lifehope ministry job readiness guide - northland church€¦ · job readiness includes what a job...
TRANSCRIPT
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LifeHope Ministry
Job Readiness Guide
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Contents
Encouragement for the Unemployed pg. 4
Job Readiness Checklist pg. 9
Effective Job Search pg. 12
Interview Prep Kit pg. 23
Additional Resources pg. 40
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Promises for Those Struggling with Unemployment By Steve Fuller http://livingbyfaithblog.com
Promises are crucial
Faith means trusting all that God promises to be to us in Christ Jesus.
Which means faith needs to focus on specific promises.
So if you are unemployed — what promises does God have for you?
Because of Jesus God will provide everything you need.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Unemployment is not sin. But all of us, employed and unemployed, have sinned. And yet, because of
Jesus’ death, we can all turn to God by faith, and He will give us everything we need.
And I mean everything — stronger faith, encouragement, wisdom, steadfastness, money, a job —
everything we need.
God will deliver you from problems you caused yourself.
You can do everything right and still get laid off. But what if you caused your unemployment? What if
you didn’t work hard, were caught lying, or made mistakes? Look at God’s promise in Psalm 50:15 –
Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
If you genuinely confess any wrongdoing, humble yourself before the Lord, and call upon Him, He will
deliver you. There may be consequences from what you’ve done. But God won’t turn from us because
of sin or mistakes.
Remember how Abraham’s lie caused his wife Sarah to be taken into Pharaoh’s harem? God had mercy
on them and delivered Sarah. He will also deliver you.
God will bless you through wrongs others have done.
What if you lost your job because of an unjust boss, someone’s slander, or foolish politicians? It would be
easy to see yourself as a victim. But you are not. Even the wrongs done to you by others are part of
God’s plan to bring you great good.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery resulting in years in a dungeon. But look at how he describes this
–
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As for you [brothers], you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that
many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20
No one can do anything to you that will cause you ultimate loss. God has planned every loss as a way to
bring you great and glorious good.
God is in complete control.
God is not worried about GDP growth, unemployment figures, or manufacturing indexes. He controls
everything, including the heart of every business owner in your city –
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he
will. Proverbs 21:1
When I worked in real estate, and had slow times, I remember thinking that God controlled all the real
estate transactions in Santa Clara County — and that He could give me 100 sales tomorrow if he wanted
to.
In the same way — God is in complete control of your employment. Not that you can skip networking,
interviewing, and sending out resumes. God will work through these. But He is in complete control.
God will provide the job and income you need.
That’s what Jesus promises in Matthew 6:33 –
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to
you.
There is a condition — we must seek first His kingdom and righteousness. That doesn’t mean seeking
Him perfectly — this side of heaven none of us seeks God perfectly. But it means seeking Him
genuinely, earnestly, and confessing when we fail.
If that’s your heart — then the God who has always been, who created the heavens and the earth, and
who has never broken a promise swears that He will provide the job and income you need.
Not necessarily the job and income you want. But the job and the income you need to fulfill His call and
find your heart-satisfaction in Him.
God has a perfect plan for each day you are unemployed.
… in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet
there was none of them. Psalm 139:16
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Since God is in complete control, each day you are unemployed is a day He has chosen to have you be
unemployed. And God has meaningful activity for you during each of those days.
So what does He want you to do? He will give you wisdom (James 1:5). Obviously you will be
networking, sending out resumes, and job-searching.
But also spend extra time in the Word and prayer. Take time each day to set your heart more strongly
on the Super-Piling. Encourage and pray with others who are unemployed. One of my friends got a job
at Target to make some money and stay productive during his unemployment.
Don’t just spend your days waiting for a job. God has a perfect plan for each day you are unemployed.
God will give you full joy in Himself without a job.
That’s in Habakkuk 3:17-18 –
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
This will not be easy. You will be tempted to think your joy depends on a job. But it doesn’t.
So ask Him to pour His Spirit upon you. Plead with Him to free you from trusting a job for your joy. Set
your heart upon Scriptures describing Him. And pray over those Scriptures until you see — and feel —
that Jesus is all you need.
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Promises for Those Struggling with Unemployment
Worksheet
1. If you are unemployed, what promises does God have for you? List 3-5 promises below:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. How have you seen God use a loss as a way to bring you great and glorious good?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. God has meaningful activity for you during each day you are unemployed. What do you
think he wants you to do?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What are three things you could do today?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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5. Spend a few minutes of reflection over everything you have learned today. How is God
speaking to you right now?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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6 Dimensions of Job Readiness: A Checklist
Job readiness includes what a job seeker needs in order to get and keep a job. This checklist is
one way to answer the question: “Am I ready to work?”
