Job Interview Tips| Test Formats for Banks and Companies| Resume Writing Tips

Top 10 Job Search Strategies

2010-04-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Top 10 job search strategies:
1. Network, network, network.
2. Strong résumé.
3. Have a clear idea why you are looking and what your short-term goals are.
4. Clearly understand your long-term goals. Do they make sense with your short-term goals?
5. Don’t be negative. The interview process is slow and frustrating. Don’t let this shake you up.
6. Don’t be a name dropper.
7. Listen and engage: Don’t just talk in the interview.
8. Smile—be yourself.
9. Be honest. Don’t try to answer interview question with the answers you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be yourself and be honest. Don’t exaggerate.
10. Close the interview: Are there objections that need to be overcome?

Job Search Mistakes of Young Graduates

2010-04-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Job Search Mistakes Of Young Graduates

How quickly the a graduate edges out the rest to land his or her dream job depends on various factors, but it is important to realize that beyond college grades, a graduate can influence how quickly he or she is employed. We've compiled nine errors graduates make when trying to land that first job so that you can skip the recruitment "teething" phase and get a good bite on your first real job.

1. Being Uncertain About Job-Search Goals: Avoid communicating career doubts to potential employers. Keep in mind that an employer is recruiting for the ideal candidate, so confessing your preference for another position could immediately end the interview. This behavior suggests a lack of commitment or dedication, so avoid sabotaging your chances. If your potential employer is prepared to invest in your career development, the company will need some assurance that you are passionate about the position and will be committed to the company.

2. Missing Opportunities to Gain Experience: Not surprisingly, the labor market is becoming increasingly competitive as interest in every field of study continues to grow. With this in mind, you can offset some of the competition by searching for work experience from an early stage. Your degree is a basic credential for an entry-level position, but employers usually demand more.

Be proactive and start your job search before the start of final exams, but refrain from limiting your choices to only large companies. Search also for medium and small companies, where you may be entrusted with more job responsibilities.

Aside from job placements and internships, consider doing volunteer work to develop basic job skills like teamwork and leadership qualities. Become a member of at least two clubs and partake in activities throughout your university life. In this way you meet new people, network, learn new things and have fun. What's more, you can draw on these experiences in interviews

3. Failing to Update Your Resume and Customize Your Cover Letter: On average, recruiters pore over hundreds of resumes a day searching for the most appropriate fit for vacancies. Generic resumes and cover letters usually fail to attract the attention of recruiters. Your cover letter and resume are your first sales pitch and an example of your work quality, so tailor them to the specific job or employer you're contacting.

* Establish the top needs of the employer by examining the duties and job requirements in the job listing.

* Demonstrate how your experiences, strengths and achievements are applicable. It may help to write a brief summary as your resume introduction.

* Restructure your resume to convey key information in a concise manner that can be digested in a quick 30-second scan.

* Always have at least one other person proofread your revised resume before submitting it.

* Always address the cover letter to the right person. If no contact is provided, feel free to call the company for the name, address and correct salutation.

4. Don’t believe your job search is completely dependent on your resume and cover letter: Wrong. In a perfect world, your resume is more of a formality than a necessity. If someone already knows you or has received an excellent recommendation of you, they are more focused on getting to know you in the interview rather than picking through the details of your resume.

A bad resume is definitely getting cut, but a great resume does not guarantee you the job.

Let’s be honest, I don’t care how many cool internships you’ve had or what your GPA is: many employers feel that an entry-level candidate is an entry-level candidate. In large companies you may have to meet a certain GPA or major requirement, but much past that, it’s all about you.

Your personal brand is what lands you a job. Not your resume. Your personal brand should match online, offline, in your personality and in your appearance. The way you write your LinkedIn profile, what you say online, and who you meet in person are a few important aspects of a job seekers personal brand.

5. Neglecting to Prepare for an Interview: Employers are least impressed by unprepared candidates who come off more like tourists than job seekers. This behavior demonstrates a lack of initiative. Why cheat yourself out of the opportunity to have an optimal interview experience or the possibility of being referred for another company or department vacancy?

A strong candidate will have insight about the company, the industry, its competitors and current affairs. Do the research and practice; it's all about your preparation. Identify what employers are looking for and consider how your skills and experiences apply. Prepare to answer typical questions like, "What do you know about our company?" and "What can you do for us?"

Show your passion for the industry and your interest in the company by getting your hands on the company's annual report and speaking to people in the industry. Employers are always impressed if you use appropriate jargon and can comfortably discuss current issues related to the company.

6. Passing Up the Opportunity to Ask Questions: At the close of an interview, most candidates pass up the opportunity to ask questions. This is a grand opportunity - use it! This is your chance to pose intelligent questions about the corporate culture, corporate goals, challenges and career-development opportunities (but refrain from asking about salary at this stage). Asking questions like these will also help you determine whether the company is a good fit for you. An interviewee who is ready with smart questions demonstrates sophistication, confidence, leadership qualities and initiative.

Think about several questions beforehand related to the responsibilities and challenges of the job. The more senior the role, the more complicated the questions should be. Take advantage of this opportunity and you could outshine other prospects.

7. Not Pursuing the Job Until You Receive an Offer: So you've completed the grueling interview process and made it through a day at an assessment center. If you've come this far, why drop the ball now? Most graduates tend to assume that the decision at this stage is out of their hands, but you should aim to keep the ball in the air until an offer is proposed.

After the interview, it is polite to send a thank-you letter to each interviewer, with reference to one or more things that were discussed. Follow up regularly with the company to indicate your continued interest and keep windows of opportunity open. Don't be a nuisance, but consider that if you fail to show enthusiasm, the more polite and persistent candidate could land your job.

8. The Internet is the only tool you have used to aid your job search: Career expert claim that 80% of open positions are not posted online. They also claim that the vast majority of job seekers rely solely on the Internet to find a new job. To turn this idea into simple math, this means that roughly 80% of the people are going for 20% of the jobs. Not only are those online jobs way more competitive, they are most likely more generic than those you’d find offline. So what does this mean for you? It means that if you’re smart, you’d be playing in the offline field where you’d be one of the 20% looking at 80% of the jobs.

If you’re willing to go against the crowd, get a little uncomfortable and stop hiding behind your computer screen, I think you’ll have a much shorter job search than most. Getting offline means:

• Pick up the phone.

• Pick it up again after no one calls you back.

• Deal with people who may not want to talk to you.

• Ask for recommendations and introductions.

• Go to a lot of coffee meetings and informational interviews.

• Make a list of companies you’d like to work for then use online tools to see who is connected to those companies. Once you connect with them, take the relationship offline.

• Stop judging your progress by the number of online job applications you sent into a random company where you know no one. Instead, monitor your progress based on how many meetings you set up.

• Set up meetings with all of your favorite professors. Chat, listen and get career advice. Maybe they will introduce you to some great people too.

• Go to a lot of events whether they are networking events, Greek life events, campus speakers, or parties

• Ask everyone you meet a lot of questions about themselves and what they do. People love talking about themselves. The more you talk about them, the more they like you and want to help you.

• You’ll also learn a lot of things about a lot of industries by talking to people. Regardless of if their industries are similar to yours, having these discussions will broaden your perspective and conversations when you start interviewing.

• Don’t say “I need a job” when you are engaging in these offline activities. Rather, ask them about their job.

• Talk to people at the bar, at Cubs games, and on the treadmill

• Tap into your Greek system or alumni network

• Disarm people you meet by asking, “What would you do if you were in my shoes?”

Job searching is like dating. If you’re looking to date with the intention of finding a partner, you can use online tools to meet people, but after that it has to be taken offline to lead to something more. If you’re in the dating game, you don’t just sit in your apartment hoping someone will magically ring the doorbell and appear (or at least I hope not). Dating is a process of meeting people, getting to know people, getting rejected, finding out what you want and don’t want, and getting yourself out there. Apply the same strategies here.

9. You believe networking yields instant results: Successful networking doesn’t start 2 months before graduation. If you’ve missed the boat on this one, be prepared to spend some time building relationships.

This is going to be a process. It’s going to take time. Be patient. I know it sucks that you can’t tell all of your annoying relatives and “Type A” friends that you aren’t sure what you’re doing after graduation, but you need to ride the wave.

Conclusion

The recruitment process may seem fairly intimidating and complex for the average graduate, but as with taking an exam in school, the recipe for success is to practice and prepare. Each application and interview is an opportunity to improve your game. Knowing these job-search errors and solutions could help you eliminate some of the competition and land your dream job faster.

What to do if you are Over Qualified for a Job

2009-11-30T14:53:00.001-08:00

You lost your job due to economic recession. Afterwards you have sent out 500 resumes, done 1 interview and received zero offers. You are now eyeing an opening below your previous position, but you are obviously overqualified for the job. What do you do to actually get the job?

Try withholding your resume.
As much as possible, do not forward your resume.HR departments will quickly eliminate nearly all of the hundreds of resume submitted for a single opening and it is likely that yours will be dumped because you are over qualified.
In this scenario, go directly to the hiring manager and state your ability to excel in the position. You can call or write, but hold back your resume as much as possible in the first round of communication with the employer.

Sell to the employer’s needs
Once you have found out much as you can about the company and the position, you have got to imagine how your qualifications fit perfectly with the job requirements. At first, say nothing about higher-level skills that do not pertain to the position at hand. Ensure that you remain relevant to the job in question.

Sharpen the employer’s perception
In a scenario where you have to send your resume, de-emphasize those over –the-bar elements of your professional background. You can make some information sparse, but you have to be careful about misrepresenting yourself.
Note that omitting recent important jobs in your career ladder is unethical. Instead list them last and maybe use faint ink for them.

Turn your qualification to a virtue
Reassure the employer that your qualification and experience will be an asset to the firm.

Be careful about the question you ask
Employers have the following objections about over qualified candidates: you will get bored easily, you will not be satisfied with salary, and you will jump to another company as economy picks up or you get a better offer. If you raise any issue that has to do with pay or job satisfaction, you may be jeopardizing your chance of getting the job.

Be ready to answer the main question
Be ready to answer the question that employers may ask: Won’t it be humiliating for you to take a job that may be considered beneath you? You can answer this issue indirectly through the positive attitude you convey in everything you say about the position and your fitness for it. You have to be perceived as someone who believes in dignity in every job.

Eight Job Hunting Tips During Recession

2009-11-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

The global economic crisis could make this period the toughest for job seekers in recent history. The credit crisis has led to increased job losses and reduced vacancies .This has resulted to increased unemployment rate. To be a successful job seeker (that is, landing yourself a job) you have to be calm, patient, proactive and imbibe these tips.

Pick and choose your targets
It is important to put your strength ,time and energy in jobs you are most interested in and qualified for. Pick few companies and follow them whether there are present openings or not . Since there are many unemployed, going for positions that you are not qualified for may be and effort in futility because there are many qualified people chasing fewer jobs. Just applying for any job or jobs you are not qualified for will not only deplete your scarce resources but increase your frustration.

Concentrate on “recess immune” industries:
Any job that alleviates pain is recession proof . Sectors like medical, security and energy are recession proof sectors. For example: If the economy worsens more people will suffer from and there will be need for more medical and security personnel. Information technology jobs are also recession proof since more companies will like to prune staff and replace them with technological products. If you have no skill that will make you employable in these sectors, then this is the time to re-train and acquire new skills.

Work on your social network:
This is the time to attend networking and social functions. Connect people and let them know you are searching. A friend got a new job with MTN from an old connection he met at a social function. With this age of social networks like Facebook, Hi-5, twitter and other networks it is time you let technology help you connect with more friends and increase your chances of getting a job. Don't be shy, just consider it like marketing, the more people know you are unemployed the more chances they will give you information about job openings.

Get yourself prepared:
Interview preparation is more than learning about a company and her operation. It includes learning how to talk about yourself in a meaningful and powerful way. To achieve this, create a list of potential interview questions and the answers to each, practice speaking in a serious interview manner and simulate interview environment with friends. Dress smart and neat and don't forget your courtesy. Remember to make eye contacts and don't be in a hurry to answer questions, relax and listen attentively. Listening attentive and focusing your eye on the interviewer as he or she talks creates a connection between you and the interviewer. But, it doesn't mean you should gaze into their eyes. Be relaxed while answering questions, don't talk too fast since many would lose sense of what you are saying but don't bore your interviewer with very slow responses. Talk with friends to get the best talking speed for you. Also make sure you ask questions about the company for it shows you are interested in working with them. Examples of good question to ask are: "Does your company provide on the job training for it workers", "Does your company offer opportunity for career development of their staff", "Are there adequate safety policy in the company for the staff" etc.

Freelancing to the rescue:
If you are in a field that supports freelancing or online jobs such as writing, marketing, information technology and teaching, consider doing it. Freelancing means working independently for different organization rather than being directly employed by one. A good way of freelancing is blogging on the internet and you can register with blogspot.com or blogger.com and earn some little money to survive this recession. How it works is like this: you write an interesting article in your blog and then invite friends to view it. The blog site places advertisements on the pages of your blog and you are paid a percentage of the advert earning from your site. It is simple and it free to register. Also you can try some freelance marketing. Meet a company with a product you believe you can sell and negotiate with them for freelance marketing. You will be paid a percentage of the price of the product you sell. Freelance marketing is a tool most haven't been utilized but most companies are needing it badly. So walking up to them and presenting yourself as a freelance marketer will not only be welcomed but creates a connection between you and the company which can be useful if there is any future job opening in the company. Moreover, it is better in some cases that you add freelance marketer in you resume than having nothing as job experience in your resume.

