jobinterviewstuff

[jobinterviewstuff]

Successful Interviewing Tips

1. Before applying for a job, find out as much as you can about it – and make sure it’s something you want to do!

2. Also, find out what you can about the interviewers. For example, what are their names and job titles? What other jobs have they done in the past? You can often uncover a lot of information by simply googling peoples’ names and positions.

3. Try and find out about the company’s normal interviewing style. For example, is it likely to be one-on-one interview, or will you be interviewed by a couple of people, or will there be an interview panel? Also, will you be required to sit any kinds of test (general knowledge, case studies, IQ tests etc.)?

4. If possible, connect with others who have undergone a similar interview. Ask them for tips and ideas – or things to watch out for, or how best to prepare.

5. Research the company. It’s important to know as much as possible about the company’s history, what is does now, it’s plans for the future – and the expectations associated with the job.

6. Be clear about what you have to offer the company. It’s important that you match their needs to your experience, abilities and personality. Practising selling yourself to them!

7. If possible, rehearse the interview with a friend.

8. Pay attention to your appearance. Dress appropriately (err on the side of dressing conservatively); make sure you look tidy and smart; brush your hair and teeth; wear perfume or aftershave (but not so much that it’s overpowering).

9. Check out the directions in advance (if necessary drive there the day before to ensure you don’t get lost). Arrive 5 minutes early for the interview.

10. Be confident, respectful, polite, truthful, positive and enthusiastic. Think carefully before you respond – use proper grammar, and don’t speak too quickly.

[jobinterviewstuff]

Successful Interviewing Tips

1. Before applying for a job, find out as much as you can about it – and make sure it’s something you want to do!

2. Also, find out what you can about the interviewers. For example, what are their names and job titles? What other jobs have they done in the past? You can often uncover a lot of information by simply googling peoples’ names and positions.

3. Try and find out about the company’s normal interviewing style. For example, is it likely to be one-on-one interview, or will you be interviewed by a couple of people, or will there be an interview panel? Also, will you be required to sit any kinds of test (general knowledge, case studies, IQ tests etc.)?

4. If possible, connect with others who have undergone a similar interview. Ask them for tips and ideas – or things to watch out for, or how best to prepare.

5. Research the company. It’s important to know as much as possible about the company’s history, what is does now, it’s plans for the future – and the expectations associated with the job.

6. Be clear about what you have to offer the company. It’s important that you match their needs to your experience, abilities and personality. Practising selling yourself to them!

7. If possible, rehearse the interview with a friend.

8. Pay attention to your appearance. Dress appropriately (err on the side of dressing conservatively); make sure you look tidy and smart; brush your hair and teeth; wear perfume or aftershave (but not so much that it’s overpowering).

9. Check out the directions in advance (if necessary drive there the day before to ensure you don’t get lost). Arrive 5 minutes early for the interview.

10. Be confident, respectful, polite, truthful, positive and enthusiastic. Think carefully before you respond – use proper grammar, and don’t speak too quickly.

[jobinterviewstuff]

How To Get A Job Fast As Hell

 @owenabbott​ 

Apply to a  job, wait (1) day, then call.  Give them your first and last name. Tell them you submitted an application and that you’re very motivated to find [Enter field name] work. Let the conversation lead you wherever it takes. Be very polite. Say” thank you for your time, I’ll be looking forward to hearing back from you.” Rinse, repeat. This is to force them to be looking out for your application. 

 When you get to the interview, shake their hand firmly,  tell them your first and last name.  

Describe your experiences  as “ two years transcription and data entry” if you have a desk job interview and “ [however many years]  costumer service, retail and stock” for your retail jobs.  

Don’t use job “ buzz words” I stg they hear them all day. Say  things like, “ I’m detail oriented and am very good at taking instruction.”  “ I would like to work for a company with integrity and I feel that [ company name] would be a good fit”

When they ask you if you have “reliable transportation” say  YES. don’t tell them what kind of transportation, just say yes. (if you don’t do this, you wont get the job , I’m telling you right now). 