Identify during Intake/Assessment
1. Meets hiring qualifications of the particular job (some apply only to some jobs)
Literacy
English language skills
Educational attainment
Immigration status
Credit check
Has necessary items (Birth Certificate/Valid ID/SS Card)
Work and/or volunteer experience
Credentials (licenses, certificates required for a job)
2. Home/life supports are in place to meet the demands of a working person
Has childcare in place
Has reliable transportation in place
Has appropriate clothing for the job
Adapts family/life to meet the day-to-day work requirements and schedule
Has a “Plan B” in place for emergencies
Understands ripple effect of earning an income (reduced public housing subsidy or other
benefits)
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3. Understands “soft skills” and will be able to use them on the job
Has communication skills
Has interpersonal skills
Has problem solving skills
Participates as a member of a team
Takes responsibility
Has a positive attitude
Has cross-cultural awareness
Acts with integrity and honesty
Acts professionally
Exercises leadership
4. Has self-knowledge about her/his interests/skills/feelings about work
Has completed a career interest inventory
Has completed a skill inventory
Has realistic expectations about work
Is confident about her/his ability to work and succeed
Has an understanding about her/his own work style
Knows what type of working environment is a good fit for them (“I could never work in a
place like that” or “This is my ideal job” )
Understands her/his values about work (work ethic = hard work and diligence)
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5. Understands workplace roles, responsibilities, and rights
Knows the roles of supervisors and managers
Knows with whom to speak about workplace issues (supervisor, union steward, etc.)
Is familiar with basic workers’ rights (overtime pay, breaks, etc.)
Is aware of workplace laws (wage and hour, discrimination, sexual harassment)
6. Possesses the tools necessary for job search
Resume
Cover letters
Email account / working telephone
Interview preparedness (has done mock interviews, has clear answers, makes an effective
“elevator pitch” about her/himself)
Knows how to complete on-line and paper applications
Has 3 reliable references
Is a member of at least one career center and knows how to use career center services
(workshops, career resource library, job postings)
Is aware of key elements of each job applied for (the hours/shift, pay and benefits, location,
dress code, job requirements and responsibilities, etc.)
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The Secrets to an Effective Job Search
Developing a Job Search Strategy | SLA | June 16, 2009 A program by Marshall Brown | www.mbrownassociates.com
Understanding what you offer to your target audience
Using a well-thought-out and diversified approach to reach your audience in as many ways as possible
There is a logical and systematic way to succeed – takes organization, acumen, a bit of mental toughness
Using your time and resources wisely – establish a routine and fine-tune your plan
Market your value
Stick with it
Most people fail to truly maximize their search. Posting your resume on Monster.com
and waiting for the phone to ring is not a viable strategy!
The Process
DEFINE YOUR TIMELINE
Short-term (i.e. need a job now) Long-term (looking for the right job…willing/able to invest the time)
DEFINE YOUR OBJECTIVE
What do you want to do, specifically (what does it look like) What type of company? What industry? What type of product or service? Full-time, part-time, contract Create the clearest picture possible of what you want One of the keys to any strategy is narrowing the focus as much as possible
IDENTIFY THE POSSIBILITIES
Brainstorm…where might you find the work detailed in above? (what market, industries, etc?)
Identify specific companies, industries, etc.
RESEARCH
Networking - friends, colleagues, family, etc. Internet
THE SEARCH STRATEGY
Think of it, and approach it, as a PROJECT – start with your goal, define action steps, identify resources, establish timelines, and monitor your progress
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Do something every day – review newspapers, wants ads, trade magazines, company websites, write a letter, contact 5 people, get a referral, buy your target company’s product, go to a trade show, etc.
Divide your time and energy properly
Job Search Killers
#1: LACKING A STRUCTURE
Without a well thought-out plan of action behind your job search, you'll end up wasting a lot of valuable time on minor or unproductive tasks
Get yourself a dedicated space to work, set yourself a schedule, do your research, set your goals, focus your efforts, and stick to it!
Remember: structure leads to consistency, consistency leads to persistence, and persistence leads to success!
#2: TRYING TO DO IT ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN
Somewhere along the line we assumed that we had to do by ourselves…not true!
There are countless professional coaches and career consultants out there who can help you succeed
#3: NOT BEING ACCOUNTABLE
Get others involved in your plan and have them hold you accountable for it
On your own, it's too easy to get discouraged, get distracted, spin your wheels, and waste precious time
Best choice is a professional coach, someone who is trained to keep you focused, keep you moving forward, or get you back on track if you to
Fellow job searchers and networking groups can be helpful, but ONLY if they have a consistently positive attitude – otherwise they are poison!