Take a temporary job:
If freelancing is not practical consider picking up a temporary job such as a weekend job or an event driven job. This option may carry your bills until a permanent position comes up. A good way to start is to volunteer for a job in your church, mosque, an upcoming event or social gathering. Sometimes doing a volunteer work gives you some necessary experience that can drive other endeavors of your life. Excelling even in a work you volunteered to do can give you some unexpected referrals. I once met a guy who got a job in a newspaper company by writing and editing his church's monthly journal. One of the church members that have read his articles in the church's journal referred him to the newspaper company when an opening occurred. Instead of sitting down at home languishing in idleness, get positive, take a temporary job or at least volunteer for a job.

Sound correspondence:
Do not forget to come up with a good cover letter and resume (For more information on good cover letters and resume, click on cover letter and resume category). Don’t use a template cover letter. Make sure each letter addresses specific skills or qualities the company is looking for. This gives you an edge over applicants that submit template cover letters.

Stay positive:
The most important thing when searching for jobs during economic recessions is to remain positive. Do not lose hope of getting a job. Do not feel that there is nothing you can do to get a job. Believe firmly in yourself, follow some of these tips and you will definitely land in a great job. The economic condition might make you start losing hope but always know that you can if you believe you can. Surround your self with positive thinking friends, if you don't have them, encourage them to be positive thinking or find someone that will encourage you like an elder, pastor or someone you respect.

Do You Need a Cover Letter?

2009-11-26T06:50:00.001-08:00

A cover letter??? Do I need it?

Everyone who sends out a resume does! Even if the cover letter never “came up” in the conversation or was not mentioned in an advertisement, it is expected that you will write one.
It is regarded as a sign of laziness to send out a cover letter that is not tailored to the specific company and “double laziness” not to send a cover letter at all.

Although, cover letter adds to the wear and tear of job search, yet it gives you another chance to emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or Organization. Hey! Do not give the recruiter a second to entertain thoughts like: But how can this person help us? Though your resume can answer this question, it does so in a ‘rigid’ format. Whereas, the cover letter allows you to answer in your own words and style.

Your cover letter should contain not only your experience; it should also show how and what you can contribute towards the positive growth of the firm.
Example:
Weak: I have good knowledge of web programming and Application development.
Better: Due to my strong knowledge of web programming and Application Development, I will develop a better structured standard compliant, information system infrastructure which will make processing easier thereby saving work time and money.
The cover letter is the only place you can add what you can do for the firm (not just what you can do); exploit it!
Except where it is otherwise mentioned all applications should be submitted with a well written cover letter.

How to Have a Hire Appeal

2009-11-13T04:20:00.000-08:00

Do you have hire appeal?

An opening, thousand of applicants what is the probability of being hired? This is one pertinent question job seekers ask. Do not look far for the answer, rather look inwards. Ask yourself these questions:

* What do I have that makes me stand out?

* Do I have the traits of the “successful candidate” and characteristics that depict success and excellence?
This question can be summed up to: Do you have hire appeal?

* Hire appeal comprises of human factors that enable people to work well with their co-workers and others within or outside the organization. These traits are listed below:

Appearance
Our initial reaction to people is usually based on appearance. A person whose physical characteristics, dressing and presence is pleasant, smart and attractive starts off on the right footing in most interpersonal meetings; this does not mean that a book is/and should be judged solely by its cover. Neatness and a pleasant countenance is always a plus.

Self Confidence
Self confidence is about believing in self .Do not be afraid to talk about your failures. Also, mention your accomplishments but please do not over brag about them. Project an image of being totally secure. Make use of an open body language that is making use of space available to you. Be expressive and make gestures with you hands when necessary.

Fluency of Expression
Your ability to communicate effectively is an essential ingredient in most jobs. Therefore, being grounded in the language and being armed with statistics, examples and applications cannot be underestimated.

Alertness
Alert, sparkling applicants are usually very dynamic and exciting people who give 100 percent to their jobs. Listen attentively and react to questions and comments with lively facial expressions and gestures.

Maturity
Maturity cannot be measured by the chronological age of a person. Young people can be very mature, while older people may still manifest child like emotions .Mature applicants are not hostile or defensive. They do not interpret question as ‘trap’. They do not show self pity or have excuses for all their past failures. They can discuss their weaknesses as readily as they strengths.

Sense of Humor
It is easier and much more fun to work with and supervise a person who has a sense of humor. During the interview, smile when necessary and lighten up the meeting when given the chance. On the other hand, applicants who are too frivolous, who tell inappropriate jokes, laugh wildly and uncontrollably or act inconsistently with the situation may be considered immature.

Intelligence
An interview can reveal a great deal about a person’s type of intelligence. If the job calls for rapid reaction to situations as they develop (e g. Sales, Marketing), a person who responds to questions rapidly has the kind of intelligence needed for the job .However, if the job calls for pondering over a question before coming up with an answer (e.g. research), a slow, well -thought- out response many be more indicative of the proper type of intelligence.

Be sensitive to feedback
The applicant, who understands what is being projected not only in questions and comments, but with body language, will probably do well on the jobs. This is an invaluable asset. It shows that you are trainable, can readily accept criticisms, implement instructions and work well with their peers.

2 Interview Questions Most Job seekers Fail and their Answers

2009-09-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

Most Job seekers are often confused when certain questions are thrown at them during interviews. As a job seeker you should be very prepared to take certain questions especially the two listed below
-What are Your Weakness?
-Why Should we hire you?

What are Your weakness?
Suggested Answer-
Don't say negative based qualities like 'I am a workaholic' Try to say positive things like I am detail oriented or

I believe one of my weaknesses is my impatience. Whenever I work in a team and any of the team members don’t perform up to the expectation, I get impatient and annoyed. I understand if they are working hard and if their portion is difficult, but sometimes a person can’t do the assignment due to incompetence and laziness. I know I can help out by explaining things to some people and encouraging lazy people by reminding them of deadlines. I know it’s bad to be impatient, but I’m definitely working on it.

Why Should we hire you?

The interviewer asks this question just to find out how your skills, experience and knowledge can add value to the job.Well to answer this question you need to learn what they are looking for and then tie them with your strengths. This ensures that you are a viable fit for the position.

The more detail you give the stronger your answers will be. Try to summarize all your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique.

Your answers can be:

1) You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job - my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly class results.

Culled from http://uttambpt.blogspot.com

Job Interview/Aptitude Test Format of First Bank Nigeria Plc

2009-02-04T05:06:00.000-08:00

First Bank Nigeria Plc Job Aptitude/Interview Test Format
They have 100 questions. But the time is very short.
The first part is a long comprehension, which one could possibly spend at least 15
minutes on. It has only 10 questions. This part is time consuming, avoid starting on
this part. People who started on the first section didn't finish up to 60 questions at the
end of the test.
The second part is English (Verbal reasoning). It requires a bit of thinking, although
its fairly easy. Don't start here as well.
The third part is Math. They are simple as well, but the chances are that you might
spend over 1 minute working out each answer. If the format is as before, you are also
adviced not to start with this.
The forth part is on Current Affairs, with a multiple answer style. This is easier and
you spend lesser time.
The fifth (final) part is on Critical reasoning. This is also very easy. It is a maximum of
60mins or 80mins. You will only use writing materials like pencil, cleaner and maybe
a pen. Calculators are usually not allowed and you will be provided a plain sheet to
work out your answers.

What a Resume Really Is!

2009-01-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

What is a Resume?

A résumé, also known as a curriculum vitae (CV), is a document containing a summary or listing of relevant job experience and education, usually for the purpose of obtaining an interview when seeking employment. Often the résumé or CV is the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker, and therefore a large amount of importance is often ascribed to it.
Traditionally, résumés have been, like careers themselves, oriented towards what a person has accomplished thus far. In most contemporary career consulting the trend is to fashion the document towards what that person can accomplish in a particular job.

A CV or curriculum vitae is a marketing tool. With your CV you will be able to promote yourself. Imagine the CV as being a brochure that will list the benefits of a particular service. The service being your time and skills! When writing a CV look at it from your employers point of view. Would you stand out against the competition (the other candidates) and would the manager want to talk you for a possible job? You have to ask yourself these questions when writing your CV or curriculum vitae.
Networking and interviewing are essential for your job hunt and your CV is just the first step in the job search. However a CV will be your first contact with potential employers and will open the door. If you are invited for an interview you would then be in a position to explain and expand on what is in your CV.
A CV is an essential tool in your job search. When applying for a vacancy you generally first have to send your CV to present yourself to the prospective employer.

Best Way To Pass GMAT Test

2009-01-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

GMAT Test Preparation Tips

You Can Easily Increase Your GMAT CAT Score by 50 to 100 Points
Despite the official statements of ETS (Educational Testing Service), you can improve your GMAT score dramatically simply by taking the time to become "streetwise" about the GMAT CAT. Quite simply, this is the easiest step in your test preparation, and should not be ignored under any circumstances.

Keep in mind that the GMAT is a game. Just as in chess, baseball, tennis, or any other sport, those who know how the game is played have a huge advantage over those who are ignorant of the game's idiosyncratic rules.

As a test taker, you should understand:

The computer-adaptive structure of the GMAT
The types of exam questions asked and their common fallacies
How to manage your time wisely
The computer-adaptive structure of the GMAT

The computer-adaptive test (CAT) version of the GMAT is designed to get a more accurate assessment of your skills while asking you fewer questions than its paper-based predecessor did. Here is how it works: the first question you see in any given section will be of average difficulty. If you get the answer right, your next question will be slightly more difficult. If you get the answer wrong, your next question will be slightly easier. The software will also ask you different types of questions in a rather unpredictable order, as determined by its algorithm, rather than clustering question types as the written GMAT did.

You can not skip a question or go back to an earlier question. Unlike the paper version, once you click the 'answer confirm' box, your answer can not be changed.

The types of exam questions asked and their common fallacies

Examples and explanations of these can be found in the pages describing the individual component sections of the GMAT posted on this website. We strongly encourage our clients to spend time learning these question types before brushing up on their verbal and math skills.

How to manage your time wisely

Practice

The main way to develop GMAT time management skills is to practice taking the test. You will repeatedly see us return to the theme of practice throughout this website. It is very hard to overstate its importance. Therefore you are strongly encouraged to take at least a few mock GMAT exams, in the computer-adaptive format and to try to simulate the actual testing environment. (That means refraining from taking food breaks, engaging in telephone conversations, etc. until you have completed a section.)

Spend adequate time on the first 5 questions

Earlier, we discussed how the GMAT CAT's underlying algorithm determines the difficulty of questions you are asked, based on your performance in answering previous questions. Difficult questions are weighted more heavily in scoring than easier questions. The first couple questions in any GMAT CAT section are used to determine the range of questions that the program 'thinks' you are able to handle. After you have answered these first few questions, the testing software will give you questions to fine tune your score within that rather narrowly predetermined range. Thus, your answers to the first 5 questions will make a HUGE difference in your final section score.

It is imperative that you answer these pivotal questions with extra care. Always double check your answers to these questions. Verify that the answer choices that you judged to be incorrect are indeed incorrect. If you are unsure of the answer to one of these first questions, at the very least, take a very good educated guess using process of elimination.

Prepare yourself to finish the test – at all costs!

There is a huge scoring penalty for failing to finish any section of the GMAT. For example, say you're in line to get a score that will put you in the 70 percentile of test takers, based on your test performance so far – but then run out of time and fail to answer the last five questions in the section. That failure will lower your score to about the 55 percentile. The lesson to take away from this is to prepare yourself to finish the test at all costs. Answering a question incorrectly will hurt you, but not as much as leaving the question unanswered will. Train yourself to work your best within the time limits of the exam. But train yourself, too, to be able to recognize when only a minute or so remains on the clock, and at that point to just answer "C" (or whatever your lucky letter is) for any remaining questions. As the GMAT's Chief Psychometrician put it to us, random guessing is like shooting yourself in the foot – but leaving answers blank is like shooting yourself in both feet.

Don't waste time

This advice probably sounds self evident. However, we mention it because we've had clients tell us how they inadvertently wasted test time by revisiting the help screen or requesting extra scrap paper after they began their test. These activities, if undertaken once the section has begun, will take time away from working on the questions.

Read the Questions Carefully
As silly as this advice may seem, it's worth remembering. An undisciplined test taker will feel the stress of the clock during the timed sections and will try to cut corners to save time, wherever and whenever possible. As a result, he or she often misinterprets questions. GMAT test writers are well aware of this dynamic, and happy to capitalize on it. We guarantee that you will encounter questions on the GMAT that include incorrect answer choices that were deliberately designed to exploit likely misinterpretations of what the question is really asking.

Avoid Random Guessing
The GMAT CAT does not allow you to skip questions and come back to them later, as you can on a written test. You must answer each question on the GMAT CAT before it will allow you to move on to the next question. Consequently, even if you don't know the answer to a particular question, you have to answer it. It is always in your best interest to take an educated guess rather than resorting to random guessing – even if you are running out of time on the section. Usually you will be able to identify at least one answer choice that is clearly wrong. Eliminating even one incorrect choice will improve your odds of answering the question correctly.

Eliminate the Deliberately Deceptive Wrong Choices
With practice, you will begin to learn how to recognize answer choices that are deliberately deceptive – and wrong. There are a few common patterns here that will become apparent as you proceed with your test preparation.

