Wednesday, June 30, 2010

“Job interviews: what to say and not to say” plus 1 more

“Job interviews: what to say and not to say” plus 1 more

Job interviews: what to say and not to say

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 07:35 AM PDT

Kyle Brooks launched her job search last August, but the Fort Lauderdale area resident wasn't getting much practice at interviewing. Then in the past two weeks, she suddenly had five interviews.

"You have to go through the no's to get to the yes. Every 'no' gets me closer to the 'yes,'" says Brooks, who says she usually gets the jitters during an interview. But recently, the interviewer put her at ease with a joke, she relaxed and the interview went well. She starts her new administrative assistant job this week.

More job candidates are snagging interviews than in previous months, says Bob Nealon, an instructor at Workforce One. At least, that's what he has noticed in his class of job seekers.

The interview often can be the step in the process where job seekers might fail, Nealon says. That's mostly because they don't practice. To help unemployed workers prepare for interviews, Workforce One and other one-stop career centers use role-playing.


Nealon's class recently heard what not to do in an interview from someone who has the perspective of the job interviewer and seeker.

Adam Rosenberg, a former human resources director in South Florida, is used to being on the interviewing side of the desk. Laid off about a month ago, Rosenberg is now experiencing the job candidate side, and recently shared his knowledge with a Workforce One class in Broward County.

Rosenberg recently shared his recommendations for interviews with the Workforce One class:

Wear a suit. If the employer specifically tells you not to wear a suit, then wear business casual: a long-sleeved shirt for a man; a skirt that's not too short for a woman. But always, "err on the side of being dressed professionally," Rosenberg says.

Arrive 10 minutes ahead. You don't want to arrive too early, but neither do you want to risk being late. Park your car in the vistor's spot -- some companies will check.

Bring a cheat sheet. You will need former employer addresses, contact phone numbers and references to fill out the application. Also bring extra copies of your resume, in case others join the interview.

Give a brief explanation about your status. Rosenberg, like many Floridians in the recession, was laid off due to economic reasons. "Don't blame people. Don't blame Congress. There is no blame. It's just a matter of money. Move forward."

Watch your body language. Wait for the interviewer to indicate a seat for you to sit down for the interview. Sit back comfortably in the chair, instead of leaning forward. "If you lean too far, you're breaking the personal space rule," Rosenberg says.

Leave your cell phone in the car. If you bring your cell phone into an interview, the temptation is to check e-mail. And there's always the danger the cell phone will make a noise, even if on "vibrate" for the interview, distracting you from your focus.

Do not be negative about your former employer, colleagues or situation. Negative talk just reflects badly on you. "The person interviewing you is not your therapist," Rosenberg says.

Listen carefully to the interviewer. "Don't assume what the person is going to ask you. Wait for the person is finished before answering the question. It's not like 'Jeopardy,'" he says.

Don't say, "I really need this job." Focus on solutions you can bring to the company, not the fact that you need it.

Choose a shortcoming that shows improvement. When asked about your weaknesses or short-comings, "focus on something you can turn from a negative into a positive," Rosenberg says.

Prepare three questions to ask the interviewer. You might ask how the job fits into the company's strategy, for example. Another tactic is to note a news item on the company, which shows you're staying current, he says.

Sell yourself. Relate work you've done in the past with duties of the potential position. As a human resource director, Rosenberg is often asked if he has fired anyone. "Yes, I have," he will say, "and here are examples of when it did go well and didn't go well."

Send a thank-you note. For a small company, you might mail a hand-written note. For a larger employer, an e-mail is quicker and might be more effective. Note an item that was discussed during the interview to stir the interviewer's memory.

Don't be a pest. If the interviewer says he'll call on Monday and you don't hear anything, you can send an e-mail. But don't say anything negative, such as "I didn't hear from you on Monday."

Always keep it positive, Rosenberg says.

Marcia Heroux Pounds can be reached at mpounds@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6650.

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A.P. Hill Library's Job Search Center, Skype Hub in full swing

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 12:25 PM PDT

PETERSBURG - On June 9, A.P. Hill Library unveiled its new Job Search Center (JSC) and Skype Hub to an audience of 40 people. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the enhanced library space, view a Skype demonstration and learn the many features and benefits of using the location to search for employment.

"Based on patron feedback, the most sought after feature is the job announcement board, which is updated weekly," says Latryce Noel, marketing and programs coordinator," as well as the computer and Internet access." The JSC also features free resume faxing and copying, resume writing assistance and job search resources.

These new services are made possible by a generous grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and technical assistance from Best Buy in Colonial Heights. The Job Search Center at A.P. Hill is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Latryce Noel at 733-2387, ext. 29.

A.P. Hill Library is located at 1237 Halifax St.

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