Job Interview Tips

Job interviews in many organizations are getting sophisticated these days. Psychological tests, role plays, and challenges to one's "quick intelligence" and street smarts are often part of the package. While it's impossible to anticipate everything you may encounter, here are ten tips that will help you negotiate the interview process successfully.

1. Prepare and over-prepareIt is assumed that you don't go in with egg on your tie, spinach in your teeth, or without a thorough knowledge of the organization and position for which you are interviewing. Beyond that, there's an important principle that will enable you to be much more confident. It's called, "over-preparing." It goes like this: Plan your strategy--your answers to all the possible questions you may be asked or the challenges that may be thrown at you--and then practice, practice, practice. Role play and repeat your best responses until they are entirely natural, until they simply roll off your tongue with the apparent spontaneity that comes only with successive repetition.

2. Be particularly clear on what you know and what you want to achieveIf your interview is resume-based (you've had to supply a resume either before or concurrently), have the facts of your stated objective, relevant experience, education, etc. thoroughly memorized and mentally supported. As to your job objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don't want. There's little room in the job market for the applicant who's willing to take anything; he or she will usually get nothing!

3. Make sure your responses match your claimsIf, for example, you've taken extra coursework to qualify for a particular position, license, or certification, tie it into your narrative, e.g., "When I took my coursework for my CPA, I learned that ..." Build on your resume, but don't refer directly to it (assuming the interviewer has it in his or her possession); make sure the connections are there, but do it subtly.

4. Be clear about your strengthsYou're almost certain to be hit with questions pertaining to your strengths and weaknesses. Know your strengths and emphasize those that relate specifically to the position for which you're being considered. If, for example, you're applying for a sales position, you might describe one of your strengths (if it's true) as follows: "I've made a study of personality types and I've learned to quickly type people in terms of the kinds of approaches that might best attract them." Be prepared, in this case, to back up your claim if the interviewer suddenly asks: "What type would you say I am?"

5. Describe your weaknesses as strengthsThis is tricky, so let's think about why the question is asked. The interviewer probably wants to learn several things about you with this question, such as: whether or not you are arrogant ("I really don't think I have any weaknesses"), whether you know yourself ("Well, I've never really thought about that"), and finally, what you are doing to eliminate your weaknesses. Here are two ways to answer this question so that you leave a positive impression in the mind of the interviewer: (a) Show that, in overcoming a weakness, you've learned. If, for example, there's a period in your chronology that just doesn't fit (say that you took a job selling cars between jobs as an accountant ... it happens!), you might tell the interviewer: "One weakness, which it took me some time to overcome, wasthat I really wasn't sure that I wanted to be an accountant. For example, in 1988-90, I worked as a car salesman. I did so because I couldn't decide if I wanted to make accounting my career. That experience taught me that I really didn't want to sell products, and that I was much more challenged by the opportunity to solve client problems. (b) Pick a weakness that is really a strength. If, for example, you're interviewing for a job in an organization you know is hard-charging and unforgiving of average performance, you might say, "One of my weaknesses is that I tend to be impatient with people who aren't willing to pull their full weight and give 110%." In this case, your "weakness" may help you get the job.

6. If you've been fired, be forthright about itSo many people have been laid off through no fault of their own in the past ten years that it's no longer a stigma to have been fired--unless it was for justifiable cause (e.g.,- you socked your boss). Answer directly, but without a "charge" in your voice. Expressing your bitterness over being let go tells the interviewer (rightly or wrongly) that you can't accept the realities of modern free enterprise -- that downsizing is acceptable and often necessary.

7. Be clear where you want to goA standard question which has all manner of variations is: "Where do you want to be five years from today?" Only today, the answers are different. Unless you plan to inherit Dad's company, your answer is apt to be a lot more general than it might have been a decade ago. Why? Because the economy and nearly every industry are changing so fast that specificity with respect to the distant future is extremely difficult. So, instead of responding to the question with, "I plan to be in a position of senior leadership in this company," you might want to say: "I plan to become qualified in every phase of this industry." The exact response depends upon the specifics of your job hunting campaign, but the principle is: be specific while allowing yourself the flexibility which suggests that you understand the complexities of the business you're applying for.