One recognizable pattern is commonly found in the Problem Solving section. It involves an erroneous answer choice giving a value that would result from following a common computational error. You can avoid these deceptive choices by using scrap paper, checking your answers and using estimation to at least judge the general range of the correct choice.

Practice, Practice, Practice
As we stated at the top of this page, there are a number of tips and techniques to taking the GMAT that will significantly raise your overall score. This is a test that you can prepare for, despite anything the test-makers state. We strongly encourage you to use actual questions from previous exams as you practice, as we have noticed a material difference in the nature and quality of test questions prepared by ETS versus those written by GMAT prep companies. We also strongly encourage you to practice taking the exam in its computer-adaptive format.

Finally, we encourage you to spend most of your preparation time studying and practicing questions in your weakest subject area. While we believe every test taker benefits by reviewing each GMAT exam section, focusing on your weakest areas will make the most efficient use of your test-prep time.

Don't Wait Too Long to Take the GMAT
Don't count on taking the GMAT at the last minute. Should you need to retake the exam, you will need time both to register for the test again and to have the new scores submitted to schools in time for the application deadlines. Scheduling the GMAT well into the admissions season is also bound to cause most test takers undue stress. With proper planning and insight, you can spare yourself these negative energies and instead focus on maximizing your GMAT score.

The Correct CV/Resume Format For All Fields of Study

2009-01-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

Sample Resume Entry Level

The resume is a starting point, and yes, it is required. But no, it's not magic and no, it won't get you the job. But without a good one, it could keep you from getting the job (or from getting the interview). Follow the pointers below to fully prepare yourself for your job search trek!

Quickstart Resume Templates Build your personal resume using one of our more than 175 fully customizable Quickstart Resume Templates. Resumes for 29 different majors (from Accounting to Zoology) are provided to you free of charge!

These resume templates are all entry level, all exclusively at CollegeGrad.com!

Quickstart Resume Templates We have more than 200 resume templates stored here at our site available for you to download for free! We have resume templates for more than 30 different majors (from Accounting to Zoology) in 6 different file formats, so you should be able to find the resume template that is just right for your needs. These templates are truly portable--you download them, customize them and update when you want to, where you want to. It will give you a quickstart on getting your resume pulled together in our award-winning format.Quickstart Resumes

The Quickstart Resume Templates are formatted by major. There are currently over 30 different majors listed. Note that each template has a CollegeGrad.com copyright line at the bottom of the template. You may remove that line after you have modified the template content for use as your personal resume.Please choose the major which is the closest match to your own to access the downloadable templates:

Accounting
Aeronautical Engineering
Agriculture
Architecture
Art
Biology
Biology
Business Administration
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Communications
Computer Science
Education
Electrical Engineering
Environmental
Fine Arts
Finance
Geology
History
Human Resources
Information Systems
Journalism
Liberal Arts
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Media Arts Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Physics
Public Relations
Social Work
Sociology Zoology
Other

Job Interview Guide for Job Seekers

2009-01-14T01:56:00.001-08:00

Most jobs Seekers especially fresh Graduates find it difficult to Get interview call ups; whilst some end up flopping when they are called because they don't know how to answer the questions asked them. We have taken time to go through some likely interview Questions, Best possible answers, and How to get interview call ups and have compiled them as an ebook. We are Giving it out for Free. Just CLICK HERE and Go and download it.

The Best Format to Write Your CV/Resume

2009-01-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

CV Example
Here is a list of several examples of CVs,
the examples are all in Microsoft Word format :
Example CV 1 Clean and Simple
Example CV 2 Example CV with a border around the page

Example CV 3 Education, Reference and experience section only

Example CV 4 Page Border

Example CV 5 Professional, Functional Cv Sample

Example CV 6 Functional CV focus on qualifications and skills

Example CV 7 CV template with detailed sections

Example CV 8 CV with example info. and instructions

Example CV 9 Cv template with suggestions and tips embedded

Example CV 10 CV template with shading in headings

Example CV 11 CV Example with detailed instructions and tips embedded

Example CV 12 Nice page borderExample CV 13 Professional Academic CV

Example CV 14 Clean shaded titles with emphasis on skills CV

Example CV 15 Small font CV

Example CV 16 Professional CV

Example CV 17 Right Aligned CV

These Example CVs are to be used as a base from which to start I encourage you to read the following materials on CV writing

CV writing How to write a CV Why write a CV

Job Interview Questions for beginners

2009-01-12T01:06:00.001-08:00

Questions they ask when you interview for a job right after college
Interviewing for your first job is a special event. You don't have much work experience to speak of, except perhaps for projects or assignments you did as part of your curriculum, or outside work you might have undertaken to support yourself.

The kind of questions you get asked are somewhat different from the ones they ask someone who has a few years of work experience under their belt. Here are some common questions. Think carefully about each and prepare draft answers. Do not memorize answers, though.

Tell me about yourself. (This is an all-time favorite often used at the start of job interviews.)

What are your interests? What do you spend time on outside your studies? (In other words, what are your extracurricular activities?)

Have you done any internship or do you have any type of experience that prepares you for this job?

You're making a transition from college to the workplace. How do you propose to handle it?

What has been your most rewarding experience while in college?

What is your greatest weakness?

What is the biggest strength or asset you bring to the table? How does it relate to this job?

Do you plan to go on to graduate school? Do you plan to work simultaneously? How will you handle both?

How has your college experience prepared you for a career in this company / industry?

Why should I hire you?
Take the time to develop well-thought-out answers to these questions. Discuss your responses with someone you trust. Tailor your answers to the company you're applying to. And you'll be well-equipped to face job interviews after college!

Top Tips for GMAT Test

2008-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

Top Tips for the Test
HERE YOU'LL FIND my top DO's and DON'Ts for both multiple-choice sections (Quantitative and Verbal) of the GMAT. These basic test-taking tips apply to all multiple-choice questions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DON'T resort to random guesses. Instead, always try to eliminate at least one answer choice before you confirm your response.

If you must guess, always try to eliminate obvious wrong-answer choices first, then go with your hunch. Eliminating even one choice obviously improves your odds. If you're out of time on a section, there's no advantage to guessing randomly on the remaining questions. Why? You might luck out and guess correctly. But incorrect responses move you down the ladder of difficulty to easier questions, and your reward for responding correctly to an easy question is less than your reward for responding correctly to a more difficult one. So on balance, there's no net advantage or disadvantage to guessing randomly.
NOTE: The scoring system for the paper-based GMAT (available only at certain locations outside the U.S.) eliminates any advantage of random guessing by deducting one-quarter point for each incorrect response.

DO look out for sucker-bait answer choices.

The test-makers love to bait you with tempting wrong answer choices. (You'll see for yourself as you tackle the Mini-Tests here at this Web site.) So unless you're running out of time, heed the following advice:
.
In Problem Solving questions wrong-answer choices typically reflect common computational errors. To avoid this trap:
use your pencil and scratch paper
check your calculations
know the general size of the numerical value that answers the question
.
On the Verbal section questions typically include a best response and a second-best response. So unless you're quickly running out of time on the Verbal section, never hasten to select and confirm an answer until you've read all the choices!
.
DO pace yourself so that you have enough time to consider every available question—but don't be a clock-watcher.

To give your full attention to all 37 Quantitative questions and all 41 Verbal questions, you'll probably have to work at a somewhat quicker pace than is comfortable for you. Check your pace after every 10 questions (three times during a section):

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you're on
question number: Total time elapsed
should be about:
10 20 minutes
20 40 minutes
30 60 minutes
37 (Q)
41 (V) 75 minutes
(time has expired)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adjust your pace accordingly so that you have time to at least take a reasoned guess on every available question in the section. But try not to be a constant clock watcher (easier said than done, of course, when the time remaining is always right in front of you—in the upper-left corner of the computer screen).

TIP: The best way to avoid the time squeeze is to practice under timed conditions, so that you get a sense for how quickly you must proceed to get through a multiple-choice section within the allotted time.

DO take your time with the first few Quantitative and Verbal questions.

The CAT uses your responses to the first few questions to move you either up or down the ladder of difficulty. Of course, you want to move up the ladder, not down. So take great care with the initial questions—perhaps moving at a somewhat slower pace initially. Otherwise, you'll have to answer several questions just to reverse the trend by proving to the CAT that you're smarter than it thinks you are.
DON'T succumb to perfectionist tendencies.

On an exam as important as the GMAT, it's easy to be a stubborn perfectionist. The design of the CAT itself contributes to this mind set, because your reward for correct responses to difficult questions is greater than your reward for easier questions. But a stubborn attitude is self-defeating, for two reasons:
.
It reduces the number of questions that you attempt, which lowers your score
.
You run the risk of over-analyzing questions, and going against your initial hunch (which more often than not is correct)
As you take the Quantitative Mini-Tests and Verbal Mini-Tests here at my Website, get comfortable with a quick pace by adhering strictly to the time limits imposed. Remember: You can miss quite a few questions and still score high. Develop a sense of your optimal pace—one that results in the greatest number of correct responses.

DO maintain an active mind set.

During the GMAT it's remarkably easy to fall into a passive mode—in which you let your eyes simply pass over the words while you hope that the correct response jumps out at you as you scan the answer choices. Fight this tendency by interacting with the test as you read it. Keep in mind that each question on the GMAT is designed to measure a specific ability or skill. So when you're presented with each new question, try to adopt an active, investigative approach to the question. Ask yourself:
.
What skill is the question measuring?
What is the most direct thought process for determining the correct response?
How might a careless test taker be tripped up on this type of question?
DO use your pencil and scratch paper (both will be provided).

Doing so helps keep you in an active mode. On the Quantitative section, perform only the simplest calculations in your head; commit everything else to paper! Obviously, you'll use your scratch paper less during the Verbal section. Nevertheless, outlining Reading Comprehension passages and jotting down conclusions and premises for Critical Reasoning questions can help keep your thought process clear and straight.
DO move the keyboard away to the side for the multiple-choice sections.

You won't use the keyboard at all for either the Quantitative or the Verbal section. So put your scratch paper right in front of you, and get the keyboard out of the way.
DON'T waste time reading directions while the clock is running; make sure you already know them inside and out.

At the start of each new section, as well as just before each specific type of question (e.g., Data Sufficiency or Reading Comprehension) appears for the first time, the CAT will display the directions for that section (or question type). The clock will be running! So dismiss the directions as quickly as you can by clicking on the DISMISS DIRECTIONS button—without taking any time to read them.
NOTE: This advice presupposes that you already know the directions, which of course you will once you've reviewed the 7 basic question types here at this Web site.

Culled from http://www.west.net/~stewart/gmat/qtgmat.htm

Five Common Cover Letter Mistakes

2008-12-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

Five Common Cover Letter Mistakes
By Todd Anten

Recruiters read thousands of resumes over their careers. After a while, all those resumes start to blend together.

So how can you, an anonymous job seeker, catch a recruiter's eye? Introduce yourself with an effective cover letter.

Sure, a resume lists all of your achievements, but a resume can't capture your personality, passion or desire for a particular job. A cover letter is the perfect place to let potential employers know you as a person: What you've done, what you can offer and how you express yourself. And there's an added bonus: You can write in full sentences instead of fragments or bullet points.

Many job seekers spend hours crafting each item on their resume. Then they whip out a quick-and-dirty cover letter full of mistakes -- not realizing that a cover letter is just as important as a resume.

One common cover letter goof: Typos and spelling errors. To avoid spelling errors and typos, write your cover letter using a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word. Next, spell-check the document. Then read the document out loud -- you may catch spelling errors the computer missed (such as accidentally writing "jog" instead of "job"). Only after you have double-checked your cover letter should you attach it to your resume and send it off.

Here are some other all-too-common cover letter blunders and how to fix them.

Name That Job

What's one of the first things you should do after greeting the reader of a cover letter?

State exactly which job you're applying for. Include the exact name of the position. If the ad provided a job ID number, then include that too. It's also a good idea to mention where you heard about the opening.

There's a good reason for being so specific: Many recruiters handle hundreds of job openings, so they won't automatically know which one you're gunning for. By reminding them of the specific opening for which you're applying, you'll make it more likely that your resume will be read by the right person. And besides, anything you can do to make a recruiter's job easier will put you on their good side.

The Danger of Form Cover Letters

Do you send the exact same cover letter to every employer, only changing the name of the person to whom you're sending it?

Big mistake.

The point of a cover letter is to make a personal connection with the reader. So to write a successful cover letter, you should tailor it specifically to each company you send it to. For instance, display a knowledge of the company history or write about recent events or projects the company has undertaken. This will show that you have taken the time to research the company before sending in your resume -- and prove that you really want the job.

Don't Repeat Yourself

A common trap that many job seekers fall into when writing a cover letter is to simply regurgitate everything that's in their resume.

But if it's already in your resume, then you're just wasting your breath ... and a chance at the job.

A cover letter should not be a rehash of your resume; instead, it should offer deeper insights into what your resume does NOT say. Provide an in-depth explanation of some of your key achievements at your last job, for instance, and how those accomplishments could help the company. Or tell a story about a tough problem you solved. The point is: The recruiter already has your resume; the cover letter should add to it, not repeat it.

So when writing a cover letter, make sure it elaborates on what's already in your resume or provides some new information.

What Can You Do for Me?

When writing a cover letter, many people discuss why they need the job ...

"I need the money."

"I find the position interesting."

"I've wanted to work for you since I was a kid."

"I need more experience in the industry."

"Since your company is the best in the industry, a job there would help my career."

Here's a newsflash: Companies don't really care about your needs. They're not hiring you to enrich your life or provide you with an income. They're hiring you because they need a job done.