Research the company. Know what they do, why they do it, how OLD the company is. WHERE it was founded, and what kind of position you’re intending to apply for.

When they ask you “ give us a situation where you had to blah blah blah” Make one the fuck up. Make yourself sound good as hell, and like you put your company’s needs slightly above the customer’s needs, but make the customer happy. 

If they ask you about being outgoing, Say you “like to focus on your work so you can concentrate on doing things right” (which buys you out of having to act friendly all the time)

Questions for after the interview:

1.  Does this position offer upward mobility?

2. Do you enjoy working for the company? (if you’re not interviewing for a temp agency who will send you anywhere)

 Then, shake their hand,  Ask them to repeat their name (REMEMBER THIS) say thank you for your time, wish them a nice day and leave. write their name down outside if you have to, just remember the fuck out of it. 

AFTER your interview, send a card directed to the name of the person who interviewed you (I’ll give you them) that says “Thank you for the interview, I appreciate the opportunity. have a great day” This shows  that you have an understanding of professionalism, and will have them thinking of you kindly (or at least remembering you) when they’re shuffling through the choices. 

DO NOT tell them you just moved to the city over the phone.  In person, tell them you just moved to the city. Make it sound like the only reason you need a job is because you moved. Not because you’re desperate. 

__________

 The titles of each section are key words you can use to search for jobs on Snagajob.com  and Simplyhired.

Data Entry:

http://citystaffing.com/job/data-entry-specialistsmailroom-clerk/?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

https://www.roberthalf.com/officeteam/job-search/chicago-il/data-entry-clerks-needed/43517752?codes=IND

http://www.simplyhired.com/job/data-entry-specialists-job/chicago-transit-authority/jepfivkhjk?cid=udsowkxtausyzitcfeecaeuzoxkltmbl

https://jobs-theprivatebank.icims.com/jobs/3435/temporary—data-entry/job?mode=job&iis=SimplyHired&iisn=SimplyHired&utm_source=simplyhired&utm_medium=jobclick&mobile=false&width=792&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-360&jun1offset=-300

 Front Desk:

http://localjobs.joblur.com/jobapplication2/?jobid=99957&subaffid=300006&JobType=Food%20/%20Bev%20/%20Hosp&ix=1&c1=99957

https://jobs.ajg.com/job/-/-/109/1256110?apstr=%26src%3DJB-10280

https://pepper.hiretouch.com/job-search/job-details?jobID=32066&job=receptionist

http://accesscommunityhealth.hodesiq.com/jobs/default.aspx?JobID=5203566 (this one is close to the place you rented.)

http://ihg.taleo.net/careersection/all/jobdetail.ftl?job=R113601&lang=en&media_id=24863&src=Indeed&src=JB-10920

https://covalentcareers.com/employer/listing/86450f8517588197c9b04f5068ed4300/detail/?apply=1&ref=indeed&v=30&utm_source=indeed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=indeed_optical

http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHN0KY6823WBWZX21VM&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=JRKV0F

http://www.simplyhired.com/job/front-desk-receptionist-customer-service-sales-job/rosin-optical-co-inc/qaeoquzgdi?cid=ivdnhijkmxchdanahwfoupazcwisfnxt

http://www.simplyhired.com/job/receptionist-front-desk-job/all-us-jobs/fonj7wmldf?cid=trhyvmfcsgjltxkjxkemyinsjveewfjp

Other jobs you don’t need a degree for that aren’t retail:

Dental hygenist ( yeah, seriously, who knew!) They also make about 40,000 a year)

Stenographer-Court Reporter

Surveyer ( you need a certificate for this, but its something you can get while working a temporary job and doing this on the side. Also, they make like $55,000 a year sooooooo) https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?jobId=1406428&PartnerId=16023&SiteId=5118&codes=IND

Real Estate Broker

Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products ( basically you arrange to buy large things) they make like 60K

Claims adjuster 

Loan Officer

Subway driver (trains) they make like 60K,

Duct Cleaner: http://jobview.monster.com/Duct-Cleaners-950-00-Weekly-Entry-Level-Flexible-Hours-Call-to-Apply-Job-Chicago-IL-US-161970321.aspx?intcid=re

[jobinterviewstuff]

The Number-One Rule for Cover Letters

Okay look—resumés are great. When done right, they’re clean, concise, and well organized. And if you’ve been following all the great advice out there, yours should be in pretty good shape.

