Recently, a friend of mine was scheduled for a phone interview and she asked if I had some tips. It seems like there are more and more of these now-a-days. My guess is because there are so many people on the market for a new job that companies are having to add an extra step for screening applicants. So, here are some tips if you find yourself on a phone interview.
* As with any interview, ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!! Do your research on the company and the job opening - check out their website if you already have that information.
* Anticipate questions from the recruiter or hiring manager like the ones in my top ten. Have an idea of how you want to respond to these questions.
* Type up a list of questions that are important to you and ask them! Remember, an interview is a two way street. You're interviewing the company to make sure its a right fit as well.
* Say it with a smile. Do the interview in front of a mirror and smile at yourself. I know it seems wierd, but it really does make a difference in the sound of your voice.
* Dress as if you were going to the interview in person. Trust me, you'll feel more professional in a suit than your PJs.
* At the end of the interview, always ask "What's next?" This shows your interest in the process and the position!
Go forth & good luck!!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
twenty minute simple skirt tutorial
I've been sewing since I was a little girl. Pillows, toys, blankets, halloween costumes - that sort of thing. When I was in college, my grandma gave me her old sewing machine. I've since upgraded, but love any chance I have to pull it out!!! Here's a great way to make some simple dress skirts for casual work days or the weekend!
Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!: "skirts are elastic I would say they would fit a size 2-8.
Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!: "skirts are elastic I would say they would fit a size 2-8.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
summer time reviews...
Wow! I can't believe we're already in the middle of June. Where did the year go? We've hit the summer months which typically means that it's time for mid-year reviews. This is a time for you and your manager to look at what you’ve accomplished since the beginning of the year and what you plan to do in the remainder.
In preparation for your review, here are some guidelines to help you, the employee, with your role in the process.
Planning & Preparation
* Review performance expectations and competencies and ask for clarification if needed.
* Prepare a list of your accomplishments and progress to date.
* Make note of difficulties or obstacles you’ve encountered in completing your goals for the year.
* Obtain feedback from others when necessary.
Completing Your Self Appraisal
* Keep an objective perspective when completing your self-appraisal.
* Consider the wording of the goal carefully before selecting whether you meet expectations.
* Provide examples of successes and difficulties.
* Save your appraisal as a draft until you are comfortable with your self-appraisal.
Meeting with Your Supervisor
* Be an active participant in the discussion with your supervisor.
* Remain open and receptive to the feedback from your supervisor.
* Make the discussion easier by asking questions like, “What else could I have done to improve X” or “Do you have any suggestions for me?” Then listen carefully.
* Provide specific examples of what you’ve done particularly well and where you would like to improve.
* Discuss what you plan to achieve by the end of the fiscal year, and ask what your supervisor expects you to achieve in this timeframe.
* Share progress you have made toward your own development plan with your supervisor.
Completion & Follow-up
* Thank your supervisor for their feedback.
* Recommit yourself to a successful year.
* Periodically ask for additional feedback on your performance.
* Seek out coaching and informal update opportunities.
* Consider special projects/assignments.
* Actively seek learning opportunities and bring to the attention of your supervisor.
* Take responsibility for personal continuous improvement and development.
In preparation for your review, here are some guidelines to help you, the employee, with your role in the process.
Planning & Preparation
* Review performance expectations and competencies and ask for clarification if needed.
* Prepare a list of your accomplishments and progress to date.
* Make note of difficulties or obstacles you’ve encountered in completing your goals for the year.
* Obtain feedback from others when necessary.
Completing Your Self Appraisal
* Keep an objective perspective when completing your self-appraisal.
* Consider the wording of the goal carefully before selecting whether you meet expectations.
* Provide examples of successes and difficulties.
* Save your appraisal as a draft until you are comfortable with your self-appraisal.
Meeting with Your Supervisor
* Be an active participant in the discussion with your supervisor.
* Remain open and receptive to the feedback from your supervisor.
* Make the discussion easier by asking questions like, “What else could I have done to improve X” or “Do you have any suggestions for me?” Then listen carefully.