That means your cover letter should focus on the company's needs and how you can fulfill them, not what the company can do for you.

A good way to start: Look at the requirements for the position in the job ad. Then, in your cover letter, discuss point by point how you meet (or even exceed) those requirements. By using the job ad as a guide, you'll show the company how hiring you benefits them and not just you.

One last note: Try to be both confident and humble when discussing what you can offer the company. While you certainly want to appear competent, arrogance can turn off a recruiter. Show enthusiasm and keep a positive attitude, and your cover letter will take you far.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW TAKE NOTE
Culled form Yahoo Hot Jobs

Words Every Resume Should Include

2008-12-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Words Every Resume Should Include
By Caroline Levchuck

Every word on your resume counts in today's competitive job market. But some words count more than others -- especially those that refer to soft skills.

Soft skills are increasingly important in the workplace. In fact, 86 percent of employers considered soft skills to be among their most important hiring criteria in a recent survey by two University of Massachusetts economists.

'Teamwork'

Teamwork is more important than ever in the workplace.

The ability to work well with others to accomplish a common goal is vital for a harmonious workplace.
Employees are often organized into teams to manage projects. And many employers believe collaboration increases the quality of work and improves productivity.

A team player is an attentive listener, a cooperative colleague and is willing to help others.

'Flexibility'

Employers value workers who are flexible and able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. In other words, it's sometimes just as important to be a jack-of-all-trades as a master of one.

You can show that you're flexible by demonstrating a willingness to take on new and varied projects and an ability to handle changing priorities and deadlines.

Ultimately, being flexible doesn't only increase the odds that you'll get a job -- it also improves your chances of keeping it should layoffs occur.

'Detail-Oriented'

Employers want to know that they can trust workers to handle a project down to the last detail.

Being "detail-oriented" means being organized and meticulous about your work. It also implies that you can work without constant supervision and act independently.

'Self-Motivated'

Employers value employees who are self-starters. These workers can generate their own ideas and follow them through to fruition.

A self-motivated worker goes the extra mile. She regularly takes on tasks that may not be part of her job description. She's inspired to work hard not just to reap rewards but also for personal satisfaction.

NOW YOU KNOW TAKE NOTE
Culled from Yahoo Hot Jobs

Words That Weaken Your Resume

2008-12-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

Words That Weaken Your Resume
By Caroline Levchuck

A strong resume gives potential employers a concise, clear picture of your skills and experience. And, it's the crucial first step in securing an interview and hopefully a job offer.

For maximum impact, keep your resume as concise as you can. You need to include all your achievements in only one to two pages, so don't waste space on meaningless words. Plus, an employer doesn't want to spend time trying to understand vague phrases or decipher confusing jargon.

'Assist,' 'Contribute' and 'Support'

An employer won't know what you did if the wording on your resume is too vague. Words like "assist," "contribute" and "support" all say (or don't say) the same thing. They say you helped, but they don't say how. They beg the question: Exactly how did you assist, contribute or support a person or project?

Use these words sparingly and always follow them with a description of your role and responsibilities. Let an employer know the part you played and how you affected the outcome.

'Successfully'

Of course you want to show all that you've accomplished on your resume. But your achievements will be more impressive if you give concrete examples of what you've done and how you're been successful.

You don't need to use words like "successfully" or effectively" to show an employer that you're a good worker; your experience should speak for itself.

Instead of explicitly saying that a project was successful, state your achievements clearly and factually. Then give examples of how or why the project was a success.

'Responsible For'

The phrase "responsible for" can make your resume feel like a laundry list. Instead of just listing your responsibilities, try to stress your accomplishments.

Your resume will also have more of an impact if you quantify your accomplishments. Use figures to show how you affected growth, reduced costs or streamlined a process. Provide the number of people you managed, the amount of the budget you oversaw or the revenue you saved the company.

'Interface' and Other Buzzwords

Don't flower your resume with fancy words.

By trying to sound intelligent or qualified, you may end up annoying or confusing your reader. You don't want an employer to need a dictionary to discover what you really did at your last job.

Avoid buzzwords that have become cliche and words that are unnecessarily sophisticated. "Synergy" and "liaise" are examples of buzzwords that have been overused and abused.

Say what you mean plainly and simply. For example, instead of "interface," say "work." Instead of "impact," say "affect." Instead of "utilize," say "use."

Here's what you always SHOULD include in your resume: Keywords. Recruiters use keywords to search for resumes. So choose some of the basic, important keywords in your field and pepper them throughout your resume.

NOW YOU KNOW AVOID THEM!!!!
Culled from Yahoo HotJobs

Interview Preparation Questions and Answers 3

2008-10-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Aren’t you overqualified for this position?
As with any objection, don’t view this as a sign of imminent defeat. It’s an invitation to
teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of
drawbacks.
Example: “I recognize the job market for what it is – a marketplace. Like any marketplace,
it’s subject to the laws of supply and demand. So ‘overqualified’ can be a relative term,
depending on how tight the job market is. And right now, it’s very tight. I understand and
accept that.”
“I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in this match.”
“Because of my unusually strong experience in ________________ , I could start to
contribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone who’d have to be brought along
more slowly.”
“There’s also the value of all the training and years of experience that other companies have
invested tens of thousands of dollars to give me. You’d be getting all the value of that
without having to pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that
experience, he’d have to gain it on your nickel.”
“I could also help you in many things they don’t teach at the Harvard Business School. For
example…(how to hire, train, motivate, etc.) When it comes to knowing how to work well
with people and getting the most out of them, there’s just no substitute for what you learn
over many years of front-line experience. You company would gain all this, too.”
“From my side, there are strong benefits, as well. Right now, I am unemployed. I want to
work, very much, and the position you have here is exactly what I love to do and am best at.
I’ll be happy doing this work and that’s what matters most to me, a lot more that money or
title.”
“Most important, I’m looking to make a long term commitment in my career now. I’ve had
enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my career. I also know
that if I perform this job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for
me right here. In time, I’ll find many other ways to help this company and in so doing, help
myself. I really am looking to make a long-term commitment.”
NOTE: The main concern behind the “overqualified” question is that you will leave your
new employer as soon as something better comes your way. Anything you can say to
demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment to the employer and reassure him that you’re
looking to stay for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Reassure your interviewer that you’re looking to make a long-term commitment…that this
position entails exactly what you’re looking to do and what you do extremely well. As for
your future, you believe that if you perform each job at hand with excellence, future
opportunities will take care of themselves.
Example: “I am definitely interested in making a long-term commitment to my next
position.
Judging by what you’ve told me about this position, it’s exactly what I’m looking for and
what I am very well qualified to do. In terms of my future career path, I’m confident that if I
do my work with excellence, opportunities will inevitable open up for me. It’s always been
that way in my career, and I’m confident I’ll have similar opportunities here.”
Describe your ideal company, location and job.
The only right answer is to describe what this company is offering, being sure to make your
answer believable with specific reasons, stated with sincerity, why each quality represented
by this opportunity is attractive to you.
Remember that if you’re coming from a company that’s the leader in its field or from a
glamorous or much admired company, industry, city or position, your interviewer and his
company may well have an “Avis” complex. That is, they may feel a bit defensive about
being “second best” to the place you’re coming from, worried that you may consider them
bush league.
This anxiety could well be there even though you’ve done nothing to inspire it. You must go
out of your way to assuage such anxiety, even if it’s not expressed, by putting their virtues
high on the list of exactly what you’re looking for, providing credible reason for wanting
these qualities.
If you do not express genuine enthusiasm for the firm, its culture, location, industry, etc.,
you may fail to answer this “Avis” complex objection and, as a result, leave the interviewer
suspecting that a hot shot like you, coming from a Fortune 500 company in New York, just
wouldn’t be happy at an unknown manufacturer based in Topeka, Kansas.
Why do you want to work at our company?
This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth
research you should do before any interview.
Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter,
contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the
company in the trade press.
What are your career options right now?
Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired
commodity. If you are still working, describe the possibilities at your present firm and why,
though you’re greatly appreciated there, you’re looking for something more (challenge,
money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that you’re seriously exploring opportunities with
one or two other firms.
If you’re not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities you’re actually
exploring. But do this with a light touch, speaking only in general terms. You don’t want to
seem manipulative or coy.
Why have you been out of work so long ?
You want to emphasize factors which have prolonged your job search by your own choice.
Example: “After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision not to jump on the
first opportunities to come along. In my life, I’ve found out that you can always turn a
negative into a positive IF you try hard enough. This is what I determined to do. I decided
to take whatever time
I needed to think through what I do best, what I most want to do, where I’d like to do
it…and then identify those companies that could offer such an opportunity.”
“Also, in all honesty, you have to factor in the recession (consolidation, stabilization, etc.) in
the (banking, financial services, manufacturing, advertising, etc.) industry.”
“So between my being selective and the companies in our industry downsizing, the process
has taken time. But in the end, I’m convinced that when I do find the right match, all that
careful evaluation from both sides of the desk will have been well worthwhile for both the
company that hires me and myself.
Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company,
management team, etc.)
Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the good points, no matter how
charmingly you’re invited to be critical.
Your interviewer doesn’t care a whit about your previous boss. He wants to find out how
loyal and positive you are, and whether you’ll criticize him behind his back if pressed to do
so by someone in this own company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your
loyalty to those you work with.
What good books have you read lately?
Unless you’re up for a position in academia or as book critic for The New York Times,
you’re not expected to be a literary lion. But it wouldn’t hurt to have read a handful of the
most recent and influential books in your profession and on management.
Consider it part of the work of your job search to read up on a few of these leading books.
But make sure they are quality books that reflect favorably upon you, nothing that could
even remotely be considered superficial. Finally, add a recently published bestselling work
of fiction by a world-class author and you’ll pass this question with flying colors.

Interview Preparation Questions and Answers 2

2008-10-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Best strategy: Say you harbor no regrets, then add a principle or habit you practice regularly
for healthy human relations.
Example: Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to you. Then say to hr, “You
know, I really can’t think of anything.” (Pause again, then add): “I would add that as a
general management principle, I’ve found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid
causing them in the first place. I practice one habit that helps me a great deal in this regard.
At the end of each day, I mentally review the day’s events and conversations to take a
second look at the people and developments I’m involved with and do a double check of
what they’re likely to be feeling.
Sometimes I’ll see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe
a five minute chat in someone’s office to make sure we’re clear on things…whatever.”
“I also like to make each person feel like a member of an elite team, like the Boston Celtics
or LA Lakers in their prime. I’ve found that if you let each team member know you expect
excellence in their performance…if you work hard to set an example yourself…and if you let
people know you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind up with a highly motivated
group, a team that’s having fun at work because they’re striving for excellence rather than
brooding over slights or regrets.”
Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position ?
(If you have a job presently tell the hr)
If you’re not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, don’t be afraid to say so.
Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don’t
be coy either. State honestly what you’d be hoping to find in a new spot. Of course, as stated
often before, you answer will all the stronger if you have already uncovered what this
position is all about and you match your desires to it.
(If you do not presently have a job tell the hr.)
Never lie about having been fired. It’s unethical – and too easily checked. But do try to
deflect the reason from you personally. If your firing was the result of a takeover, merger,
division wide layoff, etc., so much the better.
But you should also do something totally unnatural that will demonstrate consummate
professionalism. Even if it hurts , describe your own firing – candidly, succinctly and
without a trace of bitterness – from the company’s point-of-view, indicating that you could
understand why it happened and you might have made the same decision yourself.
Your stature will rise immensely and, most important of all, you will show you are healed
from the wounds inflicted by the firing. You will enhance your image as first-class
management material and stand head and shoulders above the legions of firing victims who,
at the slightest provocation, zip open their shirts to expose their battle scars and decry the
unfairness of it all.
For all prior positions:
Make sure you’ve prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money,
opportunity, responsibility or growth.
The "Silent Treatment"
Like a primitive tribal mask, the Silent Treatment loses all it power to frighten you once you
refuse to be intimidated. If your interviewer pulls it, keep quiet yourself for a while and then
ask, with sincere politeness and not a trace of sarcasm, “Is there anything else I can fill in
on that point?” That’s all there is to it.
Whatever you do, don’t let the Silent Treatment intimidate you into talking a blue streak,
because you could easily talk yourself out of the position.
Why should I hire you?
By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the
employer’s needs before you answer questions. If you know the employer’s greatest needs
and desires, this question will give you a big leg up over other candidates because you will
give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone else is likely to…reasons tied directly to
his needs.
Whether your interviewer asks you this question explicitly or not, this is the most important
question of your interview because he must answer this question favorably in is own mind
before you will be hired. So help him out! Walk through each of the position’s requirements
as you understand them, and follow each with a reason why you meet that requirement so
well.
Example: “As I understand your needs, you are first and foremost looking for someone who
can manage the sales and marketing of your book publishing division. As you’ve said you
need someone with a strong background in trade book sales. This is where I’ve spent
almost all of my career, so I’ve chalked up 18 years of experience exactly in this area. I
believe that I know the right contacts, methods, principles, and successful management
techniques as well as any person can in our industry.”
“You also need someone who can expand your book distribution channels. In my prior post,
my innovative promotional ideas doubled, then tripled, the number of outlets selling our
books. I’m confident I can do the same for you.”
“You need someone to give a new shot in the arm to your mail order sales, someone who
knows how to sell in space and direct mail media. Here, too, I believe I have exactly the
experience you need. In the last five years, I’ve increased our mail order book sales from
N600,000 to N2,800,000, and now we’re the country’s second leading marketer of scientific
and medical books by mail.” Etc., etc., etc.,
Every one of these selling “couplets” (his need matched by your qualifications) is a
touchdown
that runs up your score. IT is your best opportunity to outsell your competition.

