Searching for that Perfect Fit for the Available Position? ~ 102

An excellent candidate for the technician position has applied for a job that you have posted. There are a million and one things that you need and want to know from this person before committing to offering him a career with your company. Whether he applied online, or from a referral, always, always interview as though you know nothing about this person. Whatever processes you have in place for interviewing, proceed with all of them, no matter how well you may think you know the applicant.

During an interview, there are the obvious things to watch for, such as timeliness, how well they prepared for the interview, hygiene, lack of cell phone calls and texts, etc. Remember, this is most likely their “best” that is before you.

There are online screening tools available for testing for dependability, decision making, work values, etc. This is a great advantage, being in our field, mistakes can be costly. This lowers the chance of hiring someone who may not follow directions well, or is consistently late.

Drug testing almost goes without saying. Most companies require it before hiring, and even have random drug testing throughout their employment term.

Check all references provided. Keep in mind that attitude, motivation, enthusiasm, work ethic, and desire to learn are as important as skills and education. This is the case with any position. If someone wants it enough, they will work hard to achieve it, and most likely enjoy a job more if there was work involved getting there. Ideally, they should be willing to keep the pace, stay up to date and anxious to learn more, as technology is improving and changing every day.

Beware of “I have always done it this way.” Does the employee seek new ways to learn and enjoy the challenge of being educated on the latest technology? Certifications for completed classes to learn new skills listed on a resume or discussed during an interview are good indications of an enthusiastic employee.

With these few easy steps, finding and keeping the right technician will be a great benefit for many productive years in your company.

Evil Boss or Is It Me???

A best friend at work has been promoted and is now your supervisor. Now she has turned wicked. Is it her…or You?? Or, maybe you just do not like your boss, plain and simple.

A previous friend turned boss knows any negativity you may have discussed through the months or years. He or she has a fresh start now, but they know how you have felt in the past. Here is a chance for Both of you to start fresh!

If you blame your boss for too much work, have high expectations that you do not feel are being met, feel that you deserve a promotion because you have been at your company forever, or you do not feel challenged enough, it may be time to look inside.

It is not possible to change other people, so it may be necessary to change personally unless we are up for the challenge of multiple applications and interview after interview constantly looking for a better boss.

It may be possible to learn a few things about ourselves, and how to deal with difficult people.

Do not take personally when your boss, or anyone else for that matter, gives a short answer or acts annoyed. He or she could be preoccupied with a number of any other things, from work related to home life, that have nothing to do with you.  

Always be up front and truthful. If asked if a project will be finished by a deadline, and it will not, say so. Even if your supervisor is upset initially, they will appreciate the honesty later. If they have to report to their supervisor or a client, they would rather be honest than tell them several times that a project is delayed.

Even if it feels like everyone all around is negative, strive to be upbeat.  Look for the positive in situations, as it cannot all be bad. And if all else fails, perform your best for yourself. You can sleep at night knowing you gave your all on a project. Even taking lessons from others on what NOT to do and how NOT to treat others is turning a negative situation into a positive one.

It is never a bad idea to keep track of your projects in a portfolio, and even a calendar. If there is ever a question, you have backup to show your work.  Be specific, “I finished this project in three days which was two days before the deadline”, not just “I finish projects on time”.

Stay involved with the department, offering solutions if a supervisor is unavailable. Co-workers and even other departments will notice you being reliable and available to assist – and who knows? They may have an opening with a different supervisor! 

During Interview - Interview Tips 104

The Big Day

Practice with a friend before an interview. Make a list of questions they may ask and decide the best way to answer each. Ask a mentor for help with positive responses to sometime hard to answer questions.

Relax and focus when interviewing.  Think about what you are hearing and what an interviewer may be asking. Respond slowly and confidently. Be prepared and knowledgeable of what is on your resume. Give the same information verbally as your resume states on paper. Review your past employment dates and positive reasons for leaving past companies.

Greet the interviewer and others involved in meeting with a firm handshake. Do not talk too much. Leave personal talk for dinner with friends tonight. As open, friendly and personal as an interviewer may be, they will not, and should not care to hear your family history. Remember to answer questions honestly and briefly. This allows the potential employer to remember the important topics that are necessary for your success.

Remember what your mother told you, sit up straight and do not slouch. Body language is important. Sitting all the way back in a chair, but leaning slightly forward, relaxed but still professional, shows the interviewer they have your undivided attention and are very interested in your conversation. Make eye contact for a few seconds at a time, do not talk over their shoulder. Try not to fidget, twisting jewelry, tapping a pen or stroking your hair, signs of being uncomfortable. To keep your hands from being too active, place them in your lap with your pad.

Do not bad mouth past employers or co workers. It is a small world. You do not want to talk negatively about a company or its employees if they happen to be this company’s biggest customer. It may appear you are difficult to work with.

When exiting an interview, you may ask for a business card. This ensures you have the correct spelling of the interviewer’s name, as well as they know you are serious.

Follow up with a hand written thank you note within a day or two. Thank the interviewer for their time, and reiterate topics you covered, reminding them why you think you are a good fit for the position you discussed. Include your contact information and sign your first and last name. Proofread it before sealing the envelope.

Interview Questions - Interview Tips 103

Prior to an interview, think about some questions that may be asked, or discussions that will happen. This assists in avoiding stumbling while attempting to come up with an answer. Remember to stay positive. Even a question that can result in a negative answer, think of a way to turn it around to a positive answer.

