Category: Employment Techniques

Culture, Employment Techniques, Lifestyle

Job Candidates: It’s Your Plans for the Future That Really Matter

black-businessman-proud-success-300x232“Even with no experience, market yourself with what you’re going to do”

Dress for the job you want instead of the one you have. This is advice that has been passed down to the younger generation for years. These words of wisdom can also be applied to your thinking and planning. Now is the time to prepare for that raise, promotion, or career change. Your past accomplishments will get you the interview or provide a spring board for the promotion, but it’ll be what you’re planning to do that will be the catalyst. Brazen Careerist offers some tips to help you get where you want to be.

How to Apply the Strategy

Your resume: Use the top of your primary marketing document to describe yourself in terms of the step you’re about to take and how you’re positioned to take it. Because this information is at the top of your resume, it’s the first thing a hiring manager will read and maybe even the part that will stick with him. (Tip: this is a smart way to use your “summary” section.) Your cover letter: Rather than regurgitating all of the accomplishments you’ve already spelled out on your resume, use your cover letter to explain why you’re the right choice for this company and this position. Yes, you can use past experience as supporting evidence, but be sure to translate that into future expected results rather than stopping where most applicants do—at detailing your responsibilities for your last few jobs.

Read more at Brazen Careerist…

Employment Techniques

Flip the Script: 3 Key Questions to Ask During Your Job Interview

realtalklogoIt’s important to note that the best interviews are never a one-way dialogue. While it’s the employer’s job to ask potential candidates questions about their ability to fill the position, it’s always impressive when the interviewee has questions of his/her own. Not only will these questions show how well-prepared you are, they will also make your interview memorable and put you a notch above your competition. Even more important, they’ll give you a sense of whether the job is even right for you.

What’s an average day like? While some jobs require you to handle different tasks each day, this question will at least give you an idea of what to expect if you take on the position. It will also give you insight on how you can best prepare yourself for the first day.

What are key qualities you’re looking for in an ideal candidate? Asking this question early on will give you an idea of what personal qualities you should highlight during the rest of the interview that will show you are a good fit. Remember, you want to make the employer feel like no other person is better for the position than you.

What are the challenges? Asking about the challenges of a position is the best way for you to be prepared even on a bad day. Knowing the challenges of a job can help you get a clear understanding of what it is you need to do to better the company and make sure you are one of their most prized assets.