Asking appropriate questions in a job interview can help you in your quest for a successful job interview but also work well in helping you decide whether the role is suitable based upon the interviewers answers to your questions. Here is a list of questions that you should consider asking the interviewer, however remember that they are interviewing you not the other way round so, don’t ask more than a few throughout the interview.

1. How did the job come about?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           You can find out if this is a new role through company expansion, or if the role arose due to an employee leaving, if so (at 2nd interview stage) it would be reasonable to ask why they are leaving.

2. How long was the previous employee in the position?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If they were only in it a short period of time then ask about the employee before him/her, if he/she was also only in it for a short time then you need to ask the interviewer why they did not last long in the job.

3. What are the salient tasks?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Ask the interviewer what the most important tasks are expected of the successful applicant. Once they reply you can say “that is great because one of the areas upon which I have most expertise is related to that..(and give an example).

4. To whom does the role report?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For your own sake you need to know who you will report to should you get the job, ask if you would have an opportunity to meet this person in the interview process. This shows enthusiasm from your end while providing you the chance to get information on the person you might be reporting to.

5. When can I expect to hear from you?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 A positive pro-active demeanor will reflect well upon the interviewer so before the interview ends politely ask when you should expect to hear back from them.

When asking questions during your job interview you should do so in a polite, friendly tone, it is important that you do not come across in a confrontational manner as that would severely damage your application. You should be aware of the different types of job interview and know in advance what type of interview you will be facing.

A job interview checklist allows candidates to focus and ensure that they leave little to chance when it comes to impressing at a job interview. An earlier post outlined some tips for on the day of the interview today we concentrate on how to be best prepared for before, during, and after the interview.

　
Before the interview.

Ensure that your hair is neat.

Ensure that your nails are clean.

Be sure to dress in an appropriate manner for a professional job interview.

Do not wear overpowering perfume/aftershave to the interview.

Avoid smoking before the interview.

At the interview.

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and friendly smile whilst maintaining eye contact.

Have answers ready for tricky interview questions such as “what are your weaknesses?”

Have relevant questions ready to ask the employer, this indicates to the interviewer that you have done research on the company.

Have examples ready to emphasize why you are the best candidate for the job.

Conduct yourself in professional manner without criticizing former employers.

End on a positive note thanking the interviewer and reinforcing your interest in the position.

After the interview.

Send a thank-you letter thanking the interviewer for his/her time and once again reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.

Using a job interview checklist will be to your advantage, it will assist as a guide to putting you in a relaxed confident frame of mind which will bode well for your chances of giving a winning interview.

Getting selected for a job interview is an achievement in itself given how competitive the marketplace is with so many job applicants applying for jobs, so being at your best is vital when it comes to interview stage. Unfortunately there have been many instances where job seekers fail to make a positive impact at their job interview through poor interviewing skills, lack of research and other similar errors, today we look at 5 of the most common interview mistakes along with ways to remedy them.

1. Arriving late.

Arriving late for an interview leaves a very poor first impression which will have you fighting an uphill struggle to overcome the damage caused by your tardiness. The best way to ensure you arrive on time is to do a test-run to your interview location the day before your interview at the same time of the day in order to gauge how much time you will need to allow to get there on time the following day. For example if your interview is an hour away and is taking place at 2PM on Thursday, take a trip there at 1230PM on Wednesday to get a feel for how long the journey will take.

2. Incorrect attire.

Arriving to a job interview wearing inappropriate clothing portrays a lack of professionalism and will not be looked upon favorably by the interviewer. If you are unsure of the company dress-code simply ask the person who contacts you about the interview. If wearing a uniform or similar then call the company in advance to say wearing anything else is unavoidable and apologize, most companies will be understandable in this regard.

3. Criticizing former employers

Never criticize an ex-employer during a job interview, you may come across as a troublemaker and your chances of getting the job will diminish. The best way to avoid this is by simply not including any derogatory remarks about your former employers at any stage in your meeting. The best way to overcome this is by stating you had been in Sample Company for 5 years for example and you wanted a fresh challenge. Keeping the interviewer focused on you is far more advantageous than coming across as a bitter ex-employee

4. Not asking questions.

Appearing disinterested in a job interview will seriously damage any chances you had of getting a job, not asking questions is one such way of appearing disinterested.  Overcome this by doing some research on the company and have some questions of your own to ask.

5. Discussing salary too early.

Of course salary information is extremely important in a job interview but by bringing it up before the interviewer asks you questions about it you may come across as being cocky or over-confident. You are better served by following the interviewers lead in this matter. On the other hand if you have a job interview arranged by a recruiter get him/her to find out the salary information for you instead.

Each of the interview mistakes outlined above are avoidable so to give yourself the best possible chance at your next job interview avoid these mistakes at all costs. Arrive on time, dress appropriately, express interest, and focus on your experience and achievements when answering interview questions.

Top 10 Funny Quotes About Work

Funny work quotes provide a welcome diversion from our regular posts on interview tips and career advice, there have been many quotes from famous individuals about the trials and tribulations of work.  Here is a selection of my favorite quotations, try reading them without raising a smile.　