8. Have clear personal standardsThis is a sleeper because, on the face of it, the question doesn't seem to have much to do with the immediate interview. Today, however, many organizations are looking for people who DO have standards regarding their personal and professional lives, who can articulate them clearly and concisely, and who live by them. In this case, the briefer, the better. "I delegate my weaknesses." "I don't take on projects unless I can give them 100% dedication." "I respond in specifics and avoid meaningless generalities." "I am committed to life-long learning and growth."

9. Interview the interviewerThe applicant who will take anything offered is unlikely to win any but the most temporary of positions. A competent interviewer (there are some) will respect your efforts to assess the organization and the position in terms of whether or not it meets YOUR requirements. And you owe it to yourself to have defined before hand, what you ideally want and what you are willing to settle for, under certain conditions. For example, you might really want a salary of $75,000 to begin with, but you'd be willing to take less if the

opportunities for growth are clearly in the picture. 10. Don't allow yourself to be badgered by the salary issue

Even today, it's still not uncommon to hear the old refrain: "Our policy is not to pay a new employee more than X% higher than he/she is currently making." Sorry, that doesn't fly. The real issue, and the only one at stake here, is whether or not your prospective employer is willing to pay WHAT YOU ARE WORTH. And, your worth is a function of the job itself and your capability and willingness to perform it. In most organizations, there are clear parameters for a given job, a range of salary that is adjustable depending upon the market and the applicant's experience. In most cases, unless you are very good, you will have to work within those limits. But, within the limits, what you are worth is a matter of mutual agreement based on your own knowledge of your worth and your ability to convince those interviewing you. So, to sum it up: Know the range of compensation for the job you're seeking, make your own realistic determination of what you're worth, and then be prepared to stand your ground.

Shale Paul, Executive Coach, can be reached at shale@shalecoach.com or visited on the web. Shale Paul wants you to know: I work with individuals who are committed to getting ahead, changing direction, or simply growing! The original source is: Written by Shale Paul, Executive Coach. Copyright 1996, Coach University. May be reproduced or transmitted if done so in its entirety including this copyright line.

by Shale Paul

Top 20 Interview Questions

1. What were your responsibilities? - Best Answers

2. What did you like or dislike about your previous job? - Best Answers

3. What were your starting and final levels of compensation? - Best Answers

4. What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them? -Best Answers

5. What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers

6. What is your greatest weakness? - Best Answers

7. How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers

8. Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. - Best Answers

9. What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position? - Best Answers

10. How do you evaluate success? - Best Answers

11. Why are you leaving or have left your job? - Best Answers

12. Why do you want this job? - Best Answers

13. Why should we hire you? - Best Answers

14. What are your goals for the future? - Best Answers

15. What are your salary requirements? - Best Answers

16. Tell me about yourself. - Best Answers

17. Who was your best boss and who was the worst? - Best Answers

18. What are you passionate about? - Best Answers

19. Questions about your supervisors and co-workers. - Best Answers20. Questions about your career goals. - Best Answers

How To Ace The 50 Most Common Interview Questions

 35 comments, 11 called-outComment NowFollow Comments

I recently laid out the year’s most oddball interview questions. The Glassdoorlist

included queries from companies like Google GOOG   -0.02% , Bain & Co., and

Amazon, which are notorious for their perplexing and unusual job interview questions.In 2012, the search giant asked a candidate, “How many cows are in Canada?” while Bain challenged an interviewee to estimate the number of windows in New York. Amazon asked a candidate, “If Jeff Bezos walked into your office and offered you a million dollars to launch your best entrepreneurial idea, what would it be?”The moral of the story was that job seekers need to anticipate less conventional interview questions, and that they should think of oddball queries as an opportunity to demonstrate their thought process, to communicate their values and character, and to show the prospective employer how they perform under pressure.The Forbes E-book: Find And Keep Your Dream Job The Definitive Careers Guide From Forbes   encompasses every aspect of the job hunt from interview to promotion. Written by some of Forbes’ best careers and leadership writers, it is available now for download.But as it turns out, most companies will ask more common interview questions like “What are your strengths?” and “What are your weaknesses?”—and it’s important that you prepare well for those, too.