#4: FORGETTING THAT IT'S ALL ABOUT "MARKETING"
You market yourself in every piece of documentation you send out, in every personal contact that you have, in every phone call that you make, and every interview that you go to, and in every single chance that you get
In the job search game, the winner is very often the one who out-markets everybody else
Use your plan as the basis to get your name, your face, and the value you can add in front of everyone who needs to know
#5: OVER-RELIANCE ON OTHERS (I.E. TAKING A PASSIVE APPROACH)
Relying on "others" refers to both people and technologies
If you are going to be successful, you have to recognize that YOU and you alone are responsible for your success – YOU have to be the one in control
Any job search tactic that sounds too convenient, takes little effort, and does not require you to stretch a little outside of your comfort zone, is probably not going to reap the kind of results you want
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Active vs. Passive Job Searching
Key Factors to Job
Search Success Active Passive
Your Attitude You feel in control and confident
You are willing to take up the challenge
You are willing to try new approaches and techniques
You are open to feedback and suggestions
You are enthusiastic and highly motivated
You feel victimized and/or tend to blame others
Generally unwilling and inflexible
You are defensive and /or despondent
You feel nervous and/or worried
Your Focus You seek external contact
You are involved and engaged
Your focus is on the job search
You are interested in people
You have a strategy in place
Your focus is turned inward
You feel and remain isolated
Your energy is scattered
You remain interested only in inanimate resources
You are willing to take any job
The scope of your
search
You look at various industries
You seek out unfamiliar organizations
You think creatively about roles
You actively go out looking for new possibilities
You stay with known industries and have a limited list of organizations
You seek to stay only with known roles
You are generally closed to (or haven’t considered) new possibilities
Hours invested You work at the job search full-time
You spend 30-40 hours per week on dedicated job search activities
You maintain a sustained effort
You spend 10-20 hours or less each week on the job search
Your job search efforts are sporadic at best
Methods employed You spend 75-85% of time actively networking
You follow up on leads regardless of how unlikely they seem
You create and follow a plan for using agencies or search firms
You answers ads and Internet postings
You post your resume on Internet job boards…and re-post regularly
You plan time for self-care to keep energy and spirits high
You primarily answer ads and Internet postings
You post your resume on Internet job boards…once
You contact a few agencies or search firms without follow-up
You send out broadcast letters with resume attached
You send out networking letters without personal follow-up
You “network” with only a few close and well-known colleagues and friends
Your Resilience You manage to depersonalize rejection
You generate activity on many fronts
You are persistent
You take rejection personally
You put all eggs in one basket
You stop trying after setbacks
How You Measure
Success
Every plan implemented and every short-goal goal attained is counted as a success and celebrated
You find the work that you want
Use only one measure of success– landing a job…any job
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Your Job Search Plan
A structured and methodical plan to identify opportunities and get your name and
expertise in front of the right people
Schedule activities in your Daytimer, Palm Pilot, etc.
Set goals with timelines (“I’ll contact 5 people today”; “I’ll identify 10 target companies by the end of the week”) – consider a point system
Treat it like a project and you are the Project Manager
Everyone’s job search plan is different
Will include a combination some or all the following…
Networking
Without question the most effective job search technique
Studies suggest we all know an average of 250 people
Who do you want/need to meet in order to get your network going?
Consider creating your own Board of Directors or Mastermind group
Build relationships…and never let your network end, always ask for another name
THOSE YOU KNOW:
You need to get as many people in your corner as possible
Involve ALL of your friends and relatives in your job search, along with your doctor, dentist, lawyer, banker, neighbors, hairstylist, everyone
THOSE YOU DON’T KNOW:
Make a list of those you need/want to talk to?
Who are the movers and shakers in your industry?
Try to get in front of them, pick their brains, and sell yourself
Effective job searching is a contact sport . . . you need to make contacts!
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The Internet
Recognize its limitations:
75% - 85% of job searchers use the internet as their #1 source
Less than 10% of available jobs are posted online, and those tend to be for larger companies
Less than 3% of jobs are actually filled online
Best practices:
Spend no more than 10% of your job search efforts on job boards
Post and re-post your resume regularly
Take advantage of Job Agents – those services that email postings of jobs that match your criteria
Great for doing company and industry research
LinkedIn.com
“MONSTER” JOB BOARDS
List tens of thousands of jobs at all levels across all industries
Great variety but huge competition for jobs
NICHE JOB BOARDS
Specialize by industry or geography
Some cities have their own sites that include a job posting page (often a good place to find smaller companies)
NEWSGROUPS & USER GROUPS
Online newsgroups and user groups are designed to allow people of a common interest to communicate
many are industry-specific (ex. supply chain), skill-specific (ex. Java), or interest-specific (ex Opera)
Recruiters love to use newsgroups since 1) they’re free, and 2) they can quickly access people with specific skills and expertise
User Groups are similar to newsgroups and tend to be more technology focused (although there are exceptions) – try GoogleGroups (http://groups.google.com).
