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Archive of previous Questions and Answers, as published in the News & Advance What advice can you offer for finding meaningful work? In a college commencement address, Steve Jobs, one of the original foundersof Apple, the founder of NeXT, and CEO of the most successful animation studio in the world, Pixar, said that his key to success has been to do what he believed to be great work that he enjoyed. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, so find out what you enjoy and go for it. You can take aptitude tests, follow your interests & abilities, gut instincts, pray and talk to those who know you best. You can also work temporary jobs to see if different kinds of work suit you. A quote Jobs heard when he was 17 stayed with him: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." What mindset should I have to create a good resume? Your purpose is to market yourself on paper. After identifying what kind of work you want to do, use the paper in front of you as your canvas to create a painting of you on your next job. Use your positive personality traits, skills and interests, and your passions as well as your past, (your educational preparation and your experience, whether in work, volunteer activities or hobbies), to picture you bringing value to an organization rather than just listing facts about your past. “My great sense of humor, love for people, and good communication skills will complement my strong math skills and project management experience to create a positive experience for both your customers and your staff and growth for the company with me at the helm managing xyz fast food company”, might be your objective to paint. It is your future so paint yourself accurately in glowing colors to really stand out.
What do you think of online resume distribution services?
Most of these services collect a fee from you for generating unwanted email or populating the resume databases of needy job sites and it can sabatoge your job search. You have no idea who will receive your resume or what they will do with it and you have no way of recovering it when your search is over. This is not a short cut but a potential disaster, particularly if you still have a job. It takes time and effort, but you should be customizing your resume to fit the opportunity and/or the employer. That’s the most effective way to apply for a job with a resume.
Besides looking through the paper each week, is there a way to track certain companies for their current job openings?
Develop a list of potential employers where you would like to work, and sign up for free Google Alerts (google.com/alerts) for jobs posted on the organizations' Websites or when related news about the employer is picked up by Google. Have the alerts sent to your personal (not your work) e-mail address! Of course this method has its limitations, but is a good start.
What books do you recommend for job searches?
If you are not sure what you want to do, What Color is Your Parachute? 2007 by Richard Nelson Bolles is a must read. If you know what you want to do, The About.com Guide to Job Searching by Alison Doyle offers step by step solid practical help. Both are available at Amazon.com.
What questions should I ask during an interview for a job?
When asked by an interviewer, usually at the end of an interview if you have any questions, always be prepared with questions such as: why is this position open, what are the key challenges in this job, where are you at in the hiring process, is travel involved, where do you see the company 3 years from now, and what is the next step? Be sure to ask if you can have a business card so you will have the correct information to send a thank you note.
I have a good solid resume, but am not getting selected for jobs. What should I do?
There are too many variables to know how to specifically answer, such as your attitude during an interview, what you do or don’t focus on, or even your attire, but in regards to your resume, don’t assume it will speak for itself. You have the responsibility of telling why you are the best choice for the job, backing it up with examples/statistics whenever possible. Painting a good picture of yourself benefiting the particular company speaks louder than 1000 printed words.
Do many of your temporary jobs become permanent?
Many companies use our “Try before you hire” program as their chosen method of obtaining employees to see how they perform on the job. Other times clients will like the temporary employee so much that they create a position for them on their staff to keep them. Either way, if a vacancy exists or a new position is created and it turns out to be a good match for both the worker and the company, both win. More than 70% of our workers get hired by our client companies after starting as temporary employees. Those who are willing to work temporary positions often get in on some great opportunities they would otherwise miss not to mention gaining an “inside” edge.
What is the best way to respond when asked why I left my previous job as I was let go for making a mistake?
Take responsibility for what you did. While it is not advisable to volunteer too much information, trying too hard to skirt the issue will only raise further questions in the interviewer’s mind. Usually giving a concise and accurate answer without shifting blame or criticizing others at the company will suffice. Remember, honesty is the best policy!
It seems wherever I apply for work, the companies are using staffing companies. What advantage is it for the employer or the employee?
The temporary help business has been one of the fastest growing industries in the US in the last 15 years because it offers substantial benefit to both the companies and temporary employees. Employers can get the help they need for emergencies, peak production times and fill vacant positions on the basis of compatibility and proven track record without assuming hiring risks. Employees have the opportunity to earn money, prove themselves to potential employers, gain work experience and references while determining whether a particular position is a good match for them. It is a win-win opportunity for both.
When asked in an interview what I liked least about previous positions, how much information should I give?
This is an important question and you should think about this answer carefully prior to the interview. You should think of the things you have outgrown, bore you or you are just no longer willing to do. Your response should be expressed positively in that you have already gained that experience and are ready to take on new challenges. Always keep in mind that the professional world is small and it is possible that the interviewer knows the person you might vent about, so do not yield to the temptation or come across in a negative manner. If you handle the question professionally, you will paint yourself in a more positive light regardless of your provocations.
I’ve been out of the workforce for awhile and want to return. How should I handle that on my resume?
Gaps in your work history do need to be explained. If you did any volunteer work for youth, church, political campaigns, marketing for Civic Club fundraisers, scheduling for sporting teams, etc, think how each would be classified in the business world, (marketing, operations, sales) and include them as such in your updated resume as if they were your last job with the appropriate dates.
How is the best way to prepare to handle interview questions?
Know and be able to articulate: your applicable strengths, skills and accomplishments, information about the company where you want to work and why you would be a good fit for them, where you would like to be in 3 – 5 years and what questions you would like answered about the opportunity and company. Read 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Ron Fry which will help you identify the best type of answers to common and even very sensitive questions, avoid pitfalls and get a better understanding of interviewers and the interview process.
In an interview, how should I answer when asked why I left previous positions? Be prepared to provide truthful, succinct and professional answers. If you were fired or forced to resign from a position, do not talk negatively about your former employer which could make you appear unprofessional and raise unnecessary red flags. Try not to paint yourself as a victim or name names. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and good posture. Often times the interviewer is most interested in how you reacted to the firing, and if you were at fault, if you took seriously the challenge to improve your performance. How long do temporary assignments last working through your company? How One of the tremendous benefits of working with staffing companies is the variety of opportunities that are available to meet individual employment needs. Job length depends upon the needs of our clients. A few assignments are only one or two days in length. More positions, however, last a week, a month, two months or longer. Many of our positions turn into permanent positions with client companies. Let us know what works best for your current situation – chances are you’ll be working with us soon!
What is the best way to prepare for an interview? The two keys to successful interviewing are: 1) knowing the company, which means doing your research about them and then figuring out what the company wants to accomplish by filling the available position; and 2) being able to articulate why, with your skills, experience and abilities, you are the right person for that position. If you are not able to convince yourself that you are right for that company and position, more than likely you will not successfully impress the interviewer. Remember, the interviewer is most interested in the success of the company, so if you want the job, your focus will be the same.
When is the best time to send a follow up letter after an interview? Following up could mean the difference between getting a job or not. When you follow up is just as crucial. If you send your letter to arrive the day after an interview, it conveys that you really care about the job and are not a procrastinator. If you wait a week or more, you are saying that either you don’t care that much or you are just slow. This is your opportunity to further impress the employer – don’t let it pass.
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