How to Prepare for an Interview

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You just got the call: They want to bring you in for an interview! After celebrating for a moment it hits you, that nervous feeling that many people get when they’re getting ready for an interview. What will I need to bring? What should I wear? How early is too early to get there? Should I eat something beforehand? All these questions and more flood your mind, and it can get to be a little overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your interview like a pro!

Get Some Rest

No one is at their best when they are tired, and that goes double when you have an interview. It can be hard to answer questions and explain your experience when you’re struggling to stay awake. Make sure you get to bed at a reasonable time, and try to have your interview scheduled for a time that’s late enough in the day for you to be awake, alert, and ready to go; and don’t spend your night before your interview out partying (save that for after you get the job!).

Dress the Part

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” as the saying goes; but that may not always be the best course of action for an interview. You definitely want to be dressed well for your interview, but you also want to make sure that what you’re wearing meshes well and makes sense for the position you’re applying for. You wouldn’t want to wear jeans and a t-shirt to an interview for a clerical or office administrative position; just like you probably wouldn’t wear a suit to an interview for general labor work. Company culture is also a factor in determining what to wear. Some companies have a more relaxed dress code, and that can be reflected in what you wear to your interview. Do your homework on the company and come dressed appropriately. If you’re still not sure what to wear, business casual is often the safest bet (i.e. dress pants with belt, tucked in dress shirt, dress shoes, etc.)

Fuel Up

Just like its hard to function when you’re tired, its hard to function when you’re hungry. Before you head into your interview make sure you eat something so that you give the interview your full attention and you’re not distracted thinking about how you should’ve stopped at that McDonald’s you saw on your way in. Speaking of, you want to make sure when you do eat something, its not messy or something heavy that will leave you feeling lethargic. You don’t want to ruin your interview outfit right before you head in to speak to a recruiter, and you definitely don’t want to be left feeling worse than before you ate. Instead, try to eat something light about an hour before your interview time to make sure you’re feeling energized and focused.

Prepare For The Worst

Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and its important that you prepare for anything that might come up between waking up in the morning and sitting down for your interview. Keep extra copies of your resume on hand, lay out your interview clothes the night before, check traffic reports so you know if you need to leave early, etc. You want to make sure that in the event that something goes wrong, you’re prepared to adapt and still make it on time for your interview. Make sure you know the contact information of the recruiter you will be meeting with in the event the worst case scenario happens and you need to cancel or reschedule your interview. If this happens, try to call in well in advance of your interview time; and if it is something that comes up last minute, make sure you briefly explain your reasoning and communicate you apologize for the inconvenience and would still very much like to meet with them.

Arrive On Time

Punctuality is important when you’re attending an interview. The recruiter has taken time out of their day to meet with you, and you want to repay that by being on time. The best bet is to arrive early, but not TOO early. You don’t want to be sitting in the lobby waiting for 20-30 minutes; and in some cases, there won’t be a lobby to wait in. The best course of action is to arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time to be checked in. In the event you are running late, make sure you either contact the recruiter directly or their office to let them know you will be running late. In some cases, you may need to reschedule the interview; be sure to ask what the best date/time would be for another interview, and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Come Prepared

Making it on time and dressed well for your interview doesn’t count for much if you haven’t brought everything you need along with you. The must haves include your resume and at least two forms of identification, but there are several other items you should consider bringing as well to maximize your interview time. These include a notepad and paper for taking notes, directions to your interview location as well as contact information for the person you are meeting with, a list of professional references if they aren’t already listed on your resume, and a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the position or company. It may also benefit you to bring a portfolio of relevant work you have done in the past if the position you applied for requires previous experience.

10 Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer

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 Heading into an interview can be nerve-racking, especially if you don’t feel prepared to answer any of the questions. Feeling nervous is normal, but it can definitely make the interview process more stressful. Never fear because Staff Source is here to not only fill you in on 10 common interview questions you can expect to be asked, but also how to answer them like a pro!

 

      1. Tell me about yourself.

Yes, its cliché, but it is a question that many interviewers use to assess not only your skill set and personality, but as a way to gauge your confidence as well. If you seem unsure or hesitant in your response, it sends out the signal that you may not be sure about the position. To help, spend time making a short list of your skills and expand on them. This will not only help in the event the interviewer probes a little deeper into your skill set, but will do wonders for your confidence in your abilities going into your interview.