Worried You're In A Dead-End Job? Here's How You Can Find Your Dream Career

Jennifer Eum Forbes Staff

18 Ways Job Seekers Have Impressed Prospective

Employers Jacquelyn Smith Forbes Staff Glassdoor sifted through tens of thousands of interview reviews to find the 50 most common questions.

The 50 Most Common Interview Questions:

1. What are your strengths?2. What are your weaknesses?3. Why are you interested in working for [insert company name here]?4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?5. Why do you want to leave your current company?6. Why was there a gap in your employment between [insert

date] and [insert date]?7. What can you offer us that someone else can not?8. What are three things your former manager would like you to improve

on?9. Are you willing to relocate?10.Are you willing to travel?11.Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.12.Tell me about a time you made a mistake.13.What is your dream job?14.How did you hear about this position?15.What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90

days on the job?16.Discuss your resume.17.Discuss your educational background.18.Describe yourself.19.Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.20.Why should we hire you?21.Why are you looking for a new job?22.Would you work holidays/weekends?23.How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?24.What are your salary requirements?25.Give a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a

project.26.Who are our competitors?27.What was your biggest failure?28.What motivates you?

29.What’s your availability?30.Who’s your mentor?31.Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.32.How do you handle pressure?33.What is the name of our CEO?34.What are your career goals?35.What gets you up in the morning?36.What would your direct reports say about you?37.What were your bosses’ strengths/weaknesses?38.If I called your boss right now and asked him what is an area that you

could improve on, what would he say?39.Are you a leader or a follower?40.What was the last book you’ve read for fun?41.What are your co-worker pet peeves?42.What are your hobbies?43.What is your favorite website?44.What makes you uncomfortable?45.What are some of your leadership experiences?46.How would you fire someone?47.What do you like the most and least about working in this industry?48.Would you work 40+ hours a week?49.What questions haven’t I asked you?50.What questions do you have for me?

How to Answer the 31 Most Common Interview Questions

 

Share on Facebook

 

Pin on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share on Facebook

 

Pin on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

By The Daily Muse Editor, February 11, 2014

Wouldn't it be great if you knew exactly what a hiring manager would be asking you in your next interview?

While we unfortunately can't read minds, we'll give you the next best thing: a list of the 31 most commonly asked

interview questions (and, of course, some expert advice on how to answer them).

While we don't recommend having a canned response for every question (in fact, please don't), we do recommend

spending some time getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in

your responses, and what it takes to show that you're the right man or woman for the job.

Consider this your interview study guide.

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it's crucial. Here's the deal: Don't give your

complete employment (or personal) history. Instead give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows

exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Start off with the 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you

most want the interviewer to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for

this specific role.

Read More

2. How did you hear about the position?

Another seemingly innocuous question, this is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for

and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact,

name drop that person, then share why you were so excited about it. If you discovered the company through an event

or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your

eye about the role.

Read More

3. What do you know about the company?

Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company’s “About” page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren't

necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the mission—they want to know whether you care about it. Start

with one line that shows you understand the company's goals, using a couple key words and phrases from the

website, but then go on to make it personal. Say, “I’m personally drawn to this mission because…” or “I really believe

in this approach because…” and share a personal example or two.

Read More

4. Why do you want this job?

Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about

why you want the position. (And if you don't? You probably should apply elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key

factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human

interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem"), then share why you love the

company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want

to be a part of it”).

Read More

5. Why should we hire you?

This question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you're asked it, you're in luck: There's no better

setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers

three things: that you can not only do the work, you can deliver great results; that you'll really fit in with the team and

culture; and that you'd be a better hire than any of the other candidates.

Read More

Want even more interviewing advice? Take our Ace the Interview class at Muse University!

6. What are your greatest professional strengths?

When answering this question, interview coach Pamela Skillings recommends being accurate (share your true

strengths, not those you think the interviewer wants to hear); relevant (choose your strengths that are most targeted

to this particular position); and specific (for example, instead of “people skills,” choose “persuasive communication” or

“relationship building”). Then, follow up with an example of how you've demonstrated these traits in a professional

setting.

Read More

7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question—beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge

your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can't meet a deadline to save my life” is not an option—but neither is

“Nothing! I'm perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to

improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you've recently volunteered to run

meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.

