Interviewing can be both frustrating and arduous because throughout the process, you receive little or no feedback except for the obvious: if they want you back, they contact you. If they don’t, frequently you never hear from them again. But after a first interview the reasons for not being asked back are numerous, and quite frankly, usually they’re about you: lack of experience, poor interviewing skills, inadequate preparation and research, or similar shortcomings. As a result, another candidate generates more excitement.
But sometimes you are the candidate who’s invited back for a second or even a third interview. After that, though you’ve reached the final stages of interviewing and feel sure an offer is imminent, suddenly……nothing.
Sometimes the process has stalled. Occasionally - and stupidly - a company finds the perfect person, but feels they have to interview a specific number of people first, and while they do, they’re under the impression you’re waiting happily in the background with your life and emotions on hold until they contact you again.
Other times only a letter in the mail tells you it’s done. Rarely are candidates told why they didn't get the job. Unless you get this far in the process, usually you aren’t even told that much. Was it something you did? Maybe. But maybe not!
Relax. While you’re busy wondering what went wrong or trying to convince yourself it had nothing to do with you...sometimes that’s the truth! You and that company just weren't meant to be, and nothing you might have done - or not done - would have made any difference.
Consider these factors, all of which take place without your knowing:
•A last-minute candidate appeared on the scene who was exactly what they were looking for. Maybe you were almost perfect, but for some reason, the last-minute candidate was just a bit more whatever they were looking for. If you experienced a delay in your interviewing late in the process, odds are very good your position as the top candidate was usurped at the last minute.
•An internal candidate entered the picture. Though many companies post positions internally first and go outside only after exhausting internal options, that doesn’t account for someone changing his mind - especially if it was the person they were initially targeting.
•The company decided to eliminate the position or put the hiring process on hold. Sometimes when a company doesn’t know in which direction they want to go, they run an ad to “see what’s out there” and then eliminate the position when their water walker fails to submit a resume. On other occasions, the process might be halted as a result of some event that changed the circumstances - and thus changed their decision about interviewing.
•One of the interviewers that came into the picture later in the process didn't like you. Perhaps you reminded them of a former employee that didn't work out. Maybe they were threatened by your expertise and skill. In any case, they carried enough weight or had enough of a valid point to get you jettisoned from the process.
Interviewing is the process by which you find a company you like, and by which a company hires you because they feel you’re the best person for the job. Everything happens for a reason, and if you missed getting an offer with one company, something better may be just around the corner.
So concentrate on what you can control and forget about what you can’t. If you mope around worrying about what you did or didn't do and wonder why they didn't like you or where you messed up - your attitude will bring about another negative outcome.
Look objectively at whether or not you can pinpoint something you might have done differently, and then learn from it. Otherwise, put it behind you and move forward with a confident and positive outlook!
- Judi Perkins
Judi Perkins, the How-To Career Coach, was a recruiter for 22 years, consulting with hundreds of hiring authorities throughout the hiring process. She’s seen over 500,000 resumes, knows how hiring authorities think and how they hire. As a result she understands and teaches what other coaches don’t: why the typical strategies in finding a job so often fail, what to do instead, and why. She’s been on PBS’s Frontline, will be in the May issue of Smart Money magazine, and has been quoted frequently in numerous articles for CareerBuilder, MSN Careers, Yahoo Hot Jobs, and the New York Times, among others. She’s also been featured as an expert in numerous career books. Sign up for her free newsletter at www.FindthePerfectJob.com!
From www.net-temps.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
5 Methods to Identify and Build Your Professional Panache
The job market is highly competitive. You need to continuously evolve and upgrade your skills to do well. Here are 5 ways to build your professional panache
1.Talk with others and do some serious soul-searching to identify and embrace your specific personal strengths. When compiling this inventory, also strive to be as honest as possible regarding areas you may be lacking. This is not to become a focal point, but only to accept the fact there are areas that could always be improved, as it is with all of us. Then put together a plan to strengthen those areas.
One thing to recognize is that as you go out to pursue your career objectives, you are selling. You are out to prove to those in your chosen field the value and unique talents and traits you possess and how you can become an invaluable asset in their operations. That means you are in control of addressing possible 'objections' before they are brought up by your client (the interviewer) and how you have taken steps to address them.
2.You have an opportunity in an interview to display your passion and commitment to your field of interest. Enthusiasm is part of what radiates confidence and will carry you through any tough, challenging times. This means you will be an asset for the long haul with any firm that chooses to bring you on-board. If you love what you are doing it will show. It is one of those intangibles that will set you apart from many.