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Recruiters
Can be a vital resource in your job search strategy, but you have to understand how they work (and therefore, how YOU need to work with THEM)
Recruiters are not there to find you a job – they work for the company that hired them, not for you
Your job is to be on their radar when they have a position for which you’re a good fit
Other Sources
NEWSPAPERS
Many companies and recruiters still use the major dailies to advertise openings, so you need
to look regularly
Check the newspaper’s website – they often have online classified sections that archive job postings (you’d be surprised how many have not been filled yet)
Check the Appointments in the Business section (lists recent executive promotions and appointments) – you now have the name of a key decision maker who may be looking for good people
Be sure to check the Career section AND the regular classifieds section of the newspaper
Companies and recruiters both advertise in the classifieds sections too because it’s cheaper
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS
Local and national business and industry publications are a great source since many include at
least a page or two of job postings (typically for the higher level executives since this avenue
can be expensive)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
There are professional associations for everything!
Great place to meet movers and shakers in your industry, and one of the best ways to research an industry and network with people on the inside
Many have professional development courses, monthly meetings, events with high-powered speakers, online member lists and open job exchanges
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TRADE SHOWS
At Trade Shows, you can get in front of emerging and established industry leaders, where you
are one of the only job seekers there
Objective is to learn, network, show genuine interest, casually express an interest in their company, and then ask who you should talk to (get the name of the person you spoke with so that you can mention in your letter that you spoke with them)
Go early and stay late…it’s the best and only time you should be talking to them (during the busy periods they’ll be wanting to conduct business).
JOB FAIRS
They can work, but the downside is that you are among hundreds of others with the same
agenda
Generally best for the entry to mid-level positions only
Check your local and major newspapers for advertisements.
JOB SEARCH CLUBS
Check with local recruiters and search firms to see if they know of any not-for-profit
organizations or networking clubs that bring job searchers together
A great place to meet others, network, stay motivated, and hear speakers on job search techniques.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / BOARD OF TRADE
Like your lawyer and your banker, your local chamber of commerce knows who’s opening and
who’s expanding
Call, ask, join, and attend their networking events (great place to meet the local industry leaders).
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Staying Motivated
Put a structure in place for your job search – set business hours for yourself just as if you were expected to report to the office
Don’t let hobbies, volunteer commitments, household chores, etc., take over your schedule
Have a plan with daily goals and objectives – make them reasonable so that you can end each day by congratulating yourself for a job well done
Build stress-reducing activities into your daily schedule – go for a walk or a workout every day after you’ve made your tough calls.
Organize your day to accommodate your energy levels and mood swings – make your toughest calls when your energy is highest
If you’re feeling down, cut yourself some slack and seek out those things that you know will help restore your equilibrium
Keep weekends off for you and your loved ones
Build some volunteer time into your weekly schedule – helping someone whose needs are different from yours can be an excellent way to keep things in perspective
Celebrate every success – give yourself a reward for accomplishing your daily or weekly goals. Make the reward something that is healthy, fun, or vitally interesting to you
Keep the active job search going full speed ahead even when you are in the final stages of negotiation with an organization – you don’t want to have an opportunity that you really want fall through and have nothing else on the go
Remind yourself that your family and friends like you because you are YOU – not because you were the Director of Whatever at Previous Co.
* Adapted from It’s Your Move – Watters & O’Conner
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Job Search Worksheet 1. What is your timeline in finding a job? (circle one) Short Term or Long Term
2. What do you want to do? Create the clearest picture possible of what you want.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3. Where would you find the work you detailed above?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
4. What is your search strategy? What will you do each day to achieve your goal?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
5. Review the Job Search Killers on page 12. Which one will you focus on this week?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
6. Thinking back before today, do you feel your job searching has been Active or Passive?
If passive, what areas do you want to work on? (page 13)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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List the names of people in each category, who you could add to your networking
strategy for your job search
People you know:
Family Friends Professional Acquaintances
Non-Professional Acquaintances
People you don’t know:
Name Organization Where to meet them How to contact them
Review page 18 and list 5 ways you will stay motivated in your job search this week
1._____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________________
5.____________________________________________________________________
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Interview Prep Kit
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Some people can go an entire career without finding their “dream job.” So, when you have the
opportunity to land the perfect position, you have to be sure you’re ready. You must excel at
presenting your marketable skills and experience to potential employers. In other words, you
have to be an effective interviewee. There are proven ways to get beyond the typical interview
and make yourself stand out from all the other candidates.
Preparation is KEY
Interviews can be tough — even for seasoned veterans. The interview is, however, your best
opportunity to gain insight into the position and company and to determine how your
experience and talent can contribute to the company’s growth and profitability. On these pages,
we have included a list of things you can do to make your interview as successful as possible. No
tricks or gimmicks — just good, solid information to help you prepare and win the job!
Do your homework —on the company
Find out as much about the company — its
history, its current situation and its future —
as you can. Sources to use include:
Your recruiter
The Internet
Periodicals and trade journals
Annual reports and 10K reports
Friends and business associates
Do your homework —
on the position
Have a thorough understanding of the
position, its key duties and primary
responsibilities, and what is expected. Be
prepared to ask good questions:
Who has been successful and why?
Who has failed and why?
Who does the position report to?
