The four components that an employer is looking for in the interview are competency, professionalism, likeability and enthusiasm.

Entering into an interview assumes that you know something about the position that you are applying for already. Now the interviewer needs to know about you.

Answering the toughest interview questions successfully means that you already understand that the company wants to know what you bring to the table.

This week we will be breaking open some tough interview questions for a better understanding of what the hiring manager wants to hear: How you can be an asset to their company.

Before we get there, let's take a look at the components that I mentioned earlier.

Competency-
As your resume should claim, you have the skill set required for the position. You should be able to verbally explain your previous positions and their relevancy to the position that you are applying to in an intelligent manner. Keep in mind that each company may use their own 'verbage' when referring to a position or task. Use the title that they use in the interview.
Refrain from using previous position titles when speaking about the open position.
This will show your flexibility and competency when it comes to transitioning to the new role.

Professionalism-
Regardless of how laid back the interviewer is, if that is the situation, show extreme respect and maintain a professional attitude at all times. Project a positive attitude, warmth and friendliness. Smile occasionally and ask relevant, intelligent questions. Listen to the interviewer carefully. Ask before taking notes on detailed information.
Maintain eye contact at all times. A lack of eye contact implies dishonesty or an inability to communicate, arrogance or lack of confidence. Use the interviewer's name in conversation occasionally. People like to hear their own name. Using it shows respect and makes the person feel important. 

Likeability-
Take note of the look and feel of the interviewers office, including any pictures of children or hobbies they may have. Be sure to notice features such as body language, manner of speech and so on. Sit at the edge of your chair, unless the interviewer backs away. Give that much needed 'space' between yourself and the interviewer. Don't speak faster or slower than the interviewer as it may distract them and make them feel uncomfortable. Be pleasant in the opening of the conversation and comment on one of the personal effects in the office or talk about a vacation spot you see in a poster or picture. This can warm you to the interviewer. Make a compliment where you can but don't fake it. By the end of the interview, you want to leave the hiring manager with the impression that they could actually spend the entire day with you comfortably.

Enthusiasm-
 A slight amount of nervousness gives you an enthusiastic edge about yourself that will come across as genuine excitement about the job. Ask relevant questions and listen to and comment on the answers given.


Keep the interview as simple as possible for the interviewer. Believe it or not, anxiety can work against you here so relaxing and exuding confidence while being professional really is the best attitude you can bring to the interview.

It's frustrating waiting for the phone to ring when you are out of
work. Even then, are you applying to quality jobs?

How do you know if a job is right for you? Research!

Do a Google search for the company to find their website if you
don't have it already.

You can check out a company further by going to LinkedIN and
entering the company name in the search bar on the top right of the
screen.

If the company's name and logo do not appear immediately in the drop
down menu, select 'company' rather than 'people'.

Once you are on the company's 'home' page, you can easily see
statistics of the company and how many employees the company has.

LinkedIn has added some great features for viewers such as tabs
that reflect job functions, average years experience of emloyees and annual company
growth.

If you can't find something that you are searching for on the
company website, you may still find it on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn


Don't forget to add me while you are there! http://www.linkedin.com/in/cassfisherthespeckledumbrella

Talk soon,
Cass Fisher

No sooner did I make my blog post the other day about how employers 
can and DO throw out confusing resumes for any number of reasons, 
an old colleague called me to let me know that she couldn't make heads 
or tails out of most of the resumes that she had received for an open position at her company.

Why am I not surprised? Because in this day and age of combination, hybrid, 
functional and chronological resumes, hiring members are still not getting the 
information from YOU that they need to make a decision on whether to interview you or not.

Folks, this is sad. Very sad.

Please be sure that your resume falls into one of the TWO resume categories: 
Functional OR chronological.

I hate to say: "Don't try this at home." but creating a combination resume is tricky.
A hybrid resume is primarily the same thing as a combination resume utilizing both the 
features of a functional and chronological.

Consider who is looking at your resume.

If the company is small, they may or may not have a staff of recruiters who can easily identify your resume. 
Some companies right now are using their HR staff members such as generalists or benefits 
team members who have had some recruiting experience but aren't as experienced a recruiter 
who sees hundreds of resumes a day.

Regardless, it is YOU who is responsible for your resume getting to the right person in a correct format 
that is easy to read for anyone: Hiring Manager, HR Staff, Recruiter.

On a side note:
She agreed that Careerbuilder is becoming more of a job hunters spam site more than ever before.
Think about that. Let me know if you need any assistance creating, revising or fine tuning your resume 
for a position that you are interested. It's what I do and I am happy to help.

I realize that this was a super long post but would welcome any feedback from you. Thanks again.

~Cass Fisher

I hope you are ready to get into the interview. Let's go over some basics really quickly.
Job interviews are something that almost every person has to go through at one time or another in their life. It should be a time of equal give and take from the interviewer and the interviewee. Even if the most you take away from a job interview is more practice, that half to one hour should have helped you in some ways if not many. Learning more about yourself in an interview shows you your strengths and weaknesses that you may have not noticed on your own. It is also a great way for you to preview your skills to the employer.