3.Always educate yourself on the happenings in your field. The Internet now makes it possible to follow the most successful firms in your business. You can identify those things they are successfully incorporating. You will be able to keep up with the latest research and products or services that come online. As you study further, you may start to see areas that could be improved upon. Note those for future reference and work to find solutions you could offer to a prospective employer.
4.You can start networking now. Find some blogs or websites related to your business and subscribe to some newsletters and read them regularly. If there are comment areas, begin to post a few relevant observations of your own. Maybe there is something in particular that moves you. Consider writing a short article and submit it for publication. There are many blogs and article directories that are craving for fresh content.
You can start to make your presence known online and establish yourself as somewhat of an expert by using social media networks. One thing about the Internet is you never know with whom you are building a relationship with, nor who might read your postings. Any of these relatively anonymous contacts could very well open a door beyond your wildest dreams. Freely offer others assistance and provide answers on related forums. You can always use this collection as a reference to a prospective employer and build a strong case regarding your character.
5.Finally, make sure you present your best 'face' to prospective employers by enlisting the services of a professional resume-writing firm. They are trained to write your resume to meet your professional level, be it upper management or entry-level, and get you noticed. When it is all put together, you will find your interviews to be as productive as possible and help you land that perfect position.
- Heather Eagar
1.Talk with others and do some serious soul-searching to identify and embrace your specific personal strengths. When compiling this inventory, also strive to be as honest as possible regarding areas you may be lacking. This is not to become a focal point, but only to accept the fact there are areas that could always be improved, as it is with all of us. Then put together a plan to strengthen those areas.
One thing to recognize is that as you go out to pursue your career objectives, you are selling. You are out to prove to those in your chosen field the value and unique talents and traits you possess and how you can become an invaluable asset in their operations. That means you are in control of addressing possible 'objections' before they are brought up by your client (the interviewer) and how you have taken steps to address them.
2.You have an opportunity in an interview to display your passion and commitment to your field of interest. Enthusiasm is part of what radiates confidence and will carry you through any tough, challenging times. This means you will be an asset for the long haul with any firm that chooses to bring you on-board. If you love what you are doing it will show. It is one of those intangibles that will set you apart from many.
3.Always educate yourself on the happenings in your field. The Internet now makes it possible to follow the most successful firms in your business. You can identify those things they are successfully incorporating. You will be able to keep up with the latest research and products or services that come online. As you study further, you may start to see areas that could be improved upon. Note those for future reference and work to find solutions you could offer to a prospective employer.
4.You can start networking now. Find some blogs or websites related to your business and subscribe to some newsletters and read them regularly. If there are comment areas, begin to post a few relevant observations of your own. Maybe there is something in particular that moves you. Consider writing a short article and submit it for publication. There are many blogs and article directories that are craving for fresh content.
You can start to make your presence known online and establish yourself as somewhat of an expert by using social media networks. One thing about the Internet is you never know with whom you are building a relationship with, nor who might read your postings. Any of these relatively anonymous contacts could very well open a door beyond your wildest dreams. Freely offer others assistance and provide answers on related forums. You can always use this collection as a reference to a prospective employer and build a strong case regarding your character.
5.Finally, make sure you present your best 'face' to prospective employers by enlisting the services of a professional resume-writing firm. They are trained to write your resume to meet your professional level, be it upper management or entry-level, and get you noticed. When it is all put together, you will find your interviews to be as productive as possible and help you land that perfect position.
- Heather Eagar
Administrative Assistant Needed!
Large Oil and Gas company needs an administrative assistant who is extremely proficient with their Access and Excel skills. Will be working with their Recruiting department manipulating data in their applicant tracking system. Must be highly organized, detailed, and not afraid of learning new software systems.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Attention Senior Buyers...We are looking for you!!!
The position will report to the Procurement and Houston Office Manager. It will interact with other Buyers and support staff in Houston, corporate office personnel, overseas buyers and vendors. Duties to include: Negotiate and create Purchase Orders, and commercial... terms for: parts, materials, equipment. Manage files associated with requisitions, Purchase Orders, RFQs, and supplier documents. Verify requisition technical specifications, clarify discrepancies, identify vendors, prepare and circulate RFQs to selected vendors, evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate terms, approve and obtain final authority for execution of purchase and delivery terms. Oversee vendor performance, track status of order from inception to delivery. Advise and counsel internal clients on status of requisition. Ideal candidate must have the following qualities: Results oriented, takes ownership in responsibilities, hard working, creative but practical thinker, strongly analytical, committed to succeed, positive attitude, team oriented, and be a persuasive communicator. Knowledge/Skills/Competencies: At least 5 years experience in Procurement with experience contracting of Oil Services such as: drilling, rigs, fluids, wireline logging, directional drilling, bits, well testing etc. Must have excellent communication skills in Spanish and English and through different cultures in countries such as Angola, Colombia, and Venezuela. Requires the ability to read, comprehend and analyze Request for Quotes, Quotes and Purchase Orders. Must have the ability to travel (not in the short term) Education: College degree preferred. Supply Chain or Procurement formation is a plus. Communication skills in Portuguese is a plus.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Two Old Ways to Find a New Job
You think it’s tough to find a job now?