Interview Preparation Questions and Answers

2008-10-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

HR Interview Questions and Answers
Tell me about yourself?
Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. In other words you must sell what the buyer is buying. This is the single most important strategy in job hunting.
So, before you answer this or any question it's imperative that you try to uncover yourb interviewer's greatest need, want, problem or goal.
To do so, make you take these two steps:
Do all the homework you can before the hr interview to uncover this person's wants and needs (not the generalized needs of the industry or company)
As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete description of what the
position entails. You might say: “I have a number of accomplishments I'd like to tell you about, but I want to make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your needs.
To help me do, that, could you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position? All I know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc
Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out his needs
even more. Surprisingly, it's usually this second or third question that unearths what the
interviewer is most looking for.
You might ask simply, "And in addition to that?..." or, "Is there anything else you see as
essential to success in this position?:
This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is easier simply to answer
questions, but only if you uncover the employer's wants and needs will your answers make
the most sense.
Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the process will feel more
natural and you will be light years ahead of the other job candidates you're competing with.
After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear
striking parallels to tasks you've succeeded at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific
examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared
to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.
What are your greatest strengths?
You know that your key strategy is to first uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and
needs before you answer questions. And from Question 1, you know how to do this.
Prior to any interview, you should have a list mentally prepared of your greatest strengths.
You should also have, a specific example or two, which illustrates each strength, an example
chosen from your most recent and most impressive achievements.
You should, have this list of your greatest strengths and corresponding examples from your
achievements so well committed to memory that you can recite them cold after being
shaken awake at 2:30AM.
Then, once you uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs, you can choose those

3
achievements from your list that best match up.
As a general guideline, the 10 most desirable traits that all employers love to see in their
employees are:
A proven track record as an achiever...especially if your achievements match up with the
employer's greatest wants and needs. Intelligence...management "savvy".
Honesty...integrity...a decent human being.
Good fit with corporate culture...someone to feel comfortable with...a team player who
meshes well with interviewer's team.
Likeability...positive attitude...sense of humor.
Good communication skills.
Dedication...willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve excellence.
Definiteness of purpose...clear goals.
Enthusiasm...high level of motivation.
Confident...healthy...a leader.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
Disguise strength as a weakness.
Example: “I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a sense of urgency and
everyone is not always on the same wavelength.”
Drawback: This strategy is better than admitting a flaw, but it's so widely used, it is
transparent to any experienced interviewer.
NaijahotJobs.com
Www.NaijahotJobs.com – One Family! One Love! Nigeria’s Largest Career Community.
4
BEST ANSWER: (and another reason it's so important to get a thorough description of
your interviewer's needs before you answer questions): Assure the interviewer that you can
think of nothing that would stand in the way of your performing in this position with
excellence. Then, quickly review you strongest qualifications.
Example: “Nobody's perfect, but based on what you've told me about this position, I
believe I' d make an outstanding match. I know that when I hire people, I look for two
things most of all. Do they have the qualifications to do the job well, and the motivation to
do it well? Everything in my background shows I have both the qualifications and a strong
desire to achieve excellence in whatever I take on. So I can say in all honesty that I see
nothing that would cause you even a small concern about my ability or my strong desire to
perform this job with excellence.”
Alternate strategy (if you don't yet know enough about the position to talk about such a
perfect fit):
Instead of confessing a weakness, describe what you like most and like least, making sure
that what you like most matches up with the most important qualification for success in the
position, and what you like least is not essential.
Example: Let's say you're applying for a teaching position. “If given a choice, I like to spend as much time as possible in front of my prospects selling, as opposed to shuffling paperwork back at the office. Of course, I long ago learned the importance of filing
paperwork properly, and I do it conscientiously. But what I really love to do is sell (if your
interviewer were a sales manager, this should be music to his ears.)
Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of ?As
with faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret. But don’t seem as if you’re stonewalling
either. To be continued

10 Reasons Why You're Not Getting Interviews

2008-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

No matter how strong your skills or experience are, you won't land a new job without first securing an interview with a prospective employer. Job seekers often consider this step of the hiring process the most difficult -- and perplexing. After all, how many times have you considered your qualifications ideal for an open position only to never hear from the hiring manager about the résumé and cover letter you submitted?

If you're looking for an edge, make sure you're not falling into these common traps:

1. You only focus on the Googles of the world.
Companies that continually grab headlines and are highly recognizable can be exciting places to work. But so are many companies you've never heard of. Keep in mind that organizations that are household names often receive thousands of résumés for each opening. Consider exploring opportunities with small and midsize companies. They make up the vast majority of businesses in the United States and sometimes have trouble locating qualified candidates. If Google is your dream employer, don't give up the good fight, but also keep your eyes and ears open to other opportunities.

2. You don't follow directions.
Each company has a different procedure it asks applicants to follow for submitting employment applications. Some ask that you use a form on their Web sites while others prefer traditional phone calls or faxes. Make sure you understand what the prospective employer seeks by carefully reading the job listing. Then, follow the directions to the letter. If you don't, your application may never reach the hiring manager.

3. You need to revamp your résumé.
Sending out the same cover letter and résumé to all companies isn't likely to capture the attention of prospective employers. Hiring managers want to know why you're a good match for their specific business needs. So take the time to research employers and customize your job search materials by explaining why you're interested in a particular position and how you could make a contribution to the company.

4. Your cover letter isn't enticing.
Think of your cover letter as an appetizer that convinces the hiring manager your résumé, the main course, is worth sampling. The best cover letters take select details from the résumé and expand upon them, explaining in depth how your talents and experience can benefit the prospective employer.

5. You don't reference keywords.
Companies that receive a high volume of résumés often use scanning software that looks for certain keywords to determine which candidates to call for interviews. More often than not, keywords come directly from the job description. Terms such as "Microsoft Office," "accounts payable and receivable" and "Cisco Certified Network Administrator" are examples. As much as possible, ensure your résumé and cover letter contain keywords.

6. Your application materials aren't perfect.
Submitting an application that contains typos and grammatical goofs is perhaps the quickest way to foil your chances of securing an interview. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled in a recent survey by our company said it takes just one or two errors to remove a candidate from consideration. The reason: These types of mistakes show a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. Make sure to carefully proofread your résumé prior to submitting it and ask a friend or family member to do the same.

7. You don't know who to send your résumé to.
Though it's fine to start your cover letter with the generic salutation "To Whom It May Concern," hiring managers pay special attention to applications that are addressed directly to them. If the job advertisement doesn't include the hiring manager's name, call the company and speak to the receptionist or a member of the person's department. More often than not, you can obtain the information fairly easily if you're candid about your reason for wanting it.

8. You don't have an 'in' with the company.
Using the name of a common contact to make the connection between you and the hiring manager is by far the best way to ensure your cover letter and résumé get optimal attention. So, keep in touch with members of your professional network; you never know who has a contact at the company you hope to work for.

9. You don't follow up.
One way to improve the odds a hiring manager gives consideration to your résumé is to follow up with him or her. According to a survey by our company, 86 percent of executives said job seekers should contact a hiring manager within two weeks of sending a résumé and cover letter. Often a brief phone call or e-mail reasserting your interest in the position and strong qualifications is enough.

10. You're not as qualified as you think.
The bottom line may be that you're simply not as perfect for the job as you think. Before submitting your résumé, take a close look at the job description and compare your skills and experience with those required for the position. If a job calls for five years of retail management experience, and you have only two, you might not be as qualified as other applicants. While sometimes it's possible to make up for skills gaps if you excel in other areas, hiring managers frequently have specific criteria in mind, and they use it to determine whom they call for interviews.

By avoiding common pitfalls, you can improve your chances of landing a job interview. Often something small -- fixing a typo, for example -- makes all the difference.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
Copyright 2006 Robert Half International. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.

Eight Worst Things to Say in an Interview

2008-09-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Interviews are nothing if not opportunities to drive yourself crazy. Just remind yourself to look good, appear confident, say all the right things and don't say any of the wrong ones. It shouldn't be so hard to follow these guidelines except you'll be on the receiving end of an endless line of questions. Factor in your nerves and you'll be lucky to remember your own name.

Don't fret.

If you walk into the interview prepared, you can make sure you know what right things to say, and you can stop yourself from saying the following wrong things.

1. "I hated my last boss."

Your last boss was a miserable person whose main concern was making your life miserable. Of course you don't have a lot of nice things to say; however, don't mistake honesty, which is admirable, for trash-talking, which is despicable.

"If you truly did hate your last boss, I would be prepared to articulate why your last organization and relationship was not right for you," says Greg Moran, director of industry sales and partnerships for Talent Technology Corp. "Then be prepared to explain what type of organization is right for you and what type of management style you best respond to."

2. "I don't know anything about the company."

Chances are the interviewer will ask what you know about the company. If you say you don't know anything about it, the interviewer will wonder why you're applying for the job and will probably conclude you're after money, not a career.

"With today's technology," Moran says, "there is no excuse for having no knowledge of a company except laziness and/or poor planning - neither of which are attributes [of potential employees] sought by many organizations."

3. "No, I don't have any questions for you."

Much like telling the interviewer that you don't know anything about the company, saying you don't have any questions to ask also signals a lack of interest. Perhaps the interviewer answered every question or concern you had about the position, but if you're interested in a future with this employer, you can probably think of a few things to ask.

"Research the company before you show up," Moran advises. "Understand the business strategy, goals and people. Having this type of knowledge will give you some questions to keep in your pocket if the conversation is not flowing naturally."

4. "I'm going to need to take these days off."

"We all have lives and commitments and any employer that you would even consider working for understands this. If you progress to an offer stage, this is the time for a discussion regarding personal obligations," Moran suggests. "Just don't bring it up prior to the salary negotiation/offer stage."

Why?

By mentioning the days you need off too early in the interview, you risk coming off presumptuous as if you know you'll get the job.

5. "How long until I get a promotion?"

While you want to show that you're goal-oriented, be certain you don't come off as entitled or ready to leave behind a job you don't even have yet.

"There are many tactful ways to ask this question that will show an employer that you are ambitious and looking at the big picture," Moran offers. "For example, asking the interviewer to explain the typical career path for the position is fine."

Another option is to ask the interviewer why the position is open, Moran adds. You might find out it's due to a promotion and can use that information to learn more about career opportunities.

6. "Are you an active member in your church?"

As you attempt to make small talk with an interviewer, don't cross the line into inappropriate chitchat. Avoid topics that are controversial or that veer too much from work.

"This sounds obvious but many times I have been interviewing candidates and been asked about my personal hobbies, family obligations, et cetera," Moran says. "Attempting to develop a rapport is essential but taking it too far can bring you into some uncomfortable territory."

7. "As Lady Macbeth so eloquently put it..."

Scripted answers, although accurate, don't impress interviewers. Not only do they make you sound rehearsed and stiff, they also prevent you from engaging in a dialogue.

"This is a conversation between a couple humans that are trying to get a good understanding of one another. Act accordingly," Moran reminds.

8. "And another thing I hate..."

Save your rants for your blog. When you're angry, you don't sway anybody's opinion about a topic, but you do make them like you less. For one thing, they might disagree with you. They also won't take kindly to your bad attitude.

"If you are bitter, keep it inside and show optimism. Start complaining and you will be rejected immediately," Moran warns. "Do you like working with a complainer? Neither will the interviewer."

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Copyright 2008 CareerBuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.

How to Answer the Worst Interview Questions

2008-09-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Job seekers to put it mildly don't like interviews very much. Aside from having to dress up and worry about the firmness of their handshakes, applicants have to field question after question. No matter how much they fear unexpected trick questions, job candidates dread the most common ones above all others.

When it comes to the least favorite interview questions, "What is your greatest weakness?" is job seekers' top pick, according to a recent MSN Zogby poll. Although it's a common question, nobody knows what to say. If you're too honest, you've just told the interviewer why you shouldn't be hired. If you pretend you're flawless, you look arrogant and still don't get the job.

When you're asked questions that seem set up to make you look bad, what are you supposed to say?

"What we don't want is a lot of BS. We are looking for a realistic and accurate picture of a candidate," says Donna Flagg, workplace expert and the president of the Krysalis Group, a human resource and management consulting firm. "We want to see someone who thinks, not someone who is rehearsed or spits out sound bite after sound bite. Mostly, we want the truth."

To help you think critically about your answers so you can respond honestly and thoughtfully, here are five common (but tough) interview questions the Zogby survey respondents disliked most and how to respond to them.

Question: What is your greatest weakness?
Don't say: "I'm such a perfectionist" or "I work too hard."
Instead: Think about areas where you can improve and figure out how they can be assets.
Why: If you try to conceal your past and refuse to admit to a mistake, you're sending a red flag to the interviewer that you're stubborn or that you don't have the capacity to recognize your own flaws. "Be balanced; be human," says Ben Dattner, an industrial and organizational psychologist at New York University.

Dattner suggests picking some areas where you have room for improvement and make them reasons you should be hired. If you didn't have the opportunity to develop certain skills at your previous job, explain how eager you are to gain that skill at the new job. Also, point out how you've dealt with a past weakness. For example, if speaking in front of large groups once terrified you, mention the public speaking course you took to help you through it. This answer demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your willingness to learn.