* Provide specific examples of what you’ve done particularly well and where you would like to improve.
* Discuss what you plan to achieve by the end of the fiscal year, and ask what your supervisor expects you to achieve in this timeframe.
* Share progress you have made toward your own development plan with your supervisor.
Completion & Follow-up
* Thank your supervisor for their feedback.
* Recommit yourself to a successful year.
* Periodically ask for additional feedback on your performance.
* Seek out coaching and informal update opportunities.
* Consider special projects/assignments.
* Actively seek learning opportunities and bring to the attention of your supervisor.
* Take responsibility for personal continuous improvement and development.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
another top 10
Have you ever left an interview and thought to yourself, "Dang, I had the perfect answer for that!" knowing that you completely froze when you were asked it... Well, the key to a great interview is being prepared. Take the time to actually write out your answers to these top ten interview questions, and it wouldn't hurt to practice in the mirror either. Trust me! It helps!
Top Ten Interview Questions to Prepare For
1. Tell me about yourself.
Tip: Talk about a couple of your key achievements making sure to focus on highlights of your resume.
2. Tell me about your current/last position. What did you like best about it? Least?
Tip: Be prepared to provide specifics.
3. What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
Tip: Discuss your number one strength making sure to provide a good example. For your weakness, find something that you are currently working on. Provide an example of how you’re working to improve on it.
4. Can you provide me an example of when you provided great customer service?
Tip: Explain the problem/project, discuss the action you took, and provide what the results were.
5. What motivates you in the workplace?
Tip: Challenge, creativity, success, and opportunity are the most used. You can also mention specific skills that you enjoy using such as problem solving, decision making, listening, or counseling others.
6. Did you gain any relevant experience during this time period?
Tip: Most likely, they’re referring to gaps in your work history. Keep your answers professional and work-related. Talk about skills you developed, gained, or worked on while un-employed. You may want to talk about time management skills, how to deal with adversity, problem solving, decision making, etc.
7. What is the most difficult situation you’ve ever faced?
Tip: Pick an example which you successfully resolved a tough situation in the work place. Tell the story briefly and try to reveal as many good qualities as possible. The interviewer is looking for qualities such as perseverance, good judgment, and maturity in a work situation.
8. What experience do you have that will make you the ideal candidate for this position?
Tip: This is a great opportunity to sell you. Talk about your strengths (including ones you did not mention previously) and how they fit the needs of the company. Do your research on both the company and the position before going into the interview.
9. What is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
Tip: Figure out what it is that you value most in a company and position. You may value challenge, good working conditions, training, or friendly co-workers. Talk about one or two of those items.
10. Have you ever been convicted by any Federal, State or any other law enforcement authorities for any violation of Federal, State, County, or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance?
Tip: This may appear on your application. If so, answer truthfully. If you are offered the job, they will most likely do a background check and its better to be forth-coming with this information. For many companies, this does not omit you as a candidate for the position. If asked about it during the interview, find the positive and talk about how you have moved on from this discretion. There is no need to go into detail. If the interviewer is concerned about your credibility, mention that you can provide a list of professional references that would be able to vouch for your character.
Top Ten Interview Questions to Prepare For
1. Tell me about yourself.
Tip: Talk about a couple of your key achievements making sure to focus on highlights of your resume.
2. Tell me about your current/last position. What did you like best about it? Least?
Tip: Be prepared to provide specifics.
3. What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
Tip: Discuss your number one strength making sure to provide a good example. For your weakness, find something that you are currently working on. Provide an example of how you’re working to improve on it.
4. Can you provide me an example of when you provided great customer service?
Tip: Explain the problem/project, discuss the action you took, and provide what the results were.
5. What motivates you in the workplace?
Tip: Challenge, creativity, success, and opportunity are the most used. You can also mention specific skills that you enjoy using such as problem solving, decision making, listening, or counseling others.
6. Did you gain any relevant experience during this time period?
Tip: Most likely, they’re referring to gaps in your work history. Keep your answers professional and work-related. Talk about skills you developed, gained, or worked on while un-employed. You may want to talk about time management skills, how to deal with adversity, problem solving, decision making, etc.