 

  1. How did you hear about this job?

This is an easy one, but important nonetheless. Many companies ask this question to better conduct their marketing efforts or to see if you have any connections with the company; and presenting this information shows your interest in the position. Already having a connection within the company can help in the interviewing process as it gives the interviewer an internal employee that can provide a reference for you, and it gives your application more credibility. So while you may be hesitant to name drop, if you know someone in the company, let your interviewer know!

 

  1. Tell me about something on your resume.

Interviewers want to hear about your past experiences and positions. It helps them create a more complete profile of you as a candidate, and gives insight into what you will bring to their company. Everyone has something on their resume that they’re really proud of, and it’s these pieces of information you should be the most eager to share. Don’t just say something relevant to your most recent position; instead, think back to one of the older positions listed on your resume and talk about how that job helped you develop your skills and grow into the person you are today.

 

  1. What do you know about the company?

Nothing screams “I want this job!” more than showing you did your homework and looked into the company before going into your interview. You don’t need to go overboard, but knowing information like when the company was founded, what it is exactly that they do, and some history behind the company sets you apart and really showcases your interest in working for the company.

(Bonus Points if you can bring up how the company’s values mirror your own)

 

  1. What are you looking for in a position?

While many people approach an interview with the mindset of trying to sell themselves, it is also important to note that you are also a buyer in this transaction as well. You are looking for a position that’s the best fit for you, and as such, you should go into an interview with a clear idea of what you are looking to gain from the position; and you need to communicate this to the interviewer during your meeting. Don’t be afraid to express your concerns or requirements for any benefits that may be provided or about the company culture as a whole. It’s important that you have as much information as possible before deciding to work anywhere to ensure you’ve made the best decision for the company AND yourself.

 

  1. Why are you looking for a job?

This question may seem obvious, and subsequently unnecessary, but it is important for an interviewer to understand why you are with meeting them. Whether you left your last job willingly, were terminated or let go, or if it has been some time since you last worked, it is important to be upfront and honest with your interviewer. Briefly explain any situations or circumstances that have led to you looking for a new position; and only share information that you are comfortable sharing.

 

  1. How do you deal with stress?

Asking this question is how hiring managers identify any potential red flags you might have. You want to show that you can handle stress in a professional and positive manner that helps you continue working or won’t stop you from accomplishing your goals. Nobody’s perfect and we all get overwhelmed sometimes, and it’s important to communicate your limits. Be specific and explain what you actually do to deal with stress; such as taking a 15-minute break to take a walk away from your desk.

 

  1. What are your salary requirements?

Ah yes, the question many people hate answering for fear of asking too high or too low when it comes to pay. The reality is that you shouldn’t be afraid to answer as long as you have a realistic figure in mind for the position. While hourly pay-rates are often fixed, many companies have some wiggle room when it comes to salaried positions; and factors like experience are often considered. Do your homework and come prepared with a figure in mind, especially if the job ad doesn’t include a fixed pay-rate.

 

  1. Why do you want to work for this company?

Companies want to hire people who are passionate about their jobs, so you should have a well thought out answer about why you want the position. First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you, then share why you love the company. Point to specific examples such as charitable events the company has participated in the past for causes you are passionate about, or values the company encourages that you find admirable.

 

  1. Do you have any questions?

The best answer to this question is never “No”! Asking questions shows that you were actively listening during your interview, and it is another way to show recruiters that you are interested in this position for the right reasons. Try to have a list of questions prepared going into your interview, but also form some new ones as the interview goes along. Your interview is not just about the company getting to know you, but you getting to know the company.

6 Common Body Language Mistakes to Avoid in Your Next Interview

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Most of us prepare for job interviews the same way: Research the company, Google “how to answer common interview questions,” practice answering them out loud and then hope for the best. But rarely do we think about how we present ourselves to our potential future employers.

Body language is a large indicator of your confidence and comfort level in any given situation, and it can make or break your chances of landing the job. Here are six common body language mistakes to avoid in your next interview:

1. Not optimizing eye contact

One of the most important skills to master for a job interview is maintaining appropriate eye contact. In a 2018 CareerBuilder report, 67 percent of the 2,500 hiring managers surveyed said that failure to make eye contact was the top body language mistake job seekers make. (Another study, dating as far back as 1979, found that people who sustain extended eye contact are more likely to be perceived as intelligent and credible.)

“Express warmth by smiling often and avoid making shifty eye movements.”