It’s been tougher.
Like in the Great Depression of the 1930s, for example.
Try to imagine a world without Twitter or Facebook, when the unemployment rate ranged from 14.3% to 24.9% (1931 to 1938).
Would you be interested in learning two ways to find that worked back then -- and still work now?
Here they are …
1.Appeal to the self-interest of the employer
In the book, "Pick Your Job And Land It!" published in 1938, the authors, S.W. and M.G. Edlund, share the story of one job seeker, Barrett Havens, who put together a seemingly flawless written portfolio of his accomplishments, one that had produced several interviews for the position of manufacturing manager.
Yet Havens received no job offers.
So the Edlunds suggested that in his next job interview, Havens should ask smart questions of the employer: How had they been able to navigate seasonal slumps? How did they develop new products? How did they get help from retailers in selling their products?
By asking questions, Havens would start conversations based on the employer's interests, could tell of similar problems he had solved, and then refer to his written examples to back up his claims.
The results were dramatic -- within one week, Havens had an interview with an employer who was so enthralled with his questions that he cancelled lunch and his afternoon appointments so he could continue talking. (When's the last time an employer missed a meal to listen to you?)
Your takeaway lesson: When you realize that no employer wants to hire you and that every employer has problems to solve, you can start to appeal to their self-interests. How? By discovering their problems and proposing solutions. All you need do is start asking questions.
2.Look outside to find your hidden assets
Among the other examples in "Pick Your Job And Land It!" of people who found work in the Depression is that of John Shaffer. According to the authors, Shaffer didn’t seem to have any assets besides a pair of hands.
Despite a college degree, Shaffer thought the only jobs available to him would be like the retail clerk and food merchandising positions he had held after college.
(A college grad who felt doomed to a life of dead-end jobs. Hmm. Know anybody like that?)
However, after thoroughly analyzing his work history with friends and business acquaintances, “[Shaffer] began to appreciate that his two jobs had been full of unusual opportunities. He began to see the fundamentals underlying his experience and to realize he had gained an insight into selling problems which would be of value to other firms,” write the authors.
In the retail job, Shaffer “had observed the effect of advertising, merchandising, and counter display on the sales of high-grade merchandise,” according to the authors, while at the food manufacturer, he had seen how advertising had greatly improved product sales.
After analyzing his experience, Shaffer realized that his work had exposed him to effective marketing that went beyond the job titles of “clerk” or “merchandiser.” As a result, Shaffer was able to retell the story of his employment in a way that interested employers -- and got him a better, higher-paying job.
Here are the key paragraphs from his winning cover letter, written circa 1936:
“During the past two and a half years I have been with a large food concern marketing a staple food product in a highly competitive field. At first, this was sold primarily on a price appeal. Then followed a comprehensive advertising and point of sale program designed to enable the retailer to maintain price and so increase profits. As a result, I have seen the sales curve of this company rise steadily.
“My particular job, which I sill hold, has been to contact several thousand dealers in Manhattan, put up display material, and establish good will by merchandising the consumer advertising and price policy.
“Prior to this I spent six months with Strauch’s, where I observed how advertising and display, coupled with keen sales psychology, effectively moved quality merchandise ….”
Your takeaway lesson: What success stories have you observed in past jobs that could help future employers? Note that verb -- observed. Anyone can learn by watching, if they’re looking for lessons. What have you learned?
Now. This is where you need outside help.
Simply put, you WILL underestimate the value of your experience if you analyze it yourself -- it’s like trying to describe the back of your head without a mirror.
Get a mirror, or, in this case, get a friend or three who will sit down over coffee and ask you about exactly what you’ve observed and what you’ve learned in every job you’ve held.
Then, write it all on paper, as specifically and extensively as possible.
When you do this, you’ll unearth hidden assets that can appeal to employers. Doing so got people hired in the Great Depression, when unemployment ran as high as 24.9%. And it can get you hired now, when the job market isn’t half as bad.
