amounts if you don’t pay attention, but they also can yield big savings that can create more room for negotiation in the base salary. Do a thorough comparison between coverages to estimate what your potential exposure could be under new health plans. In particular, compare the:

  • Deductible
  • Co-Pays
  • Coinsurance
  • Out-Of-Pocket Maximum

For example, when I left one employer to join another, the new employer paid 100% of the employee’s health insurance. So even when they came back to me with a lower salary offer, I was willing to accept it because at around $100 per paycheck at my current employer, I was able to save $2,400 a year in my salary with the new benefits.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles for Today’s Job Search (Over 12K Daily Readers) :  https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=FSC%20Career%20Blog%20&sid=TL)

Best of FSC Career Blogs on LinkedIn with over 2.5 Reads:  Go to your profile and then to the top left to go to the Search bar, then type:  #BestofFSCBlog

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

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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, or #Networking) 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 & contact us @ www.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 …

Overlooking The 401(k) Details

The first three companies I worked for all had 401(k) plans with company matches, and the subsequent three companies I worked for did not have company matches. Like most people, I focused more on what they offered me in salary and in hindsight I wish I had stayed at the companies with 401(k) matching because that was free money I could have invested to retire earlier.

The details of 401(k) plans are often difficult to understand. So it’s important to work with your recruiter to learn how the money is matched and when those funds are considered yours. “Vesting” in a retirement plan means ownership of the money. Any dollars you contribute are 100% yours, however money matched by the company might not be yours immediately. For example, many companies have vesting schedules that allow you to own your matching funds after each year of service.

If a potential employer has a match in its 401(k) plan, consider that amount as part of your salary. If you are leaving a 401(k) match from your current employer, it’s a great negotiation point in asking the new one for more salary.

Ignoring Cold Calls From Recruiting Firms

If you are ever approached by a reputable recruiting agency on LinkedIn or via e-mail, it is always worth at least a conversation after you’ve confirmed the salary range. Third-party recruiters are hired by companies who have hard-to-fill roles and are tasked with finding highly vetted candidates. So, if they’ve reached out to you, there’s a good chance they already think you are a fit.

You can and should use the information you learn from agency recruiters to better inform your own salary negotiations within your current organization, as their data is from live searches now. I personally was able to jump from $53,000 to $90,000 with one job move thanks to an agency recruiter who reached out to me.

Do not, however, pay a recruiter to find a job for you. Reputable agency recruiters are only paid if you are a successful candidate, and they are paid by the employers, not the candidates. Agency recruiters make great partners as they are incentivized to be transparent about the salary and will prep you as much as possible to succeed in the interview.

Most people only start looking for a new job once they absolutely need it. Even if you are not actively looking and happy in your current role, building a relationship with a third-party recruiter within your industry can help you keep a pulse on key trends. It also can keep you top of mind for roles that might be a better fit in the future.

 

Forbes.com Author:  Bernadette Joy

 

Forbes.com | April 25, 2023

#JobSearch : In A Competitive Job Market, Here’s How To Win The Interview. White-Collar Positions are Tougher & a Lot More Competitive Today.

/in /by

The job market has become tougher and more competitive for white-collar professionals. On a nearly daily basis, companies have announced significant layoffs. Since more people are hunting for jobs, the competition becomes more intense.

For those who’ve been laid off, the job search is more difficult. When you have a job, there isn’t as much pressure. If you don’t get the offer, you still have a job, even if you don’t love it. A person who is in between roles doesn’t have that luxury. With high inflation and everyday costs rising, being without a job causes stress and anxiety over the family’s financial situation.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

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

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

Question: Want the ‘the best/current 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, or #Networking) 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 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

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

 

Article continued …

You Want To Be A Problem Solver

The goal is to help improve the work-life of your new boss. Before launching into your elevator pitch, ask the hiring manager, interviewers, human resources personnel and others involved with the interview process questions, such as, “With all the applicants for this role, why did you select me for an interview?”

The rationale behind this question is to elicit a response from the hiring manager to discuss in detail why they selected you and what they need help with. The interviewer will look for reasons why you were chosen. They’ll articulate all the positive things you have that are critical to the job.

The follow-up question should be, “What are the top pressure points I can help you with?” The interviewer will lay out all the problems that must be addressed by asking this seemingly innocuous question. With a little probing, you’ll learn about an array of issues weighing them down and needing to be immediately fixed.

Armed with these insights, you can then specifically tailor your pitch. Since you now have a good grasp of what is mission-critical to succeeding in the role, you can clearly and concisely share how your skills, responsibilities and talents are perfectly aligned with tackling the pain points.

Likability Counts

Throughout the interview process, you want to come across as friendly, helpful, a team player and someone who will add value to the team and company. Let them know that you appreciate the opportunity and will do everything within your power to help make a positive impact, while also being easy to work with.

Most interviewees believe having an Ivy-League pedigree or coming from a marquee brand company is sufficient to get the job offer. Certainly, having a top academic background and working at premiere companies help. However, the manager is only human and wants someone easy to get along with.

The new employee could become a liability if they hire a rockstar jerk. The person could be pompous, arrogant and rub co-workers the wrong way. This will impact the boss. Senior-level managers and staff will question the manager’s hiring decisions and blame the person for making a mistake in bringing this person aboard.

Now Is Not The Time To Play Games

There’s no reason to play “hard to get.” The job market for college-educated office workers is too intense for playing games. Since many candidates will be competing against you, stand out by letting the supervisor, hiring manager and human resources professional know that you want the job. Explicitly tell them, “I love the opportunity and enjoyed meeting with everyone. I’m all-in with your corporate mission and would love to accept the job, if it is offered to me.”

Don’t Forget The Niceties

One of the best ways to stand out is to be friendly, polite and accommodating. Set up convenient interview times for the hiring personnel, and thank them for the invitation to interview. Thoroughly research the company, the job description, its people, management, finances, products and services and reputation relative to competitors. The goal is to arrive at the interview with a lot of knowledge about the organization, which everyone will notice and respect you for it.

What To Do At The End Of The Interview

As the interview winds down, ask the hiring manager, “Is there anything else that you’d like to know about me? Am I the right fit for the role?”

The first inquiry can flesh out any lingering questions the interviewer has or forgot to ask. You can also tell by the tone of the person’s response how well you did. If the answer is short and curt, it’s not a good sign. The latter inquiry will draw out the real thoughts of the manager, as they’re put on the spot.

It’s a bold call to make this ask.The interviewer could say, “You are great for the job. We’ll have you back for a follow-up interview.” If the person is hesitant or offers reasons why you may not be selected to move forward, it gives you one last chance to address the concerns and launch into one last pitch, extolling all the reasons why you’re right for the role and will add value, if hired.

Forbes.com | March 3, 2023