Eeerrrk!!!

What? Personal items presented during an interview?

Why not? Isn’t that basically what hiring companies are doing rummaging through your public social media accounts, learning more about you and your online activities?

The next few years are certainly gray, unchartered waters for jobseekers. The issue of whether a person’s personal life and involvement online should have any place in the hiring realm is definitely a topic that will be battled over for years — maybe even decades. Some might unexpectedly find themselves entangled in lawsuits, as privacy experts grow increasingly concerned that disqualifying a candidate based on information gained online can introduce certain forms of discrimination into the hiring process.

Jobseekers have every right to be concerned about protecting their online identities from prying eyes, but where should the line be drawn? Employers shouldn’t be given uninhibited access to a jobseeker’s private life, should they?

Interestingly, a recent study released at Microsoft’s 4^th Annual Data Privacy Day identified that 70% of those surveyed in the US indicated they had disqualified a candidate based on online information. What was the incriminating online information that caused the disqualification? Of course this was not made public … and behind the curtain of hiring, only HR managers and recruiters seem privy to such information.

The deeper issue is whether employers should be allowed to open that flood gate by bringing social media activities into the hiring world in the first place. I’m reminded of a line from the movie Jurassic Park. When referring to scientists, Jeff Goldblum’s character says, “Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Maybe employers poking through a jobseeker’s online activities are so preoccupied with the fact that they could that they never stopped to think whether they should.

Ahh, but hiring companies won’t find my online activities. Think again. Technology giants have only just begun leveraging the social media phenomena; and not surprisingly, for financial gain.

Microsoft announced the integration of Social Connector software, which will be released mid-2010. The add-on software is designed to let someone like me readily see the online communications from those who send me email. Microsoft’s Group Product Manager, Dev Balasubramanian, was quoted as saying: “As you communicate you can see their social activities; you can see all the folks in your social network and it updates as you are reading your e-mail.” Certainly it appears to offer great benefits to the masses, but for jobseekers, it just might leave an unpleasant sour aftertaste.

No doubt, employers will soon be given a larger spy glass — and unfortunate for jobseekers, Microsoft isn’t the only company abuzz with developing new applications that will take public social media data and translate it into something that can be researched and used, for good and evil.

Regardless, employers need to take a long look at their current hiring practices to determine whether a drunken party photo showing Joe Jobseeker has anything to do with the value Joe brings to the table professionally, and how well he performs while on the job.

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Teena Rose is a professional speaker, career coach, book author, former columnist, and top-endorsed resume writer and job strategist. She leverages job-search collateral (i.e. resume, cover letter, executive bios), applying new social networking, personal branding, online portfolios, and new technologies/tools to further benefit the careers of her clientele. She’s your first choice during a job or career change. Contact Teena Rose at (937) 325-2149 or at her website; http://www.resumebycprw.com.

What’s so ’secret’ about these precepts that surely every person knows? The secret is that number of persons live by them when it comes to landing a career interview. Many task hunters comply with these instead:

Safeguard your emotions.
Guard your privacy.
Secure your rights.

In other words, their focus is all about them, as opposed to on what could occur if they were warm, friendly, and honest about who they are and what they can bring to the career.

Abide by the initial three and seem forward to something excellent.

Secret #1: Be Ready

Get time prior to the interview to put yourself and your resume in order. Plan to dress professionally. Have copies of the resume out there in situation you meet additional than 1 interviewer. Jot down a handful of notes regarding your successes, your solutions to difficulties, even your failures—as well as what you learned from them and how you applied that knowledge to other challenges.

Secret #2: Be Yourself

As long as you tell the truth in words and behavior you’ll in no way have to cover your backside. Individuals will know who you might be and what they could anticipate from you. This tactic will also inspire other people being themselves with you. Authentic people working with authentic individuals can accomplish awesome items in a short amount of time. So express oneself in lieu of trying to impress others with words and actions that don’t fit your personality. Hiring managers are on the lookout for open-faced, friendly individuals who are quick to shake hands, ask pertinent work-related questions, and show enthusiasm for the tasks associated with the career. They’ll also desire to know what new and worthwhile abilities you’ll be able to bring to the organization, so consider about that too.

Secret #3: Be Attentive

It’s quick being distracted when you’re nervous or anxious about what’s coming at you. The best antidote is attentive listening. Seem the interviewer inside eye. Have in what he or she is saying and how it relates to you. When it’s time to respond, sit forward and speak up. Maintain your hands in your lap so you won’t be tempted to fiddle with your tie or scarf or the buttons on your jacket. The finest gift any individual can give one more person is time and attention.

As you prepare for your following task interview, maintain these secrets in mind. Then set them into practice and see where they lead—straight for the job you most desire.

1. Research the company you want to work for, including details regarding location, policies, work hours, pay scale, job responsibilities, and management personnel.

2.  List your strengths and skills. Be specific. Example: I’m organized, able to take the lead in tough situations, sensitive to the needs of others, willing to follow orders, and produce the desired result. Have two copies available–one for you and one for the interviewer.