- Kevin Donlin
Kevin Donlin is co-author of Guerrilla Resumes. Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. Kevin has been interviewed by The New York Times, USA Today, Fox News, ABC TV, CBS Radio and others. Learn more about Guerrilla Resumes
copyright (c) 2010 by Kevin Donlin
From www.net-temps.com
It’s been tougher.
Like in the Great Depression of the 1930s, for example.
Try to imagine a world without Twitter or Facebook, when the unemployment rate ranged from 14.3% to 24.9% (1931 to 1938).
Would you be interested in learning two ways to find that worked back then -- and still work now?
Here they are …
1.Appeal to the self-interest of the employer
In the book, "Pick Your Job And Land It!" published in 1938, the authors, S.W. and M.G. Edlund, share the story of one job seeker, Barrett Havens, who put together a seemingly flawless written portfolio of his accomplishments, one that had produced several interviews for the position of manufacturing manager.
Yet Havens received no job offers.
So the Edlunds suggested that in his next job interview, Havens should ask smart questions of the employer: How had they been able to navigate seasonal slumps? How did they develop new products? How did they get help from retailers in selling their products?
By asking questions, Havens would start conversations based on the employer's interests, could tell of similar problems he had solved, and then refer to his written examples to back up his claims.
The results were dramatic -- within one week, Havens had an interview with an employer who was so enthralled with his questions that he cancelled lunch and his afternoon appointments so he could continue talking. (When's the last time an employer missed a meal to listen to you?)
Your takeaway lesson: When you realize that no employer wants to hire you and that every employer has problems to solve, you can start to appeal to their self-interests. How? By discovering their problems and proposing solutions. All you need do is start asking questions.
2.Look outside to find your hidden assets
Among the other examples in "Pick Your Job And Land It!" of people who found work in the Depression is that of John Shaffer. According to the authors, Shaffer didn’t seem to have any assets besides a pair of hands.
Despite a college degree, Shaffer thought the only jobs available to him would be like the retail clerk and food merchandising positions he had held after college.
(A college grad who felt doomed to a life of dead-end jobs. Hmm. Know anybody like that?)
However, after thoroughly analyzing his work history with friends and business acquaintances, “[Shaffer] began to appreciate that his two jobs had been full of unusual opportunities. He began to see the fundamentals underlying his experience and to realize he had gained an insight into selling problems which would be of value to other firms,” write the authors.
In the retail job, Shaffer “had observed the effect of advertising, merchandising, and counter display on the sales of high-grade merchandise,” according to the authors, while at the food manufacturer, he had seen how advertising had greatly improved product sales.
After analyzing his experience, Shaffer realized that his work had exposed him to effective marketing that went beyond the job titles of “clerk” or “merchandiser.” As a result, Shaffer was able to retell the story of his employment in a way that interested employers -- and got him a better, higher-paying job.
Here are the key paragraphs from his winning cover letter, written circa 1936:
“During the past two and a half years I have been with a large food concern marketing a staple food product in a highly competitive field. At first, this was sold primarily on a price appeal. Then followed a comprehensive advertising and point of sale program designed to enable the retailer to maintain price and so increase profits. As a result, I have seen the sales curve of this company rise steadily.
“My particular job, which I sill hold, has been to contact several thousand dealers in Manhattan, put up display material, and establish good will by merchandising the consumer advertising and price policy.
“Prior to this I spent six months with Strauch’s, where I observed how advertising and display, coupled with keen sales psychology, effectively moved quality merchandise ….”
Your takeaway lesson: What success stories have you observed in past jobs that could help future employers? Note that verb -- observed. Anyone can learn by watching, if they’re looking for lessons. What have you learned?
Now. This is where you need outside help.
Simply put, you WILL underestimate the value of your experience if you analyze it yourself -- it’s like trying to describe the back of your head without a mirror.
Get a mirror, or, in this case, get a friend or three who will sit down over coffee and ask you about exactly what you’ve observed and what you’ve learned in every job you’ve held.
Then, write it all on paper, as specifically and extensively as possible.
When you do this, you’ll unearth hidden assets that can appeal to employers. Doing so got people hired in the Great Depression, when unemployment ran as high as 24.9%. And it can get you hired now, when the job market isn’t half as bad.
- Kevin Donlin
Kevin Donlin is co-author of Guerrilla Resumes. Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. Kevin has been interviewed by The New York Times, USA Today, Fox News, ABC TV, CBS Radio and others. Learn more about Guerrilla Resumes
copyright (c) 2010 by Kevin Donlin
From www.net-temps.com
Friday, July 23, 2010
Bilingual Spanish JR Loan Analyst
Loan Analyst is needed for this growing financial organization located in the Galleria Area. Must have an accounting/analyst background, Some experience in loan operations and servicing, understanding of Loan Structures and payment and delivery, able to calculate Interest rates, and strong MS Office skills. This position will be reviewing and analyzing loans, reading term and conditions, determining risk factors, and identifying financial stability.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
How to Describe Yourself in an Interview
There you are dressed your best and being interviewed for the job of your dreams and the dreaded question gets asked, ‘Describe yourself for me.’ This question is almost always asked by perspective employers and almost always answered with a resounding uuuuuh… Knowing how to describe yourself in an interview can mean the difference of landing your dream job or going back to the want ads.