That’s not to say you should be intensely staring down at your interviewer the entire time. Start the contact when you first meet them at the initial handshake. Express warmth by smiling often and avoid making shifty eye movements.

2. Poor posture

No slouching — always keep a strong, straight back. Lean forward slightly from time to time to show interest.

A strong posture will not only make you look more confidence, it can also help you feel more confident and perform better in your interview. Studies have shown that individuals who sit up straighter are more likely to view themselves as having strong leadership skills, whereas those with hunched postures have higher risks of feeling easily stressed.

Fake it ’til you make it, right?

3. Smiling too much (or not enough)

Succeeding isn’t as simple as just smiling. Smiling at the beginning and end of your interview — but not as much in between — will make you seem more approachable and likable. It’s all about balance. Do what feels natural and don’t overthink it. A simple trick is to try and match the energy or demeanor of your interviewer.

4. Fidgeting

Too much fidgeting will make you look anxious and nervous, which might cause your interviewer to question your assertiveness and interpersonal warmth. Avoid the temptation to fidget your fingers or, even worse, nearby objects!

By embracing stillness, you can display the persona of a confident and capable leader. If you have a hard time doing this, practice answering questions while keeping as still as possible in front of a mirror.

5. Not dressing for the job

From your clothes and accessories down to your shoes (and even the way you style your hair!), what you wear is an extension of your body language.

“When in doubt, go for shades of blue or black.”

The little details matter, so put plenty of thought into how you want to appear on the day of your interview. Are your shoes polished? Did you shower that morning? Are the colors you chose to wear too bold, or just bold enough, for the job you want? When in doubt, go for shades of blue or black, but steer clear of anything too bright or boring, like orange and brown.

6. A weak handshake

Your handshake is the first and last impression you will make in a job interview. According to a study from the Beckman Institute, a strong handshake can both diminish the impact of a negative impression and make a positive interaction even better.

Another tip: at the end of your interview, ensure a strong handshake accompanied by strong eye contact and a few kind words. It can be as simple as: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me [interviewer’s name]. I really look forward to hearing back from you.”

By Debby Carreau

Debby Carreau is an entrepreneur, author and founder of Inspired HR. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 HR Professionals and is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, among many others. She is a board member for FinDev Canada, Young Presidents Organization and Elevation Group.

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2019/01/31/6-common-body-language-mistakes-to-avoid-in-your-next-job-interview.html

 

Skills for Today’s Workforce

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Employability Skills for Today’s Workforce

Indiana’s Employability Skills Benchmarks describe a set of workplace skills recommended for success in today’s competitive workforce. Formerly referred to as “soft skills,” these are identified as essential, in-demand skills for all jobseekers regardless of experience or occupation. The term “soft skills” may give the appearance that these skills are of less value, but in fact they are crucial to finding employment and succeeding in the workforce. Indiana’s Employability Skills Benchmarks were vetted statewide by Hoosier employers and establish a common language across all Indiana workforce sectors. At Staff Source, we have found these to be extremely helpful when interviewing Job Applicants and providing career guidance.

MINDSETS

Intellectual Risk Taking – Develops a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being; understands that life-long learning are necessary for long-term career success; willingness to work and learn and continually apply new knowledge

Appreciation of Diversity – Embraces diverse views and varying perspectives; demonstrates empathy and respect for others

Self-confidence – Possesses belief in own ability to succeed

Sense of belonging – Demonstrates a sense of belonging in the job environment; demonstrates commitment to an organization

Career Path – Relates interest, aptitude and abilities to appropriate in-demand occupations in order to select career path

 

SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Pride in Work – Assumes responsibility, takes personal ownership of performance quality; understands short-comings and sets goals to improve

Self-Discipline – Demonstrates self-discipline and self-control

Independence – Works independently; creates relationships with mentors and supervisors that support success

Perseverance – Delays immediate gratification for long-term rewards; demonstrates endurance, follow-through and capacity to complete tasks

Stress Management – Overcomes barriers to learning in the workplace; demonstrates effective coping skills when faced with a problem; performs under pressure and achieve deadlines

Time Management – Prioritizes and balances school, home, work and community activities

Adaptability – Manages transitions and adapts to changing situations and responsibilities

Integrity – Trustworthy, honest and comprehends ethical courses of action

Professionalism – Uses appropriate judgment; demonstrates empathy and respect for others, demonstrates social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and environment; dresses appropriately, speaks politely