Read More

8. What is your greatest professional achievement?

Nothing says “hire me” better than a track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs, so don't be shy when

answering this question! A great way to do so is by using the S-T-A-R method: Set up the situation and the task that

you were required to complete to provide the interviewer with background context (e.g., “In my last job as a junior

analyst, it was my role to manage the invoicing process”), but spend the bulk of your time describing what you

actually did (the action) and what you achieved (the result). For example, “In one month, I streamlined the process,

which saved my group 10 man-hours each month and reduced errors on invoices by 25%.”

Read More

9. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work, and how you dealt with it.

In asking this question, “your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you will respond to conflict. Anyone can seem

nice and pleasant in a job interview, but what will happen if you’re hired and Gladys in Compliance starts getting in

your face?” says Skillings. Again, you'll want to use the S-T-A-R method, being sure to focus on how you handled the

situation professionally and productively, and ideally closing with a happy ending, like how you came to a resolution

or compromise.

Read More

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to

know a) if you've set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (a.k.a., this interview isn't the first

time you're considering the question), and c) if the position aligns with your goals and growth. Your best bet is to think

realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines. And if the position isn’t

necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds, but

that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.

Read More

11. What's your dream job?

Along similar lines, the interviewer wants to uncover whether this position is really in line with your ultimate career

goals. While “an NBA star” might get you a few laughs, a better bet is to talk about your goals and ambitions—and

why this job will get you closer to them.

Read More

12. What other companies are you interviewing with?

Companies ask this for a number of reasons, from wanting to see what the competition is for you to sniffing out

whether you're serious about the industry. “Often the best approach is to mention that you are exploring a number of

other similar options in the company's industry,” says job search expert Alison Doyle. “It can be helpful to mention

that a common characteristic of all the jobs you are applying to is the opportunity to apply some critical abilities and

skills that you possess. For example, you might say 'I am applying for several positions with IT consulting firms where

I can analyze client needs and translate them to development teams in order to find solutions to technology

problems.'”

Read More

13. Why are you leaving your current job?

This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you'll be asked. Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain

by being negative about your past employers. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you're eager to take on

new opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a better fit for you than your current or last position. For

example, “I’d really love to be part of product development from beginning to end, and I know I’d have that

opportunity here.” And if you were let go? Keep it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,” is a totally OK answer.

Read More

14. Why were you fired?

OK, if you get the admittedly much tougher follow-up question as to why you were let go (and the truth isn't exactly

pretty), your best bet is to be honest (the job-seeking world is small, after all). But it doesn't have to be a deal-

breaker. Share how you’ve grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. If you can position the

learning experience as an advantage for this next job, even better.

Read More

15. What are you looking for in a new position?

Hint: Ideally the same things that this position has to offer. Be specific.

Read More

16. What type of work environment do you prefer?

Hint: Ideally one that's similar to the environment of the company you're applying to. Be specific.

Read More

17. What's your management style?

The best managers are strong but flexible, and that's exactly what you want to show off in your answer. (Think

something like, “While every situation and every team member requires a bit of a different strategy, I tend to approach

my employee relationships as a coach...”) Then, share a couple of your best managerial moments, like when you

grew your team from five to 15 or coached an underperforming employee to become the company's top salesperson.

Read More

18. What's a time you exercised leadership?

Depending on what's more important for the the role, you'll want to choose an example that showcases your project

management skills (spearheading a project from end to end, juggling multiple moving parts) or one that shows your

ability to confidently and effectively rally a team. And remember: “The best stories include enough detail to be

believable and memorable,” says Skillings. “Show how you were a leader in this situation and how it represents your

overall leadership experience and potential.”

Read More

19. What's a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?

Everyone disagrees with the boss from time to time, but in asking this question, hiring managers want to know that

you can do so in a productive, professional way. “You don’t want to tell the story about the time when you disagreed

but your boss was being a jerk and you just gave in to keep the peace. And you don’t want to tell the one where you

realized you were wrong,” says Peggy McKee of Career Confidential. “Tell the one where your actions made a

positive difference on the outcome of the situation, whether it was a work-related outcome or a more effective and

productive working relationship.”

Read More

20. How would your boss and co-workers describe you?

First of all, be honest (remember, if you get this job, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and co-

workers!). Then, try to pull out strengths and traits you haven't discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as

your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.