1.  “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one”. Oscar Wilde

2.  “Hard work never killed anyone, but why take a chance” Edgar Bergen

3.  “I always arrive late to the office but make up for it by always leaving early.” Charles Lamb

4.  “Nobody notices what I do..until I don’t do it.” Quote seen on coffee mugs.

5.  “It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” Harry S. Truman

6.  “I like work it fascinates me I can sit and look at it for hours” Jerome K. Jerome

7.  “Many people quit looking for work, once they find a job.” Author unknown

8.  “People are still willing to do an honest days work, trouble is they want a weeks pay for doing it.” Joey Adams

9.  “If a train station is where a train stops, what is a workstation?” Author unknown

10. ”The difference between a job and a career is the difference between 40 and 60 hours a week.” Henry Ford

 If you enjoyed these funny work quotes then you may enjoy a previous post on funny job interview answers, next week we get back to business with a look at 5 common interview mistakes and ways to avoid them.

Trying to raise the point to an employer that you are deserving of an increase in salary can be a nervous experience for employees.  However if you feel that your salary is below market value then allow yourself the best possible opportunity to underpin your credentials by being  be prepared with the following list of items for when the time comes to discuss the issue with your boss.

1. A salary survey.

It is important that you do not come across as being greedy during a salary review instead explain to your boss in a friendly manner” in my research other candidates in the industry with the same amount of experience are earning 10% above my current salary so I would seek an increase to reflect my true worth to the company.” Your boss will be impressed that you have researched the marketplace and have put across reasonable logic for your requested raise.

2. Job specs off job-sites.

Similarly to the salary survey if your boss queries why you seek a certain amount you can produce job specs from job sites for jobs that mirror your experience and have higher salaries than your own. Explain to your boss that “while I am very happy here, in advance of this meeting, I researched open jobs that seek candidates with my experience and found that the salaries advertised to be considerably higher than mine.” Your manager will appreciate your reasons for seeking an increase and should reward you rather than fear losing you to the jobs that you have found.

3. Talk about the impact of your achievements in the company.

A salary review is time for you to not only talk about the targets you have reached or milestones reached it is about the overall impact those achievements had on the company. When discussing your achievements do so in a modest fashion rather than with a cocky attitude. A good example of the type of statement that would benefit your cause would be, “the project of which I was manager finished on time, within budget and to the clients satisfaction. This project is worth $50k and given the relationship that I have fostered with the client I am confident of regular future business with them, and that is why I am seeking a 10% salary increase.”

It is worth bearing in mind that you should not go into your review meeting and put the salary survey and job specs on the table, just keep them in your jacket pocket until you feel the need to introduce them, you may be pleasantly surprised your boss may have been planning to give you a raise anyway.

A behavioral job interview is an interview wherein the employer uses past behavior as a baromoter to possible future success of the interviewee. In this type of interview your answers need to focus on specific examples in order to demonstrate to the employer that you are a suitable candidate for the position.

Behavioral interview questions are usually open-ended in order to allow the interviewee provide extended answers rather than yes/ no answers. This type of interview differs from situational interviews as a situational interview usually seeks answers to hypothetical questions whereas a behavioral interview seeks answers based on past performance.

Example behavioral interview questions.

• Describe a problem you encountered in your last job, how did you overcome it?
• Summarize a situation where you had to demonstrate ability to use your own initiative, how did you do this?
• Demonstrate an example where you had to use your leadership skills.
• Have you ever had to work with a colleague or client with whom you had a difficult relationship?
• Provide an example of when your communication skills were used effectively in a work situation.
• What factors do you take into account when making important decisions?
• Describe a situation where you were put under extreme pressure, how did you handle the pressure?

Open-ended questions offer a great way for candidates to showcase their ability to potential employers through descriptive responses so ensure you know your resume inside out and provide examples to boost your chances of job success.

The employment marketplace is a crowded sector with strong competition for every job that becomes available. Being best-equipped in both the application process and interview process will give you an added advantage over competitors so take these 7 job hunting tips to heart when looking for work.

1.  Use business-related publications to your advantage.

Most business-sectors have a magazine or publication that provides the current news related to that business-sector. Keep a keen eye on the one for your industry, if you read of companies expanding then send your resume into them. This can be particularly advantageous if there is a new HR Manager quoted, you can then send him/her a letter of congratulations on his/her appointment along with your resume.

2.  Be open to change.

Finding the perfect job can be a rarity, so welcome new challenges and don’t make yourself immune to new ideas.

3.  Don’t just email your resume and hope to get a call.

To give yourself the best shot at getting interviews and finding vacancies you need to be proactive and not just rely on finding a job via the internet. You can find roles at job fairs or through word of mouth via your network of friends and ex-colleagues.

4.  Be sure to register with a recruitment firm.

Recruitment firms will be eager to find you a job, after all they earn their money by getting you a job, so register with one. Do research in advance to see if there is a recruitment agency that specializes in your area of expertise.

