Job Interview Blog Archive of Mike Petras Custom Search Here are a few past gems from my Job Interview Blog to inspire and uplift you during your job search...or your never ending unemployment tsunami. Hopefully one of these ideas or strategies will lead you to the breakthrough you've been patiently waiting for. Often times, one good idea can spark a turnaround. Click on a topic to jump to that entry:
n Friday, a new law goes into affect in Indiana allowing non-violent offenders to shield their criminal history from public view. This has long been a problem for job seekers who may have been convicted of drunk driving, theft, or drug use years ago, but are still being rejected on job applications. What's really interesting about this new Indiana law is once a person successfully gets their criminal past blocked from public view, they can legally lie on employment applications about certain crimes. Niki Kelly, a reporter for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, wrote an article about the new law in their Sunday newspaper. To find out about similar laws in other states, go here. Although these kinds of laws are controversial and hotly debated, they do provide job seekers with a second chance in certain cases. True Story: When companies take things to extremes, laws like this are necessary. A couple of years ago, a female production supervisor with 15 years of service, was fired because of her criminal past. When she was 18 years old, she was convicted of shoplifting a pair of jeans from a department store. Although she paid her debt to society and never broke the law again, this conviction stayed on her public record. Despite glowing reviews from her company, a promotion, and many years of devoted service, she was fired when the company put into effect a strict "no criminal past" policy. Not only did this effect new hires, but everyone working there. Despite being a single mom with kids to support, she was ushered out the door and treated like an outcast. Is common sense dead these days? Jump back to short list of topics
What do you do if you can't find a job after months of trying? Lots of talented folks opt to start their own business even while they are collecting unemployment benefits. But is that legal? Six states (Oregon, Washington, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey and New York) offer the unemployed a program called Self-Employment Assistance (SEA). Under the SEA program you can collect your unemployment benefits while launching a new business. This is a wonderful idea and I don't understand why more states haven't jumped on the band wagon. After all, the economy needs more jobs, right? What difference does it make if you work for someone else, or create your own job if no one will hire you? For more insight into this trend and a recent success story in NJ, read Barbara Haislip's article in the WSJ: Laid Off and Launching. Jump back to short list of topics
If you love the outdoors, or simply can’t stand being cooped up in an office during daylight hours, you might want to consider pursuing a degree that leads to an outdoor career. Check out this blog article on Best Universities.com about 10 Outdoor Careers that Can Earn You a Good Living. Jump back to short list of topics
Over the weekend a long term job seeker lashed out at me for suggesting he cold call several local companies to see if he could uncover any hidden job openings. "That doesn't work! I don't want to be laughed at and hung up on." I was taken back by his response and tried to explain to him that 80% of job openings aren't advertised. I also shared with him that 2 out of 3 job openings today are with small companies...defined as fewer than 500 employees and under $150 million in sales. "BULL...I'm sick and tired of hearing that! Even if I called Starbucks they would tell me to apply online." OK...relax...so just how do you find these hidden jobs? Sure, networking is a good way, and checking out company websites for job postings also will uncover a few of these jobs. But then what? This job seeker wasn't impressed and basically told me I was full of it and that's not the way "professionals" find a job these days. I have to admit I was a little bruised by our exchange. After all I was just trying to help. After mulling over our conversation for most of the day, I decided to do an experiment. Earlier that day I had driven by an attractive building of a small company that designs and builds shelving and storage racks for businesses. Surely they must have been impacted by this tough economy, especially with the construction industry still being one of the worst sectors of our economy. Just so happens, I know someone who works there. So, I called him to get the inside scoop on business in general and their employment situation. Here is how our conversation went:
I'm not making this up, folks. I just made one random call after a drive-by of a company on my way to visit my mother-in-law. Believe me, I know it's tough out there to find a job and it isn't easy. If you are desperately seeking a job, I feel your pain and my heart goes out to you. I well remember being unemployed myself for almost a year. But too many people hide behind their computer and just point and click on job ads. This is one of the worst ways to find a job. If you're not connecting with people on a regular basis and taking a few risks along the way, your job search will continue to be a cold, painful process. For other "risky" job search ideas, check out a few of my recent newsletters at: Job Brick Wall Back Issues. Jump back to short list of topics
