Follow Up After the Interview

Following up after an interview is often where even the best job candidates drop the ball, because they don’t want to seem overly-eager or irritate the interviewer(s). It’s important to always follow up though, so here are some tips to help you do so while maintaining your professionalism.

Set Expectations – During the interview, it’s a good ideas to ask the interviewer(s) when they will be contacting candidates to let them know about the position. Asking for this information gives you a timeline of when you should hear back and when it’s okay to follow up and inquire about a hiring decision. If you were told you would hear back within one week, and ten days have gone by, it’s more than acceptable to give the interviewer a call and follow up with them.

Stay in Touch – Another professional method of following up would be sending out thank you notes (or thank you e-mails) within two days of your interview. Sending a thank you note shows you are interested in the job and appreciate the time the interviewer(s) took to meet with you, without being overly bothersome.

What to Do After the Interview

After your interview, it’s important to stay professional and know what to expect from your potential future employer. Here are some tips:

At the End of the Interview

When asked if you have questions, it’s okay to ask what the next steps in the hiring process will be. This will show your interviewer that you’re interested and help ease the stress of waiting to hear back in the days following.

Before You Leave the Interview

Collect contact information from your interviewer. Business cards are great to collect when you’re making contacts in your field. Plus, asking for one reinforces your interest in the job and gives you something to reference when you send thank you cards. 

After the Interview

Send a brief thank you to your interviewer thanking them for their time.  Sending a thank you note reflects well on you and can sometimes be the deciding factor between you and another candidate. You should send your note within a few days of the interview.  

The amount of time you should wait before following up varies, but if you were given a specific decision date, it wouldn’t hurt to send a quick e-mail or make a follow-up phone call after that date has passed.

Online Interviews

Online interviews are becoming more common, but there are a few considerations you will want to think about when participating in an online interview. Although it may be online,  treat the meeting like a face-to-face interview; do your research, dress professionally and practice potential interview questions. Here are some things you should think about before you do an online interview:

Background:

·        Make sure the space you’ve chosen to conduct the interview is clean and presentable.

·        Try to find a spot with a plain wall behind you and simple furniture.

·        Eliminate anything distracting from the background.

 

Pets and Kids:

·        Remove pets from your interview area and make sure they stay quiet throughout.

·       Take your children to a babysitter, or have somebody watch them while you do the interview.

 

Lighting and Technology:

·        Natural sunlight from a window is ideal, but make sure the window isn’t directly behind you.

·        If natural lighting isn’t possible, opt for a natural-looking table lamp and direct the light toward your face.

·        Avoid fluorescent or overly bright overhead lighting.

·        Test all of your technology before the interview – including the microphone and webcam.

·        If you’re using a laptop, make sure it’s fully charged and/or plugged in.  

·        Adjust the camera beforehand and make sure you have a strong internet connection that won’t be interrupted.

Typical Interview Questions

1.       Tell me about yourself.
Learn how to answer that one here.

2.       What are your strengths/weaknesses?
It might be helpful to make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, then pick some of your best attributes that will qualify you for the position.  Reread the job description and choose your strengths accordingly, with specific examples to back up these qualities.  When it comes to your weaknesses, try to avoid telling the interviewer you have none – they want an honest answer.  Try sharing a weakness that could be seen as a positive, and explain how you have overcome that weakness in the past or how you plan to overcome it. Sharing how the job in question will help you overcome your weaknesses and highlight your strengths is great way to prove why you’re right for the position.  

3.       Why are you interested in working for us?
The answer to this question will change depending on the job you apply for, and your personal feelings. You want to let the interviewer know you have done your research, that you will fit in well with the company culture and that you have a lot to offer.  Try to describe how your previous experience and skills will be an asset to the company.   

4.       Why do you want to leave your current job?
 Keep your answer brief and positive. You can answer by saying you are looking for career growth and development, a new challenge or a new skill set. Be honest and show your interest in the job, and how it will help accomplish these things.