Read More

21. Why was there a gap in your employment?

If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point about what you’ve been up to (and hopefully,

that’s a litany of impressive volunteer and other mind-enriching activities, like blogging or taking classes). Then, steer

the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organization: “I decided to take a break at the

time, but today I’m ready to contribute to this organization in the following ways.”

Read More

22. Can you explain why you changed career paths?

Don't be thrown off by this question—just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why you've made the

career deicions you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferrable to the

new role. This doesn't have to be a direct connection; in fact, it's often more impressive when a candidate can make

seemingly irrelevant experience seem very relevant to the role.

Read More

23. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

"Choose an answer that shows that you can meet a stressful situation head-on in a productive, positive manner and

let nothing stop you from accomplishing your goals," says McKee. A great approach is to talk through your go-to

stress-reduction tactics (making the world's greatest to-do list, stopping to take 10 deep breaths), and then share an

example of a stressful situation you navigated with ease.

Read More

24. What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?

Start by explaining what you'd need to do to get ramped up. What information would you need? What parts of the

company would you need to familiarize yourself with? What other employees would you want to sit down with? Next,

choose a couple of areas where you think you can make meaningful contributions right away. (e.g., “I think a great

starter project would be diving into your email marketing campaigns and setting up a tracking system for them.”)

Sure, if you get the job, you (or your new employer) might decide there’s a better starting place, but having an answer

prepared will show the interviewer where you can add immediate impact—and that you’re excited to get started.

Read More

25. What are your salary requirements?

The #1 rule of answering this question is doing your research on what you should be paid by using sites like Payscale

and Glassdoor. You’ll likely come up with a range, and we recommend stating the highest number in that range that

applies, based on your experience, education, and skills. Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you're

flexible. You're communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to

negotiate.

Read More

26. What do you like to do outside of work?

Interviewers ask personal questions in an interview to “see if candidates will fit in with the culture [and] give them the

opportunity to open up and display their personality, too,” says longtime hiring manager Mitch Fortner. “In other

words, if someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, it’s totally OK to open up and share what really makes

you tick. (Do keep it semi-professional, though: Saying you like to have a few beers at the local hot spot on Saturday

night is fine. Telling them that Monday is usually a rough day for you because you’re always hungover is not.)”

Read More

27. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?

Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews generally because hiring

managers want to see how you can think on your feet. There's no wrong answer here, but you'll immediately gain

bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip:

Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I

think I would have to say… ”

Read More

28. How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?

1,000? 10,000? 100,000? Seriously?

Well, seriously, you might get asked brainteaser questions like these, especially in quantitative jobs. But remember

that the interviewer doesn’t necessarily want an exact number—he wants to make sure that you understand what’s

being asked of you, and that you can set into motion a systematic and logical way to respond. So, just take a deep

breath, and start thinking through the math. (Yes, it’s OK to ask for a pen and paper!)

Read More

29. Are you planning on having children?

Questions about your family status, gender (“How would you handle managing a team of all men?”), nationality

(“Where were you born?”), religion, or age, are illegal—but they still get asked (and frequently). Of course, not always

with ill intent—the interviewer might just be trying to make conversation—but you should definitely tie any questions

about your personal life (or anything else you think might be inappropriate) back to the job at hand. For this question,

think: “You know, I’m not quite there yet. But I am very interested in the career paths at your company. Can you tell

me more about that?”

Read More

30. What do you think we could do better or differently?

This is a common one at startups (and one of our personal favorites here at The Muse). Hiring managers want to

know that you not only have some background on the company, but that you're able to think critically about it and

come to the table with new ideas. So, come with new ideas! What new features would you love to see? How could

the company increase conversions? How could customer service be improved? You don’t need to have the

company’s four-year strategy figured out, but do share your thoughts, and more importantly, show how your interests

and expertise would lend themselves to the job.

Read More

31. Do you have any questions for us?

You probably already know that an interview isn't just a chance for a hiring manager to grill you—it's your opportunity

to sniff out whether a job is the right fit for you. What do you want to know about the position? The company? The

department? The team?

You'll cover a lot of this in the actual interview, so have a few less-common questions ready to go. We especially like

questions targeted to the interviewer (“What's your favorite part about working here?") or the company's growth

(“What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?")