3. Find out something special–if possible–about the hiring manager. Does he like fishing? Does she volunteer at a youth group? Such details will help you connect on a personal level. This will show the other person you are interested in him or her, not just the potential job.

4. Take time to get a hair cut, if necessary, and a manicure a couple of days ahead of time. Remember you only get one chance to make a great first impression.

5. Lay out your clothing and shoes before you go to bed the night before the interview. Get to sleep early so you’ll be well rested and relaxed.

6. Slip a bottle of water into your briefcase or purse to keep yourself hydrated. This will help you remain alert and focused.

Remember-people who care–prepare!  Take time today to list your priorities.  Plan for your future by carving out a nice chunk of time to get ready for the interview that could very well lead you to a new job–and a new you.

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It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the holiday buzz––shopping, decorating, gift-wrapping, over-eating, and entertaining. To avoid going over the edge, take time for some rest and reflection. Think through your goals for the new year. Then make a list, and check it twice!

If finding new employment is on that list, remember that every great job starts with a great interview! So plan now to take stock of yourself, your presentation, your ability to express yourself, your standards for the company you work for. Use the week between Christmas and New Year’s to take strategic steps to insure a bright future.

Interviews Don’t Just Happen!

They begin and end with you––even though a man or woman is sitting across from you in an office. Keep in mind that today’s hiring manager is more interested in who you are as a person than who you are as a professional. Something called ‘behavior-based’ interviewing is becoming the norm.

Employers are looking at a candidate’s past performance as a predictor of future behavior. They are not only interested in your background and experience, but also in the way you treat others and how you interact with a team or department employees, and how you’ve handled sticky situations that called for logic and leadership.

Truth or Consequences

Following are some of the hard-edged questions and directives you might receive in a behavior-based interview.

1. Give me an example of a specific time you took charge of a situation that was out of control.
2. What goal have you set in a workplace and how did you achieve it?
3. How have you performed above and beyond the requirement of the job you held?
4. Provide an example of how you bailed yourself and others out of what appeared to be a hopeless situation.
5. What specifically have you done to alleviate a problem with a difficult co-worker or superior?

Expect to provide details, dialogue, and a description of what occurred and how it was resolved.

A New Year Without Fear

Give worry a good swift kick. Stand in front of a mirror and speak positive words to yourself. “You are a good manager.” “You are the one people turn to in a tough situation.” “Care more about people than problems.” “Believe in yourself.” “You are admired.”

Next, jot down a few personal stories that illustrate situations and times when you successfully resolved conflict, stood up for the truth despite criticism, or used your creativity to negotiate a challenging relationship. Then go over the job description to get a feel for the requirements, standards, and expectations of the person who is hired. Picture yourself on the job, handling day-to-day operations, fielding calls, making decisions, and dealing with co-workers.

Finally, check your emotional pulse. If you’re smiling and feeling comfortable and well suited to such a job, then go for it. If you feel stressful, confused, or overwhelmed, consider setting this opportunity aside and going for another one that is a better match for your skills and strengths.

Equipped with practical insight and emotional clarity such as this, you can walk into any interview and establish a good rapport with the hiring manager.

Afterwards, all that’s left is the question only you can ask and answer for yourself. “Is this the job for me?”

Happy Holiday and happy job-hunting!

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Job Interview Tip #1: Sprinkle some talcum powder in your pocket ahead of time and massage a little onto your palms before shaking hands with those you meet.

Job Interview Tip #2: Break the Barrier with a Sincere Smile

Franklin, a professional sales and marketing consultant shared with a friend recently that in this job-search climate he’s always on the lookout for such useful tips. Besides a warm, dry hand he claims a sincere and optimistic attitude, a smile, and looking the person in the eye, go a long way to break down initial barriers. Being friendly and forthright helps one relax and puts the hiring managers on your side.

You may even want to go a step further. Find out at least one unique detail about the person who will be interviewing you. For example, one job seeker learned that a woman hiring manager was crazy about cats. He mentioned his own cat in the discussion about the job. Her eyes lit up. They had something in common besides the opening in the company. Another job seeker discovered the man who contacted him for an interview was an opera buff. During a question and answer session, the job seeker mentioned how he liked to relax on a Friday night after work by attending the opera and even suggested the company purchase a block of tickets and sell to employees at a discount. This idea sparked an interesting discussion of how to provide cultural experiences for employees.

Job Interview Tip #3: You Can Be Personal AND Professional

Looking to add some sort of personal touch to each interview is bound to engage at least one or two hiring managers and could make the difference between being overlooked and being hired. Here’s an example of how to move the conversation in this direction. Take the lead. “I noticed in your company brochure that you take good care of your employees and as a result they have a high level of loyalty to your organization. In my last job I was in charge of the annual sales meeting one summer at a resort with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. I suggested we hold our session poolside. We then invited attendees to stay afterward for a swim and drinks on the company. We even provided bathing suits in assorted sizes for those who didn’t bring theirs. Employees talked about this event for months afterward.”

A conversation-starter such as this will provide so much more information and insight about you, your creativity, personality, and client relations than stock answers to typical interview questions. So make a plan now to be friendly, be confident, be creative, and spark the discussion with personal details that draw in the hiring manager.