Do your homework —on yourself
Review your career history thoroughly:
Review all dates, positions, duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Be prepared to cite specific examples of achievements and how these experiences can help the company solve some of its problems.
Concentrate on your most recent positions, but don’t neglect your early career.
Reflect on your successes so you can adequately impart your strengths when given the chance! Remember, the prospective employer will make his or her hiring decision based on these key factors:
o Attitude and business poise o Image presentation and
communication skills o Experience and skill set o Education and certifications o Transferable industry and
technical background
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Interviewing Tips to Secure Your Success
Selling yourself to a prospective employer in 45 minutes is enough to make anyone a bit nervous.
There’s a simple way to overcome nerves: just practice interviewing. Ask your recruiter, a spouse, a
relative, a friend — anyone you trust — to conduct realistic interviews and to provide constructive
criticism.
Tell the employer why you are interested in the
opportunity/company.
(Use this space to formulate your thoughts and
capture your best attributes.)
a)
______________________________________________________________
b)
______________________________________________________________
c)
________________________________________________________________
d)
________________________________________________________________
e)
________________________________________________________________
Tell the employer why you are the most qualified
person for the position.
(Highlight your areas of expertise and major
accomplishments.)
a)
________________________________________________________________
b)
________________________________________________________________
c)
________________________________________________________________
d)
________________________________________________________________
e)
_______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BE PREPARED & CONFIDENT
Arrive early to the interview. We recommend you get there at least 15
minutes early.
Fill out all applications neatly and completely. Do not write “see resume” on the
application. Write “negotiable” in the
desired salary section.
Be enthusiastic about the position and the company.
Ask good, specific questions. Respond positively to the interviewer’s
questions whenever possible.
Do not discuss salary or benefit packages. Remain open. Let your recruiter handle
these sensitive negotiations.
Sell your attitude during the interview. Ask for the position — be proactive at the
end of the interview.
When meeting the interviewer, mirror their demeanor.
Do not answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Sell yourself by using examples and paint a clear picture of where, when, how, what, and why you did it.
Call your recruiter immediately after the interview.
Stress your achievements, records and accomplishments.
Answer all questions clearly and succinctly. Do not ramble on. Role play some responses before the interview. Practice makes perfect!
Do not make derogatory remarks about previous or present employers.
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Sample Interview Questions & Answers
Answer the question that’s asked. You should not intentionally ignore a question by answering a different question or asking a question yourself. If you are unsure about the question, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
Answer questions honestly and directly. Interviewers want candidates they can trust. Honest and direct answers are extremely disarming and, because they’re relatively rare, are very effective. Remember to play up your strengths. If you have to discuss negative experiences, point out what you learned from them and why you won’t make the same mistakes again.
Organize your answers. Consider ways to give your answer structure, either by organizing your response chronologically or organizing your points in order of their importance.
Be brief. An interview is supposed to be a dialogue, not a diatribe. If you think you’re going on too long, cut your answer short.
Be energetic. If you are not interested in or energized by your response, how can you expect the interviewer to be?
Be positive about your reason for leaving your current job or any previous jobs. The key word to remember is “more.” You want more challenges, more responsibility, more opportunity, etc. If you’ve been fired or laid off, stress how much you learned from the experience and how it has helped you become even better at what you do.
Quantify the confidence other employers have placed in you. Do this by stressing specific facts, figures and measurable accomplishments.
Never speak poorly of past supervisors or employers.
Make the job you’re interviewing for your chief objective. Frame your answers so that you let the interviewer know that you see this job as a means to achieving your ultimate career goals.
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Sample Questions
The following is a list of typical stress questions, followed by some examples of how they might
be answered (see recommended answers below). Make notes as to how you will answers these
questions:
What are your short-term objectives? Long-
term objectives?
What do you look for in a job?
What is the difference between a good
position and an excellent one?
Why are you leaving? Why did your
business fail?
Why did you choose to interview with my
organization?
What can you do for us that someone else
cannot do?
Why should we hire you?
Do you work well under pressure, deadlines,
etc.?
How are you best managed?
How has your early career or background
influenced your progression and/or current
management style?
How has your management style changed
over the years?
What kind of salary are you seeking and
why?
What are the most important rewards you
expect in your career?
What are your five biggest accomplishments
in your present or last job? In your career?
What is your biggest strength?
Weakness?
What business, credit or character
references can you give us?
What qualifications do you have that make
you think you will be successful in this
business?
In what ways do you think you can make a
contribution to our firm?
How long would it take you to make a
contribution to our firm?
How long would you stay with us?
If you could start again, what would you do
differently?
How do you rate yourself as a professional?
As an executive?
What new goals or objectives have you
established recently?
Why?
How have you changed the nature of your
job?
What qualities have you liked or disliked in
your boss?
What was the most difficult ethical decision
you ever had to make?
What was the result?
Why have you not obtained a job so far?
What features of your previous jobs have
you disliked?
Would you describe a few situations in
which your work was criticized?