Cover letters are different—they’re freewheeling, making them more difficult to write. Think of the resumé as the multiple-choice part of a test, and the cover letter as the essay portion—the essay portion where your teacher gives you a 7/10, but you’re not really sure why. It’s so tough to know if your cover letter is being received well, and since they’re so personal and subjective, finding advice relating to your specific industry and career goals can be difficult. And less-than-ideal sources can offer sample cover letters that sound like they were written by robots. Maybe they were.

There’s no magic “life hack” to writing cover letters, but the number-one rule to follow is that a cover letter should be genuine. It should sound like it was written by you—your future employer wants to get a feel for your personality through your cover letter. So I’ve got a little advice on how to keep your cover letter tight and compelling, but not tightly wound.

The Intro

Salutations to Whomever It Might Concern: I am writing in order to extend an official and enthusiastic application for the position of blah, blah, blah.

Who in their right mind would write a letter like this? And who would read it any further? I would’ve stopped at “Salutations”, but that’s me. Overly formal writing can sound like it came through a time warp, and it leaves your reader with one of two impressions:

a) You’re exactly as over-formal in person and a Grade-A Weirdo, or

b) You’re just a bad writer.

Neither of these impressions are ones you want to leave. Your cover letter should give them a flavor for who you are. That said, I’m not advising you to write: Sup, dude? I’m a software engineer. You need one. Let’s hook it up.

You’ve got to find the middle ground. Begin the letter how you might introduce yourself in person, and succinctly state your reason for writing:

Dear Ms. McManus,

I saw on Indeed that [Company Name] is looking for a marketing lead. I’ve worked as a marketing associate for two years at [Your Current Job], and think I would make a great addition to your team. [List one or two accomplishments, concisely].

I promise, it really should be that simple. You want to stand out because of your accomplishments, not because your cover letter sounds like Abraham Lincoln wrote it.

The Meat

Keep that professional-but-genuine vibe going—your cover letter’s tone should be consistent throughout. List your accomplishments, but try not to make it sound like you’re the only one keeping your current company afloat. Chances are really good that you’re not, and there’s no reason to be disingenuous in order to sound accomplished. There’s an important difference between being confident and sounding arrogant, so mind it.

One thing to remember is not to just regurgitate your work history. They have your resumé, they know where you’ve been. The cover letter’s your chance to tell them why where you’ve been matters for where you’re going. Tell them how your experience relates to this job and employer. For example:

My internships at [X Company] and [Y Company] included extensive editing and fact checking, which I think will translate well to the associate editor role.

It also never hurts to show your enthusiasm for the employer and their work. Maybe even fangirl/boy a little, if you mean it. For example:

Your recent ad campaign with the duck is adorable, I love the new concept.

Expressing excitement for an aspect of the company’s work product is always a good thing in a cover letter, and it should be done in your voice.

The Send-Off

How do you normally finish emails to someone you’re acquaintances with? That’s a good place to start when thinking of how to say goodbye. I usually go with “All the best,” or sometimes “Yours,” depending on how the rest of the email sounded. They’re simple and warm, but not overly familiar. A lot of people use “Sincerely,” which is fine—there’s nothing wrong with it, I just find it a little invisible or rote for when I’m trying to make an impression.

The impression you want to leave at the end of a cover letter is that you want to know more about the position. It’s tough to tell what a job will be like from the posting—giving you the details is what an interview is for. So express again that you’d like to hear more about the job, and bow out. Simple as that. Mine usually reads something like this:

I’m interested in hearing more about this position and what my background and skillset could bring to the table. Please find my contact information at the top of this letter and my resumé attached, and I hope to speak with you soon.

