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Recently in Interviewing Category
An age-old question I get is about how to land a job without having the prerequisite experience. This often befalls those who have experience in a field but lack management experience in that same field.
For those in college, management internships are a huge opportunity. For those beyond college, that luxury may not be afforded, but that does not mean there aren't possibilities to receive a probationary type assignment as a manager.
Often, companies will hire seasoned managers to senior hourly roles, and then offer them temporary management assignments or projects to help them fill the gaps.
For those who are seasoned hourly employees, taking on more responsibility where you work or seeking an opportunity with a company that is non-management can be the foot in the door to the proving ground you need to demonstrate what you are made of.
Next time you think about whether or not you are qualified, look at other opportunities to join an organization that will help you prove that you are worthy of the risk and the opportunity.
One of the greatest tools for career success is proper networking. Networking isn't about just contacting people when you need something; it's about building relationships with others that are mutually beneficial.
One of my favorite colleagues often has said about me that he likes working with me because I don't just contact him when I need something; there is always a rapport between us outside of the sharing of resources and information about jobs.
Recently, I just picked up two projects from contacts I have nurtured over the years; one with a professor I met 15 years ago and another with a former boss who told me if I ever wanted to work for him again to just let him know. These kind of opportunities would not have resulted if I hadn't maintained contact and rapport
What do you do to networking and stay connected with others? Share your best practices for a future column at robert@galaconcierge.com
Q: I am senior in high school applying for new jobs, and I don't feel comfortable sharing what I have made at past jobs because the ones I am looking at pay less. What should I do? Anxious in Anchorage
A: Dear Anxious, A well crafted cover letter to go along with your application can help answer any questions your employer has about why you are looking at a lower paying job. Try something like this.
Dear _________
I've worked at ________ for the past ____ years making _______ an hour. I'm interested in joining your company because of its reputation, the opportunity to learn more about the industry, and the location of your business in proximity to where I live (Or insert any other reasons you see fit here).
I realize that your business may not be able to pay me what I have been making in the past, but I am not looking for a job that necessarily pays the best; I'm looking for a job where I can experience working for the best.
Sincerely.
XXXXXXXXX
By including a cover letter, you are doing something very few people do in an entry level job. You will stand out amongst a sea of applicants and perhaps get hired before anyone else. Let me know how it goes!
In the past, I have discussed the importance of hiring events and running them properly. It goes without saying that hiring events can be hit or miss for both employers and potential employees. Very often, companies look only at the results of the hour or of the day and don't look at the potential of the "be back" as it is called in sales.
The "be back" sometimes has the greatest potential for selling products; the "be back" is the customer who is unsure if they want to purchase today, but more often than not is just looking around to make an informed decision. Very often when I was doing sales, the biggest and most successful sales were those that took 2-3 or more visits to convince it was time to buy and that our solution was best.
To use the "be back" approach at a hiring event, you should use the hiring event as an employer to sell yourself and your company, and offer resources for more information. Too often I have seen companies try to sell too much information at the table rather than selling the heart and soul of the company.
As a potential employee, having a sharp 1 page resume with a link to a more detailed portfolio or resume can get you in with the company while leaving them wanting to find out more about you.
Q: I recently interviewed for a job and was invited to an initial meeting where candidates were given a group interview. I didn't get selected for a followup interview. What do you suggest I do to improve so I can possibly get considered in the future?
A: I had a similar thing happen to me early in my career. I interviewed for an advanced internship in food and beverage, and it came down to me and another candidate who had the foods experience. They thanked me for my time, and I asked them if I could sit down with them to develop an action plan for what I could do to possibly be considered in the future.
The interviewer didn't directly meet with me, but instead referred me to the head manager of my department. He suggested that I pursue any experience at all for that summer in food and beverage, and to continue the dialogue with the company for the following summer. I did exactly that; I landed a job working part-time at a front-desk and part-time in a restaurant, and was able to get the experience desired. The next year, I was a shoe-in for the role.
So do what you can to ask the company you just interviewed with for feedback, and once you get that, do what you can to act on it and try again once you get some more experience or training.
I've often brought up the idea that resumes shouldn't have any data but work experience and education. Having a name on a resume, along with an address, may tempt people to have preconceived notions about a candidate.
Unsolicited resumes are another story altogether; resumes that are sent but not requested can add work to the HR department that can be unnecessary; however, others feel unsolicited resumes add to the potential pool of applicants.
What are your thoughts on these issues? I will post comments next Thursday from readers.
One of the greatest tools out there today for pursuing jobs and displaying your information is LinkedIn. I joined LinkedIn about 3 1/2 years ago on an invite from one of my former employees. Today, anyone can join.
To me, LinkedIn is a living resume that lets employers, potential clients, and potential employers find out more about you. My resume on LinkedIn also contains several recommendations from former employees, former employers, students, and peers.
Check out my profile, and if you aren't a member of LinkedIn, check out all the added features that make it a value, including
- networking groups - company listings - job postings - discussion groups - blog syndication
The value alone of just the resume makes it a great platform, and all the other features truly make it work for you, even when you aren't online.
Q: How many internships should I do while in college?
A: As many as you can! I recently met a student who did 5 internships. Personally, I did three while in college. One of my recent graduates did one for over 9 months, and landed a permanent job with that company.
If you can get a company to hire you (even for just a few weeks) to be an intern, it is something to put on your resume, and will follow you wherever you go.
One question I often get is "where do I find an internship?" Sometimes it's just a matter of reaching out to people, and telling them you are a college student looking to gain some knowledge while sharing your skills; just that alone will open doors for you.
Would you like someone to take another look at your resume? I always like critiques. I've used the same layout and format on mine since 1995, but have added or deleted things as I've gone along. This resume has worked for me for years in terms of getting new clients, new assignments, or in helping others develop resumes. Check it out at the link below. http://www.galaconcierge.com/robertbraatheresumeSend me your resume, and I'll be happy to provide a critique for you. Chances are, I may find something you are good at that you aren't even aware of from your resume! robert@galaconcierge.com
One of my favorite moments to make people squirm is at the end of a mock interview where I ask people "Do you have any questions for me?" So many don't have a clue what they want to ask or what they want to know about the hypothetical or actual company they are hoping to work for.
Some questions I suggest when people are stumped are?
Ask the person interviewing you "What has inspired you to stay with the company for so long?" "Tell me about the kind of person you are looking for?" "What are the next steps in the interview process?" "Tell me a little about your turnover rate - how long do people stay with your company?"
These questions and others can help demonstrate your willingness to stay with the company long-term, and also demonstrate your willingness to know more about what it will take to be the ideal candidate.
What questions have you asked at the end of an interview? Share them with me, and I will share them in a future post.
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