5.       What did you dislike about your last job?
The most important thing to remember here is to keep it positive. Under no circumstances should you speak negatively about your previous job or employer.  It’s a good idea to talk about something positive that came out of your last job, while also explaining why you decided to move on.  

6.       Describe a time that you took initiative in a past job.
 Answer this specifically using the STAR (situation, task, action and result) method.

7.       How have you dealt with a difficult client/customer?
Once again, use STAR and be specific on how you handled the situation and the end result. Be careful not to place blame on the client/customer, and stay positive.

8.       Tell me about a time you disagreed with an authority figure.
Refer to the STAR method and make sure you acknowledge your part in the situation, how you handled it and what you learned from it . Never badmouth the authority figure, or try to place blame.

9.       What do you know about the company/organization?
Don’t go into an interview blind. Do your research and be prepared for this question in advance.

Tell Me about Yourself

“Tell me about yourself” may be the most dreaded interview question, because it’s open-ended. There are actually a lot of different ways you can answer this one, but the first thing to remember is to keep it brief and make sure it’s an appropriate mix of personal and professional information.  In general, a brief summary of your education, your career path up to this point and your strengths makes for a good answer.  You don’t want to answer a questions with another question, so avoid asking, “What would you like to know?” 

Some general guidelines when answering questions about yourself:

·       Try to incorporate strengths, experiences or accomplishments relevant to the job into you answer.

·       Use examples and be specific whenever possible.

·       Keep the answer brie, but not so short that the interviewer has to pry the information out of you.

·      Practice answering this question if you’re going to be applying for jobs. It sets the tone for the entire interview.

Questions To Ask After an Interview

Asking a potential employer questions after your interview is often overlooked, but you should never leave an interview without asking at least a few good questions.  It’s always best to prepare ahead of time, so you  know which questions you will ask before you go into the interview. 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

·         If I were hired, what would be some of my tasks and responsibilities?

·         If you were to extend me a job offer, when would you like me to start?

·         What are the most valuable personality traits the successful candidate would need to do this job well?

·         What are the biggest challenges of the position?

·         How would you describe the culture of your workplace environment?

Questions to avoid:

·         Closed-ended questions that can be answered with  “yes” or “no” – leave it open for a longer discussion and follow-up questions.

·         Questions about salary and benefits – wait until you get the job offer to discuss these.

·         Personal questions – never ask about the interviewer’s personal life unless they initiate a personal conversation.

What You Wish You’d Known Before Your Job Interview: Infographic

 

To view the original infographic, visit http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/90-seconds-interview-hire-you.jpg.

For more infographics from The Undercover Recruiter: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/category/infographic/

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all heard horror stories of interviews that have gone very wrong.  Here are some common mistakes you should keep in mind (and try to avoid!) during an interview:

Bad Timing

Arriving late to an interview is a definite faux pas, but arriving too early can also be a deal breaker too. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time, but not much more than that. And remember, planning out your route before you leave the house will help you avoid showing up late to an interview.

Unprofessional Appearance

As mentioned before, always wear clean, freshly pressed business-appropriate clothes to a job interview. If you’re a smoker, avoid smoking directly before the interview, in case the potential employer is sensitive to the smell of smoke. It’s also a good idea to forgo perfume or cologne, in case the company has a scent-free policy or the interviewer is allergic. Finally, make sure your shoes aren’t giving the wrong impression.  Wear clean, professional dress shoes that complement your outfit without distracting from it.

Using Cell Phones

You won’t need your cell phone immediately before or after your interview, so it’s best just to turn it off completely while you’re there.  A cell phone ringing or vibrating is distracting to both you and the person you’re meeting with, and looks unprofessional. In some cases, the employer may even feel disrespected.