All the best, Kaitlin McManus

The most critical thing here is to keep the channel of communication open. Make it clear that you intend to speak to this person again in some capacity, and that this is your intention because you’re genuinely interested in the position. People like other people who are real—a well-written cover letter should give that impression above all else.

from vault.com

[jobinterviewstuff]

6 Things to Research About a Company Before an Interview

Researching the company you're interviewing with is a must, and almost all job candidates do it to some degree. However, many candidates don't research thoroughly enough or research the right things. So, below are the most important things to research about a company before an interview, which will ensure that you're as informed as you can be and that you stand out from other applicants. 1. Research the company's website—the entire site.

During your research, review the company’s products and services and get a handle on how they present themselves to the marketplace. What image do they put forth? Also get a sense of the management’s career histories and see what professional and educational credentials are valued by the firm. Are executives homegrown and have they been with the company for a while? Or do they tend to get recruited from competitors? Are their backgrounds a little unorthodox for the positions they hold? In addition, check out the company history and mission statement and try to deduce where the company is headed and how you can contribute to their mission. 2. Research all of the company's job openings, not just the one you're applying to fill.

Find out what kinds of positions are being filled. Do they tell you anything about the company or give you information about its direction? For example, you may notice that the company seems to be expanding its sales force. If you're interviewing for a training role, you could then indicate you've observed that many sales people may be hired and ask how the company expects the training team to contribute to their on-boarding.

3. Research articles written about the company by third parties.

Research stories about the company on Forbes, Fortune, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and other major news outlets and industry publications. Do they contain comments made by the company’s spokespeople? This will give you a sense of the interviewer’s opinions on these stories.  

4. Research (Google) the company’s name and the words <complaints>, <problems>, <unhappy employees>, and <scam>.

If you have any concerns about the company, this will reveal whether any adverse information has been documented or written about the firm. 5. Look for third-party commentary and see how it supplements, supports, or contradicts the information written by the company.

This outside information can offer additional insights. How is the third-party information different or similar to the company’s take on the same subjects? Look up the firm on sites like Vault.com to find out what is said about the firm by its employees. Examine the stats provided by these sites and read everything you can about what employees say about working for the firm. If you find negative points, are these things you can live with? Maybe you would even thrive within that type of environment? One person’s “boring job” may be another person’s “stable employer.”   6. Research the company's financials.

If the company is public, you can review its financial information on Edgar Online or Yahoo Finance. Public companies also often have their financials readily available on their websites. No matter how you research a company's financials, and regardless of the position to which you're applying, it's imperative that you understand the business and financial underpinnings of any potential employer. If you're a creative professional, don't think that you're excused from understanding the financials of a company. You should understand how your creative contributions will affect the company’s top and bottom lines. Knowing the business of your craft is one of the best ways you can differentiate yourself as a creative professional. And if you're a financial or business professional, take the time to review the company’s overall financial position.

by Lisa Rangel | May 15, 2018

A version of this post previously appeared on ChameleonResumes.com.

[jobinterviewstuff]

How to Answer Questions About Your Resume Gap

If you have a gap on your resume, there's a good chance that you'll be asked about it in a job interview—which means that nailing down your answer before you show up is a good idea.

While there are lots of reasons why you might have a gap on your resume, they tend to fall into three main buckets: you quit or were laid off and couldn't find a new job right away;you were taking time out for personal and/or family reasons; or you were off doing something like traveling or working on a passion project.

Provided you have the appropriate skills and experience for the job to land the interview in the first place, the good news is that most interviewers will understand any one of these reasons. The key here: at the interview stage, companies aren't looking for a reason to screen you out (that's what the resume review is for); they're trying to assess if you can do the job, and whether you'll be a good fit. Which leads us to our first tip for talking about your gap:

Be honest

One of the qualities that most employers are seeking in a candidate is the ability to be open and honest when communicating. So, if you were laid off, you should say so. In a world in which technology is uprooting entire career fields before our eyes, the average person will have had several careers—and likely a couple of layoff war stories—by the time they hit retirement age. There's no shame in admitting that you were let go as part of a downsizing, or because your previous employer changed strategy.

