kiwitt
Road to War Modder
Bring real behavioural examples how you dealt with certain situations.
How to get a job (or not)
- Thread starter Birdjaguar
- Start date
Personal perspectives is a good one, because it avoids the awful answer of 'no questions' (think of something, you dolt!) without sounding as if you haven't done your research. So 'what, in your view, is going to be the biggest challenge facing this company in the next five years?' Bear in mind that the person interviewing you (I tell this to kids asking me about Army interviews, at any rate) is something of an expert in what he does and can probably give you some good advice - don't be afraid to ask something like 'what do you think the most important quality in a _____ is?'. Just avoid 'how did I do?' and asking about money, or how much indiscresion you can get away with (not much!).
rugbyLEAGUEfan
Deity
Listen to some of the other posters in regards to content , but my 2 cents after 10 years selling cars and managing dealerships may be of use .
When selling anything (in this case yourself) , the question is just so powerful . Why ? Cause people just love to talk and tell you what they know . Think about dates you've been on . I'm sure the ones where she has been allowed to yak away have been the most successful ("Wow madviking , you're so good to talk to" when she's done all the talking) .
I've no idea what are good questions , but if you stick to the priciple that questions are generally more powerful than statements , it should come in handy . A vaguely intelligent uttering worded as a question always comes off better than a vaguely intelligent statement . It has the added bonus of playing to the ego of the interviewer/purchaser .
Maimonides
Emperor
I agree, but with a caveat. It is difficult for some great people to find work in their fields. They can find a job, but not necessarily the job they want. For example, I know a brilliant architect who was laid off from his firm when the housing market went bust & everyone stopped building. He couldn't find another architectual job & ended up having to go into another field to be employed.
I read that you are some kind of recruiter or headhunter. Do you headhunt for a retailer or a vendor that services retailers?
I just started training my new hires today. I reminded them that they are my bullpen for higher positions. Hopefully, one or both will have great job performance & be somebody that I can promote. It's really up to them whether they succeed or fail.
Hiring management level people directly from the street is plain scary for me. I want to built a trust before I hand over keys & alarm codes & safe combinations to somebody. Even somebody with an impeccable background can turn out to be a mentally unstable kleptomaniac. I've successfully hired managers from the street before, but I hate having to do it. I'd much rather promote people whose work & integrity has been demonstrated directly to me.
Employee theft is unfortunately quite common. I've seen it at every job I've ever had & dealt with it at every business I've owned. If your batting average is only one out of fifty, you need to write a book & go on a speaking tour because you're the best recruiter to ever walk the earth.
I remember several years ago when my wholesaler/co-op bought a new warehouse in Memphis, but was having allot of trouble getting it up & running because of staffing issues. We had a meeting & they said that for every ten hires, two failed the criminal background check, two failed the drug test, two quit during the training, & two were fired for poor attendance. I think of stories like this when I hear people complain about jobs being shipped overseas. As kiwitt said, good people can find a job.
@Maimonides: Yeah, of course employers will prefer workers who stay in a job for a long time without complaining, leaving, and/or demanding large pay rises or promotions for their good work
I'm not sure why you're stating the obvious or sticking your tongue out.
That's about it. I'll add be sure to dress professionally. It really irks me when an interview shows up wearing flip flops or a t-shirt. Just look like you want to be there & aren't wasting the interviewer's time.
Can't say specifically. Surely you'll want to know something about the place you might be going to work. If it's not covered by the interviewer, just ask.
This is good advice. Those questions are textbook for interviewers. I used to use them, but don't much anymore.
I agree with the above, but not about money part. There's nothing wrong with asking what the compensation is. I'd wonder about an interview who didn't want to know that. Unless it's for a position where the salary is usually negotiated upon acceptance, you need to know what a job pays before you can accept it & the employer needs to know that you are willing to do that job for that compensation.
Asking "how did I do?" puts the interviewer in an uncomfortable position.
Yeah, I recruit for a marketing research company that specializes in the CPG industry. I mostly work with grocery stores.
Oh, I'm sure its worse than one out of fifty, but that seems to be all we manage to catch. It's a little bit harder for my guys to steal anything, since they're vendors who don't have a "home" store, but it does happen.Employee theft is unfortunately quite common. I've seen it at every job I've ever had & dealt with it at every business I've owned. If your batting average is only one out of fifty, you need to write a book & go on a speaking tour because you're the best recruiter to ever walk the earth.
I don't have very many people fail background checks honestly...I've had less than 10 of the 160 or so people I've brought on. People quitting in the first 7 days (or before they start working) happens a LOT though...which is very frustration. I know of lots of other companies who have those same staffing problems though...it's why there are so many 3rd parties.
madviking
north american scum
Thanks, guys.