Following are some ways to prepare now.

1.Research the company you want to work for, including details regarding location, policies, work hours, pay scale, job responsibilities, and management personnel.

2.List your strengths and skills. Be specific. Example: I’m organized, able to take the lead in tough situations, sensitive to the needs of others, willing to follow orders, and produce the demanded results. Have two copies available-one for you and one for the interviewer.

3.Find out something special if possible about the hiring manager. Does he like to golf? Does she volunteer at a youth group? Such details will help you connect on a personal level. This will show the other person you are interested in him or her, not just the potential job.

4.Take time to get a hair cut, if necessary, and a manicure a couple of days beforehand of time. Remember you only get one chance to make a great first impression.

5.Lay out your clothing and shoes before you go to bed the night before the interview. Get to sleep early so you’ll be well rested and relaxed.

6.Slip a bottle of water into your briefcase or purse to keep yourself hydrated. This will help you rest alert and focused.

Remember people who care prepare! Take time now to list your priorities for this New Year. Have fun, enjoy your family and friends, and plan for your future, by carving out a nice chunk of time to get ready for the interview that could very well lead you to a new job and a new you.

Happy holidays and a prosperous New Year!

Most people have heard and seen this slogan on television, in magazine articles, in fashion stores. It’s become such a common refrain it has nearly lost its meaning. But for you, a wise job-hunter, it’s worth taking seriously!

Today’s culture is inundated with a ‘look’ that ranges from casual to grunge. Rarely do you see a truly smart dresser except in the pages of fashion magazines. Women often show up at the theater, office, or fine restaurant in jeans and sliders.

Some men slip into work environments looking as though they just rolled off the couch after a late-night movie. Shirts are rumpled. Pants bag or fall off hips. Hair needs a good combing. Not everyone, of course, but enough to make you wonder.

Imagine the stir you could create if you walked into a hiring manager’s office dressed appropriately for the job you wish to get.

THE “WOW” FACTOR

You don’t want your appearance to overpower your personality, but it should reflect the person you are and the work you hope to do. Women are always attractive in pants, a sweater or blouse, and a fitted jacket. Basic flats or pumps with closed toe and heel are ideal. This is not the place for stilettos, mini shirts, bare legs or an armful of dangling bracelets. Use make-up that flatters your coloring and complexion. A friend can give you perspective. Wear your hair in a way that complements your outfit and shows off your face.

Men frequently show up for the job interview of their dreams in need of a fresh shave and haircut, an out-of-date tie, a tired-looking shirt and shoes that could stand a good brushing. Spend a little time thinking about style and color. Understated is best. Choose soft colors, pressed pants, polished shoes, a sport coat or sweater and you can’t go wrong.

The hiring manager will likely shake your hand so spend a few dollars on a professional manicure. Small details matter more than you might think.

People make up their minds about a person within five seconds of meeting him or her. Avoid squandering your chance to be hired before you even say a word. Present yourself in a way that will cause a silent WOW! You’ll be able to tell if you pulled it off by the look in the hiring manager’s eyes.

WORTH EVERY PENNY

Appearance isn’t everything. But it is something. Something important enough to consider and invest in.

Sparkling eyes, a kind smile, a firm handshake, and an attractive ‘look’ will go a long way to land you the result you want-an offer for the job you’ve worked so hard to secure.

When you look refreshed, well groomed, and attractive you’ll feel refreshed, well groomed, and attractive. The hiring manager will feel at ease with you and perhaps realize before you even stand up to say good-bye that you are the one he or she wants to hire to fill the job opening.

Keep in mind that few job seekers take time to express their gratitude in writing. A simple ‘thank you,’ ‘I appreciated our meeting today,’ or ‘I’m grateful we had a chance to get together,’ can draw the line between getting hired and being ignored. On which side do you want to land?

Choose right now to write a thank you note in your own handwriting-directly to the hiring manager. Everyone likes to be acknowledged and appreciated. Your follow-up letter will also reveal the kind of person an employer would like to hire–someone who is thoughtful, other-centered, and caring.

You have only one chance to make a great first impression-and a lasting one!

A well-written post-interview cover letter is your passport to excellent job offers.

So make it your best.

A personal note that acknowledges your gratitude is the best way to follow up on every interview. It is a known fact that mail which is addressed to a specific person in the sender’s handwriting will be opened first.

Following is an example of a clear and precise post-interview cover letter that hits the mark:

Dear Hiring Manager:

I really enjoyed meeting you today. Thank you so much for making time for me. I appreciated the tour of your facility, meeting some of your colleagues, and having a chance to see the department where the new candidate will work. It was very kind of you to invite me to explain why I feel I am the best-qualified person to fill the job opening. Your humor and good eye contact put me at ease. I know I’d like working for your company very much. I felt right at home. Please call if you’d like me to return for a second visit. Give me a date and time that work for you and I’ll be there. Again, thank you for meeting with me this afternoon.

Sincerely yours,

Fiona (or Foster) Follow-Up

Take a moment after every job interview to write a post-interview cover letter. Then hang on till the hiring manager follows up with you-inviting you in for a second interview which will likely lead to the job you want.