By Rich Heintz
NETWORKING
You can develop valuable contacts without meeting in person. Many people believe that networking must be accomplished face-to-face. The telephone, however, has always been an effective tool when handled properly. Email via networking websites has also furthered many a career. Go to websites like Friendster.com and Linkedin.com. Some jobseekers have successfully had friends forward their resumes to key hiring managers.
Network like a professional. Here are some guidelines for effective networking:
* Don't be a pest - if someone doesn't return phone calls or emails, move on to your next contact.
* Keep a record of what was discussed.
* Be a good contact yourself - return emails and phone calls promptly.
* Be positive - never gripe while networking.
* Be sensitive to confidentiality - never probe for personal or confidential company information.
* Volunteer - involvement in trade groups or other voluntary organizations pays off.
Your 30-Second Spot. If you had 30 seconds to tell someone about yourself, what would you say? Many networking experts advise jobseekers to practice just that. One such opener might be "Hi, my name is Mary Smith and I'm an experienced preschool teacher looking for a chance to make a difference in children's lives." Adapt your spiel to the situation. When cold-calling, for example, you can add "do you know of anyone who'd be interested in hiring an outstanding preschool teacher?"
The Informational Interview. This is a time-tested approach to meeting professionals in your target field. Through family, friends or by simply cold-calling, you contact someone who works in the profession of your choice. This is NOT a job interview, but an informal 15-minute session in which you pick the professional's brain for any advice or leads on how you might break into the field. Always ask for referrals and always send a thank-you note. Do not ask for a job.
Quality Questions. When conducting an informational interviews, it is vital that you ask top-notch questions. Here is a sampling: How did you get started in the business? What is your education in this field? Looking back, would you change how you prepared for the career - more education, more practical experience? Would you have started earlier or later in life? Studied different subjects? How much advanced education do you think is necessary to succeed in this field? What professional associations would you recommend joining? What's the hardest part of your job? What element of the work do you never get tired of? What personal qualities are essential to being good at this job? How do you see this business changing in the next five years? What's the best advice you can give to someone new to this field?
INTERVIEWING
Learn by Doing. Practice job interviewing by going out and doing it rather than rehearsing in front of a mirror. The give and take of a real interview will be very instructive - as will the rejection that comes along with any job search.
Present a Positive Attitude. No matter how well your cover letter and resume have been received, you will be judged largely by how well you perform in the interview. This is the manager's best opportunity to gauge your interpersonal skills and potential fit with the company. Be yourself, but be sincere, direct and resourceful with your answers.
Never Say a Discouraging Word. Think belittling your ex-boss will build you up in the eyes of a new employer? Think again. Even though you may have grounds for your anger, a new employer tends to identify with management. Your negativity may do nothing more than categorize you as a malcontent, a label that will short-circuit your chances.
Be Ready for the Interview. Preparing for an interview is not as complicated as you may think. First, realize that if you've been selected for an interview at all, you've probably made some sort of positive impression. No matter how nervous you feel, this fact alone should boost your confidence. Be sure to brush up on your qualifications and be well versed about the company and you'll be able to speak competently and confidently during the interview.
The Mock Interview. If the idea of interviewing for a job terrifies you, maybe you should try a few practice runs. Have some willing friends give you a mock interview. A videotape of the session will help you evaluate your performance. Do you tend to mumble? Is your posture upright and alert or do you look bored and intimidated? Are your answers sincere and succinct? Is your handshake firm? For a professional evaluation, check with your local One-Stop Career Center for a job club that offers this service. Or contact a career counselor near you.
Key Interview Questions. During a job interview, you can count on inquiries about previous jobs: What you liked or disliked about certain duties and responsibilities; what major achievements you take credit for; whether and why you've ever been fired; how you work under pressure (be prepared to cite an example or two); or how you handle special challenges on the job. The tougher questions might include: When was the last time you were criticized? How did it make you feel? What have you done to improve your weaknesses? What are your career goals and how do you plan to accomplish them? Describe your ideal job. What is the minimum time an employee is obligated to stay with a company if a better job comes along? How would you improve the company's operations?
Review Your Resume. Your resume is one of your best guides to preparing for a job interview. Use it as an outline to review your achievements and goals. Burt Nadler, onetime director of Career Services at the University of the Pacific, recommends that applicants cite three key points that qualify them for the job. Next, write three anecdotes that support those points. Finally, Nadler warns against memorizing your answers. Rather use your resume and notes as guides to being yourself.
Don't Talk Salary. Asking what a position pays before you have been offered the job is not only premature, it's probably damaging to your chances. In fact, you should avoid inquiring about vacations, holidays or other benefits. Remember, they are interviewing you, not vice versa (at least initially). They will provide information on compensation after they decide you are a top candidate for the job.
