www.interviewcoach.com

www.interviewfitnesstraining.com

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

I hope this newsletter finds you in good health. Unfortunately, I have been hit by a virus going around this season and even lost my voice for three days. Since coaching is my business, I found that I was not able to perform without a voice. This made me realize how much I take good health for granted, as I do life in general sometimes. Think about what you do for your work -- which part of your system would shut you down if you lost the use of -- an arm, a leg, your sight, or some other function that would not allow you to work? Kind of scary isn't it? We all live on the edge in some respect, no matter what our age.

The point of my sharing this with you is to point out that you have so many things to be thankful for every day. When you are out of work and can't find a job it is easy to focus on what you don't have and to slip into the "black" thoughts area -- the "it's never going to get better" kind of thinking. Thinking "black thoughts" doesn't really benefit you or the people around you. They serve no purpose other than to drag you down. That said, go forth and appreciate "today." That's all we really have to count on anyway -- "today." And while you're at it make it a great day! Spring is on it's way -- a time for new beginnings.

Best wishes,

The Coach

The MOST dreaded question in the interview is "What is your weakness?" For interviewers this question and answer are extremely telling. For you as the candidate it is like walking into a trap. Who wants to talk about weakness at all, let alone in an interview?

First of all, do not answer with a personal trait. Perhaps you are shy. If you use this as an answer and you are going for a management position -- the interview will end. The chances of you changing from "shy" to "outgoing" -- at least quickly, is slim.

Think about something that you are working on improving -- your management style or your public speaking or your ability to perform a certain skill.

Do not say anything that is job related, such as, "My time management skills," or "My ability to get along with others," or "My organizational skills." If these traits are a part of the job requirements you have just shot yourself in the foot.

So what do you say? This is a good place to use the "Sandwich Technique."

Begin with a positive:

"Weaknesses are not something that I dwell on."

Slip in the negative:

"I know I could improve on my patience when working with people who don't work at the same pace as I do."

Demonstrate what you are doing to improve this weakness – how you are trying to change this behavior?

"What I have found is that by helping members of the team who are having problems, I can move projects forward instead of being frustrated and doing nothing."

This type of answer has a positive impact and demonstrates that you have given some thought to this question.

One person wrote, "I have no weaknesses, what should I say?" I responded, "Dear God -- we all have weaknesses." So which weakness are you willing to admit to in an interview?

Keep your answer upbeat, positive, and focused on what you are doing about the weakness.

Carole

The Coach

Every newspaper or magazine I pick up these days is talking about "Outsourcing" and "Offshoring." Whatever I read, the message seems to be that "jobs" as we have known them in this country are going away and that is the reality of the situation.

There are economic arguments about the positive or negative effect of this situation, but again the reality is that this is the way companies are going to do business in the future.

One particular column in the San Francisco Chronicle written by Kathleen Pender, looked at the jobs that won't go overseas.

"Although high-tech is being hit hard by offshoring, it's not the industry, but the position that is vulnerable.

In human resources, for example, payroll and benefit processing jobs can be shipped offshore, whereas employee recruiters cannot.

In health care, jobs such as billing, lab work and even reading Xrays can be done anywhere. But anyone who touches a patient -- doctors, nurses, physical therapists -- need to be close at hand."

She suggests a simple test to assess the security of your job.

"Does your job mainly involve sitting at a desk, working on a computer and talking on the phone?"

(Then it probably can be done anywhere).

"Does your job require a lot of personal contact or interaction?"

(Then it will be harder to export).

(excerpts from - SF Chronicle, March 7, 2004 -- Kathleen Pender)

This is not a black and white situation, but the writing seems to be clear that there is a change that will happen over the next 10, 20, or 30 years. The areas of growth that we keep hearing about are healthcare and education. Thoughts to ponder as you think about your future and your career.

Carole, I'm not in the habit of writing thank you notes for items I've purchased, but your tape on "interview secrets" is fabulous! I listened to it in the car a few times and used some of your secrets. It's been 15 years since I've interviewed and was a bit rusty to say the least. I particularly liked your tip about asking the interviewer if s/he has any doubts about me being up to the job.

Your voice is so re-assuring and common sense filled. Thanks again Carole.

-- George

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

You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter in its entirety as long as you include the following paragraph:

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

Please send me a copy of the reproduction or a link to the webpage if you use this newsletter. Thanks and Enjoy!

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