5.  Evaluate your resume and cover-letter.

If you are not getting called for interviews that you think you are a good match for, check your cover-letter and resume to make sure there are no errors on the cover letter or spelling mistakes on the resume. The slightest inaccurate detail could impact your success-rate so ensure grammar is correct. Make sure to read How To Write Cover-Letters That Will Grab The Recruiters Attention along with How To Write A Resume.

6.  Don’t let stress follow you into your interview.

Stress affects us all in one way or another and job searching can be a particularly stressful time in your life, however it is vital that you come across calm and composed in your interview. Recruiters and Hiring Managers would be wary of hiring someone that they may perceive to be unable to handle pressure.

7.  Look the part.

Make sure to treat each job interview with professionalism, know the appropriate dress-code for the company and dress accordingly.

Stay determined and try to remain positive, stay calm in the face of any disappointment, it will make the sweet taste of success taste all the better when you eventually do find a job.

Coping With Rejection After A Job Interview

From a recruiters view the hardest part of the interview process is contacting applicants to tell them they have been unsuccessful in their quest for a job. Similarly it can be a distressing time to realize that you were not the best applicant for a job and that someone was chosen over you, particularly if you had your heart set on that particular job. Unfortunately for every one person hired there will be many more passed over for the job so at least you can be assured that it is nothing personal, just that the company found someone who is a closer match for their needs than you, and the many more who applied.

Requesting feedback is a way to enhance your employment chances at your next interview so try to find out whether your rejection was due to a lack of experience, through poor interviewing skills or for any other factor. Take constructive criticism professionally and use the criticism as a way to improve your candidacy for other job opportunities. It is important not to get too despondent and to refocus on the task in hand, that being, getting a new job.

If the job interview was for a promotion in your current company be careful not to harbor a grudge against the interviewer, aside from sowing a lack of professionalism it may impact your future chance should other jobs become available with the company that you might tempt you to apply.

You can console yourself with the fact that you at least got interviewed for the position, meaning there was sufficient skills and experience on your resume to warrant being interviewed, you can bet hundreds more will have applied and not quirked enough interest to be brought forward to interview stage.

If you had an interview with another company you should still send a thank-you letter despite being unsuccessful. Maintaining a good relationship is vital as other jobs could arise that may be more suited to your strengths and you don’t want to burn any bridges thus harming your chances of getting future roles with them.

There are many factors that come into play when hiring someone, these include (but are not limited to);

Salary

Education

Experience

Availability

Future career-path

Interview skills

Finding the person who ticks the right boxes in each and every one of those categories is not easy so take solace in the fact that there will be many more people getting rejection calls and rejection letters than just you and stay focused with a positive attitude to your next interview.

5 Tips For Recruiters

Successful recruiters not only have the ability to charm clients they must also have a flair for winning over job applicants to help ensure they are seen as their recruitment partner of choice. More often than not, career-hunters usually register with more than one recruitment agency which makes the ability to win over candidates extremely important.

1. Meet applicants on time.

If a job applicant has taken time off work to come to your office to meet then the least you can do is to meet them promptly. Leaving applicants sitting in a reception area when they may be under pressure to get back to their own jobs will

2. Offer applicants tea/coffee/water on arrival.

Common courtesy goes a long way in the recruitment business so try to ensure that each applicant is offered a cup of coffee, tea or glass of water upon arrival.

3. Be flexible in your interview availability.

For some applicants, interviewing during normal office hours will be difficult, ease their burden by making yourself available to meet outside of these hours.

4. Provide advice on the applicant’s interviewing skills.

Be prepared to give constructive feedback that will enhance the applicants interviewing skills, this will benefit both the applicant and you, so take time to assist in this area.

5. Be thorough in discussing job specs.

All too often recruiters simply print off a job spec and give to the candidate without outlining the important factors within the spec. As the recruiter you should know exactly what the hiring manager is looking for so spend time passing this information over to the applicant as you examine the critical areas within the spec.

With minimal cost you can reap maximum benefit to your career as a recruiter, professionalism may dictate that the points I have outlined are already in place but in case they are not then they are certainly worth implementing.

8 Questions To Consider Before Accepting A Job Offer.

When you receive a job offer you should be delighted with yourself for being chosen above all other applicants as the best candidate following the interview process. Even if the salary you are offered matches or exceeds your expectations there are other important criteria to consider before officially accepting the offer letter. This post looks at 8 questions definitely worth pondering over before making your mind up on the job offer.

1.  Will the role stimulate you and allow you to look forward to going to work?
2. Is there a future career-path associated with the position?
3.  Will you be thrown in at the deep-end or will training be provided?
4.  Does the benefits package match your expectations?
5.  Is the location of the company in a reasonable distance from your home?
6.  Have you met your new boss yet, if so did you get on well with him /her ?
7.  Are you happy with the hours of work?
8.  Can you picture yourself staying with the company for a significant period?

If you answer all these questions in a favorable manner then you can be confident that the job is ideal for you, even if you can only answer 5 or 6 of the 8 questions favorably then the job is still worth considering. If unsure about whether to accept a job then get a blank piece of paper and write the advantages and disadvantages of the job down, once written weigh up the importance of each issue before coming to a final decision on whether to accept it or not.