Send a Thank-You Note. Most job applicants do not bother sending thank-you notes after interviews, which is exactly why you should. A handwritten message is most impressive, but a printer-generated note is a good alternative if your handwriting is sloppy. An email will have less impact (though still positive), but the 'reply' function may facilitate an ongoing dialog or some future interaction.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
NETWORKING
You can develop valuable contacts without meeting in person. Many people believe that networking must be accomplished face-to-face. The telephone, however, has always been an effective tool when handled properly. Email via networking websites has also furthered many a career. Go to websites like Friendster.com and Linkedin.com. Some jobseekers have successfully had friends forward their resumes to key hiring managers.
Network like a professional. Here are some guidelines for effective networking:
* Don't be a pest - if someone doesn't return phone calls or emails, move on to your next contact.
* Keep a record of what was discussed.
* Be a good contact yourself - return emails and phone calls promptly.
* Be positive - never gripe while networking.
* Be sensitive to confidentiality - never probe for personal or confidential company information.
* Volunteer - involvement in trade groups or other voluntary organizations pays off.
Your 30-Second Spot. If you had 30 seconds to tell someone about yourself, what would you say? Many networking experts advise jobseekers to practice just that. One such opener might be "Hi, my name is Mary Smith and I'm an experienced preschool teacher looking for a chance to make a difference in children's lives." Adapt your spiel to the situation. When cold-calling, for example, you can add "do you know of anyone who'd be interested in hiring an outstanding preschool teacher?"
The Informational Interview. This is a time-tested approach to meeting professionals in your target field. Through family, friends or by simply cold-calling, you contact someone who works in the profession of your choice. This is NOT a job interview, but an informal 15-minute session in which you pick the professional's brain for any advice or leads on how you might break into the field. Always ask for referrals and always send a thank-you note. Do not ask for a job.
Quality Questions. When conducting an informational interviews, it is vital that you ask top-notch questions. Here is a sampling: How did you get started in the business? What is your education in this field? Looking back, would you change how you prepared for the career - more education, more practical experience? Would you have started earlier or later in life? Studied different subjects? How much advanced education do you think is necessary to succeed in this field? What professional associations would you recommend joining? What's the hardest part of your job? What element of the work do you never get tired of? What personal qualities are essential to being good at this job? How do you see this business changing in the next five years? What's the best advice you can give to someone new to this field?
INTERVIEWING
Learn by Doing. Practice job interviewing by going out and doing it rather than rehearsing in front of a mirror. The give and take of a real interview will be very instructive - as will the rejection that comes along with any job search.
Present a Positive Attitude. No matter how well your cover letter and resume have been received, you will be judged largely by how well you perform in the interview. This is the manager's best opportunity to gauge your interpersonal skills and potential fit with the company. Be yourself, but be sincere, direct and resourceful with your answers.
Never Say a Discouraging Word. Think belittling your ex-boss will build you up in the eyes of a new employer? Think again. Even though you may have grounds for your anger, a new employer tends to identify with management. Your negativity may do nothing more than categorize you as a malcontent, a label that will short-circuit your chances.
Be Ready for the Interview. Preparing for an interview is not as complicated as you may think. First, realize that if you've been selected for an interview at all, you've probably made some sort of positive impression. No matter how nervous you feel, this fact alone should boost your confidence. Be sure to brush up on your qualifications and be well versed about the company and you'll be able to speak competently and confidently during the interview.
The Mock Interview. If the idea of interviewing for a job terrifies you, maybe you should try a few practice runs. Have some willing friends give you a mock interview. A videotape of the session will help you evaluate your performance. Do you tend to mumble? Is your posture upright and alert or do you look bored and intimidated? Are your answers sincere and succinct? Is your handshake firm? For a professional evaluation, check with your local One-Stop Career Center for a job club that offers this service. Or contact a career counselor near you.
Key Interview Questions. During a job interview, you can count on inquiries about previous jobs: What you liked or disliked about certain duties and responsibilities; what major achievements you take credit for; whether and why you've ever been fired; how you work under pressure (be prepared to cite an example or two); or how you handle special challenges on the job. The tougher questions might include: When was the last time you were criticized? How did it make you feel? What have you done to improve your weaknesses? What are your career goals and how do you plan to accomplish them? Describe your ideal job. What is the minimum time an employee is obligated to stay with a company if a better job comes along? How would you improve the company's operations?
Review Your Resume. Your resume is one of your best guides to preparing for a job interview. Use it as an outline to review your achievements and goals. Burt Nadler, onetime director of Career Services at the University of the Pacific, recommends that applicants cite three key points that qualify them for the job. Next, write three anecdotes that support those points. Finally, Nadler warns against memorizing your answers. Rather use your resume and notes as guides to being yourself.
Don't Talk Salary. Asking what a position pays before you have been offered the job is not only premature, it's probably damaging to your chances. In fact, you should avoid inquiring about vacations, holidays or other benefits. Remember, they are interviewing you, not vice versa (at least initially). They will provide information on compensation after they decide you are a top candidate for the job.
Send a Thank-You Note. Most job applicants do not bother sending thank-you notes after interviews, which is exactly why you should. A handwritten message is most impressive, but a printer-generated note is a good alternative if your handwriting is sloppy. An email will have less impact (though still positive), but the 'reply' function may facilitate an ongoing dialog or some future interaction.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
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