Question: Tell me about yourself.
Don't say: "It was a cold February morning when the doctor placed me in my mother's arms for the first time..."
Instead: Give a brief overview of your career and qualifications in a few sentences.
Why: The interviewer doesn't want to know about your first kiss and what your blood type is. Your answers should be a quick rundown of your qualifications and experience. Focus on your strongest skills and traits so that you make a good first impression. This question often prompts follow-up questions, so if you cite creativity as one of your best traits, be prepared to give examples of how you have demonstrated it in the past.

Question: Why do you want to work here?
Don't say: "I've maxed out three credit cards and need a paycheck ASAP."
Instead: Articulate why you want the job and why you're a good fit for the company.
Why: A chief mistake job seekers make is focusing on selling themselves to the company and failing to prove why the job is right for them. It sounds narcissistic, but it's not. Dattner suggests asking yourself: "Why is the job right for you and why are you right for the job?" The question helps you give the right answer because you prove that you're in this for more than the paycheck.

Question: How would others describe you?
Don't say: "They would say I'm the best you'll meet and you'd be stupid not to hire me."
Instead: Answer honestly.
Why: "With regard to what others say about you, this gives a lens for the interviewer to use to see characteristics and attributes that the individual being interviewed may not be aware of," Flagg says.

You should always be asking for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors in order to gauge your performance, Danner advises. Then when you are job hunting, you can honestly answer the question knowing you've improved your performance based on the feedback. If you haven't asked co-workers for their opinions, start now with past and present colleagues so you can answer this question honestly. It might also help you discover what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Question: Why did you leave your last job?
Don't say: "Gee, there were so many reasons I got out of that hellhole."
Instead: Take your time to answer this question, Dattner says. "If the interviewer thinks you are rushing through it, there's a problem."
Why: This is your chance to talk about your experience and your career goals. Don't badmouth a former boss or explain why you were just too good to stay at such a menial job. Instead, focus on what you learned in your previous position and how you are ready to use those skills in a new position. Detail the path you want your career to follow while illustrating how this job is right for you and how you're right for the company.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Copyright 2008 CareerBuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.

10 Ways to become indispensable to your boss/Manager

2008-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

10 Ways to become indispensable to your boss/Manager
Some people say "no one is indispensable" this is true but you can through creation of niche and uniqueness become indispensable to your boss/company. Once you become an essential employee you bonus and benefits, salariy etc will continue to increase steadily.By simply practising this 1o simple tricks below, be rest assured of your indispensability in your workplace.
1. Be the best at something no one else is.
Develop your own niche at work by picking up a skill or technical knowledge that is vital to your company, yet relatively hard to learn. Maybe it's learning sophisticated software that will automate your department's operations, or becoming familiar with complicated regulations or procedures. Be the best at something no one else is, and you will dramatically raise your level of importance to your organization.

2. Give everything you've got and then some.
If you want to advance in your company, take on more work than you are expected to accomplish. Volunteer to help on a project that is running over deadline and make yourself available for extra projects. You will be noticed.
Frequently, companies need assistance with rush jobs like proposals. On jobs like these, quick turnaround is imperative and higher-ups always appreciate employees who pitch in and volunteer to be on the team.

Do the little things that make a difference. Go the extra mile on every task you undertake and the rewards will follow.

3. Work even harder when the boss is away.
In thousands of offices across the U.S., great sighs of relief can be heard the minute the boss goes out of town on business or vacation. People drift into each other's offices, the telephones light up with personal phone calls, and lunch hours are stretched to the limits.

Managers generally report significant reductions in productivity when they are away from the office. That is why working, even at your normal pace, when they are away will impress your supervisors.

The best strategy, however, is to work extra hard. To add to your indispensability when supervisors are away, try to complete jobs they assigned before their departure. There is nothing a boss appreciates more after a trip than hearing --"Here's the job you wanted. It's done." And the subtle, yet deep-seated message you convey is long lasting.

4. Get accolades for your group.
Getting credit for the entire group of people you work with can advance your career. This seeming irony, standing out by praising the group, makes sense in the overall business context. Those who make it to the top levels of management are the people who are able to motivate others to do their best and to work well in group situations.

What are you really saying when you say, "My team did a great job"? Those above you know that when a group does well, it's at least partly because someone exhibited leadership. Highlighting the team is especially useful when you are managing the group. It indicates your ability to facilitate good work.

5. Make your boss look good.
Similar to the concept of getting credit for the group of people you work with or manage, making your boss look good can only reflect favorably on you. Both your boss and his or her supervisors will appreciate this. The best way to make your boss look good is to handle your work efficiently and thoroughly. If your boss is fair, he or she will give you credit for the work, increasing your chances of promotion. If your boss is not doing his or her share of the work, leaning on you unfairly without giving you the credit, it is still likely that you will be promoted when your boss is promoted. That person knows you have been doing more than your share, and he or she will not be able to take a new position without your help.

6. Develop key client relationships.
If your job involves working with clients who do business with your organization, particularly key clients on whom your firm depends, you are already strategically positioned to become indispensable. Each time you interact with the client, either by mail or in person, you are planting the seeds of a personal and professional relationship.

If you have done your job well and have proven time and again that you are a professional upon whom the client can rely, your relationship with the client, in part, becomes one of your company's important assets. As such, it must be protected just as other tangible assets such as the plant and equipment are protected.

An important caveat to developing key client relationships is not to threaten your supervisors professionally by undermining, overstepping, or otherwise harming the relationships they may have with clients.

Wherever you work, bringing new business into your organization will surely vault you to the head of the class. Whether you have direct marketing responsibility or not, be prepared. Developing new clients is time-consuming and rigorous. However, when you do land a client, surely you'll be the one they trust, the one they have known from the beginning.

7. Serve as a mentor.
You are never too young to share your experience with junior members of your organization. This can be accomplished on an informal, ad hoc basis, and you can literally choose the amount of energy you're willing to commit. Helping junior members always looks good to those above you, especially at performance time.

8. Praise your boss if it is deserved.
Everyone likes to be praised . . . yet, how often do we praise our bosses? They are people, too. If your boss has been extra supportive of you, tell him or her that you appreciate it. Remember to praise your boss to your coworkers and other supervisors. Be honest, however. A phony attempt can be detected immediately. But everyone has some good points that can be praised. Be aware of any special quirks your supervisor may have. If he or she is feeling personally insecure about a particular client or project, help out and give the credit to your boss instead of taking it for yourself. You may need similar support some time later.

9. Keep on top of your job.
Do not forget the basics. One way to become truly indispensable is to be on top of your job, your department's goals, and your company's objectives. This three-way strategy includes reviewing your job description, deciding precisely what your department's goals are, and determining your company's objective.

First, knowing your job description and following it, or amending it if necessary, will protect you from any misunderstandings. It will also give you an idea of the part you play in the total picture of the organization, an important factor in your work satisfaction and chance of promotion.

Second, be sure to learn and understand the goals of your part of the company. Knowing your group's goals will help you to set priorities for your own work and to make intelligent decisions concerning how jobs should be done.

Finally, be aware of your company's objective. Any company, from the smallest business to the multibillion-dollar corporation, has an objective. It might be to expand sales, increase mergers, solidify a market already captured, or make a specific contribution to research.

If you are unsure of the direction you should take on a particular project and are not receiving sufficient guidance, look at the problem in light of your company's objective or objectives. Is what you are doing in line with those objectives? Will it be good for the company over the long range? Your ability to make the correct decisions will be greatly enhanced by your awareness of your job description, your group objectives, and the company's goals.

10. Become an expert.
Individuals who become indispensable in carrying out a certain aspect of the company's function will usually be promoted, even if a new title has to be created for the position.

In your present company, are you developing expertise on a particular topic? If so, make your superiors aware of your special knowledge and the extent to which people depend on you to provide that knowledge. Or, if there is an area in which you feel that your department is sorely lacking, perhaps market research, coordinating functions, or follow-up work, why not be the one to fill the gap and reap the rewards of career advancement?

Now, make it happen.
Most employees work hard, do a good job and want to get promoted but most do not understand what bosses really want from those they would promote. You now know what it takes to make yourself indispensable to your boss and your organization. Now it is up to you to make it happen.
References: http://www.accountingweb.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=104320

Interview Dos and Don'ts

2008-07-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Interview Dos

Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so.
Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job opening.
Interview Don'ts

Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally.
Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary
culled from http://www.roberthalffinance.com/portal/site/rhf-us/menuitem.4cfd557786ede19f9a64e9c302f3dfa0/?vgnextoid=9dd5f1ab78d7c010VgnVCM100000213ffd0aRCRD

HOW TO HAVE A GOOD JOB INTERVIEW

2008-07-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

HOW TO HAVE A GOOD JOB INTERVIEW
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Of course, the initial challenge is to be called to interview in the first place. This means that you need to give your application form time and care.
Don't write it; type it.
Don't make spelling mistakes; ask a friend to check it.
In my experience, it is utterly amazing the number of applicants who simply submit a standard curriculum vitae without making any effort whatsoever to tailor the application to the organisation and the post.
The organisation advertising the post should send you a person specification and/or short-listing criteria (if they don't, ask them). You should address each and every point in the person specification showing how you meet the requirements. This will maximise the chance of you being called to interview.

The key to a good interview itself is good preparation:
research thoroughly the industry or sector, the company or organisation and the particular job, making particular use of the Annual Report & Accounts, the Web site and current newspaper articles;
prepare an informal opening and closing statement that emphasizes why you want the job and why you think you are particularly well qualified to be chosen.

On the morning of the interview, check the newspapers and the Internet for any last minute developments affecting the organisation you are visiting or the industry in which you are interested in working. This will prepare you for any questions on that development and give you an opportunity to mention it if appropriate.

Dress smartly. Even if the dress code is casual for the organisation concerned, it always pays to be smart for the actual interview.

Be in good time. Try to identify a local café so that, if you are really early, you can go for a drink and take a last look at your notes.

It may seem totally obvious, but switch off your mobile or anything else (such as a pager or digital watch) that might make a noise. I once chaired an interview panel for a senior executive position and, in one of the interviews, the interviewee's mobile went off twice (he didn't get the job).

If you are anxious about interviews, when you are actually called into the interview room, take two or three slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves and your breathing.

As you are introduced to the interviewers, shake their hand firmly, look them in the eyes, and say that you are pleased to meet them. These first few seconds are so important in creating a favourable impression. Remember: you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

Answer the questions in a confident, firm voice. Don't mumble or rush or be too hesitant.

Answers should not be one word or one sentence, but equally should not go on too long. If you have a lot to say, having made the main points, you could finish by saying: "I could expand upon that, if you wish".

When answering the questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s). If there are two interviewers, give them equal attention. If there are three or more, slowly sweep your eyes from side to side like a radar beam.

In the answers to your questions, make selective and relevant use of the information from your preliminary researches and casually mention at least some of the sources you have used. For example: "I was interested to see in your Annual Report …", "I noticed on your Web site ..", "I was reading an article recently that said .." This will impress the interviewer(s) with your knowledge, your research and your keenness.

Don't waffle. If you don't know, say so.

Never, ever lie.

Almost certainly, the opening question will be a general one along the lines of: "Will you tell us why you applied for this job/why you want this job/why you think you are suited for this job". You should be ready for this question by having mentally prepared a short statement that provides the three or four key points in your favour. Think about how you would expand on each point if asked to do so. If you are aware of the short-listing criteria for interview, this opening statement should address the specific requirements set out in the short-listing criteria.

If the organisation concerned is a commercial one, this opening statement should identify with the product or service that is at the core of the company's activities. For instance, "I'm excited by the possibilities that software presents for giving companies a really competitive edge".

If the organisation concerned is a political, campaigning or voluntary one, this opening statement should identify with the values of the organisation. For instance, "I've always believed in ... because ..." or "I really care about ... because ..."

If you are not asked this kind of opening question, you should gently take control of the interview by, as soon as possible, saying something like: "Perhaps you would like to know why I applied for the job". You can then use your opening statement.

Most of the questions you will be asked can be anticipated so, in advance of interview, think about the likely questions. Then plan how you would answer them, making notes in the form of two or three (or occasionally four) bulleted points which you should memorise - not word for word, but point by point.

Many of the questions you will be asked will arise from what you have written in your application so, shortly before the interview date, read over your application again and think about how the interviewer(s) may wish to probe for further information.

Think of the worst question you could be asked. Again plan how you would answer it. Then this question - and any other - is not going to be that tough for you.

Think of actual experiences that illustrate the qualities that you would bring to the job. A good interviewer will not ask the obvious or leading question such as: "Do you like teamwork?" or "Can you cope with stress?". A clever interviewer will instead ask: "Can you give me an example of how you have worked in a team and tell me how you interacted with the other team members?" or "Can you tell me a time when you were under particular stress and explain to me how you handled or resolved it?"

A common - but silly - question is something along the lines of: "Tell us three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses". Again be ready for this one by having planned mentally how you would respond. The strengths should be a reaffirmation of your opening statement. For example, "I have these skills ..", "I have this experience ..", "I'm the kind of person who .." As far as so-called weaknesses are concerned, do not actually admit to any, but instead express so-called weaknesses as strengths. For example, "I'm really stubborn about always being on time", "I tend to be a bit too conscientious and want to get everything right", "I'm really curious and always want to know more about things".

Almost certainly, you will be asked a final question along the lines of: "Is there anything else that you would like to tell us?" Again you should be ready for this question by having mentally prepared a short statement that reaffirms the content of your opening statement, deals with any difficulties that have come up in the interview, and concludes by emphasizing how much you would like the job and how keen you would be if you obtained it.