7. What is the most difficult situation you’ve ever faced?
Tip: Pick an example which you successfully resolved a tough situation in the work place. Tell the story briefly and try to reveal as many good qualities as possible. The interviewer is looking for qualities such as perseverance, good judgment, and maturity in a work situation.
8. What experience do you have that will make you the ideal candidate for this position?
Tip: This is a great opportunity to sell you. Talk about your strengths (including ones you did not mention previously) and how they fit the needs of the company. Do your research on both the company and the position before going into the interview.
9. What is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
Tip: Figure out what it is that you value most in a company and position. You may value challenge, good working conditions, training, or friendly co-workers. Talk about one or two of those items.
10. Have you ever been convicted by any Federal, State or any other law enforcement authorities for any violation of Federal, State, County, or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance?
Tip: This may appear on your application. If so, answer truthfully. If you are offered the job, they will most likely do a background check and its better to be forth-coming with this information. For many companies, this does not omit you as a candidate for the position. If asked about it during the interview, find the positive and talk about how you have moved on from this discretion. There is no need to go into detail. If the interviewer is concerned about your credibility, mention that you can provide a list of professional references that would be able to vouch for your character.
everyone loves a top 10
Hello all. This week, I have two top 10's for you. The other day, I mentioned that I was able to go to the Atlanta Children's Shelter to work with the parents on tips and tricks for interviewing. So I wanted to give you the two top 10 lists I provided them. Enjoy!
Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts For an Interview
1. DON’T wear something that is too revealing or flashy.
Stick with dress pants or a knee length skirt. Conservative is the safer way to go!
2. DO be aware of your personal hygiene!
Take the time the morning of to shower, and brush your hair. First impressions are everything!
3. DON’T leave your cell phone on or answer it during an interview.
Turn it off or put it on silent. If you missed a call, return it once the interview is over.
4. DO bring a copy of your resume and any prepared questions.
Always be prepared!
5. DON’T chew gum during an interview.
It’s distracting and unprofessional.
6. DO wear a watch!
Plan on being there at least 10 minutes early!
7. DON’T use inappropriate language.
Try to avoid using slang. Keep the interview as professional as possible!
8. DO have a firm handshake.
It’s okay for women to have a firm handshake.
9. DON’T lie.
There is no need to lie if asked a question directly, but be careful about going into too much detail.
10. DO come with a positive attitude.
Treat all people you encounter with courtesy and respect. First impressions are everything, even that of the receptionist!
Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts For an Interview
1. DON’T wear something that is too revealing or flashy.
Stick with dress pants or a knee length skirt. Conservative is the safer way to go!
2. DO be aware of your personal hygiene!
Take the time the morning of to shower, and brush your hair. First impressions are everything!
3. DON’T leave your cell phone on or answer it during an interview.
Turn it off or put it on silent. If you missed a call, return it once the interview is over.
4. DO bring a copy of your resume and any prepared questions.
Always be prepared!
5. DON’T chew gum during an interview.
It’s distracting and unprofessional.
6. DO wear a watch!
Plan on being there at least 10 minutes early!
7. DON’T use inappropriate language.
Try to avoid using slang. Keep the interview as professional as possible!
8. DO have a firm handshake.
It’s okay for women to have a firm handshake.
9. DON’T lie.
There is no need to lie if asked a question directly, but be careful about going into too much detail.
10. DO come with a positive attitude.
Treat all people you encounter with courtesy and respect. First impressions are everything, even that of the receptionist!
Friday, June 5, 2009
a little inspiration goes a long way
My friend, Nicole, has recently been on this huge kick of finding something positive in all this doom and gloom, and I've decided its about time to join her!
Even more recently, Nicole (yeap! the same one!) has been let go from her job. Although this was a swift kick in the gut (as I'm sure it would be for anyone out there going through a similar situation), Nicole has taken on an immensely positive attitude. Nicole looked at her situation, not as a mark of bad fortune, but as an opportunity and is taking life into her own hands.
