CANDIDATES

Secret Weapon Questions?

Candidates for employment need to do two things well. (1) Answer the interviewer’s questions. (2) Ask good questions of the interviewer.

Here are some of the best questions to ask:

1. What is your management style?  This question is great is because it tells the employer that you are truly interested in a good personality match. It also lets them discuss their favorite topic ... themselves.
2. What concerns do you have about me, or my background?  This question is excellent because you can uncover any misunderstandings about your skills, during the interview.  Often the employer has misheard your exact meaning and has eliminated you as a candidate.  This question keeps you under consideration and stops you from moving into the rejection pile.
3. May I have the job?  While this question is obviously a good way to close the interviewer, most candidates find it too "forward" to ask.  Employers are emotionally involved in seeking future employees.  They want to work with people who want to work with them.  They are much more likely to offer a job to someone who has let them know they want to work for their firm.

How to go to a Job Fair and Win?

Job fairs are a wonderful place to meet face to face with a variety of companies. The secret to success comes from good planning.

1. Research the firms that have openings you are interested in and qualified to get.  For example, if you are interested in an entry-level marketing job with General Mills, go to their web site and review the qualifications.
2. Design a target objective for each company you plan to visit.  i.e. "Marketing Research Assistant with General Mills"
3. Target your resume to highlight the skills you posses that meet the job requirements.  Use BOLD PRINT for the words that match the job description.
4. Mail your resume in advance.  Prior to attendance, mail your resume directly to the representative who will be attending the job fair.  They are often listed in the literature or advertising for the job fair.
5. Dress your best.  Walk up to the target booth with confidence.  Introduce yourself to the company representative.  Offer a firm hand shake and ask if they would be willing to set a time to meet for an extended interview.
6. Write a thank you note, by hand.  After the fair, go home and write a thank you note to each of the recruiters you met, thanking them for their time and consideration.  Hand writing the note makes a good impression.

Most job seekers just stand in lines at the large firms, hoping the company will have something that they are qualified for and like.  Don’t waste time hoping!  Do your homework and target your visit.

Networking to a New Career Thru Your Boss

Statistically the best way to find your new career is thru networking.  Two out of three jobs are found with someone helping you.  Some of the best people to ask for help are your past employers.  Try taking your boss to lunch!

Then do the following:

1. Ask them what they thought you did best.
2. Ask where you need improvement.
3. Ask who they know that might be important for you to meet.
4. Ask them to call and introduce you.
5. Pay for lunch.
6. Go home and write them a thank you note.
7. Call the person to whom you have been introduced and ask for a 10 minute meeting.

When you meet this new person ask these questions:

1. How did you get into your career?
2. Do I have the type of skills you are seeking?
3. What skills do I need to learn to get into your field?
4. Who do you know that I should meet to help me get into your field or company?
5. Go home and write a thank you note and call the next person.

Most people do not ask their boss out to lunch for any reason.  They will be pleased to help you with your career search.  Do not be afraid to ask your present employer for this help.  They will be pleased to know that you are interested in improving your career future and they might even have a job in mind for an ambitious person like you.

How to Dress for Success

There are many articles about how to dress for interviews.  We want to share our "real world" experience that we have learned thru many years and thousands of interviews.  This is the reality of how to dress for an interview as told to us by the leading Twin Cities employers.

1. Dress one level higher than the work environment.
2. Business casual does not apply for interviews.
3. Men: Suits are better than sport coats.  Women: Skirted suites are better than dresses or pantsuits.
4. Press your clothes and polish your shoes.  Wrinkles and scuffs show a lack of attention to details.
5. You can wear the same outfit to the second interview with a different... shirt, tie, blouse, necklace, or other jewelry.
6. Body pierces are only wise to accent in the ears and for women only.  (Sorry guys you can wear you jewelry after you get the job, not before.)
7. When in doubt, error on the conservative side.  Remember that this is the best the employer ever expects you to look and they are thinking it's all down hill from here.