Some questions an interviewer may ask are:

• Tell me about yourself – keep this answer work related
• Why did you leave your last job? Avoid negative terms such as quit, terminated, or no baby sitter. Use a positive statement such as contract ended, career change, or to raise a family.
• Who was the best and worst supervisor you have ever had and why? Rather than talk negatively, turn it around positively saying you have learned something from each supervisor and co workers. Even in a negative environment, there are lessons that can be learned.
• How did you handle working for a difficult supervisor? Be honest, if you never have worked for a difficult supervisor, express that. Again, turn it into a positive response. I attempt to keep communication open and usually realize we have the same goal, compromising on the steps to take to reach it. I enjoy open communication.
• How do you handle it if you think a boss is wrong? It depends on the boss’ personality. If I am comfortable with them, I will ask what their thoughts are on my suggestions. If they tend to get angry, if there is time, I may prepare a project their way, then prepare it mine to show for approval or suggestion.
• Why do you think you would like to work here? Let them know you have researched the company, and would like the opportunity to be a part of it.
• What do you look for in a supervisor? Guidance and training, ability to communicate openly and that they are open to suggestions and feedback from team members are all good answers.
• Why do you want to leave your current company? To be honest, I am not unhappy, but saw this position and recognized this as a good company to be with. I decided to inquire, as it sounds like an exciting opportunity and match for my qualifications.
• What are your weaknesses? Again, turn this into a positive, such as my spelling is not always perfect, so I use a spell checker.
• What are your strengths? I am a self starter, such as I researched and found a way to save money for the company by….

Be prepared to ask the employer some questions to show interest in the position and the company.

• What does a typical work day or week involve?
• If I am offered this position, when is the start date?
• Who would supervise me?
• What kind of training is provided or available?
• What are the opportunities for advancement?
• If an interviewer does not ask for references, offer your list prior to leaving.
• If they do not offer you a timeframe for making a decision, it is ok to ask.

These types of questions genuinely asked show interest in learning more and are encouraging for an interviewer to hear.

There are a few questions and subjects that may leave a negative impression and should not be asked or addressed during an interview. Some things that may keep an applicant for being considered are:

• Being late for the interview
• Negative attitude
• Incomplete or sloppy application and/or resume
• Unwillingness to start at the bottom and prepare to advance
• Lack of eye contact, which suggests lack of interest or enthusiasm
• Inability to express information clearly
• Untidy appearance

Questions such as: when can I take vacation, can I change my schedule, and what does this company do (you should know this from previous research)

Practice answering some questions to make the process less stressful, even relaxed. Be enthusiastic as boring gives impression you will be bored with the job and not interested. Focus on how you can solve problems for the company, while bringing value, not how much you need a job.

When considering a new position, examine all aspects of a company, not only the salary, but benefits, location, traffic, workload and hours. 

Preparing for an Interview - Interview Tips 102

When applying for a job, there are several things to be aware of and remember. Before submitting a resume, always be prepared to receive a telephone call to discuss the position you are applying for. Learn who the company is, what they do, how they do it, who works there and as much about those people as possible. This is a great start to determine if you may be a good fit. Most companies have a website to begin with. Take advantage of social media by searching for them on Google+, Twitter and Facebook. Review profiles of owners and managers on LinkedIn. This may include more company information as well. Look for length of time in business, locations, divisions and the kind of product or service provided.

Do not be shy about asking employees that you may know for referrals. If you know someone who works at a company, contact them and ask for information that may be helpful to you.

When you receive a telephone call and schedule an interview, review the company again for updates or news articles of relevance. Review your resume and cover letter submitted so conversation is consistent with information previously provided.

Confirm with professional contacts and friends they will be references. Make them aware you are interviewing and may receive a call or email so they will be prepared. Gather complete telephone numbers, addresses and emails. List all of this information on nice stationery to provide at interview if needed.

First Impression Counts 

Dress neatly and conservatively. Clothes should be clean and pressed, hair neatly combed, shoes shined and minimal makeup, perfume, aftershave and jewelry. A good rule to follow is “if in doubt, do not wear it”. Do not take away from the interview by wearing distracting clothes or accessories. An interview is not a good time to wear the bright flowered tie you received for a gift. A conservative solid or striped tie will not be distracting. A jacket is always a winner paired with a button down blouse or shirt. After researching the company, determine how formal is necessary. Anything less than neatly groomed will lead an interviewer to think this may be the best that it gets. 

Interview Etiquette

Leave sunglasses and ear buds in the car, leaving your hands available, thus avoiding embarrassing scrambling and dropping things. Prepare for an interview by being well rested and alert. If you are distracted during an interview, an employer may wonder how well you will focus in a job.

Take a nice folder with extra copies of your resume and references. An interviewer may not have a copy available or may bring others in who may like one as well. Include a pen and notepad. Having this information readily available is also necessary should you need to fill out an application. All dates and information will be consistent with your resume. Be prepared to take notes. This shows you are interested and also saves you forgetting useful or needed information.

Be on time. Map your route prior to the day of the interview if you are not sure of the location. Arrive 15 minutes early, even if you stay in the car for 5 minutes. If you are late, it shows lack of respect for the interviewer’s time, the company, as well as your time management skills and work habits. This also allows time to relax and focus before being in front of your potential employer.

If you have a bottle of water or cup of coffee beforehand, toss it before even going into a building to interview. This will save embarrassing spills and distractions. It may be just as well to even pass on a drink if offered during an interview. Turn cell phones off or silence before entering the building and put away. It is impolite and distracting for a phone to ring during an interview.

While waiting for your appointment in the lobby, spend this time examining your surroundings. Are there books available showing examples of work the company is involved in? Are there pictures or awards on the walls? Learn the company mission statement. Leave all emotional baggage behind so you have a pleasant expression on your face as people walk past you as you are waiting. Genuinely smile as people may pass by. 

You are well on your way to making a great first impression and winning a new job.