Every interview should be an opportunity to refine your interviewing skills while keeping your eye on the big picture. The most effective way to plan your interview and preview you to the employer is to get back to basics. Don't think that just because you have been on countless interviews you are a pro. Getting back to the basics gives you a fresh mental start to each interview hopefully leading to a new beginning.

Look professional. The moment you enter a room someone will notice you. These are the first and most vital seconds of a first impression. You don't have to have the latest fashion going on. It is how well you carry yourself and your confidence in your appearance that an employer will notice first.

Establish eye contact immediately. Speak with a steady voice and relax. When you introduce yourself or are introduced to the interviewer, shake hands in a firm manner. This will project a confident air. Always ask before sitting or wait to be offered a seat. This always indicates a respectful attitude.

Smile! Go to your interview with a good attitude. No one wants to work with someone who doesn't have a good attitude so lighten up and smile. An interviewer is much more likely to warm up to you immediately if they feel that you are open to the conversation. Try not to fake your smile. It is hard when you are nervous to act calm but it's something that you will need to work on if you want to project a natural smile in the interview.

Be yourself. If the interviewer doesn't select you when you are being yourself (and fill the hiring criteria), with a professional attitude and a smile then the position may not be a good fit after all. Keep in mind that finding a job is a numbers game and from the interviewers standpoint, it is nothing personal. Remember that every interview is good practice for when you are interviewing for that perfect job and you finally get the offer.

 Be sure you have read the fine print if you have done your research 
and are applying to a position that you are interested in.
Hiring managers often overlook candidates in the 'job application' directions.

At times in the fine print of application directions, there may be some 
'qualifying' action that you will need to be aware of such as submitting a 
cover letter or including a 'job reference code' to be considered.

When a hiring manager comes across a resume or cover letter 
with the missing information, they may just 'throw away' your submittal!

Makes good business sense though when you need to know if the 
candidate can follow simple directions given by the employer.

Think about it. Meantime, get your Arsenal Of Proof ready to submit to your future employer.

As always, if you have any questions, I am at your disposal.

Cass Fisher
www.thespeckledumbrella.com

Applying exclusively at Careerbuilder and Monster in this economy can really hurt your chances of getting an interview.


In a sea of applicants, a recruiter or hiring manager can whisk past your resume many times creating the deep down unconscious act of thinking that YOU aren't a good fit! Even if they have only seen your name and haven't seen your resume! 

Once your resume is 'passed on', a recruiter or hiring manager may still remember your name.Your name is your only branding tool when the hiring personnel haven't seen your resume, only your name listed with hundreds of other applicants. 

Try doing your research and applying directly to the company's website if you really want a chance to be seen out of a sea of applicants. This effort shows that you have done your research, you know what position that you are applying to and the hiring staff will actually look at what you have submitted when you apply directly to the site. 

Did you know that recruiters will often present the resumes they obtained from the company's website directly to the hiring manager? This is how to get your resume seen when others resume's are still floating around on the web. 

If you aren't getting the 'I've Tried That' newsletter to let you in on the latest scams sneaking into your email inbox, I recommend you sign up.  It is one of those sites that has a high priority when you are job searching so you know when someone is trying to scam you!
I've Tried That tests these posters (usually scammers) to see if they are legit, then posts their findings so YOU don't have to lose money! I know, I know, I have often wondered too if I could be missing out on a great opportunity because I was afraid of getting scammed.. I've Tried That does all of the work for you so you can't lose a dime..

Here you go!
                                                                      Weekly Scam Roundup
                                 From I've Tried That.

It is totally up to you which resume format you would like to use but you will want to choose the one that most effectively represents your previous experiences. My suggestion would be to have two just in case the hiring manager prefers chronological or the functional.


Read More About Does Your Resume Need Love?

Job Search Buddy that is!


Not too many people really work well alone. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens from day to day in your job search efforts. You are sitting at home, alone, making phone calls, writing cover letters and doing research. The atmosphere of a team environment has drastically changed to more like a 'sick day' and most people can easily fall into that trap without a Job Search Buddy.

Make sure that this person is positive and challenges you. So often we can become distracted or dismayed in our job search. It can be anything from sleeping in, to watching our favorite tv show or hanging out on social networking sites. Only you can be accountable for your job search efforts at the end of the day.

For those out of work and looking for a job, staying motivated can be feel impossible at times. With a good Job Search Buddy you can rest assured that you will be held accountable for your day as well as having someone to bounce ideas off and who can celebrate with you over your daily accomplishments. 


More about Job Search Buddies Here...
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How do you know if your resume is outdated?

Does your previous experience exceed the last 7-10 years? If so, and if your resume is a Chronological Resume, you may want to change that.

Resumes that have experiences dating back beyond the 7-10 year timeline often distract a recruiter or hiring manager and do not effectively Prove Your Worth in those crucial few seconds that the reader has to decide if you are worthy of the position.

Any experiences listed beyond the 7-10 year mark are most often excluded.

First decide if your previous experience is relevant to the position that you are applying to.
Decide if you need a chronological or functional resume. A functional resume will tell your future employer if you have the skills required for the position without giving specific dates.

Don't worry! As much as a recruiter or hiring manager would like to see a chronological resume from you, they will find more value in a functional resume if your qualifications are specific to the position being offered.

See the differences between Functional and Chronological Resumes here.


If you are still stuck or have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!
Cass Fisher