Again, if you are not asked this kind of closing question, you should gently take control of the interview by - before you leave - saying something like: "Before I go, could I just emphasize why I am so keen to do this job". Then use your closing statement.

If you cannot answer a question to your satisfaction, come back to it in your closing statement if you remember and you've thought of a better answer. Otherwise don't be afraid to phone up soon afterwards and say something like: "I'm not sure that I explained myself too well in the interview. What I wanted to say was …" You will lose nothing by this. On the contrary, it will show keenness and it will remind them of you.

At the end of the interview, you may be asked: "Are there any questions that you would like to ask us about the company (or organisation) or the job?" Once again, be ready for this and have one or two good questions ready. As far as the company or organisation is concerned, ask a question which shows interest in the future prospects. For example: "Where are the growth opportunities for the company?" or "What do think will be the new markets that the company will want to enter in the next few years?" or "What are the key strategic objectives for the organisation in the next couple of years?" As far as the job is concerned, again ask questions that show keenness and interest in the future. For instance: "What are the training opportunities in this job?" or "How is the job likely to develop in the next year or two?" or "What chances are there for promotion in this post?"

Above all, show some enthusiasm and keenness for the job. However calculated the questions and however sophisticated the marking of the answers, most interviewers eventually make the final decision based on the overall impression and nothing makes a better impression than a positive demeanour.

Follow all these tips and you should get the job! If all this does not work and you do not win the post, ask for a debriefing interview or telephone conversation. This will impress the company or organisation and stand you in good stead for any future applications to them. Also, if you approach this exercise open-mindedly, you will learn a lot and your next performance will be even better.
culled from http://www.rogerdarlington.co.uk/Interview.html

Common Interview Questions& Suggested answers

2008-06-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

How would you answer these common interview questions?

The following interview answers should help you with the How to

Job Interview Question 1. Tell me about yourself:
The most commonly asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.

Job Interview Question 2. Why should you be hired for this job?
Point out how your talents and how they meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other job candidates and try to make a comparison. Try to tie a few things to your career path and how it is a good fit.

Job Interview Question 3. Why did you leave (or want to leave) your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major
problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking
reasons.

Job Interview Question 4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good
explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are
on track to achieve the others.

Common Job Interview Question 5. What experience do you bring to this position?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

Common Job Interview Question 6. What do you know about this company/organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization
before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are
going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

Common Job Interview Question 7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide
variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement.
Have some good ones handy to mention.

Job Interview Question 8. Have you applied for other jobs?
Answer: Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

Common Job Interview Question 9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the
research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely
important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term
career goals.

Example Job Interview Question 10. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

Example Job Interview Question 11. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.
Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather
than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,
just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

Example Job Interview Question 12. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like
it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

Example Job Interview Question 13. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you
like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the
right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the
individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the
organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in
force.

Example Job Interview Question 14. What is your personal philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.
Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the
type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a
benefit to the organization.

Sample Job Interview Question 15. Have you ever been asked to resign?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying
negative things about the people or organization involved.

Sample Job Interview Question 16. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to
highlight your best points as they relate to the position being
discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

Sample Job Interview Question 17. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

Sample Job Interview Question 18. Tell me about a suggestion you have made that has made an impact?
Answer: Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted
and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work
applied for is a real plus.

Sample Job Interview Question 19. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Answer: Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show
acceptance and no negative feelings.

Job Interview Question 20. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a sample of a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get
along with folks is great.

Mock Interview Question 21. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

Mock Interview Question 22. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you
are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another
job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with
this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something
like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and
can’t wait to get to work.

Mock Job Interview Question 23. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Be careful here, it should be something major. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

Common Job Interview Question 24. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is
no better answer.

Common Job Interview Question 25. What kind of salary are you asking for?
A common loaded question. A tricky little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like,
That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.

Common Job Interview Question 26. What would your previous manager say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,
Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

Common Job Interview Question 27. Tell me about a problem you had with a past supervisor.
Biggest trap question of all. This is a test to see if you will speak poorley of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former
boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and
develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

Common Interview Question 28. What has disappointed you about a job?
Answer: Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

Job Interview Question 29. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
Answer: You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

Job Interview Question 30. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Answer: Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

Common Interview Question 31. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
Answer: This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

Job Interview Question 32. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.

Employment Interview Question 33. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Answer: Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a
success.Your boss tell you that you are successful

Employment Interview Question 34. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
Answer: You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

Employment Interview Question 35. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about
the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

Job Interview Question 36. Describe your management style.
Answer: Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the
situation, instead of one size fits all.

Common Job Interview Question 37. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An
example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and
thus throwing coordination off.

Common Interview Question 38. Do you have any weaknesses?
Trick question. If you know about weakness, they are no longer blind
spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do
their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

Job Interview Question 39. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Answer: Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

Job Interview Question 40. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Answer: Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well
qualified for the position.

Common Interview Question 41. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about,
bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working
quick learner.

Common Interview Question 42 . What qualities do you look for in a Manager?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of
humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All
bosses think they have these traits.

Sample Job Interview Question 43. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between coworkers.
Answer: Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

Job Interview Question 44. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

Job Interview Question 45. Describe your work ethic.
Answer: Emphasize benefits to the company and the hiring manager. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

Interview Question to ask your interviewer.

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on?
culled from http://www.interview-question.org/

Resumes/Cv Writing tips

2008-06-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

Tip 1 - Use Titles or Headings That Match The Jobs You Want
With employers receiving hundreds of resumes you must make sure that your resume hooks an employer's attention within a 5-second glance. A great way to do this is to use job titles and skill headings that relate to and match the jobs you want. For example, compare the headings Roger used in his before resume to the headings used in his after resume. Before Resume:
Accounting / Recordkeeping
Administrative
Computer Skills After Resume:
Management of A/R and A/P Accounts
Computerized Accounting Applications
Departmental Administration / Recordkeeping
Which set of headings are the strongest for an Accounts Payable / Receivable Manager position?

Even though Roger's title was Accounting Assistant, he actually managed over 1,000 A/R and A/P accounts. Using skill headings that market the true nature of Roger's job duties will generate him more interviews and higher salary offers. For more examples, like this one and the ones discussed below, click on 60 Free Online Resume and Job Search Workshops at ProvenResumes.com.

Tip 2 - Use Design That Grabs Attention
Employers make snap judgments when glancing at your resume. If they see unrelated job titles or skills the likelihood is very high that they will make an immediate assumption that you are not qualified for the job you want. Adding to this problem is the fact that employers don't have the time to read through each of your job descriptions to determine if you have the skills they need.

You Must Do That For Them! The design of your resume must highlight the most important information about your work experience, skills and education. At first glance this information forms the image that employers have of your skills and abilities.

Tip 3 - Create Content That Sells
Resume design should get attention but it's really the content of your resume, the descriptions you include of your skills and abilities, that determine how many interviews you generate--as well as the level of salary offers you receive. Compare the before and after statements from Roger's resume shown below:Before Resume:
Maintained records for accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts. After Resume:
Managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and payable accounts working directly with the Chief Financial Officer.
Which of these examples presents Roger as being more qualified, having higher skills and worth a higher salary? As this example illustrates, our image of Roger is changed and elevated when we read the after example. For more examples of how to create powerful content click on 60 Free Online Resume and Job Search Workshops.
Tip 4 - Quantify and Use Power Words
As Roger's after statement demonstrates, using numbers to describe your achievements and responsibilities can greatly expand and elevate your image. Using numbers and quantifying creates vivid images in our mind when we read them, whereas general statements like the before examples are easy to skip over or forget. Typically the more specific you can be in describing your duties the better.

Another strategy that is extremely important in controlling the image that employers develop about you--is to use Power Words or verbs that match the level of position you want. For example, Roger wants to use the experience he's gained to move into a management position. To strengthen his image he should use as many "management oriented" words as possible. Which example below do you think is the strongest? Typical Verbs:
Gave work assignments to staff of entry level accounting clerks. Power Words:
Directed workflow, supervised and trained accounting staff performing posting to general ledger, accounts receivable and payable accounts.

Tip 5 - Analyze Ads and Job Descriptions to Identify Key Words
Learning how to analyze the key words that employers provide in help wanted ads and job descriptions is a key element in creating powerful resumes. For example, read the ad Roger found for an Accounts Receivable Manager below and see how many key words, phrases, or skill descriptions that it includes. Accounts Receivable Manager
Seeking experienced A/R Manager to oversee accounts, manage billing and collections, train accounting and clerical staff, develop status reports for management and prepare monthly balance sheets. B.A. Degree or A.A. Degree with minimum of 2 years experience required.

Even though this ad is small it contains 12-13 key words or phrases that should be addressed in Roger's resume. Roger can also key words from an ad like this to create headings for his resume such as: Key Word Skill Headings
Management of A/R Accounts
Billing and Collections
Supervision of Accounting and Administrative Staff
Balance Sheet and Management Status Reports

Tip 6 - Identify and Solve Employer's Hidden Needs
In addition to the skills or needs listed in the ad shown above, the employer will have many more needs that Roger should identify and address in his resume and cover letter. For example, this employer will need someone who can deal effectively with other departments, research accounting issues and records to solve problems. To beat today's heavy competition for jobs, it's important that you identify and anticipate the full range of needs each employer faces and show how you can solve those needs.
Tip 7 - Sell the Benefits of Your Skills
Most resumes provide a list of duties that each applicant has been responsible for--without explaining the benefit of those skills to employers. For example, a secretary's resume might state she can type 80 wpm and is extremely accurate. This statement lacks an explanation of how her typing speed and accuracy benefit an employer's bottom line. The real benefit is that the employee can produce more work and ultimately save the employer money. A better statement for this person's resume would be: Selling The Benefits of Skills
· Achieved top production volume by maintaining high degree of accuracy with typing speed at 80 wpm.
· Cut labor expense over $6,000 annually by eliminating the need for part-time wordprocessing staff.

Tip 8 - Create An Image That Matches The Salary You Want
As you write your resume, keep in mind the level of job and salary you want. Be sure to create an image that presents you at the appropriate level. For example, language used in a resume for an $8 an hour position is much different than the language used for a $16 an hour position. I recently met Lynn, who had held a Health Insurance Claims Management position making $42,000 per year. She had retrained for the accounting field and hadn't yet gained any "direct accounting experience" although she had prepared monthly accounting reports as a Department Manager.

I was appalled when she shared the resume she had been counseled to create. It began with this statement:
Seeking an entry level position in the accounting field.

Now what pay rate do you think this statement would motivate employers to offer Lynn? A much better statement would be:
Seek an Accounting position utilizing my experience:

· Managing a department and accounting for up to $250,000 in monthly claims.
My goal is to help people either stay at their current salary level or move up--not go backwards. As you can see, the last statement greatly elevates Lynn's image and will be much more likely to generate salary offers comparable to her last pay rate.

Tip 9 - Prioritize the Content of Your Resume
Another big mistake that job seekers make is to list very important data in the lower sections of their job descriptions. As you compile statements for your resume, prioritize them by importance, impressiveness and relevance to the job you want. Remember that a strong statement which uses power words and quantifies will affect every statement under it. Read the two examples below. Which one has the most impact? Unprioritized
Maintained records control, filing, office supply purchasing and equipment maintenance.
Managed front office functions to support the President, Vice President and staff of 20 Sales Representatives.

Prioritized
Managed front office functions to support the President, Vice President and staff of 20 Sales Representatives. Maintained records control, filing, office supply purchasing and equipment maintenance.

Tip 10 - Tweak and Target Your Resumes and Cover Letters
You will generate many more interviews by tweaking your resume and cover letter so that they address the specific skills each employer requests. For example, Sally originally wanted a customer service position, then found an ad for a Retail Management opening. How well qualified do the headings in the left hand column present her for the Retail Management position? Do you think the headings in the right hand column will generate more and better interviews for Retail Management positions? Customer Service
Cash Accountability
Computer Skills Retail Management / Customer Service
Cash Accountability / Supervision of Retail Stations
Retail Accounting Applications

Sally's actual title had been Lead Cashier, even though she managed her own retail cashiering station in addition to 6 other cashiers and stations. Once Sally had created her original resume, it only took about 5 minutes to tweak and relabel her skill descriptions to fit Retail Management positions. This "relabeling" is entirely truthful and is extremely important in landing more interviews because it allows job seekers to apply for, and look qualified for, a wider range of jobs.
Culled from http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html

How to get that Job

2008-06-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

To score big points and get the job of your dreams, you need to make the right impression during your interview.

Excelling at interviews
To do well in any interview, you need to achieve two main objectives:

convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job
demonstrate that you will fit in with the company's organizational structure and integrate well into the working environment
The first part will depend on your answers to the questions posed, but the second part is sometimes more difficult to demonstrate. By following these tips, you should be able to impress any interviewer.

Dress professionally for the interview
Dress for success, unless specifically advised otherwise by the interviewer. On the day of the interview, leave home earlier than you think you need to. You could be delayed by traffic or some other reason.

Remember to smile and be courteous to all employees of the company, not just the people you expect to be assessing you. During the interview itself, be positive about yourself and your abilities, but remember to keep your answers concise and focused on responding specifically to the questions asked.

Present a professional image throughout the interview
Keep your body language positive and be sure to maintain comfortable eye contact with the interviewer. Strong perfume or large pieces of jewelry might distract your interviewer, so beware. You want the interviewer to remain focused on you and your answers and not anything else.