Read More

3 Startup Job Search Strategies That No One Tells You About

Share on Facebook

Pin on Pinterest

Share on Facebook

Pin on Pinterest

By Matt Sack, June 20, 2014

When I made the decision to ditch my corporate life and start searching for a job in the startup world, I eagerly

scoured the web for advice columns and articles to guide my endeavor.

The advice I saw most often you’ve probably heard before: Network, check websites each day to see who’s raising

money and reach out to those companies, work for free to demonstrate your value, familiarize yourself with key

players in your target industry, go to tech meetups. These action items make for good advice—points any job-seeker

cannot ignore—but they miss some important things that must be considered, especially in the startup world.

Keep these three tips in mind as you start your startup search, and you’ll be sure to find your perfect gig.

1. Stop Thinking That You’re Searching for a Job

People far too often view their job search as a means to a specific end—an annoying pit stop in the race for end-of-

the-rainbow success. Abandoning this mentality is critical because early-stage startups are rarely looking to hire—for

specific roles, that is. Instead of planning a hiring strategy, startups are more likely to hire as needs come up, or even

opportunistically hire when they meet someone awesome who can offer something to grow their business.

So, while every move you make should position you for success, it won’t always be clear where that success will be

or how you will end up there. Just because somebody you meet doesn’t have a job for you, doesn’t mean he or she

doesn’t have valuable advice. Or a potentially meaningful connection. Or maybe just some refreshing qualities that

will motivate you.

For example, five months ago, I messaged a college friend and startup founder with whom I hadn’t spoken for a

while. She didn’t have a job for me, but she eventually connected me with one of her good friends, who much later

referred me to the CEO of Virtru—the company I recently joined.

If you just dive in looking for the job, you’ll probably get turned away at the door with a “sorry, we’re not hiring.” In fact,

you might want to drop the phrase “job search” altogether. “Relationship building” and “opportunity chasing” describe

the process more accurately.

2. Find Any Opportunity You Can Pursue; Pursue Any Opportunity You Can Find

Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz famously claims that there was no “silver bullet” for his company’s return to glory,

but rather six transformational elements that helped it achieve its goals. Instead of wagering Starbucks’ success on

one (or even two) cure-all initiatives, he embraced multiple opportunities to manage the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Execute your startup search similarly. Reject silver bullet tactics that you think might magically land you your dream

gig. You don’t have an accurate understanding of the opportunities that already exist for you (or that will soon), so

don’t make assumptions. You should undoubtedly prioritize certain options over others, but keep a courageously

open mind. Should I email this company? Reach out to this contact for an informational interview? Go to this

networking event? If you have to ask, the answer is always yes.

Early on in my search, I longed for a role with a booming startup that was founded by a longtime buddy. While I knew

his team had qualms about hiring friends, I saw the peripheral values in pursuing the opportunity to its fullest, even if

the chances of an offer were slim. So in a two-week span, I identified a major conference with huge relevance to this

company, volunteered on a Sunday morning with the conference planners to skirt the $1K admission fee, and used a

full day of PTO to collect eight hours worth of conference presentation notes to give to my friend to help him grow his

business.

Sounds like a lot of work for something unlikely to pay off in a job offer, and it certainly would have been much easier

to just say, “no, not worth it.” But even though my buddy remained unwavering in his (completely astute) no-friends

hiring policy, it was absolutely worth my time. He respected the initiative that I had displayed and took me under his

wing as a result. His mentorship remains one of the most valuable motivators in my life.

But if I hadn’t said yes to those initial questions that I asked myself, he wouldn’t have said yes to me. Find. Pursue.

Repeat.

3. Start Thinking Like an Entrepreneur Before You Get Hired

Most people covet startup jobs because they want to learn how to be entrepreneurs. More often than not, they want

to learn how to get sh*t done. But, as several founders advised me, the best way to learn how to get sh*t done, is to

get sh*t done. This doesn’t mean you need to launch your own company. It means you must constantly assess the

lessons around you and apply them as skills you will need down the road.

So, instead of resenting a company that rejects you, solicit feedback from the team, just as a founder would from a

potential investor who reacts poorly to a pitch. Instead of stressing over how to juggle your current job with interviews

and other tasks, embrace the importance of time management, and step up to the challenge with confidence.