Although the afore-mentioned job was here in Alpharetta where we both reside, we call Savannah home. Nicole's been comtemplating her move back to Savannah for some time now, and losing her job really and truly did offer her the right timing and opportunity to make this work for her.
In the past two weeks, I've watched Nicole take the next step (and a giant one at that) in her career. She's put herself in an opportunity to be very happy in the town we both love and call home and make herself known in the industry she loves and (i know) she will thrive in. She's already applied for a few jobs in the Savannah area that are right up her alley and exactly what she wants to be doing. Not only that, but 1) she's teamed up with two other talented individuals to create their own team to design websites, 2) she's being asked by companies what her consultative fee is for marketing advice, 3) she's already been asked to plan a wedding, and 4) a press release she wrote at the afore-mentioned job was just picked up by msnbc!
It's people like Nicole that inspire me to keep doing what I love! Good things CAN happen, even in crappy times like these. Like I always say - the decision is yours! What are you going to do with your career? What opportunities have just been presented to you?
Even more recently, Nicole (yeap! the same one!) has been let go from her job. Although this was a swift kick in the gut (as I'm sure it would be for anyone out there going through a similar situation), Nicole has taken on an immensely positive attitude. Nicole looked at her situation, not as a mark of bad fortune, but as an opportunity and is taking life into her own hands.
Although the afore-mentioned job was here in Alpharetta where we both reside, we call Savannah home. Nicole's been comtemplating her move back to Savannah for some time now, and losing her job really and truly did offer her the right timing and opportunity to make this work for her.
In the past two weeks, I've watched Nicole take the next step (and a giant one at that) in her career. She's put herself in an opportunity to be very happy in the town we both love and call home and make herself known in the industry she loves and (i know) she will thrive in. She's already applied for a few jobs in the Savannah area that are right up her alley and exactly what she wants to be doing. Not only that, but 1) she's teamed up with two other talented individuals to create their own team to design websites, 2) she's being asked by companies what her consultative fee is for marketing advice, 3) she's already been asked to plan a wedding, and 4) a press release she wrote at the afore-mentioned job was just picked up by msnbc!
It's people like Nicole that inspire me to keep doing what I love! Good things CAN happen, even in crappy times like these. Like I always say - the decision is yours! What are you going to do with your career? What opportunities have just been presented to you?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
its all about you
Career Development can be a really vague term at times, but what it really boils down to is what are YOU doing to make yourself a better candidate, employee, boss, or even co-worker?
Earlier in the year, I put together an internal Career Development Fair for my company. We got a huge response, which was exactly what I had hoped for. However, I think that people tend to forget or not grasp the most important part of Career Development. I can teach as many classes in one day, one week, one year as possible, but if you're not playing an active part in that session, what's the point? Don't get me wrong... I LOVE what I do! I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world! I love providing support to those who want to do something for themselves... but I can't hold your hand through all the steps. You have to actively participate in your own career development, because I can tell you - It's not going to be handed to you.
What's the moral of the story? Get inspired! Think about the changes you want to make and GO FOR IT!!! If you realize you're lacking a certain skill, step up to the plate and find a way to acquire or develop that skill. If you're wanting to learn something new, take the initiative and go out and buy a book, do some research, take a class! Your life is in your hands and there are endless opportunities!
Earlier in the year, I put together an internal Career Development Fair for my company. We got a huge response, which was exactly what I had hoped for. However, I think that people tend to forget or not grasp the most important part of Career Development. I can teach as many classes in one day, one week, one year as possible, but if you're not playing an active part in that session, what's the point? Don't get me wrong... I LOVE what I do! I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world! I love providing support to those who want to do something for themselves... but I can't hold your hand through all the steps. You have to actively participate in your own career development, because I can tell you - It's not going to be handed to you.
What's the moral of the story? Get inspired! Think about the changes you want to make and GO FOR IT!!! If you realize you're lacking a certain skill, step up to the plate and find a way to acquire or develop that skill. If you're wanting to learn something new, take the initiative and go out and buy a book, do some research, take a class! Your life is in your hands and there are endless opportunities!
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