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As we indicated earlier, there are no “pat” answers to these questions. Review the questions and
your responses. While some of the questions seem difficult, the keys to answering effectively are
to be direct, truthful, positive and succinct!
Recommended Answers
The following are key points you may want to consider when faced with some common interview
questions:
What is wrong with your present firm?
Be sure to not come across as negative if asked this question. Explain how you have enjoyed
working there and that there are good people in management. Express that you are looking to
handle additional responsibilities and those opportunities do not exist in your present position
— you are looking for an opportunity that provides more career growth. The key is to come
across as positive and upbeat.
How long would it take you to make a contribution?
You want to sound motivated and determined, but be sure to not over-promise. Explain to the
interviewer that once you understand the operating environment and the personnel, you have
the proven skills and experience to make a contribution in a very short time. Consider asking a
question like: “What do you feel will be the main focus of the position for the first six months?”
Why are you leaving your present position?
Again, you do not want to discuss any negative aspects about your past or present employer.
Consider including something like this in your answer: “I enjoy my work, but I am anxious to
expand my knowledge and take on more. Frankly, these opportunities do not exist in my present
position.”
If you are interested in the position, ask for it, or ask for the next interview. If you want this job,
you may want to say this: “I am very interested in your company. I am confident that I can do
an excellent job for you. What is the next step in your hiring process?”
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Questions to Ask
An interview involves an exchange of information. Here are some questions you can ask that will
help you learn more about the position and the company, and help you better gauge the interest
and objectives of the interviewer:
Who are your major competitors and how do they stack up against you in terms of product, market share, methods of marketing, strengths and weaknesses?
Tell me about the history/growth of the company.
In the recent history of the company, what has been the biggest advance and what has been the biggest setback?
What is your highest priority in the next six months and how could someone like me help?
Tell me about a typical day.
Tell me about your training program.
What are the characteristics of your top people?
Where do you see your company going in the next several years?
What are three main qualities you are looking for in a candidate?
How do you see me fitting in with your company?
If I were to ask your top person what he/she likes most/least about the company, what type of response would I get?
How do I compare with other qualified applicants?
Do you have any hesitations about me being successful with your company?
What does your interview process entail?
When may I return and meet some of the people with whom I would be working?
What are your personal satisfactions and disappointments since you have been with the firm?
__________________________________________________________
Closing the Interview
If the interviewer has failed to elicit some important information about you, make that
information known before you leave.
Lastly, always find out what the next steps will be and when they are likely to occur.
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How to Handle the Money Issue
The question of compensation can be very sensitive and often requires extended negotiations to
reach a figure that is fair and acceptable to both the company and the individual.
Some points to remember:
Most companies want to make a fair offer. They want to bring new employees on board at a salary level that provides incentive to change jobs — and one that is also consistent with the company’s existing salary structure for that position.
The days of 20% and 25% increases in compensation are gone. Inflation rates are down. All corporations are more conscious of maintaining consistency in existing salary structure. The economic growth in many industries has leveled off and the competition for better positions has increased. So be realistic in your expectations.
The position/opportunity is the single most important element of your decision. No amount of money will make a poor position or company a good one. A quality position and the opportunity to work with quality people in a dynamic work environment offers many rewards that money cannot buy.
Be flexible! Compensation packages are a combination of salary, reviews, titles and perks. These elements can be arranged/re-arranged — sometimes very creatively — to satisfy both the individual and the company.
Keep your recruiter involved. Part of our job is to handle sensitive negotiations and move both parties to a fair and
acceptable compensation package. We do this for a living and can often offer alternatives
that will satisfy both parties. We are also a good buffer. We are able to keep sensitive
negotiations on a professional level.
Salary discussions. If you are asked what salary you are looking for, try to avoid quoting a specific figure. Attempt something like this: “I am very interested in the opportunity and I feel I can make a meaningful contribution. I am currently earning $ per year. I would be open to a competitive offer.” It is best not to name a figure if at all possible. You don’t want to over-price/under-price yourself, so remember to discuss all relevant salary and benefits issues with your recruiter.
If you are asked again later in the process, you may want to restate what you are earning and ask
what a person with your experience level is worth in their company.
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Dress for Success
Men:
A conservative suit in dark blue or dark gray with a long-sleeved white shirt. The tie should be conservative, but stylish. Dark socks (over-the-calf) with dark, freshly-shined shoes. We recommend that you do not deviate from this unless specifically discussed with your recruiter!
Jewelry should be limited to no more than a wristwatch and wedding ring.
Fingernails should be clean and trimmed.
Facial hair should be clean-shaven and/or neatly groomed.
Women:
A business suit in a subdued color is best for first interviews. Natural fibers work best. Dress in today’s styles, but keep the hemline close to knee-length and keep blouses modest. We recommend that you do not deviate from this unless specifically discussed with your recruiter!
