7 Questions to Avoid in your New Job Interview→
- Don’t ask how hard people work in this company.
- Avoid intense drill downs into severance policies.
- Delay any questions about smoke breaks or smoking locations
- Don’t drill down into company insurance policy questions related mental health benefits or pregnancy policies (if female).
- Wait to get the company’s full holiday schedules.
- Avoid questions about whether management is a stickler about being on time, leaving early or unexpected absences.
- Keep quiet on any “odd benefits” questions based upon the benefits of previous employers, including massages, organic snacks, clothing allowance, etc.
via VC in DC
Not work/job/interview related. Just a great read.
The recruiter is not your BFF. No matter how nice they are, they are not to be dumped on. Don’t let your hair down, don’t be overly casual with them.
When they talk with you, they are working (they are on the clock). They are evaluating you. Are you someone they can confidently take to their employer? Will you embarras them? Are you the best candidate they can find?
The Best Cover Letter
Dear David
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which I believe may report to you.
I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.
Best regards
Here’s what I like about this cover letter: It’s short. It sums up the résumé as it relates to the job. It asks for the job.
The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me. Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on.
Nice cover letter. Short and to the point, it makes you want to read the resume.
The Seven Most Universal Job Skills→
- Top-Notch Communication Skills
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Good Writing Ability
- Ability To Play Well With Others
- Re-engineering Skills
- Computer Skills
I don’t feel like it
What’s it?
Why do you need to feel like something in order to do the work? They call it work because it’s difficult, not because it’s something you need to feel like.
Very few people wake up in the morning and feel like taking big risks or feel like digging deep for something that has eluded them. People don’t usually feel like pushing themselves harder than they’ve pushed before or having conversations that might be uncomfortable.
Of course, your feelings are irrelevant to whether or not the market expects great work. Do the work. Ignore the feelings part and the work will follow.
The Dichotomy of Job Descriptions vs Reality
Browse job descriptions for any entry level jobs and you see many of the same phrases. Words like “energetic”, “creative”, and “go getter”. Sentences about how valuable your input is and how much a company wants your opinions and thoughts.
Then you start working.
Majority of the time you’re given a specific task that has a narrow scope. You’re told not to question it (get attacked when you do) and to simply focus on your specific piece of work.
I know it’s not appealing but how about some honesty? Why not “This job requires focus. Tasks are already defined and we need someone who can complete them quickly and correctly.”
In my opinion the difference of job description versus job reality is a horrible way to start off the relationship.
Always Pen a Thank You Note
via thehardworkersays:
A thank you letter keeps you alive in the interviewer’s mind. It’s also a way to mention something critical that you may have forgotten that is pertinent to your being the best candidate for the job. Make the letter short and appreciative. Mention if there was some unique characteristic of the time together, such as having received a company tour. Tell how you feel you fit in, you like the environment because it is conducive to productivity and well-being (if so). Thank you letters are your final exit from the stage and last chance to pitch the job opening for yourself. If you hope to work for the company, say so.
Office thinking
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The blog for funnelthru.com - a job board dedicated to honest entry level jobs. We discuss interview tips, hiring trends, videos we love, and anything else we think you might find useful or fun.
