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#JobInterview : Smart Ways To Avoid Tense Conflicts In The Job Interview Process. How Job Seekers Can Avoid Conflict. A MUst REad!

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Going to a job interview is a stressful event. It’s even tougher when the job market is tight and you’re in between roles. You’re entering the hiring process at a disadvantage. The hiring manager will still have a job after the meeting, but you might be passed over and must continue interviewing with numerous other companies in pursuit of a new opportunity.

Entering an interview scenario is nerve-racking. Your adrenaline is racing. Your mouth becomes dry, your heart is beating faster and there’s a feeling of panic. In the back of your mind, it’s hard to concentrate on the interview when you’re afraid that your emergency funds are dwindling because you have been out of work for a while. The stress and anxiety could potentially turn into a dilemma, ruining your chances of receiving a job offer.

The key to succeeding in the interview for job seekers is to deftly avoid potential conflicts. You can do this by having the right attitude, coming across as motivated, enthusiastic and highly interested in the role. Put aside any preconceived notions about the interview and be polite no matter how things play out.

The expression “first, do no harm” is part of the Hippocratic Oath that medical students pledge when becoming doctors. It also holds true in the interview process. For both the hiring manager and job applicant, it’s imperative to avoid any self-inflicted injuries. This means that you want to bring your best self to the meeting and treat everyone involved in the process with respect and dignity.

How Job Seekers Can Avoid Conflict

The first thing to do, which is admittedly hard, is to stay calm and composed throughout the interview process—no matter what they say or do.

To deflect a potential conflict, actively listen to the person and avoid interrupting them in the middle of the conversation. You have to show them that you are a true professional. Avoid getting defensive or going on the attack over something innocuous that the hiring manager said. If things get heated, acknowledge that you had a part in the disagreement to de-escalate the tension and continue on with the interview. Stay away from using deprecating, negative language or start blaming the interviewer for something they said.

A good hack to win people over is to show that you are locked into the conversation by actively listening to the interviewer and reframing what the interviewer asked you. Make eye contact, use their name in conversation and nod your head as the hiring manager makes salient points. If you need clarification, ask follow-up questions.

Hiring managers look for assurance that you really want the job and like the company. Therefore, it’s expected that the job candidate will enter the interview armed with all the information about the organization, including knowledge about its products and services, where the company stands relative to its competitors and its mission statement. You want to be able to clearly articulate why you want this job or else the hiring manager will be annoyed that you came in unprepared, and the interview will go downhill from there.

 

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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 …

You Never Know If Someone Is Just Having A Bad Day

Interviewers are only human and are impacted by life events that spill into the hiring process. What I’ve seen firsthand over the last 20-plus years in recruiting is that both job applicants and managers can enter the meeting with a chip on their shoulder. It could be that the hiring manager had a spat with their spouse, their child is sick and they couldn’t find child care or they are just in a sour mood that day.

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed, the interviewer neglects to read the résumé, which irritates the job applicant. The candidate can treat this as an irrevocable egregious faux pas or let it pass. If the manager is curt, stares blankly at you and is devoid of any emotion or energy, it may be appropriate to cut your losses, politely excuse yourself and leave before the situation escalates into a full-blown conflict.

In today’s toxic environment, people are on edge. They harbor conscious and unconscious biases and sometimes it comes out during an interview. With this backdrop, you can imagine that the stressed out interviewer may make a sarcastic comment, say something mean or inappropriate and a conflict ensues.

How Hiring Managers Can Avoid Conflict

As a representative of the organization, hiring managers should treat all job seekers with respect, putting aside all personal opinions about them. Avoid asking inappropriate or discriminatory questions pertaining to an interviewee’s race, religion or gender. Steer clear of making off-color jokes that could be misconstrued or embarrass the candidate.

To avoid any potential conflicts—both during the interview and when or if the person joins the company—look for signs of emotional intelligence by paying attention to how candidates communicate, observe their level of empathy and their ability to compromise.

The hiring professional can test candidates’ conflict resolution skills with scenario-based exercises and evaluate how they respond. Stay away from candidates who come across as angry, argumentative and seem incapable of navigating opposing viewpoints.

Demonstrate your ability to remain professional and not get defensive, even when facing accusations or disagreements. Avoid emotional or negative language that could make you seem irrational. Emphasize your willingness to work together toward a mutually agreeable outcome, and acknowledge any mistakes you made by taking accountability.

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 8, 2024

#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!

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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 …

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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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!

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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 …

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.

 

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!

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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 …

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

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

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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.

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

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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 …

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 To Answer ‘Do You Have Any Questions For Me?’ In A Job Interview. Got Interview? MUst REAd First!

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Job seekers are advised to ask questions at the end of an interview to show interest in the opportunity. The challenge is that most candidates worry so much about what to ask that they can’t focus on the actual discussion happening right before them.

To ameliorate the anxiety, you should have a few questions ready when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Here is what you should say to demonstrate your interest in the role and some suggested insightful questions you can ask the interviewer.