Badmouthing Former Employers

Speaking poorly of a previous employer tells an interviewer that you will probably do the same to your next one – which could be them.  Avoid telling stories that aren’t relevant to the workplace. Don’t give in to gossip or negativity during your interview – or ever. If asked what you didn’t like about your previous job, answer honestly but professionally. Keep your answer simple and to the point, without turning to gossip or drama.

Interview To-Do List

One week before the interview:

ü  List your strengths, weaknesses and why you want the job on a piece of paper

ü  Research common interview questions

ü  Research the company and take notes

ü  Get directions to your interview destination

ü  Practice the interview and your answers to the tough questions

ü  Buy interview-appropriate clothes if you don’t already have some

ü  Inform your references that you have an interview and they may be contacted

 

Two days before:

ü  Plan your route to the interview, and how long it will take to get there. Will you be driving? Walking? Taking public transit?  

ü  Make sure you have a good understanding of the company based on your research

ü  Prepare the materials you need to take with you to your interview

The night before:

ü  Have your clothes clean, pressed and laid out

ü  Check the weather and adjust your route accordingly

ü  Get a good night’s sleep

The day of:

ü  Make sure to eat a good meal before your interview

ü  Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your interview time 

ü  Leave your phone or any electronics in the car or turned off in your pocket/bag

What to Wear to an Interview

How you dress for an interview can directly affect whether or not you get the job.  Generally, you want to keep your clothing clean, ironed , work-appropriate and conservative.  Neutral wrinkle and stain free clothes are always a necessity for a job interview.  Typically, suits are a go-to for guys, and a business-professional blouse and skirt (no shorter than the knee) or dress pants are perfect for the ladies.  If you are ever unsure about wearing a suit to an interview, do your research or consult with a professor who has worked in the industry for some tips. 

Some simple rules to remember:

·         Keep colours neutral, avoid loud, busy patterns and bright colour.

·         Make sure the clothes are clean and freshly ironed.

·         Make sure sleeves, pants and/or skirts are the appropriate length.

·         Wear minimal jewellery and natural-looking make-up.

·         Always make sure you shoes are shined, clean and in good condition.  

·         Avoid wearing heavy scents (i.e. soaps, colognes, perfumes).

·         Make sure you appear clean-shaven and well-kept.

For more specific information on interview attire, here are a few great sites:

10 Interview Clothing Faux Pas – check out what not to wear to an interview here.

Female Cosmetic Guide – a great guide for hair, nails, make up and jewellery.

Tattoos and Piercings – Some helpful tips for tattoos, piercings and hair colour for job interviews.

Interview Research

Check out this basic checklist of things you should know before going into an interview.  Not only does researching the company beforehand help you be better prepared to answer the interviewer’s questions,  it also shows that you have an enthusiasm for the job and took the time and initiative to research the business.  There are many online resources you can use to research a company. It’s a good idea to start with the company’s website, but don’t forget to also look up news items and current events involving the company. 

Before you go for your interview, you should know:

·       How the company makes money – what is it that the company does exactly, and who do they serve? 

·       How does your experience relate to the skills needed by professionals in this industry?

·       What does the company value?  Are they a community driven organization?  Perhaps they value innovation and technology, or are environmentally conscious.

·       What role does the department you are interviewing for a position in play? What services do they provide?

·       What are the company’s goals, strategies or current projects? Brainstorm a few ways you could contribute to these areas.

To learn more about prepping for an interview, visit this website.

Check out this Dress Codes 101 infographic!

 

To view the original infographic, visit http://txstrategichr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/infographic-dress-codes.jpg

Formatting Your References

Job references should be on a separate sheet of paper from your résumé. A heading in the same format you used on your résumé should appear at the top of the page. For font, the rule of thumb is to use the same font you used on your résumé.

When you list your references, use a format similar to this:

Name, Position

Company

Company Address

Company Phone Number

Cell or Alternate Phone Number

E-mail Address

Try to use recent references and make sure you connect with them beforehand to ensure their contact information hasn`t changed, and to let them know you will be providing their information to a potential employer.