Look attentive, always
Do not slouch in your chair. Keep focused on the interviewer. Put your portfolio or purse discreetly on the floor, rather than in front of you, so as not to create a barrier. Always be truthful. Your body language, tone of voice, or the words you use will almost always give you away if you tell a lie.
Classic body language "giveaways" include scratching your nose and not looking directly at the interviewer as you talk.

Listen carefully to the questions
Make sure that you fully understand them before you try to answer. Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to rephrase or repeat the question if you are unsure of what is being asked.

Where possible, provide clear and concise examples from your previous experience that will highlight your proven capability in performing job-related skills. Examples should focus primarily on the actions you performed to achieve the desired result, not on the scenario or the context of the example. By focusing your answers and highlighting your actions, you will allow the interviewer to evaluate your potential competencies against the required competencies for the position.

Ask questions
In addition to demonstrating your level of research into the company, this is your opportunity to gain valuable information about the role, environment and the company itself. Take the time to prepare a list of relevant questions.

Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview and ask for an estimate of how long the selection process will take. Let the interviewer know if you anticipate needing a response earlier, for example, if you are currently interviewing elsewhere and are expecting an imminent job offer. Communicate this gracefully and do your best to accommodate the prospective employer's timeline.
-culled from unilevernigeria.com-

Bank Test/Interview Formats

2008-05-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Guaranty Trust Bank
their test format is in three parts. You have Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning
and Grahical Interpretation. All they need is your accuracy how u can think on the
spot.They are usually simple questions but the challenge is you have 24mins for 80
questions. So you have to be fast in thinking.

IBTC
It is more of GMAT. About 20 GMAT Mathematics and English. Some 'Nearest in
meaning' English as well and you will be asked to work some mathematics without
options i.e. no multiple-choice objective in them. know the meaning of words likeloquacious,
poignantly,avarice,

Intercontinental Bank
Their format is GMAT. It contains Maths and English. 100 questions. Go and look for
IEC Gmat text book:2004 edition. I heard it is scarce in the market. If you get the text
book, craM all the questions and answers. All their question were lifted from
there.(Word for Word); Cut off is 80%

Oceanic Bank
Oceanic bank test is 70 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. 15 Maths,
Comprehension 10, Grammar 20, Current affairs 15 and business questions 10. Just
relax and put in your best. Pass mark is 50% which is 35 out of the 70.

Skye Bank
The test format is 80 questions comprising Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Spatial
Orientation, Lateral Reasoning and 1 essay. all in 1hr 15mins.

Spring Bank
Their questions are usually from G-Mat, practice your G-mat, 2003,2004,2005,2006,
infact any G-mat at your reach because that is where their questions usually come
from. Meanwhile its always English and Mathematics.

Standard Chartered Bank
This is the test format. Maths Section is simply graphical interpretation. You need to
work on that. 70 questions. The English section is very simple. You will be given a
passage and you will be asked to interprete. 75 Questions. Try and score up to 80%.
That is their cut of mark.

UBA
Just read your GMAT. Then also have an idea bout current affairs, e.g. Who's d
senate president, when was nations/africans cup played and in which country, Who's
Bank PHB's MD(sounds strange for UBA, right?); The test is simple: Maths, English
and Current Affairs. Maths is 15 questions, English is 15 questions, Current Affairs is
20 questions.

Wema bank
Their test is a total of 80 Questions,consisting of two parts. MGTH1 and QLRT1, 40
questions each. You have to be very fast since you have 40 minutes for each part.
The test is conducted by WAEC. The MGTH1 is made of GMAT, English and
General Information. Then the 2nd part is made of Maths, logical reasoning and
critical reasoning. The test is not easy so you have to study hard for it.

Appitude Test/Interview Formats of all Nigerian Banks

2008-05-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Diamond Bank
Diamond test lasts for 1hr. It comprises 3 parts:
Part I
Simple Maths (1-10)
Chart/Graph Interpretation/Analysis (11-15)
Part II
English (1-10), e.g White:Black, Up: ?
Sentence completion/Appropriate fill in (11-15)
Part III
Critical/Logic Reasoning (1-10)
Series/Sequence (11-15)
Time is defintely short. There's no -ve marking, read the instructions carefully,
SCORE HIGH (because I think there cut-off is high)
Be careful to listen to the interview tips, immediately after the test (Very Important)

Ecobank
Ecobank test is really tough and challenging. You really need to prepare very well
because it's interpretation of graph throughout. It's like CAMBRIDGE EXAM. Anyway,
people still pass it and you just have to prepare very well. Nothing is difficult if one
prepares very well.

Equitorial Trust Bank
They are SAT related questions,the maths is the most difficult and time wasting
because they are logical reasonings: For the English we have Comprehension,
Sentence Correction, Verbal Reasoning. You have 30mins for the English of 40
questions and 30mins for the Maths, 30 questions. The test format is numerical
reasoning, graphical interpretation,then verbal reasoning. Just go to www.shl.com
FCMB
Their test is purely shapes, series i.e. 2, 4, --, 10 you understand what I mean? And
GMAT English. The limiting factor is time constraint, you need to be fast but do not
guess as there is negative marking. You have to compare symbols and choose which
is the opposite of the original from options given.
I think its called quantitative aptitude.

Fidelity Bank
It consists of verbal and quantitative reasoning questions. The Maths questions are
easy and the Verbal questions are just passages, sentence completions and the
likes. Read your GMAT 2007 or anyone and you are good to go.

First Bank
They have 100 questions. But the time is very short.
The first part is a long comprehension, which one could possibly spend at least 15
minutes on. It has only 10 questions. This part is time consuming, avoid starting on
this part. People who started on the first section didn't finish up to 60 questions at the
end of the test.
The second part is English (Verbal reasoning). It requires a bit of thinking, although
its fairly easy. Don't start here as well.
The third part is Math. They are simple as well, but the chances are that you might
spend over 1 minute working out each answer. If the format is as before, you are also
adviced not to start with this.
The forth part is on Current Affairs, with a multiple answer style. This is easier and
you spend lesser time.
The fifth (final) part is on Critical reasoning. This is also very easy. It is a maximum of
60mins or 80mins. You will only use writing materials like pencil, cleaner and maybe
a pen. Calculators are usually not allowed and you will be provided a plain sheet to
work out your answers.

Appitude Test/Interview Formats of all Nigerian Banks

2008-05-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Bank’s Test Formats
Access Bank
The test is made up of two papers, 50 questions each and you are expected to make
at least 50% in each (25marks). Its a combination of Maths, English, Critical
Reasoning and a little bit of Current Affairs (States and Capital).
Bank PHB
Aptitude test is administered by Leading Edge Consult and it is basically a
combination test comprising about 70 questions on different test areas: Verbal,
Synonyms, Antonyms, Word analogies, Basic arithmetic, Shape comparisons, Mirror
images of wall clocks & other stuffs.There are no options in many of the questions. I
think the time is 50 mins or 1hr. Bank Phb test is very difficult. The good thing about it
is that cut off mark is as low as 30%.
CitiBank
The test is a booklet in 3 sections. A, B ,C , Maths (mostly Tough Fractions), like 2/3
+ 4/7 all over 7/8 - 5/7 = 5/4 -6/5 then Logic like these vivid ones being:
1. A gave hand shake to B; and B gave hand shake to C. A gave hand shake to C (
True or False)
2. If " degg is boobo and tarra is kiki, is kiki boobo?
Then Comprehension, Word and Opposite /nearest in meaning,
My advice: You must be good in Maths, Logic and must be very very FAST, Its a
tough test I must let you know, so Practice like MAD!!!!

Zenith Bank
The format is: Numerical Reasoning, Comprehension, Sentence Correction and
Critical Reasoning. There are 100 questions and 2 hours to finish up. If you can get
Barrons foreign GMAT. They use questions from foreign GMAT. Both the
comprehension, critical reasoning, and the rest. The questions will be very
voluminous and you have to read fast.

Interview preparation Tips

2008-05-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Prepare and research your way to success in your interviews. It's not just what you say during an interview that counts, it's also what you don't say.

You don't say!
It's not just what you say during an interview that counts. It's also what you don't say. More than half of all communication is non-verbal. Industry experts agree that body language can be used to maximize your overall chances of success. These positive behaviors include:

maintaining friendly eye contact with the interviewer
adopting a positive and open body posture
dressing professionally for the interview
listening carefully and communicating clearly and concisely
effectively demonstrating your abilities with relevant examples from your past experience
Know before you go
Perhaps the most effective way to ensure interview success takes place before the interview even starts. That's when effective preparation and research can make the difference. Always expect the unexpected during an interview. To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure you come prepared.

1. Make sure you know what the employer is looking for.
Before your interview, create a profile of the company, which outlines key business facts and information related to the philosophy, values and ethics of the organization. This can also help you recognize what attracts you to the position, and how it could potentially meet your career goals. “Did you profile our company?” is also a frequently asked question, and a poorly prepared answer will speak volumes about your level of interest in the job.

2. Read the job description!
Many of the clues you need to effectively focus your interview responses are most likely contained within the position profile itself. Try to anticipate questions based on the responsibilities and skills listed in the document, and prepare examples that will highlight your ability to perform in these key areas. Ensure that you can respond to questions that relate to experiences or competencies that are not clearly demonstrated on your resume. Remember that although it is fine to rehearse your answers, don't overdo it. You want to leave the impression that you are a genuine and articulate individual, not someone responding to questions with "canned" answers.

3. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer.
Preparing relevant and well thought-out questions to ask your interviewer at the end of the discussion demonstrates your level of preparation and interest in the position. The interview is also one of the most important opportunities for you to gather specific information about the company and the job, so make sure you use it wisely.

4. Keep focused on the information you want to share.
Knowing the employer's history and understanding expectations will help you prepare your answers and the questions you ask during the interview. You can easily gain the respect and understanding of the interviewer by focusing on the skills, accomplishments, and competencies most related to those required of the position and by demonstrating your abilities clearly with relevant examples.

Make sure you include transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership and ensure that you are able to clearly articulate the skills you wish to develop and how they will benefit both the organization and yourself.

Landing a great job is getting harder and harder these days, particularly at a great company. Companies such as Unilever are very selective when it comes to choosing the right candidate. To help you shine brighter than your competition, make sure you conduct research ahead of time. Not only will it provide a wealth of information, but it will also help you feel more confident because you'll have the background knowledge you'll need throughout the interview process.

-culled from unilevernigeria.com-

Job Searching Tips

2008-05-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius may well have been on the right track with that quote, but he certainly did not have to face the unique difficulties of a job search in today's job market.

Was Confucius right?
Confucius may well have been on the right track with that quote, but he certainly did not have to face the unique difficulties of a job search in today's challenging job market.

One thing that still holds true is that finding a job and finding a good one are two very different things. Jobs are actually quite easy to find, but if you want to be truly successful in your search, focus on finding a good job that will help develop your career.

What's the difference?
It starts by spending the time necessary to properly prepare yourself for the actual job search. It's not enough to send out your resume for every position you find and hope for the best. You may be lucky and eventually receive an offer, but it will probably not be for the type of position you are truly seeking. Or, worse yet, an offer might not come at all.

Proper planning and preparation can make all the difference.

1. Understand the job search process
To prepare yourself effectively for a job search, you will need to understand more about the process. It starts with establishing a clear career objective. Take some time assessing what you are looking for and then researching possible career types and/or companies that can offer this type of opportunity. Look at the requirements, both academic and non-academic, that are needed to succeed in the type of career you are targeting, and look at your own skills and experience to determine if you need to improve your background to make yourself a more attractive candidate.

Talk to individuals in companies or positions that you are targeting, both to build industry networks, and also to understand how they were able to get to where they are today.

2. Leverage the three critical job search tools
Once this preparatory work is done, devise three critical tools for your job search:

your resume
cover letter
references or letters of recommendation
Each of these tools needs to be carefully prepared and targeted toward the specific position you are applying to fill, regardless of the way you are applying (by mail, in person, or through the Internet). Most effective job searchers have multiple versions of these tools, each tailored to meet the specific requirements of each specific job they are targeting.

3. Target your ideal company & find the way(s) in
Job searching requires a great deal of persistence and patience - and often comes down to being at the right place at the right time. Effective job searching is all about maximizing the likelihood of being in the right place at the right time.

Employers use many methods to hire for their open positions. Sometimes, they advertise in newspapers, professional magazines and on college campuses. Some companies use employment agencies or post their positions exclusively on their own websites or internet job boards. Other organization's list positions internally first, so that current employees have the first opportunity to apply. Often employers will call associates, friends and current employees to request recommendations and referrals.

Finding out how your target company locates its talent is the most important part of your job search research. Once you have confirmed the routes into a company, your goal is to proactively aim to use all of these avenues to your advantage.

4. Know your competition & understand the market
If you are entering a highly competitive field, job leads will be more difficult to identify. For example, positions in marketing, advertising, journalism, creative writing, human resources, and media are limited. This is not meant to discourage you from pursuing one of these occupations, but to demonstrate the importance of understanding the job market and preparing a job search plan appropriate to your field.

5. Keep track of your searches
One of the most important skills in effective job searching is organization. Keep notes on all of the positions you have applied for and keep track of any progress or contact you have made. You never know when a potential employer may contact you. Being prepared for every eventuality will help keep you focused, relaxed, and confident in your search.

The better you get at your job search, the easier it becomes. Just when you have finally mastered the process - it is over and a wonderful job is yours! But it is a life skill that you will return to again and again.
-culled from Unilevernigeria.com-