Let Them Know You Are Interested In The Job

Before you ask any questions, use the wrapping-up phase of the interview to sum up your take on the process and express your genuine interest, citing examples. You can tell the interviewer, “I greatly enjoyed our conversation. Everyone I met was wonderful. I appreciate that you all have been open and honest about the job responsibilities, the corporate culture, what’s happening with hiring and layoffs, the organization’s financial situation and where the company is headed next. I am very interested in the opportunity and would like to know a little more about the process.”

 

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:

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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 …

Avoid Questions That Are Easily Answered On The Firm’s Site

Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview is a simple way to show your enthusiasm for the job and to gather more information about the company and the role. The questions you ask should not be easily answered by researching the company’s website or other readily available resources.

Tailor your questions to demonstrate your enthusiasm about the role and the company while gaining valuable insights to help you make an informed decision if an offer is extended. The best questions to ask are focused and open-ended. Avoid “yes” or “no” questions and any inquiry that is too broad.

Here Are Thought-Provoking Questions To Ask

  • Do you feel that I’m the right fit for the role?
  • Why did you decide to choose me for the interview?
  • Is there any additional information you need to help you decide on my candidacy?
  • What are the most important qualities you’re looking for in a candidate for this role?
  • What are the expectations for this role in the first 30, 60 and 90 days?
  • What made you join the company? What do you like most about working for this organization?

Learning About The Company

  • Can you please tell me more about this role’s day-to-day responsibilities and expectations?
  • Will the role be remote, in-office or hybrid?
  • How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
  • How would you describe the company culture, DEI initiatives and values?
  • In light of a possible recession, high inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, do you foresee any challenges or layoffs in the future?
  • Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?

Ascertaining The Next Steps

  • If you were to extend an offer, what would be the ballpark salary, bonus, stock options and corporate title?
  • Can you share more about the next steps in the hiring process and the anticipated timeline for a decision?
  • Could you provide any success stories or examples of employees in this or a similar role and how they’ve progressed within the organization?

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 2, 2023

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 26K REads- How To Explain Gaps In Your Résumé During An Interview. How did You Answer it? A MUst REad!

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Career gaps are common and nothing to be ashamed about. People with 10-plus years of work experience almost always have a disruption in employment. During economic downturns, such as the financial crisis and the pandemic, layoffs and corporate furloughs were commonplace. Gaps in your résumé don’t have to be perceived as roadblocks during your job search, as long as you frame them right.

An empathetic employer should not judge someone because they have been out of work for some time. A compassionate and realistic manager would get that life happens and that there may be periods when you are not working full-time.

You can easily address these periods of unemployment during an interview by being honest, focusing on the positive, showing how you stayed current, being confident, keeping it brief and practicing your response. By following these strategies, you can ease the interviewer’s concerns and demonstrate your qualifications and experience for the job.

Be Honest

If there is an extended period—six months or more—of unemployment in your résumé, an interviewer will likely ask why. They will wonder why another company didn’t hire you within that time frame, if you have an excellent background and possess in-demand skills.

You must address the gap in your employment honestly and directly. Avoid making up excuses or lying, as the truth always comes out.

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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 …

Focus On The Positive

While an interviewer is trying to suss you out about your unemployment gap, emphasize what you did during that period that could be seen as positive. They want to know that you have not been sitting on the couch for six months.

Explain to them how you have been filling your time, doing productive activities, like volunteering, acquiring new skills or caring for a sick family member. This can demonstrate your initiative and dedication.

Show How You Stayed Current

During the interview, explain how you kept up with industry trends and developments during your gap period and did not let your skills and knowledge atrophy. If you did any consulting or freelance work, be sure to mention it. Did you get any certifications or licenses during this employment break? You can also bring attention to how you exercised your soft skills, like communication. You can tell the interviewer that you worked as an UberUBER +1.3% driver or took a retail job because you missed interpersonal communication.

By highlighting the skills and experiences gained during this time, you can show that you are proactive and committed to professional development.

Be Confident

Don’t be defensive or apologize for the gap in your résumé. Instead, be confident and focus on your skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the job. Let them know that you have been selective in your job search process and are not just jumping at the first job opportunity, which accounts for why you haven’t locked down a job yet.

Keep It Brief

Don’t dwell on the gap in your employment. Keep your explanation brief and to the point, and then move on to discussing your qualifications and experience.

Practice Your Response

Prepare a clear and concise response to the question about the gap in your employment. Practice your answer so that you can deliver it confidently during the interview.

Here’s A Script For A Job Seeker To Say To An Interviewer About Gaps In Their Résumé

“During my employment gap, I [reason you were not employed]. During that time, I [what you did during the gap].

Returning to work was top of mind during that period, and I’m ready to do that now. I understand that employment gaps can be a concern for employers, but I want to assure you that I am committed to my career and have been keeping up with industry trends and developments during my time away. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to this position and contribute to the company’s success.”

 

Forbes.com | July 6, 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.

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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.

 

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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 …

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

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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.

 

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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 …

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

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

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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.

 

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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