Job seekers often ask me how to smooth over glitches and hiccups in their job history that they suspect are holding them back from winning more interviews. Over the years I've discovered 6 common problems that if addressed properly on your resume could open the door to more job interviews and offers. They include:
Go here to read the full article. Jump back to short list of topics
According to a December survey from the Corporate Executive Board Company, 24% of companies plan to scale back their use of job boards. However, nearly 80% of companies surveyed said they plan to increase their use of other websites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Read all about this trend in an article written by Joe Light in today's Wall Street Journal, Recruiters Change Employee Hunting Tactics. After you're done reading this article, my newsletter Job Brick Wall, Issue #10 - Social Networking for Job Seekers, has several tips and links to help you get in the game. This is a real game-changing trend that you simply can't ignore. In my upcoming book scheduled for publication in May 2011, I include a lengthy chapter about social networking sites and how to leverage yourself to take full advantage. Sign up for my free monthly newsletter, Job Brick Wall, and I'll email you when my book is available. Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Employers prefer to hire people who have been referred to them by one of their employees. TRUE FACTS:
YOUR BEST STRATEGY:
Jump back to short list of topics
Over the weekend I read a disturbing story about a man in Las Vegas who just exhausted his unemployment benefits and is facing homelessness in 3 weeks. His biggest fear is not being able to bathe regularly and how this might affect him during job interviews. And this is happening right here in America! I wonder if this unfortunate soul knows there is an emergency number like 911 for people in desperate financial straits. If you dial 211, you will be connected to a volunteer from United Way. They will assess your situation and share with you short term and long term resources that may be available to you in your own community. Note: 211 won't work with some phone carriers. In this case, simply call your local United Way office and explain your situation. Another fantastic organization is The Salvation Army. Volunteers are very knowledgeable about grants, charities, government programs, and other resources to help you when there is no where else to turn. God hears our prayers, but it is often through another person that we receive our answer. Jump back to short list of topics
Despite the headwinds of this stubborn recession, America is still the land of opportunity with a bright future. No other country has people literally beating down their doors to get in. I know the news media has been pretty negative lately about the employment landscape...and you might be at the end of your rope. But, you need to ignore these sweeping mega-trends and stay focused on your individual job search. Fact: There are always jobs out there. People die, quit, retire, get fired, relocate, and get promoted. Not all companies are struggling in this economy. It's true...unemployment is 9.5%...but, that means 90.5% have jobs. Your job is out there patiently waiting for you. You just have to find it by putting yourself at the right place at the right time. Stay in the game. Do something daily to keep yourself exposed to job opportunities. I'm optimistic. The best days for America and for you are still ahead. Jump back to short list of topics
Pearl of Wisdom: Everyone has a gift to give you. It may be one tiny piece of information that leads you to someone who knows about a job opening. Often times opportunities are laid right at our feet, but our limited awareness of things prevent us from truly listening and taking action. Don't make that mistake. Getting a job offer is nothing more than putting yourself in the right place at the right time, with your best game face on. That involves connecting with as many as people as possible on a regular basis.~Mike Petras Jump back to short list of topics Believe it or not, 60% of the decision to make you a job offer will be based on whether or not the interviewer likes you. Fact: Managers hire people they like. Studies have also concluded that the decision to hire you, or not, is made in the first 5-10 minutes of the interview. How can that be possible? In that short period of time, you just hung up your coat and barely took your first sip of coffee. Sheesh...give me a chance! So, your answer to this one question--Tell me about yourself--is pivotal in winning their approval, and ultimately receiving an offer. Would you also believe that your answer to this famous interview question must be no longer 30-60 seconds? Jump back to short list of topics The number ONE complaint I hear from job seekers is: no feedback from a company after a job interview. Nothing. Just dead silence... How rude and inconsiderate! I came up with a good way to get hiring authorities to call you back without shooting yourself in the foot. I call it my 3 Strikes and You're Out procedure. It works. Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Posting your resume to a major job board is one of the best ways to get noticed by employers. FALSE
Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Calling employers on the phone, whether or not they have an opening, is a waste of time and annoying to employers. FALSE
Tip: Always call the department manager or the person who would be your boss. Avoid calling Human Resources. Click for more insights: Is Job Hunting Over the Phone Really Effective? Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: In today’s economy, it’s a buyer’s market and employers have plenty of good candidates to choose from. FALSE