Work Ethic – Punctual with good attendance; does not abuse drugs; maintains appropriate hygiene and attire; demonstrates ethical decision-making and social responsibility

LEARNING STRATEGIES

Written Communication – Applies reading, writing, math and scientific principals and procedures Decision Making – Utilizes critical thinking skills to make informed decisions based on options, rewards, risks, limits and goals

Initiative – Applies self-motivation and self-direction to learning

Technology Savvy – Applies existing and emerging media and computer application skills

Attention to Detail – Demonstrates high-quality work by reviewing the detailed aspects of work process and end products or service

Organization – Plans and organizes long and short term academic, career and social/ emotional goals; balances all types of workplace and personal situations

Information Gathering – Observes and gathers evidence and considers multiple perspectives to make informed decisions; locates, organizes, analyzes and communicates information

Problem Solving – Applies critical thinking skills to complex problems; evaluates causes, problems, patterns or issues and explores workable and innovative solutions to improve situations

 

SOCIAL SKILLS

 

Oral Communication – Clearly, effectively and convincingly expresses ideas and messages to others Teamwork – Creates positive and responsive relationships with peers, colleagues and customers; uses effective collaboration and cooperation skills

Leadership – Guides, supports and encourages groups of diverse teams; sharing knowledge and skills when possible

Conflict Management – Negotiates to resolve or mediate conflict; avoids potential or perceived conflict Self-Advocacy – Asserts self when necessary

 

WORKPLACE SKILLS

Personal Safety – Demonstrates personal safety skills

Follows Directions – Follows employer established policies and business practices

Resource Allocation – Identifies, leverages and distributes money and materials effectively and efficiently

Customer Service – Responds quickly to the needs of customers and achieves customer satisfaction

Credits

Employability Skills were identified through focus groups with Hoosier employers and utilized a framework founded on:

  • American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets & Behaviors
  • National Network of Business and Industry Associations
  • US DOE Employability Skills Framework
  • ACT’s WIN Career Readiness Program
  • Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Competencies
  • Center for Employability Outcomes Workplace Essentials
  • Adult Education College and Career Readiness Standards

No College Try: Other paths to job success

Posted on by Erin

July 12, 2015 7:15 am  •  Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

The statistics don’t lie: College grads earn more – as much as 84 percent more over their lifetime – than those who haven’t completed a four-year degree.

But the stats do hide another truth, says Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast:“Succeeding in the workplace without [a college degree] is far from impossible.”

Based on metrics such as income, demand for the position over the next several years and stress factors, CareerCast compiled a list of the best jobs for people who don’t have college degrees.

Some of the jobs on the list include: administrative assistant at a median salary of $35,330, appliance repairer at $43,640, electrician with median of $49,840, respiratory therapist at $55,870 and web developer at $62,500.

While a bachelor’s degree isn’t required, some positions require training for state licensing or professional certification.

The list, stresses Lee, isn’t meant to discourage college ambitions. But the reality is that “a lot of people can’t afford college, or need to work,” he notes. The list is intended to illustrate, “you are not stuck with minimum wage.”

It can be possible to work in a non-college profession or trade and earn some college credit for some of the skills you’ve acquired, adds Joel Simon, vice president of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.

Many colleges offer credit for non-academic learning, but some have broader policies than others, says Simon.

Credit is typically dependent on demonstrating proficiency by passing a test, turning in a work product or through a professional designation that is earned through a rigorous, well-recognized program.

Another route to enhancing a non-college resume is to volunteer for projects, says Lee. For instance, if a worker has performed well and believes he can successfully tackle a job, he might ask his boss, “Let me take on this project for a month,” says Lee.

Job openings hit 14-year high in May

Posted on by Erin

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY 10:36 a.m. EDT July 7, 2015

Employers advertised 5.4 million openings in May, up about 20,000 from April and the most since labor began tracking the figure in 2000, according to the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Opening rose in nearly all categories, but dipped in health care.

The number of hires fell slightly to 5 million but remained near recent highs. Hiring increased in retail and leisure and hospitality, but fell in construction, manufacturing and professional and business services.

Labor reported last week that employers added a net 254,000 jobs in May, a healthy figure but less than the 280,000 it initially estimated. The labor market has rebounded in recent months after a harsh winter.

Tuesday’s JOLTS report provides a more granular view of employee movements.

About 2.7 million Americans quit jobs in May, down slightly from April but still near pre-recession levels. A large number of quits underscores that employees feel confident in leaving one job for another.