The bottom line: it's better to be straightforward with the truth than to appear as if you're concealing something. Having said that, how you phrase the truth is also important--which brings us to the next tip:

Accentuate the positive

When talking about your time out of the workforce, don't focus on the downside or use negative language. Sure, you might resent the amount of time it's taken to find a new opportunity, but mentioning that will only call attention to how long you've been out, and could make the interviewer wonder what they're missing.

So, instead of saying "I haven't been able to find anything since being laid off" or "I've been trying to get something ever since" use language like "I've been waiting for the right opportunity." That demonstrates to the employer that you've put some thought into what you're looking for, and aren't just looking for anything with a paycheck attached (even if that might be the truth after a prolonged absence from the workforce).

Similarly, if family is the reason for your absence, present it as an opportunity, rather than a burden. Avoid phrases like "I had to take care of my kids/parents/a sick relative" or anything along the lines of "the cost of childcare was so high there was no point in working." Instead, try to present your absence as a positive choice: "I wanted to spend time with my parents/kids/relative while I had the chance. Now I'm ready to get back to work."

Talk about what you have been doing

Again, the key to dealing with a resume gap is to provide an answer that lets an interviewer know that your skills and ambition haven't atrophied away from the workforce. So if you've been doing anything to keep those skills current—whether it's online classes, volunteer work, networking, or just keeping up with industry news—you should highlight that when discussing what you've been doing.

Even if you took off for a year of no-strings-attached travel, you can position it as having taken the opportunity to learn about new cultures.

As with so much of the job-search process, the key to answering this question is an exercise in marketing: the skill lies in knowing which details to accentuate, and which to leave out. As such, it pays to figure out those details in advance, and refine them into an answer that, when delivered confidently, will ensure that the interviewer remembers what you said, rather than the gap on your resume.

http://www.vault.com/blog/interviewing/how-to-answer-questions-about-your-resume-gap

[jobinterviewstuff]

How to Prepare for a Phone Interview

While progressing to the phone interview stage of a hiring process is exciting, it’s also nerve-racking. In a phone interview, you can’t rely on your interviewer’s visual cues to guide your next move, and you can’t expect your unique sense of humor to come across as it would in person. But don’t fear, we’ve compiled several concrete strategies to prepare for a phone interview, which will help you make a positive impression on your interviewer and hopefully assuage some of your pre-interview jitters.

1. Do research on the company

Learning about the company and being able to talk knowledgeably about what it does is imperative. You should have a clear grasp on the company’s core competency, mission statement, client base, and main competitors. A gap in any of these areas might raise a red flag to your interviewer and make it seem as if you didn’t care enough about the company to do some basic research on it. You should also be sure to Google the company and read any recent news. For example, if the company has undergone a recent merger or acquisition, you should be aware of it. Finally, check out the company’s social media pages, as they’ll often highlight major company projects and goings-on.

2. Review the job description

Take the time to read through the job description again, slowly and carefully. You want to make sure you’re familiar with all the duties of the role, and any relevant terminology. For example, if you’re applying to an editorial role, you should know what a CMS is. If you don’t have experience with a particular tool, being able to talk about it knowledgably and demonstrating your desire to learn it will make your response much more impressive. You should also take a few moments to review your résumé and cover letter. You want to refresh your memory on your own accomplishments and qualifications for the role, so you can talk about them cogently in the interview.

3. Practice your answers to potential interview questions

Brainstorm a list of questions you think your interviewer might ask. Develop answers to the questions, and practice them—especially the ones you find hardest. At the minimum, you should always be able to answer “Tell me about yourself,” “Walk me through your résumé,” and “Why do you want to work here?” You might even ask a friend to give you a call and go over questions with you, so you can practice your answers—and get feedback on how they sound over the phone.

4. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn

This one’s easy. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn ahead of time so you can get a sense of their work background, education history, and interests. Who knows, maybe they had the same major as you or studied abroad in the same country, and you can casually bring up your own experience in the interview. If you can establish a personal connection with your interviewer, you’re guaranteed to stand out from other candidates.

5. Develop questions to ask your interviewer

Learning a bit more about your interviewer via LinkedIn can also inform the kinds of questions you might ask. You should prepare a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview, which demonstrate that you’ve done your research and are curious about the specifics of the role and company. Questions such as “Can you describe the company culture” and “Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job” are always a safe bet. Avoid asking questions about the company’s benefits; save these for the negotiation stage, after you’ve received a job offer.

6. Prepare logistics

Finally, find a quiet place to take your interview call. Stick a Post-it to your door with a note for your roommates not to bother you. And don’t forget to keep your laptop open in front of you. The benefit of a phone interview is that you can Google something quickly if you don’t know the answer, and your interviewer will never know. You can also prepare notes to help you answer certain questions and increase your chances of interview success.

from vault.com

[jobinterviewstuff]

How to Crush It at Your Interview

Good news! You’ve successfully completed all the lower levels of job hunting with your resume, cover letter, and phone interview and now it’s time for the boss battle: the in-person interview. Interviews have a lot riding on them, but you totally got this, because you’re good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like you. …but just in case, here are some tips to help you prepare.

Keep reading

[jobinterviewstuff]

How to Handle a Phone Interview Without Fucking Up

Good news! You applied for a job and your application and your fanfuckingtastic resume have successfully caught someone’s eye and HR has set up a phone interview. What can you do to turn that into a real interview and advance to the next stage a la reality TV?

Keep reading

[jobinterviewstuff]

How to Ace the Skype Interview

Good news, it’s the future and we can easily communicate via video chat with people down the street or across the world! Unfortunately, that also means that there’s a newer form of job interview with its own rules: the Skype interview. But don’t worry: I’m here to help you through it.

First, read the guides for phone interviews and in-person interviews. 99% of what I’ve said in those still applies to interviews over video chat.

Keep reading

[jobinterviewstuff]

Suzy Welch: What to say when a job interviewer asks, ‘Do you have any questions?’

One of the most important moments of a job interview comes just before the end, when the hiring manager asks, "Do you have any questions for me?"

According to bestselling management author and CNBC contributor Suzy Welch, how you respond to this question, "the finale of your job interview," can either make you a front-runner for the job or significantly hurt your chances.

While you may be tempted to ask a simple question — for instance, "What would a typical day be like for me?" — doing so won't help you stand out.

"Don't do it," she says. "It's so expected. It's not particularly thoughtful. And it's probably already been covered."

Make the most of that crucial last opportunity to shine. According to the leadership and career expert, the best questions to ask a hiring manager should accomplish these two things:

1. Show you've been listening

"This is your chance to show you were fully engaged," Welch says. "Focus in on an aspect of the job as it's been described."

To show you've been paying attention, ask a question that digs deeper into part of the job description they laid out for you.

A great example of this, Welch says, is something like, "Mary said part of my job would be interfacing with the operations team. I'd love to hear a little more about what that entails."

2. Show you think big

Next, demonstrate that you think "expansively" by asking a forward-looking question on an industry-related topic.

"Go up to 20,000 feet," Welch says, "and ask about the competition, the industry."

You can ask about a new product or feature the company just rolled out, or you can inquire about a trend that's impacting the sector, citing an article you recently read.

A good example of this, Welch says, is saying something like: "I just read an interesting article about how your competitors are using artificial intelligence. How are you thinking about that development?"

That type of question shows your potential boss you are already thinking about the company and how it works.

"Show in a positive way that you're excited about the future," Welch says, "and that a part of your brain is already there."

And while you're thinking about what to ask, remember there are also topics you should avoid. Under no circumstances should you bring up salary or benefits during the interview.