Hosiery should be worn at all times, regardless of weather conditions. Shoe heel height should be moderate and comfortable — shoes should be freshly polished. If heel tips are worn, get them replaced so you do not click as you walk.
A conservative dress or suit is fine for additional interviews.
Jewelry should be minimal and in good taste.
Nails should be well manicured and polished in clear or light, conservative colors. If long nails are a part of a personal fashion statement, avoid bright colors and glittered accents for interviewing.
Hairstyles will vary with each individual. Long hair — pull back; short hair — keep neat.
Makeup should be tastefully and lightly applied.
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Resignations & Counter-offers
While resigning from your current position can be emotional and sometimes stressful, there are
several things you can do to make the process go smoothly and quickly.
Put it in writing. Handing your boss a resignation letter is the most effective way to handle an uncomfortable situation.
o It is formal and will become a part of your permanent record. It is for your own protection. o It will help you keep the focus on the positive aspects of your career move rather than any
negative aspects of your old situation. o It relieves the pressure of having to speak first. (On the next page you will find a sample
resignation letter.)
The sooner you leave the company, the better. Give fair notice, but ask to be relieved as soon as possible. You are in a lame duck position. The company will get by without you, and you owe your energies and loyalty to yourself and to your new opportunity!
Do not talk about counter-offers; it is the single worst thing you can do during the resignation process. On the next page you will find some excerpts from a Wall Street Journal article on counteroffers. We have been through this hundreds of times and everything they describe in the article is true.
Talk to your recruiter. Keep us updated. We can help keep this process as smooth and painless as possible.
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______________________________________________
Sample Resignation Letter
Date
Former Manager’s Name
Title
Company
Dear (Former Manager’s Name):
It is with mixed emotions, yet with firm conviction, that I write this letter of resignation from
(Company Name).
My association during the past (#) years with this excellent firm and its many fine people has
been a wonderful part of my professional and personal life. Please understand that I have made
my decision after considerable deliberation. An outstanding opportunity presented itself that
will significantly enhance my career and assist me in achieving my goals.
I am therefore resigning from (Company Name) effective (date). This will allow sufficient time
to complete current commitments prior to commencing with my new employer on (date). In the
interim, I will work with you and the staff to provide a smooth transfer of my current duties.
I hope that you will understand and accept my decision. I will support you in making this
change as easy as possible for the staff and department.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
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10 Reasons for NOT Accepting a Counter-offer
Excerpts from a Wall Street Journal article:
What kind of company are you working for if you have to threaten to resign before they pay you what you are worth?
Where is the money for the counter-offer coming from? Is it your next raise early? All companies have strict wage and salary guidelines which must be followed. Are they going to make your increase retroactive in order to compensate for underpaying you over the last several years?
Your company may immediately start looking for a new person at a cheaper price. In many cases, you could be training your replacement.
You now have made your employer aware that you are unhappy. From this day on, your loyalty will always be in question.
When promotion time comes around, your employer will remember who was loyal and who was not.
When times get rough, your employer will begin the cutback with you.
The same circumstances that now cause you to consider a change will repeat themselves in the future even if you accept a counter-offer. Things about your position and company rarely change.
Statistics show that if you accept a counter-offer, the probability of voluntarily leaving in six months, or being let go within one year, is extremely high — 85% of people who accept a counter-offer are gone in six months, and 90% of people who accept are gone in twelve months.
Accepting a counter-offer is an insult to your intelligence and a blow to your personal pride knowing that you were bought.
Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy with your co-workers will never be the same. You will lose the personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance.
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The Phone Interview
Phone interviews are frequently a first step in the interviewing process. In these times of
corporate frugality, companies often opt for an initial phone interview for the screening of
potential candidates. These phone conversations are normally your first contact with a
company, and therefore your first impression. Make your impact a strong one!
Here are a few useful hints to help you through the process:
Work with your recruiter to set up a specific time for the call. This will allow you to be fully prepared to conduct an effective interview.
Treat the phone interview just as you would a personal, face-to-face interview. Just because it is over the phone does not mean that you should take it lightly.
Make sure the phone you plan to use for the call is of high quality. Avoid using cellular phones.
If you have an answering machine/voice mail, please make sure your recording is both courteous and professional.
Make sure family members know how to answer the phone and take messages in your absence. Keep a notepad by the phone for messages and reinforce how important their cooperation is to your search success.
Be aware of any potential distractions (i.e., radio, television, background conversations, etc). Plan to sit in a quiet room or area where you can speak and think in a productive manner.
If you have the “call-waiting” feature on your phone, it is best not to interrupt your conversation to answer a call.
If you have a bad connection and/or have difficulty hearing the other person, offer to call them back.
Be fully prepared with your notes in regards to: 1) the company, 2) the position, and 3) yourself (resume). You will come across as an organized and articulate interviewee.
Again, do not take this step in the interview process lightly. This is a great opportunity to sell
yourself and to find out more about the position.