 

 

Who Makes a Good Reference?

Every employment and volunteer opportunity you’ve had has contributed to the network of people you know.  When you’re applying for a job, it’s a good idea to make a list of past managers, supervisors, co-workers, and professors who could provide a positive reference on your behalf.  For instance, a supervisor or manager makes a great reference because they are able to attest to your skill set, character and work ethic.  A former co-worker can also be a good reference, and can demonstrate how well you work as part of a team.  Ideally, you want to choose references that can evaluate your skills, are well spoken, and that you got along well with.  An academic reference is also a good possibility, because they will be able to convey your learning and communication skills to a potential employer.  Each time you leave a position, whether it was paid or volunteer, remember to ask for a letter of recommendation or a reference. But don’t forget, when you give their contact information to a potential employer, be sure to let your references know in advance.

Dos and Don’ts of Resume Writing

DO:

·         Use formatting and bullets on your résumé.

·         Keep your résumé clear and concise.

·         Target your résumé for the specific job you’re applying for.

·         Acquire relevant experience through internships and/or volunteer work.

·         Proofread your résumé multiple times, and have somebody else proofread it.

·         Keep your résumé up to date, even when you aren’t actively sending it out.

 

DON’T:

·         Lie on a resume. Ever!

·         Add irrelevant details (like hobbies and interests) if they don’t pertain to the job.

·        Make your resume too long. Aim for one page, two maximum if you have enough relevant experience to fill more than one page.

 

Résumé Resources

The best resource to help you create your resume is the Loyalist Career Centre. The Centre can help you develop, review, and fine tune your résumé before you start distributing it. If you can’t make it to the Career Centre for advice, here are some other good resources:

What Recruiters Look at During the Six Seconds They Spend On Your Resume

This interesting article shows you where recruiters spend the most time focusing on resumes.  The study, which used a scientific technique called “eye tracking” on 30 professional recruiters, determined some of the most important aspects of a résumé.

12 Revealing Traits of a Successful Résumé

This great infographic will help you review some of the details you should include when writing a résumé.

Résumé Keywords

Here you will find a list of 250 keywords you can add to your résumé (as long as they apply). Remember: It’s always a good idea to look for keywords in a specific job posting as well.

E-mail Matters

Something as simple as your e-mail address may not seem like a big deal, but it could actually be the reason you haven’t had any calls from prospective employers lately.  When you’re submitting resumes and cover letters, be conscious of even the small details – like your e-mail handle.  If you’re still using the same cutesy e-mail address you created in high school, it may be time to upgrade to something a little more professional.  When creating a new email address, remember to keep it simple. 

Creating a professional e-mail address is easy. Here are some formats to consider:

ü  FirstLast@domain.com

ü  FirstLast123@domain.com

ü  First.Last@domain.com

ü  Initial-Last@domain.com

Is Your Cover Letter Doing More Harm Than Good?

Your cover letter will often be the first thing a potential employer sees, so a simple mistake could cost you an interview or even the job.  Here is a list of common errors to avoid when writing and distributing your cover letter:

1.       Too generic. When you’re applying for multiple jobs, avoid using the same generic cover letter for every position.  You should always tailor your cover letter around the specific job posting, using concepts and keywords from the posting in your letter.

2.       Full of errors. As with everything, proofread thoroughly to make sure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors.  Make sure to have someone else read over the letter as well. A fresh set of eyes has a fresh perspective.

3.       Length. Your cover letter shouldn’t be too long, but it can’t be too short either.  Typically, cover letters are between three and five paragraphs.  See our last post for more information about what to include in your paragraphs.

4.       Salutation. When submitting a cover letter, ensure that you have referenced the right position. Attention to detail is very important to employers, and it’s easy to make simple mistakes when you’re sending out dozens of applications.  Also, avoid “To Whom It May Concern” whenever possible. Do research and try to find the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter. 