The biggest letdown in my search came when a dream business development job with Codecademy—a company

that I deeply admire and one that I was referred to by my aforementioned mentor—fell through the cracks. Still, the

first thing I did upon hearing this news was craft a thank you note to the team, in which I requested feedback, asked

for referrals to any other promising opportunities, and expressed my gratitude for the company’s interest. As a result,

I learned how to improve my interview prep process, received a referral that ultimately led to a different job offer, and

developed new friendships that both sides have continued to enjoy.

A successful entrepreneur firmly believes in his or her product and constantly tries to improve it. Your product is you

(and pivoting is not an option). Continually invest in R&D.

People often place startups on a pedestal because of the rigorous process I just outlined. This rigor can be

discouraging, as funding rounds seem to increase at a much faster rate than the job openings one would expect to

come with them. But by embracing the inherent uncertainty of your startup search, there are two certainties you can

expect: You will one day find a job that made your relentless search worthwhile, and you will be a much more capable

person because of it.

Why You Should Leave a Job—and Then Come Back

Share on Facebook

Pin on Pinterest

Share on Facebook

Pin on Pinterest

By Anna Williams of LearnVest, July 31, 2014

A growing number of Americans may have more in common with LeBron James than they might think.

No, not everyone can be a 6-foot-8-inch multimillionaire MVP. But when it comes to their career moves, more and

more employees are following in James’ footsteps in one key way: They’re returning to their former companies in

droves.

In other words, when James announced earlier this month that he had re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers (the

team he played with from 2003 to 2010 until leaving to join the Miami Heat), he became part of a growing group of

workers that experts are now calling “boomerang employees.”

Rebounding to your former employer used to be exceedingly rare. But today’s generation of employees bounce

around from job to job more often, meaning that leaving a company doesn’t seem like a major act of betrayal—and

thus employers are more willing to welcome former employees back with open arms.

In fact, The New York Times reports that experts are finding that the move can be a win-win for both worker and

employer: Companies save on recruiting costs and consider the hire to be less risky, given that they are already

familiar with the staff member. At the same time, returning workers hold the advantage of already havingmastered the

company culture and being accustomed to the pros and cons of the particular workplace.

So when does boomeranging back to your old gig make the most sense? One recent report on these employees,

“Gone Today but Here Tomorrow,” studied an accounting firm where 20% of hires were returning workers. They

concluded that those who had left to pursue a clear plan—whether it was grad school or to achieve a big career goal

—were the most likely to eventually return to their former employer, the Times reports. (In other words, if you left for

reasons like a toxic company culture or because you believed you were underpaid, it probably doesn’t make sense to

return.)

A similar study also found that the returnees who found the most success were those who didn’t stay away from the

company for too long, and had originally resigned on good terms (no surprise there).

The bottom line, career experts say, is to always leave respectfully—and never burn any bridges when switching

jobs. Because whether you’re an NBA MVP or not, there’s always a chance you could be courted back by your

former team.

The Secret Job Search Weapon You Should Be Using

Share on Facebook

Pin on Pinterest

Share on Facebook

Pin on Pinterest

By Lily Zhang, July 29, 2014

Do you ever buy anything online without reading the reviews first? Probably not. Testimonials are a great way to get a

sense of what you’ll be getting before you actually get to use the product yourself.

And while product reviews are definitely not the same as testimonials about people, having a little third-party

endorsement is no less effective when you’re actively trying to market your skills during your job search.

So, if you have great feedback from old co-workers, bosses, or clients, don’t be afraid to use it! Of course, it takes

skill to insert testimonials in your job application materials without it being self congratulatory (i.e., you probably don’t

want to list them out on your resume the way you would list awards), so here are a few ways to get those kind words

your old manager said about your work to potential employers.

1. On LinkedIn

The most obvious choice to highlight your testimonials is LinkedIn, with its built-in recommendations system. If your

LinkedIn profile is complete, it should be close to the top of search results when someone Googles you. And with

recruiters increasingly checking candidates out online before inviting them in for interviews, they’ll see all those

recommendations front and center. Try some of Jenny Foss’ tips on how to score amazing LinkedIn

recommendations from the contacts who matter most.