Last, but certainly not least, the phone interview is the opportune time to set up your face-to-
face meeting. Don’t be afraid to ask for the appointment! Have your calendar at hand so you
may suggest dates that would be convenient to interview.
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The Follow Up Letter - Your Chance to Stand Out
The interview is over, you did great, and now you can relax, right? Absolutely dead wrong. You
must continue to sell yourself by following up and reinforcing your qualifications. Effective
follow-up gives you a chance to say things you have forgotten to say, or to correct things you
wish you had said differently. More importantly, it distinguishes you from other candidates. All
too many people do not follow up. This is your chance to stand out.
To gain full advantage of this opportunity, here are a few points to consider:
Send the follow up letter as soon as possible. This allows you to convey a sense of urgency and a high interest level in the opportunity. Ideally, your letter should go out the next day.
Be as brief as possible. It shows respect for others’ time. The body of the letter should address four main points:
1. Thank them for their time. 2. Express interest and enthusiasm in the company and position. 3. Using the manager’s own words from the interview, highlight your experiences and
accomplishments that amplify your qualifications. 4. Ask for the next interview.
Have someone carefully proofread your letter, then email it in MS Word to your recruiter for a final
proof (we ask you to do this in order to avoid a letter being sent out that does not represent you well).
Your recruiter will make any corrections or suggestions. Once you and your recruiter have agreed that the
letter is ready to be sent, sign a hard copy and drop it in the mail.
Sending thank-you letters via e-mail is on the impersonal side, so we recommend avoiding it,
unless it is necessary due to timing or special circumstances. If e-mailing is necessary, always
try to send as an attachment in an MS Word document and always follow up the email with a
printed version sent through the mail.
______________________________________________
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Sample follow up letter:
Date
Mr. John Smith
Vice President
XYZ Company
1234 South Street
Anywhere, XX 12345
Dear Mr. Smith:
I appreciate the time spent with you discussing XYZ Company and the ________ position. It was a
pleasure meeting with you, _________ and _________. I feel my qualifications and skill set in
________, ________ and ___________ reflect those necessary to be successful at XYZ Company.
At ABC Corporation, I successfully installed a state-of-the-art _________ system on-time and under-
budget, as well as managed a staff of up to fifteen professionals and clerks. I am confident that I have the
experience and drive to successfully manage the ________ Department. I feel an even greater
excitement level about the opportunity because it will allow me to attain my goals of _______, _______
and ________.
I look forward to our next meeting to discuss this in greater detail.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
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25 Things to Avoid.
A recent survey of companies who were questioned as to why they did not hire a qualified
applicant resulted in the following answers:
Poor personal appearance
Lack of interest and enthusiasm
Over-emphasis on money
Criticism of past employers
Failure to maintain good eye contact with interviewer
Limp, “dead fish” handshake
Late for the interview
Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
Did not ask enough detailed questions about the position
Lacked sufficient detail when responding to questions asked by the interviewer
Overbearing, over-aggressive, conceited, “know-it-all” complex
Inability to express oneself clearly
Lack of planning for career; no purpose or goals
Lack of confidence; ill at ease
Lack of factual information
Lack of manners, courtesy
Lack of maturity
Lack of vitality
Indecisive
Merely shopping around
Cynical
Lack of a strong work ethic
Intolerant
Inability to take criticism/not open to being mentored
High-pressure type
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Do you have any questions about these interviewing tips and techniques?
Do you want to learn more about being an effective interviewee?
Call your Case Manager or Advocate at LifeHope Ministry, Northland, A Church Distributed.
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Additional Resources
Job Search resources:
Internet
Monster.com & CareerBuilder.com: post your resume
so that you can be found easier (be sure to include all the
keywords that recruiters search for in your niche)
Indeed.com & Simplyhired.com: these two sites are the
google of job postings…one search on each gives you
every job on the internet (monster, CB, 2nd tier job boards,
company websites, etc)
CraigsList.com: Indeed & Simplyhired do not pull from
CraigsList so you need to run a separate search here. Be
careful of scams, MLM. Some smaller companies use
CraigsList since it’s free to post.
Linkedin.com:
• Linkedin is “Business Networking” (Facebook is “social” networking)
• Create a profile, include everything on your resume.
• Include as many key-words as possible that recruiters/hiring
managers may be searching for in your field.
• Connect with as many people as possible (how quickly can you get
to 500+)
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• Get recommendations (best way to get them is to give them first)
• Join 50 groups (geographic and industry specific)
• ‘Follow’ target companies, research who’s who at those
companies.
Job Search resources:
Recruiters and Staffing Agencies
• Temp Staffing Agencies and Recruiting firms are great
resources for getting your foot in the door with a company.
Register with as many as possible while you are actively
looking for a job.
How to find them: yellow pages, online job postings,
linkedin, google.
Follow up once a week (no more, no less) with
each recruiter to let them know you are available for
work…every other week send email and phone call/VM.
Do not get your feelings hurt if they do not return your
VM/emails.