It helps if you come to grips with the fact that this question will be asked and you prepare for it ahead of time, but be careful that you don’t some off sounding like you memorized a script the night before. When getting ready to describe yourself in an interview you should consider the following:
•Don’t tell them what they already know: Don’t start out with your name and age, they have that on the application and repeating it sort of makes you sound silly. Instead of saying where you went to school –also on the application- tell the interviewer what you got out of your schooling or who influenced you along the way. Get into any activities or hobbies you have that may not be listed on the application. This is your time to let the interviewer know everything about you that is not on the application already.
•Give your strengths AND your weaknesses: First off all when giving your strengths, never come off too cocky. Be proud, but be careful not to toot your own horn too loudly as this can be a major turn-off to the interviewer. Besides giving what your strengths are, also mention your weaknesses, but do it in a way that makes you look good. ‘I have no patience for those that do not want to go the extra mile to help a co-worker,’ or ‘A big fault of mine is that I tend to pay too much attention to detail when it may not be needed.’ Statements such as those show the interviewer that you don’t think you are perfect, but that your faults are good ones to have.
•Be honest: This is most important of all. If you are not being honest many prospective employers can see right through your bologna and besides, you are who you are. If the job isn’t meant to be, then that is life. Never pretend to be somebody you are not.
•Speak clearly and don’t stammer: This goes back to the whole practice thing. If you are constantly stammering or saying ‘uh’ then you give off the impression that you are searching for words to say. This gives a bad vibe off because if you don’t know who you are, then who really does?
While there are no magic words to speak that will guarantee you a job, you should be prepared to adequately describe yourself at an interview. Again, you know the question is coming, so you may as well prepare for it. A good trick is to stand in front of the mirror and interview yourself. Ask yourself the question and answer the question. Would you hire yourself? If the answer is no, then chances are neither will the prospective employer, so keep practicing until the answer is yes.
Learn more interview tips at JobGoRound, the career advice and resume service website.
- Jason Kay
Jason Kay is a professional resume writer and regular contributor to JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
From www.net-temps.com
It helps if you come to grips with the fact that this question will be asked and you prepare for it ahead of time, but be careful that you don’t some off sounding like you memorized a script the night before. When getting ready to describe yourself in an interview you should consider the following:
•Don’t tell them what they already know: Don’t start out with your name and age, they have that on the application and repeating it sort of makes you sound silly. Instead of saying where you went to school –also on the application- tell the interviewer what you got out of your schooling or who influenced you along the way. Get into any activities or hobbies you have that may not be listed on the application. This is your time to let the interviewer know everything about you that is not on the application already.
•Give your strengths AND your weaknesses: First off all when giving your strengths, never come off too cocky. Be proud, but be careful not to toot your own horn too loudly as this can be a major turn-off to the interviewer. Besides giving what your strengths are, also mention your weaknesses, but do it in a way that makes you look good. ‘I have no patience for those that do not want to go the extra mile to help a co-worker,’ or ‘A big fault of mine is that I tend to pay too much attention to detail when it may not be needed.’ Statements such as those show the interviewer that you don’t think you are perfect, but that your faults are good ones to have.
•Be honest: This is most important of all. If you are not being honest many prospective employers can see right through your bologna and besides, you are who you are. If the job isn’t meant to be, then that is life. Never pretend to be somebody you are not.
•Speak clearly and don’t stammer: This goes back to the whole practice thing. If you are constantly stammering or saying ‘uh’ then you give off the impression that you are searching for words to say. This gives a bad vibe off because if you don’t know who you are, then who really does?
While there are no magic words to speak that will guarantee you a job, you should be prepared to adequately describe yourself at an interview. Again, you know the question is coming, so you may as well prepare for it. A good trick is to stand in front of the mirror and interview yourself. Ask yourself the question and answer the question. Would you hire yourself? If the answer is no, then chances are neither will the prospective employer, so keep practicing until the answer is yes.
Learn more interview tips at JobGoRound, the career advice and resume service website.
- Jason Kay
Jason Kay is a professional resume writer and regular contributor to JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
From www.net-temps.com
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