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You are receiving this message because of the interest you have shown in the past about improving your interview skills. 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. If you would like to have your name removed from this list, please see the instructions at the bottom of this email. Thank you.

From the Coach

Gung hay fat choy, or happy Chinese New Year! The Chinese New Year is a time of excitement and joy (wear red for good luck!). According to http://chinese.astrology.com - This year we celebrate the Year of the Monkey, and it's definitely a celebration as the Monkey spirit lends everybody nutty energy and charm to burn. Parties and good times will be the rule rather than the exception, and there'll be lots of -- yes, indeed -- monkeying around as the whole world seems curious, funny and ready for love (or at least lust!). The curiosity of the Monkey will also carry over into other areas of life; people will be keen on figuring things out this year, and then on showing off their new knowledge.

That sounds like there is some fun ahead -- good news considering the last couple of years of struggling to keep abreast and what has been going on with the economy and the stock market. I'm ready for some fun -- how about you?

Best wishes for a happy year - whether you believe in astrology or not.
 

Best wishes,

The Coach

INTERVIEW QUIZ  (From "Boost Your Interview IQ")

Select the strongest answer (no fair looking at the answer below).

INTERVIEWER'S QUESTION

"Why did you leave (are planning to leave) your last position?"

Select the strongest answer

(A) The company had a re-organization, and my department was eliminated. The work had begun to dwindle so it was not a complete surprise. I liked my job and the people I was working with so I had been hoping that it wouldn't affect us but unfortunately we were all let go. I would like to find a job similar to the one I lost.

(B) I am looking for a new challenge. I have been with my current company for two years now and don't find the work as interesting as I once did. I am looking for a company where I can take on new challenges and grow. My current job is dead-ended for me.

(C) Since there are no advancement opportunities within the company, I have decided it would be a good time for me to look outside. I have set some career goals for myself and could not achieve them at that company. What I am looking for is a job with a bigger company where I can contribute, but also move on a career path that has more responsibility.

(See answer below)

Carole

The Coach

Total jobs in the US were up by 112,000 last month -- that's the good news. The bad, or disappointing news is that it was "significantly below expectations and noticeably sluggish." (SF Chronicle -- February 7, 2004). Considering that there are 140 million jobs nation-wide, you can judge the impact of the additional jobs -- not much.

If there is a positive side to this report, it is that jobs are up instead of down -- any movement is better than no movement.

Don't give up -- there is a job out there for you -- somewhere.

Q.  I am a Civilian support worker for the police employed as Administration Manager for the force estates department.

I have been selected to attend an interview next week for a District Administration Manager. It has been 9 years since I attended an interview and obviously I am a little nervous. Can you give me some tips.

Our recruitment and selection criteria work on personnel specifications as listed.

professional and ethical standards

communication

decision Making

creativity and innovation

self motivation

practical effectiveness

leadership

managing & developing staff

resource planning

strategic planning.

A. Congratulations on getting the interview. Now, to do some preparation work. Since you have the "key factors" (listed above) it is important that you have "stories" or examples to match those desired factors. Think of examples of times when you used each of these factors in your work - or life.

The Interview Coach

The Strongest Answer

(A) This is the strongest answer, not because of the lay off, but because it has an upbeat tone to it. You liked what you did and were hoping it wouldn't happen. In other words, if it hadn't been for something out of your control you would still be there. The answer indicates a good attitude about an unfortunate incident.

The Mediocre Answer

(C) This is an ok answer. It is natural to want to take on more responsibility. It is also acceptable to quit a job. A skilled interviewer would follow up with a question about your career goals and why you think you can achieve them at this company. Would you have an answer prepared for that follow-up question?

The Weakest Answer

(B) This is the weaker answer because it is trite. One of the most common answers to this question is that you are "looking for a challenge." An interviewer might be concerned that if you were bored at your last job, you might find this job boring as well, or at least not "challenging" enough.

HOW DID YOU DO? RATE YOURSELF

If you chose answer (A) -- give yourself 5 points.

If you chose answer (C) -- give yourself 3 points

If you chose answer (B) -- give yourself 0 points

Need help now? Live, Personal Coaching

It's easy to get started - no obligation! Interview coaching can be arranged with an email (carole@interviewcoach.com) or phone call (toll free at 1-877-647-JOBS - within the US only). Set up an appointment for a free 10 minute assessment.

PREPARATION = CONFIDENCE = SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS =JOB OFFERS

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

carole@interviewcoach.com

 1-877-647-5627

Send an email to: carole@interviewcoach.com
to set up an appointment to assess your situation and the 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.

An investment in your future

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Copyright (c) 2003 Carole Martin, All Rights Reserved. Interview coach and expert, Carole Martin is author of "Interview Fitness Training." Get the workbook and your FREE monthly newsletter of interviewing, job search, and salary negotiation tips at www.interviewcoach.com

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