5.       Stolen content. Cover letters online are great, but only for ideas. You should never copy one word for word, or repurpose the content of somebody else’s letter. Be creative and write your own letter that accurately reflects your personality and experience.

 

10 Steps to a Cover Letter

1.       Make sure your contact information is in bold font and is accurate, with a professional email address included.

2.       A slogan on a cover letter is entirely optional.  If you feel it would work in your favour, or is appropriate for the career path you’ve chosen, add something that will attract an employer and make your cover letter stand out.

3.       Make sure to date and properly address your cover letter.

4.       The company’s contact information and the job you’re interested in, with the correct job title, should be in the job posting. When possible, always try to use the name of the person who will be reading your resume (do your research!).

5.       In the first paragraph, include the position you are applying for and indicate why you are the perfect fit for the job by demonstrating some of the biggest qualifications you possess. Use the original job posting as your reference point.

6.       In the second paragraph, include all relevant skills and experience and explain how your qualifications match up with the company’s expectations.  Tip: Make sure not to repeat your resume in this paragraph! Highlight only your key qualifications, and be creative.

7.       Your cover letter should be 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

8.       The closing paragraph of your cover letter should encourage the reader to follow up with you. Once again, include a contact number and e-mail address.  Most importantly, thank the reader for their time and consideration.

9.       When closing your letter, be professional. Print your name and sign the letter. If you are sending a cover letter via e-mail, you might want to scan a copy of the letter with your signature to use for online applications.

10.   Finally, make sure your letter is presentable, use a font that is easy to read, print the cover letter out on plain white paper, and keep the tone professional. Plus, don’t forget to proofread your entire cover letter and resume!

Volunteer Experience

Relevant volunteer experience is one of your biggest assets on a resume. Volunteering is also great for networking, acquiring solid references, and gaining relevant experience while looking for a job in your field.  If you do well in a volunteer position, it may have the potential to turn into a paid position.  The biggest piece of advice you can follow while volunteering is to treat it as if it were a paying job.  Show up often and on time, establish strong relationships, and show a passion for the work you’re doing.  Showing the initiative to take on new things in your volunteer position will show the people you work with that you are ambitious and eager to learn, and have various skills you can apply to the position.  Versatility and attention to detail are key in any situation, and can be valuable when volunteering as well.  Most importantly, let the manager know you are interested in a position if one becomes available, and make sure to keep in contact so he or she knows you’re interested.  Making connections can be valuable to your career, but maintaining those connections is key.    

 

The Old Fashioned Way

The convenience of the online job search has its advantages, but there can also be disadvantages.  The process of applying for a job from behind a computer screen can sometimes take away the personal face-to-face experience of searching for a job. The convenience of applying with a click of a button also creates a lot of competition between applicants.  If a job posting asks applicants to apply online or in person, consider dropping off a resume in person and shaking a hand or two while you’re there. Taking the time to go in person, even if you don’t make it past the receptionist, shows that you are genuinely interested in and serious about the position.  Although applying in person can give you an advantage, remember that if the job posting specifically asks for an electronic application, you should respect the company’s wishes.

Where to Look for a Job

A good job doesn’t have to be impossible to come by. Ultimately, one of the best resources for finding a job is your ability to network and research.  You can find many job postings online, but don’t be limited to electronic resources. Don’t forget to check your local paper, career centres, and connect with local businesses.  The Loyalist Career Centre offers a list of specific job search sites for each program offered at the College, and should be your primary resource while searching for a job. They offer job boards within the school and online, and provide a list of generic job search sites to start your search.  When appropriate, remember that it can be a good idea to visit a business in person and ask for an application or drop off a resume.  Another way to gain experience and make connections during your job search is volunteering.  Volunteering gives you the chance to build your network in a field that is relevant to you, while you gain hands-on experience. Volunteer positions can also lead to job opportunities.