And no worries, Maimonides, I went back home to get my suit along with a spiffy new tie to go to the interview with!
And no worries, Maimonides, I went back home to get my suit along with a spiffy new tie to go to the interview with!
Mise
isle of lucy
I was saying that you were stating the obvious when you "explained" the employers' perspective on it. It's pretty obvious what an employer would prefer a CV to look like.
Probably a British thing - we react badly to people who seem motivated by money, and it can also create the impression that you're judging the job, which makes you seem arrogant (you're supposed to be pretending that it's you that's impressing the employer, not the other way around). In fact, in normal conversation, we go out of our way to avoid mentioning that money even exists.
Mise
isle of lucy
I totally disagree, FP. There are clearly some questions that you ask just to impress the interviewer and demonstrate that you can fit into the company. But there are some questions you ask because you absolutely need to know the answer to them before you can take the job. I've always asked about salary, bonus schemes, career progression, and so on, because those questions are essential in making a final decision.
And actually, the interview process is just as much about you interviewing them, especially at the "do you have any questions?" stage. You absolutely must "judge the job", because, if you accept, that's what will occupy most of your waking hours for the next X years. You need to know what the working culture is like, whether employees socialise at the pub after work (and if you don't like doing that, whether it's "expected"), stuff like that. And you clearly need to know how much money you're going to be paid as well. Judging the job is exactly what the end of an interview is for.
I'd say it was pretty dumb to spend an hour in an interview and coming out not knowing any more about the job than when you went in!
And actually, the interview process is just as much about you interviewing them, especially at the "do you have any questions?" stage. You absolutely must "judge the job", because, if you accept, that's what will occupy most of your waking hours for the next X years. You need to know what the working culture is like, whether employees socialise at the pub after work (and if you don't like doing that, whether it's "expected"), stuff like that. And you clearly need to know how much money you're going to be paid as well. Judging the job is exactly what the end of an interview is for.
I'd say it was pretty dumb to spend an hour in an interview and coming out not knowing any more about the job than when you went in!
My advice for interviews:
1) Go ahead and ask about money. Let's face it, your compensation is very important to your happiness and your likelihood to stick around. I would not make that your first question, or have the majority of your questions surround it.
2) Ask lots of questions. You want to show that you're interested in the job, and being engaged in the interview process/showing you've done some homework is a great way to do that. My favorite candidates ask questions that demonstrate they've thought about our industry a little, or at least care how our company works. Plus, its a chance to show off your personality, and how smart you are. If somebody doesn't ask any questions, and doesn't show me that they were processing the info I gave them, I do not pass them along.
3) Be on time. If it's an inperson interview, try to be early.
four) be as specific as possible when describing your past experience, especially in talking about how it is relevant here. If you increased sales, tell me by how much and how. Be prepared to brag about your best project successes, and why they worked so well.
1) Go ahead and ask about money. Let's face it, your compensation is very important to your happiness and your likelihood to stick around. I would not make that your first question, or have the majority of your questions surround it.
2) Ask lots of questions. You want to show that you're interested in the job, and being engaged in the interview process/showing you've done some homework is a great way to do that. My favorite candidates ask questions that demonstrate they've thought about our industry a little, or at least care how our company works. Plus, its a chance to show off your personality, and how smart you are. If somebody doesn't ask any questions, and doesn't show me that they were processing the info I gave them, I do not pass them along.
3) Be on time. If it's an inperson interview, try to be early.
four) be as specific as possible when describing your past experience, especially in talking about how it is relevant here. If you increased sales, tell me by how much and how. Be prepared to brag about your best project successes, and why they worked so well.
madviking
north american scum
Well, I could only ask one of the my prepared questions since I ended up talking about my past project work for 25 of the 30 minutes. But I felt like the interview went really, really well.
Now I just have to sit and wait for their decision...
Now I just have to sit and wait for their decision...
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My advice for interviews:
1. If you plan to talk about a project, bring it if you can. It's one thing to say, "Yeah, I did this", but if you can show it, it'll leave a more lasting impression, as well as prove that you were being honest.
2. Show an interest in the company. Take up any opportunities given to learn more about the company, and don't depart right after the interview. Ask for a tour if one isn't offered.
3. Don't know who everyone is at the company. You won't be nervous talking with an important person if you don't realize how important they are.
I'd also say, be willing to bring up concerns. It shows interest, might help them position you better within the company, and might get you a slightly better offer than if they think you'll take any offer they give.