Click for more insights: Is There a Glut of Job Seekers? Jump back to short list of topics True or False: Most employers use your resume to screen you out. TRUE
Your Strategy:
Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Most employers prefer to either promote someone from within, hire a part-time employee, or hire a temp worker. TRUE
Your strategy: See if you can get hired as a temp, contract worker, consultant, or part time employee. Most large corporations hire Temps through a Temp Agency, Staffing Firm, or Contract House. Many Temps are offered a permanent position in less than 6 months. Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Hiring Managers like it when job seekers bring samples of their work to the job interview. TRUE
Your strategy: If you’re a Programmer, bring in a program outline of a successful project you completed. If you’re an engineer, share some sketches, graphs, or visuals of a recent project that magnifies your skills and accomplishments. If your job doesn’t lend itself well to visuals, bring in a copy of a written performance evaluation, or a written testimonial from one of your customers or bosses. Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: You send your resume to a company in response to their want ad. If you follow up with a phone call to the hiring manager you risk upsetting them and not being considered for the job. FALSE
True Story: When I was a hiring authority, I was prepared to make an offer to someone. A better qualified candidate called me at the last minute. I found their resume, interviewed them, and hired them. It never hurts to follow up on your resume, but don't become a stalker candidate and repeatedly call. Call once and let the chips fall where they may. Jump back to short list of topics Set a drop-dead-date in your quest to find a local job. Make this commitment to yourself and your loved ones: Over the next 60 days, I'm going to pull out all the stops and do everything in my power to find a local job. On the 60th day, if nothing promising is happening, I'm going to expand my search to within a 200 mile radius of our home. If that doesn't yield any results after 30 days of looking, expand the radius of your search to 500 miles. If still no results after another 30 days, look for a job from sea to shining sea. Pearl of Wisdom: In each and every job interview, you have the power to say yes or no to a job offer. But if you don't get an offer, you have no options. Trust your instincts and feelings. What have you got to lose by interviewing with a company 500 miles from your home? What is your plan if you simply can't find a local job after months of looking? Maybe your dream job is patiently waiting for you somewhere over the rainbow. Click for more insights: Can't Find a Local Job Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Employers are far more interested in your skills, accomplishments, and credentials than they are your attitude. FALSE
Your strategies:
Jump back to short list of topics
One of the best pieces of interview advice I ever learned was...ask for the job at the end of your on site interview. Do this even if you are not entirely sure you want to work there. Logic? You always have the option to turn down a job offer; but, if you don't get an offer, you don't have any options. It also makes you stand out over other candidates because most people are either too chicken to ask, or think it takes away their negotiating strength if they appear too anxious. Nonsense! Hiring managers like it when candidates want to work for them and aren't afraid to ask for the job. Jump back to short list of topics Pearl of Wisdom: When we are falling short of our expectations and feeling down about ourselves, watching the news actually gives us a sugar high. We feel better about ourselves when someone else is worse off than we are, or suffering more. If the economy is screwed up, or unemployment is getting worse, we then conclude that it is not our fault because, "no one is hiring." Pretty soon we get lulled to sleep with this kind of thinking...and take less action because...what's the use in trying?! This is a trap. You want to stay away from extremes in your thinking. Put yourself in a positive environment and you will attract positive energy and feelings. The momentum will start to build in your favor.~Mike Petras Jump back to short list of topics True or False: Mass emailing your resume to 1,000's of employers and recruiters is an effective way to find a job quickly. FALSE
YOUR BEST STRATEGY:
Jump back to short list of topics
True or False: Physically walking into every Temp Agency/Staffing Firm in town, unannounced, with your resume in hand is a good way to find a job. TRUE FACTS:
YOUR BEST STRATEGY:
Jump back to short list of topics
I came across a good website, www.unemployedworkers.org, that contains helpful information and resources for the unemployed. They collect stories from the unemployed, facts about the economy and present them to opinion makers inside and outside of Washington. UnemployedWorkers.org is a project of the National Employment Law Project (NELP). NELP works to restore the promise of economic opportunity in the 21st century economy and has led advocacy to modernize and bolster the safety net for jobless workers for the last 10 years. Jump back to short list of topics Back from Job Interview Blog Archive to Job Interview Blog
|
Search Jobs from Recruiters
Can't pass this short quiz? Cancel your job interview.
Over 40 and Jobless?
New Railroad Golden Age
- Hiring like crazy
- They love military veterans
- Can't send jobs overseas
- $10B reinvested in 2010
- Learn how to get hired