"That's for after you get the offer," says Welch.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/01/how-to-answer-the-job-interview-question-do-you-have-questions.html

[jobinterviewstuff]

Dear internet,

Please give me all the advice you have on writing cover letters. Like, the closer you can get to literally just writing a cover letter for me, the better. Ok bye.

[jobinterviewstuff]

5 Curveball Interview Questions To Ask Final-Round Job Candidates

The best job applicants have qualifications that are more than skills-deep, but it isn’t always easy uncovering them. As hiring managers identify their top candidates, the challenge becomes finding out the less-obvious qualities that may put one ahead.

We might ask, for instance, “What’s three-quarters plus one-half?”

Here at Kabbage, we’ve created a series of questions that we save for our final panel interview, which are designed to help us understand how job candidates think about themselves, others, and the toughest types of problems they’re likely to face on the inside. Here are five of them.

1. Name Three Negative Qualities Someone Close To You Would Say You Possess

This question can tell you a lot about a candidate’s self-awareness, and it’s useful for any company that really prizes transparency. By asking this, we’re looking for candidates who not only understand what their true negatives are, but also those that are willing to admit them.

So there are actually a number of unacceptable answers here. We don’t allow answers like, “I’m a perfectionist” or “workaholic” or other positives-disguised-as-negatives. In fact, when we get answers like that, we actually buzz candidates using actual (harmless) buzzers! Then we ask them to try again. If they have trouble coming up with three personal drawbacks on their own, there have even been occasions where we’ve had candidates “phone a friend.”

2. Add These Two Fractions

We might ask, for instance, “What’s three-quarters plus one-half?”

This simple arithmetic question elicits some of the best responses. The point is to determine how a candidate handles being put on the spot unexpectedly. This isn’t really about math skills, of course—we’re fine with them grabbing their phone to use the calculator or just Googling the answer.

But if the typical workday at your company is pretty unpredictable, it’s worth finding out how a prospective hire deals with curveballs. Do they panic? Blurt out a lot of wrong answers? Do they freeze and get stuck? Do they give up? You want to hire someone who’s resourceful, capable of thinking outside of the box, and quick on their feet.

3. How Would You Rate Your Abilities On A Scale Of 1���10?

It’s sometimes worth seeing how candidates believe they stack up once you define “10″ as the absolute best in the world at their current role, and then finding out what they think separates them from it.

The only answer that’s off limits is “interesting,” because it really doesn’t say anything.

Like the first question, this also helps suss out a candidate’s self-awareness, but it also leads to discussions about growth and ambition. Promising hires may not rate themselves as 10s across the board—there’s nothing wrong with humble confidence—but that’s not the point: You want to know why and what they’re doing to get there.

4. Finish This Sentence: “Most People I Meet Are _______.”

We want employees who care deeply about their work, its impact, and other people, so this is one way to see how they relate to others. The only answer that’s off limits is “interesting,” because it really doesn’t say anything. At worst, “interesting” may be a codeword for something negative in disguise, and at best, it’s just too vague a way to characterize other people.

5. Could You Share The First Name Of Someone You Work With Closely?

This, too, ties into caring deeply. If a candidate answers this question quickly and can easily handle several follow-ups about that working relationship, it’s probably a safe bet that they’re good at building and maintaining them. This question can also help you understand whether they’ll be committed to your community.

You want to hire people who can take ownership—not only of the products you create and offer, but also the environment and culture in which they work. And that’s all about genuine, interpersonal connections around the office. If a job candidate has trouble talking specifically about those, it may be a red flag.

You may meet with plenty of candidates in the earlier rounds of your hiring process who’ve got the skills and qualifications you’re looking for, but only a few will be the right fit in the end. So as you narrow down the top contenders throughout the interview process, zero in on your company’s values and focus on finding the personality types who seem most likely to share and thrive under them. To do that, it’s sometimes the curveball questions that work the best.