In May, there were about 1.5 unemployed workers for each job opening, down from 1.6 in April and a high of 6.7 in 2009. That has helped provide leverage to job candidates and should herald stronger wage growth in coming months.

Minimum wage increases to $10 per hour in Chicago

Posted on by Erin

 

CHICAGO (WLS) —

Minimum wage for Chicago workers jumps to $10 an hour on Wednesday. The city said this is the first wage increase for city workers since 2010.

The minimum wage will rise to $13 per hour in the city by 2019. City Council passed the pay hike in December. It affects about 200,000 employees.

The first increase was from $8.25 to $10 an hour. It will go up by 50 cents in 2016 and 2017, then by $1 in July 2018 and 2019.

The national minimum wage is $7.25. Illinois’ rate is $8.25. Attempts to raise it across the state have not been successful so far.

Chicago’s minimum wage was a key issue in the 2014 elections and in the 2015 municipal election.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Why a higher salary won’t necessarily make you happier at work

Posted on by Erin

Why a higher salary won’t necessarily make you happier at work

Business Insider

By Shana Lebowitz 17 hours ago

New research from career site Glassdoor suggests that more money can make employees more satisfied with their jobs — but not as much as other factors in the workplace.

The study is based on data from 221,000 Glassdoor users who contributed a salary report and an employer review for the same company since 2014. The users in the study earned up to $200,000 annually.

To be sure, higher salaries were associated with higher employee satisfaction. While 15% of users earning less than $30,000 a year gave their employer one out of five stars, just 10% of users earning upwards of $120,000 gave the same rating. On the flip side, while 40% of users making less than $30,000 gave their employer four or five stars, as many as 51% of users making more than $120,000 gave the same rating.

The caveat? A higher salary only makes employees a little bit happier. A more advanced data analysis revealed that a 10% increase in pay was associated with a mere 1% increase in employee satisfaction. So if you make $50,000 a year and you get a $5,000 raise, your satisfaction would theoretically rise from 75% to 76%.

When it comes to employee satisfaction, other factors could be more meaningful than salary. The researchers looked at different aspects of the workplace and found that employees valued them in this order:

  1. Culture and values
  2. Career opportunities
  3. Senior leadership
  4. Work-life balance
  5. Compensation and benefits
  6. Business outlook

This analysis adds to a growing body of research on the link between money and happiness. One study found that happiness levels off at incomes of $75,000 (or $82,000 in today’s dollars). Another study found that the more money you have, the more money it takes to increase your happiness. The Glassdoor research is unique in that it puts salary in the context of other job attributes.

As Forbes’ Susan Adams notes, it’s likely that people making less than $30,000 would value compensation over other factors. But at the point at which you can take care of your expenses, save some money, and have a little fun, other aspects of your job may matter more than salary.

Ultimately, the difference between a job that pays $50,000 and one that pays $60,000 might not be that significant to your overall happiness. But the difference between a workplace where you’ll stagnate and one where you can contribute to a team changing the world may be huge.

First Quarter Staffing Employment Increases 5.5% Despite GDP Contraction

Posted on by Erin

New Data From Quarterly ASA Staffing Employment and Sales Survey

U.S. staffing companies employed an average of 3.13 million temporary and contract workers per week in the first quarter of 2015, up 5.5% from the same period in 2014, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. Despite harsh winter weather, average weekly employment from January through March increased across a majority of industry sectors.

“Even with weak economic growth in the first quarter, demand for temporary and contract talent increased as businesses increased the size of their flexible and permanent workforces,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “The continued growth in staffing employment means more long-term opportunities for job seekers.”

Temporary and contract staffing sales totaled $28.08 billion in the first quarter of 2015, 5.4% higher than in the same period last year.

On a quarter-to-quarter basis, employment and sales typically peak in the fourth quarter, decline in the first quarter, and grow in subsequent quarters. That seasonal pattern held, with staffing employment contracting by 8.0% from the fourth quarter and staffing sales declining by 8.1%.

See the ASA website for more details about the quarterly ASA Staffing Employment and Sales Survey, sponsored by ASA research partner CareerBuilder.

For more information, visit the ASA Newsroom. You can also follow ASA on Twitter.

Interviews with ASA executives are available.

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About the American Staffing Association

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its affiliated chapters advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.

 

https://americanstaffing.net/posts/2015/06/18/first-quarter-staffing-employment-increases-5-5/