Money, it depends. In large part on what other offers you anticipate having, and how certain you are of the salary they will offer you. So, when I was interviewed for my current job, I knew the salary was likely to be good (although I didn't know exactly where that was), and I didn't have any other offers, so I didn't bring it up until they did. But if you are willing to walk away should the salary not be what you hoped for, I agree with downtown, go ahead and ask about money. It can save both sides a lot of time that could be wasted if they will never agree on the salary.
1. If you plan to talk about a project, bring it if you can. It's one thing to say, "Yeah, I did this", but if you can show it, it'll leave a more lasting impression, as well as prove that you were being honest.
2. Show an interest in the company. Take up any opportunities given to learn more about the company, and don't depart right after the interview. Ask for a tour if one isn't offered.
3. Don't know who everyone is at the company. You won't be nervous talking with an important person if you don't realize how important they are.
I'd also say, be willing to bring up concerns. It shows interest, might help them position you better within the company, and might get you a slightly better offer than if they think you'll take any offer they give.
Money, it depends. In large part on what other offers you anticipate having, and how certain you are of the salary they will offer you. So, when I was interviewed for my current job, I knew the salary was likely to be good (although I didn't know exactly where that was), and I didn't have any other offers, so I didn't bring it up until they did. But if you are willing to walk away should the salary not be what you hoped for, I agree with downtown, go ahead and ask about money. It can save both sides a lot of time that could be wasted if they will never agree on the salary.
Serutan
Eatibus Anythingibus
Depends on the field. If you're in engineering / technical, you are likely
violating an NDA if you bring an example of your work to an interview. Agree with
the rest, though.
If you're a technical person I'm likely to hire, you'll probably have some personal projects which aren't covered by an NDA.
GoodGame
Red, White, & Blue, baby!
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- 13,725
A question about spinning out multiple resumes. I am a "technical" type person, actually with a masters degree. I have an actual CV (4 pages). I am pretty competent at spinning shorter resumes for applying to 'lesser' technical jobs. However this time I'm looking for a part-time wage slavery income as I piece together my options---school, career transition, etc...
I realize that dumping a CV on a wage slave job is a great way to be judged 'overqualified', but I'm not quite sure what kind of 1 or 2 pager I should write for a bona fide wage slave job
Mostly I'm getting at this: what are the ideal 'qualifications' that you look for if you are hiring a true wage-slave in the near minimum wage level. Or am I over-thinking this?
I realize that dumping a CV on a wage slave job is a great way to be judged 'overqualified', but I'm not quite sure what kind of 1 or 2 pager I should write for a bona fide wage slave job
Mostly I'm getting at this: what are the ideal 'qualifications' that you look for if you are hiring a true wage-slave in the near minimum wage level. Or am I over-thinking this?
GoodGame
Red, White, & Blue, baby!
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2004
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- 13,725
The problem is that I am accessing jobs through a state job board, and they ask for resumes electronically. I went with my inner common sense and touted sillier things that I hold true but wouldn't normally brag about since they're kind of trivial. Crossing my fingers...
Borachio
Way past lunacy
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Hmm. I can't speak for the US (?) but in the UK State employment agencies are next to useless.
We're talking about low status low skill work, right?
I always went with what was in my local area. And just do a lot of legwork and get my name about. If people see you, and associate your face with your name, and can see if you look perky and keen enough it goes a long way. And if your name is on a list, come the time when they're looking for some one (and no-one knows when) and they want to save time and money, out pops your name. Do this sort of thing enough and you do find work. Often very quickly.
And if they want a formal application, they'll give you a pro-forma to fill in. I really don't think they'd want to see, or be bothered to read, a neatly typed 2 page CV.
It does depend on the size of the company you're applying to. The bigger the firm the less it matters if you're over qualified, as there'll likely be some demand for your skills given time. At least, I think that's how they will see it. Possibly.
But nothing happens by itself. Do everything you can think of. Nothing really hurts your chances, apart from doing nothing.
We're talking about low status low skill work, right?
I always went with what was in my local area. And just do a lot of legwork and get my name about. If people see you, and associate your face with your name, and can see if you look perky and keen enough it goes a long way. And if your name is on a list, come the time when they're looking for some one (and no-one knows when) and they want to save time and money, out pops your name. Do this sort of thing enough and you do find work. Often very quickly.
And if they want a formal application, they'll give you a pro-forma to fill in. I really don't think they'd want to see, or be bothered to read, a neatly typed 2 page CV.
It does depend on the size of the company you're applying to. The bigger the firm the less it matters if you're over qualified, as there'll likely be some demand for your skills given time. At least, I think that's how they will see it. Possibly.
But nothing happens by itself. Do everything you can think of. Nothing really hurts your chances, apart from doing nothing.
Hygro
soundcloud.com/hygro/
Didn't even check a second of the front page to see if there was something there particularly special?
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