After a job interview, the employer wants to know that you’re truly interested before they offer you the next step. A thank you note to them not only highlights your continued interest, it’s also shows initiative and a friendly personality.  (more…)

These days, your phone is your social lifeline to friends and family, so habit makes it easy to get on the phone and walk through the noisy TV room while nibbling on a sandwich or sprawl out on the couch and flip on the speakerphone. You probably have more commonsense than to fall into these habits when on the phone with a potential employer, but it’s not unheard of. (more…)

We know you’ve heard it before: an interview is a two-way conversation. Your aim is to find out as much about the company as they’re trying to find out about you. The problem is, once you get to the “Do you have any questions for me?” question, your mind goes blank. Maybe you’re shy or maybe you’re just nervous. Maybe you’ve spent so much time preparing to answer all the other questions, that once you get to this point, you freeze. But this is no time to look like a deer in headlights: This is the most important interview question! (more…)

So you’ve been acing your interviews, nailing the technical questions, and making great connections with the hiring managers, but something’s missing.  You just can’t seem to close the deal, and you can’t quite put your finger on why.

However, in reality, even if you interviewed well, it’s possible that when you leave the office, all the hiring manager can remember about you is what Disney character was on your tie, or he’s left wondering what your tattoo design stood for or if that perfume would be a nice gift for his wife.

When it comes down to it, no matter how much of a point the hiring manager makes about non-discrimination, first impressions can hold a lot of weight.  Your decisions about what to wear are important.  Don’t make the mistake of neglecting the weight of that decision like so many other talented people out there.

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Have you ever responded to an interview question with, “Ah, that’s a good question…” while your mind goes entirely blank? You may be a perfect fit for a position, but there always seems to be one interview question that you get hung up on. This may frazzle you to the point where you’re so distracted that you blow the rest of the interview. The following are just a few of potential questions that hiring managers may use to stump you, plus our advice to make you un-stump-able! (more…)

You’ve lost count of how many places you have applied. You have not received any call-backs and you have rejection letters piling up. This would affect anyone’s attitude. It is normal to feel a little defeated and unsuccessful, but harboring feelings of resentment and rejection is seriously hurting your chances of success. (more…)

So you know how a typical interview goes and you think you’re ready, but what would you do if you were asked a question that you had no idea how to answer.  Or maybe you have the perfect answer, but you open your mouth and nothing comes out?  What if your interviewer is a fan of non-conventional interview techniques and you have no clue how to react?  Maybe you simply hate leaving an interview with no idea as to how well or badly it went. (more…)

1. Smile, be enthusiastic and be early
   The outcome of many interviews is decided during the first 10 seconds of the introduction. Greet the employer with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. Make sure you project an enthusiastic, professional image right from the start. (more…)