2. On a Personal Website

Another great place for testimonials is your personal website. Don’t have a personal website? You should! As Erin

Greenawald explains, a personal website helps you stand out, control your branding, showcase your skills, network,

be found more easily by recruiters—and show off all the amazing things people have said about you. Try these 14

tools to get started building your space on the web—and make sure to include a section or page for testimonials.

3. In Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a less conventional place for a testimonial, but if you’ve got a great one, it’s definitely something to

consider. A seamless way to integrate a positive quote from a previous manager or client is to use it as evidence of

your passion for your area of expertise. For example, “I have developed a keen interest in data science during my

years working various political campaigns (as my past supervisor once said, I love Excel more than anyone she

knows).” 

(A word of caution: Make sure the testimonial is fantastic, and use this approach sparingly—I’d stick to no more than

one quote or recommendation per cover letter.)

Now that you know where you can include praise from others in your job application materials, be vigilant about

collecting all those nice things people say about you in one place. An easy way to do this is to keep an email folder of

thank you notes, job-well-done notes, and anything congratulatory. When it comes time to tuck a testimonial onto

your website or find someone to recommend you, you’ll know exactly where to look!

10 Jobs That Are Better Than Yours 

Share on Facebook

 

Pin on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share on Facebook

 

Pin on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

By The Daily Muse Editor, July 28, 2014

Looking for a new job? Or, just want to do some window shopping? Check in every week for a hand-picked selection

of awesome jobs from our partner companies.

This week, you’ll find positions that are going to make you want to quit your current job and start applying right away.

Seriously. From working as a book editor in New York to helping young women in Africa build a better future, these

are the coolest gigs around.

1. Selections Editor and Community Manager

Bookspan, New York

Getting to pick out awesome books with a great panel of judges to share with a loyal community of readers? Count us

in! Bookspan is seeking a multitasker who can plan monthly content, create and execute social media plans, and

identify a panel of “judges” to help make selections.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Bookspan

2. Instructional Coach

Akilah, Rwanda

Looking for something way more rewarding than your current job? Traveling to Rwanda with Akilah to help young

women get leadership and professional development training may be for you. Traveling and making a difference—

what could be more gratifying?

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Akilah

3. Graphic Designer

Uproot, New York

We can’t think of anything better than working for an office full of people passionate about wine. And if you’re design

minded, you’re in luck: Uproot is looking for a Graphic Designer who can produce both print and digital content.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Uproot

4. Business Development Manager

Worldwide101, Flexible

It doesn’t get much more chill than going to work in your PJs (or any outfit of your choice, for that matter).

Worldwide101’s Business Development Manager can work from anywhere, with responsibilities including acquiring

new clients, doing thorough research on upcoming opportunities, and developing proposals.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Worldwide101

5. Sales Executive

Voxy, Brazil

If you’re bilingual in Portuguese and English and have a knack for rocking the B2B market, you’re going to want to

start packing your bags: Voxy is looking for a killer Sales Executive who can develop strong relationships and close

deals in South America.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Voxy

6. Influencer Marketing Manager

charity: water, New York

If the idea of getting to rub elbows with influencers and fundraisers gets you excited, this job is definitely for you.

You’ll be responsible for talking to important folks to raise over $2 million in funding as well as building an outreach

program to keep up with all of these influential people.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at charity: water

7. Senior Writer and Producer

Discovery, Washington DC

We don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love to say they were behind the next big TV show. Discovery is looking for a

media extraordinaire to oversee all parts of the branded entertainment creation process, from writing scripts to

producing original music and graphics.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Discovery

8. Merchandising Team

Zappos, Las Vegas

Getting to shop as your job? We’ll take it. Zappos is looking to fill a range of positions on its merchandising team,

including assistants, planners, and buyers, so make sure you get on these jobs ASAP.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Zappos

9. Director of Operations

Recombine, New York

Working for a company that’s creating medical breakthroughs on the reg is pretty inspiring, so definitely check out

Recombine’s Director of Operations position. In this role, you’ll oversee all processes, costs, and teams to ensure

that work is going along smoothly and efficiently.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Recombine

10. Writer

Indiegogo, San Francisco

Helping people crowdfund their dream projects is an extremely rewarding job, and aiding Indiegogo in reaching more

people through crisp copy and marketing materials is just as satisfying.

Apply Now

See More Jobs at Indiegogo