Amy Zimmerman is head of global people operations, and Jen Richard is the head of learning and development, both at Kabbage, an Atlanta, Georgia–based financial services data and technology platform

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Successful Interview Tips

1. Before applying for a job, find out as much as you can about it – and make sure it’s something you want to do!

2. Also, find out what you can about the interviewers. For example, what are their names and job titles? What other jobs have they done in the past? You can often uncover a lot of information by simply googling peoples’ names and positions.

3. Try and find out about the company’s normal interviewing style. For example, is it likely to be one-on-one interview, or will you be interviewed by a couple of people, or will there be an interview panel? Also, will you be required to sit any kinds of test (general knowledge, case studies, IQ tests etc.)?

4. If possible, connect with others who have undergone a similar interview. Ask them for tips and ideas – or things to watch out for, or how best to prepare.

5. Research the company. It’s important to know as much as possible about the company’s history, what is does now, it’s plans for the future – and the expectations associated with the job.

6. Be clear about what you have to offer the company. It’s important that you match their needs to your experience, abilities and personality. Practise selling yourself to them!

7. If possible, rehearse the interview with a friend.

8. Pay attention to your appearance. Dress appropriately (err on the side of dressing conservatively); make sure you look tidy and smart; brush your hair and teeth; wear perfume or aftershave (but not so much that it’s overpowering).

9. Check out the direction is advance (if necessary drive there the day before to ensure you don’t get lost). Arrive 5 minutes early for the interview.

10. Be confident, respectful, polite, truthful, positive and enthusiastic. Think carefully before you respond – use proper grammar, and don’t speak too quickly.

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7 Ways To Make Your Resume Stand Out

your resume is your first impression to a recruiter, and making your resume stand out is key to getting to an interview.

Some golden rules to follow include making your resume easy to read and kept to an appropriate length for your work experience. Delete language like “References available upon request” and save the document as a pdf file. These changes aren’t enough, though.

Job searches can be very competitive, and you want to catch the recruiter’s eye by submitting a resume that instantly shows how you fit what the recruiter needs. Here are seven ways to make your resume stand out from the pile:

1. Tailor your resume for each job

In general, recruiters look at resumes closer than cover letters. Rather than make broad changes, small tweaks may be all you need to do. Be sure to incorporate the same keywords that are in the job description and your skills, titles and certifications that match the position’s needs.

2. Be Specific

Showcase your experience by including specific accomplishments, awards and key projects. Include jargon and industry-specific language to demonstrate you have industry knowledge, but don’t overdo it. Recruiters also want to know your skillset beyond what’s mentioned in the job description, so include a list at the bottom and work these into your work experience summary as applicable.

3. Highlight changes and growth

Sometimes numbers tell a more compelling story than words — quantify your experience with $ and % signs. Metrics like the percentage you grew a business, the size of a business you managed, the dollars saved through cost cutting, timeframes and number of staff managed will help you highlight your qualifications. Be sure to include any accomplishments from your volunteer work as well.

4. Proofread

Spelling, grammar and punctuation errors show an inattention to detail and may put your resume in the wrong stack. Ask a friend to read your resume to make sure you haven’t missed anything. You don’t want a careless error to cost you an interview.

5. Write a cover letter

Sometimes a cover letter makes all the difference. In your letter, highlight specific accomplishments and use this space to expand on any work experience that’s pertinent to the job you’re applying for. A cover letter can also serve as a writing sample and a platform for sharing how you’ll be able to meet or exceed the job expectations outlined in the description.

6. Format for effect

Your document needs to be concise, simple and clean so that a recruiter can easily read about your experience. For the most impact, use a modern, professional template with a header that includes your contact information. There are many different ways to order your resume, but highlight what matters most at the top. If you’re a recent grad, for example, start with your education and classes, but for those with more than a few years work experience, highlight your career accomplishments instead.

7. Include soft skills

Recruiters look for candidates who will fit into the corporate culture and work well with existing staff. Examples of your teamwork, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills provide a glimpse into your personality. You want to show that you’re a well-rounded employee who is easy to work with and can both help achieve company goals.

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/7-ways-make-resume-stand