Dorothy, The biggest question and stumbling block I have is networking. If you could address this subject in a useable fashion in your article, that would be very helpful to job seekers like myself.
Thanks, T-y
Hi T-y, thank you for your question/request. Let me do two things. First, to reference an article on my blog I did recently on networking and then I’ll expand from there.
It helps to understand their motivations and what gets their attention. Then you can be more effective at getting them to return your calls.
Here’s how…
We all know exercise is good for us, but an active lifestyle can give you all sorts of health benefits. Here's how.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new law Tuesday -- the Employee Credit Privacy Act -- that prohibits employers from using a person's credit history when it comes to getting a job. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2011. The Society for Human Resources Management recently found that 60 percent of employers run a credit check on at least some applicants, according to the governor's website. That's up from the 42 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 1998.
There are exceptions to the new law, including people who work in banking and insurance because they have access to confidential financial information. And employers can still check applicants' backgrounds, but not their credit histories.
Candidates who ask these questions don't remain candidates for longJohn Kador, author of "301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview"
What were they thinking? Whenever I talk to human-resources professionals or recruiters, I always ask them to tell me the worst question they were ever asked in a job interview. How could any applicant actually believe questions like these are in his interests?
Unfortunately, job seekers continue to ask dumb questions every day. These questions demonstrate poor judgment and effectively ensure their rejection.
It's hard to generalize about such stunningly bad interview questions, but they all are "me" questions. These are questions that appear to put your needs before those of the employer. The best interview questions focus on what the applicant can do for the company, not what the company can do for applicant.
Be certain that the questions you ask don't raise barriers or objections. For example, don't ask, "Is relocation a necessary part of the job?"
The very question raises doubts about your willingness to relocate. Even if the person selected for the position is not tracked for relocation, the negativity of the question makes the hiring manager wonder whether you are resistant in other areas as well.
If the issue of relocation is important to you, by all means ask, but go with a phrasing that reinforces your flexibility, not challenges it. A good approach: "I'm aware that relocation is often required in a career and I am prepared to relocate for the good of the company as necessary. Could you tell me how often I might be asked to relocate in a five- or 10-year period?"
Here are five more bad questions you might be tempted to ask and what hiring managers will think when they hear them:
What you ask: Is job-sharing a possibility?
What they think: Possibly, but does this mean you can't give us a commitment for full-time work?
What you ask: Can you tell me whether you have considered the incredible benefits of telecommuting for this position?
What they think: Why do you want to get out of the office before you have even seen it?
What you ask: I understand that employee paychecks are electronically deposited. Can I get my paycheck in the old-fashioned way?
What they think: You are already asking for exceptions. What's next? And are you afraid of technology?
What you ask: I won't have to work for someone with less education than I have, will I?
What they think: You clearly have a chip on your shoulder. Why should we take a chance that you don't have other interpersonal issues?
What you ask: The job description mentions weekend work. Are you serious?
What they think: We're serious about the job description. We're suddenly less serious about you.
John Kador is the author of "301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview" (McGraw-Hill, 2010) and other business books. He can be reached at jkador@jkador.com
Here are the Top 5 This Week – @andywergedal
Old ladies and College grads were the hot topics of the week. Read these articles that feature the edges of the labor pool, from those who just graduated to those who want a new start in life (after 50 years, or so).
