Career Tips

Top 10 Questions Frequently Asked by Job Hunters 

1.	How can you tell whether your job targets are realistic?
	The only way you can tell for certain is to go through the basic steps of your job search and see how far you get.
2.	What's the best way to approach a company that you would like to work for but that hasn't advertised any job openings?
	The best way is almost always to try to network your way into the company - that is, to find someone you know who knows someone else in the company and can arrange an introduction.
3.	Is there anything you can do to make your resume stand out from the rest?
	The most important things is to spell out as early as possible in your resume the specific accomplishments or skills that qualify you for the position you're pursuing.
4.	What's the most common mistake that job hunters make when writing their resumes?
	The most common mistake, by far, is filling up the resume with a laundry list of functions and responsibilities that you've held in your past jobs as opposed to the specific accomplishments that made a difference in the companies you worked for. A second common mistake is not being specific enough when it comes to the skills you possess.
5.	What's the best way to build your network of contacts?
	There is no "best" way. What's important is to get the most out of every source: family, friends, business associates, former classmates, association affiliations and so on. Most important, when you get that opportunity, you have to make the most of it.
6.	What are the pros and cons of taking on temporary jobs while looking for full-time work?
	Mostly pros - especially these days, when more and more companies are hiring temporary professionals for middle- and senior-level assignments. Temporary assignments not only give you a way to ease the financial pressure of being out of a job, but they also give you a chance to network, develop new skills and convert the temporary assignment into a full-time position.
7.	What is the single most important piece of advice you can offer someone who is about to go into a job interview?
	Always put yourself in the shoes of the person conducting the interview. Keep in mind that person's agenda: to determine whether you have the skills, personal attributes and motivation to be successful in the job.
8.	How truthful should you be when answering interview questions?
	As truthful as possible - without going out of your way to volunteer information that could work against you. A lot depends, too, on what type of question you're being asked.
9.	What's the best way to respond if you feel that an interviewer is treating you unfairly or disrespectfully?
	First, try to determine whether the interviewer's behavior is deliberately designed to put you under pressure - a test of sorts to see how you'll respond to pressure if you're hired.
10.	How do you overcome the "We think you're overqualified" objection?
	When someone says to you, "We think you're overqualified," he or she most likely is concerned about whether you're truly interested in this job, whether you will be motivated to do your best, and whether you'll be satisfied with a salary that is probably lower than that to which you're accustomed. Rather than argue whether or not you are overqualified, address the concerns.

Eight Interview Tips 

1. Focus on how you can make this a comfortable experience for the interviewer. Practice good eye-contact with the interviewer. 
2. Express your genuine interest by how you answer questions. 
3. Listen carefully by focusing and giving your full attention to the interviewer and the question being asked. 
4. Be specific and give examples. This adds credibility to statements you make about your qualifications. It is better to make a few strong points than many brief, unrelated points. 
5. Organize your thoughts, understand issues and communicate. The employer may not necessarily be looking for the right response to a question but is analyzing how you respond. 
6. It’s OK to pause to collect your thoughts and if need be, ask for clarification. Avoid “uh,” “like” and “you know!” 
7. Do not diminish your past experiences; don’t say, “I was just a cashier.” 
8. An apparent challenge to your qualifications may not be a rejection, but rather a call for more information.