Start Page


9-Week E-Course


Past Issues of Interview Fitness Training, the newsletter


Who is Carole?


See & Hear "The Coach"


Bookstore


Audio Tape


Reader Comments


Resources Page


Article Archives


Link to Us


 

Brought to you by: Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

Email: carole@interviewcoach.com

Only for those who are serious about Acing the Interview

January Issue, 2003

www.interviewcoach.com

Name
Email
We value your privacy, and will never share your information.

You are receiving this message because of the interest you have shown in the past about improving your interview skills. At some point I have received a request, a question, or an inquiry about my services or mailing list from you.

If you would like to continue to receive this type of information, do nothing. If you would like to have your name removed from this list, please see the instructions at the bottom of this email. Thank you.


Welcome to the first issue of my newsletter devoted to the subject of INTERVIEWING, which just happens to be my favorite subject. I have made a decision to put out a monthly mailing to reach out and connect with you and give you encouragement in this tight job market.

You will receive tips and articles to get and keep the job you deserve! I will share with you the various articles and questions that I have dealt with month to month. I will give you smooth answers to sticky questions. I welcome your comments, questions, and your stories - as a part of this publication.

From the Front - The Job Front

I don't have to tell you that there's a tough job market out there - it's a real battle to even get an interview. And, once you get them the competition is fierce.

Unemployment figures are up/down and all about. One thing for sure is that there are still a lot of people looking for jobs. It may be a while before things are “back to normal." In the meantime you are going to have to work hard at finding openings. 

Here are some tips about focusing your job search.

*NETWORK with everyone and anyone you can. Take advantage of social events, business meetings; connect with family, friends, former bosses and co-workers. Join a job club for support. Attend job fairs (I know they are crowded, but have a plan when you go).

http://www.careerjournal.com/calendar

Career Journal from the Wall Street Journal's free or low cost job career events.

Get out there. Waiting around for that phone to ring will drive you mad. Go to Career Centers, College Career Centers, libraries, EDD meetings, seminars, classes, and job clubs. http://interview.monster.com/stage/jobfair/ 

Articles on Job Fairs by Carole Martin

 

*CHECK OUT ASSOCIATIONS

Directory of Associations, Businesses, and People Links to 6500 associations.

*SET GOALS for yourself each day/week - keep to a schedule. Be tenacious - an extra hour or two a day will bring you closer to your goal. Your job now is - to get a job!

*KEEP ACTIVE. Be good to yourself this is a stressful time. Exercise, socialize, give yourself small rewards for effort, and stay in touch with your network.

*GET SOME COACHING and get in shape. You will need boxing gloves to compete with the competition. This is one fight you are going to need some training to win. A mock interview will give you the feedback you need to improve your performance. 

Success Story - There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I received this email from a guy that I had worked with in December. I had told him that sometimes things work out for the best even though it doesn’t look that way when you are looking into that dark tunnel ahead. Everything looks dark and hopeless. I was delighted when I received this telling me that he had seen the light.

I hope to receive lots of emails like this one from all of you in the near future.

Hi Carole,

I've got a big smile as I write you this note. I am happily employed here at YYYYY and I just wanted to say thanks again for your help and encouragement You were 100% right about my situation improving over what it was at XXX. I am so much happier here than I was at XXX. And this current company is in a growth phase, so it seems quite stable. We just moved into some very nice brand new faculties. While the situation at XXX is... well, not so good, from conversations with my friends who are still there.

Sincerely,

Jeff 

Senior Software Engineer

"Tell me about yourself" is one of those open-ended questions that can really throw most interviewees off balance. Your answer can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Check out my latest article on monster.com 

http://interview.monster.com/stage/tellme/

“Top Ten Questions” http://interview.monster.com/articles/iq/ 

Preparing for these questions will make a difference in your performance and confidence.

Check out The Coach’s latest articles at

Monstor.com http://interview.monster.com

Question of the Month - Dear Interview Coach

Q. Any tips for a short, but sweet thank you letter.

A. The thank you letter should not be "short, or sweet." It is one more opportunity to present your case to your interviewer and deserves some time and thought. ). This is an occasion for a professional approach to writing. That doesn't mean it has to be stiff and formal, but this is about business.

Begin with the standard "Thank you for the …it was nice meeting you." Then move into what you heard and what you liked about the meeting.

"From our conversation during the interview, I can see that XYZ is going through some transitions, particularly in the area of project management." This is where I can see myself as a real asset, given my year with ABC and my solid background in ….One of my key strengths is bringing order to chaos. I would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate and discuss some of my ideas with you.

I am confident that I am a good match for the position and can bring added value to your department/company. I'm ready, willing, and able to talk again or begin work as soon as possible."

Be upbeat and positive. Let them know that you are what they are looking for - "the solution to their problem."

A Funny Thing Happened in the Interview 

Send me your stories - what is the strangest interview question you've ever had? I will print them in future newsletters. mailto:carole@interviewcoach.com

Best I've heard this month - "If you were going to be a cheeseburger, what part would you want to be?"

Think about it - it's a fun party topic.


Carole Martin
The Interview Coach

1-877-647-5627
How much is it costing you to blow the interview?
Carole Martin - MONSTER.com's interview expert - has a
workbook full of exercises and tips.
"INTERVIEW FITNESS TRAINING"
http://www.interviewcoach.com/workbook.html

Preparation + Practice = Successful Interviews = Job Offers!

Let's Talk
FREE 10 MINUTE ASSESSMENT OF COACHING NEEDS
Send an email to: carole@interviewcoach.com
to set up an appointment to assess your situation and what coaching I am able to offer. Write the words PERSONAL COACHING ASSESSMENT in the subject. I will email you back to set up a phone appointment.

Carole Martin
The Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com

carole@interviewcoach.com

1-877-647-5627

We value your privacy. We will never ever share or sell your email address.

copyright © 2007 Carole Martin, The Interview Coach