Past Issues of Interview Fitness Training, the newsletter
Brought to you by: Carole Martin, The Interview Coach
Email: carole@interviewcoach.com
Only for those who are serious about Acing the Interview
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August Issue, 2003 |
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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.
Editor's Note:
Can you believe that in two weeks it will be Labor Day?
That always signals the end of summer. So, if you have been kicking back and
waiting until the "kids" went back to school to start your job search -- it's
time to begin!
The best activity to get you started is to set some goals -- with deadline dates. The trouble with looking for a job, especially if you are out of work is that there is no schedule or routine to follow. Start the process by getting organized. Find a spot and put together a "to do" list. Some of the things to include on your list are:
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Research the company, the industry and the competition. |
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Prepare your 60-second personal statement: Your answer to the, "Tell me about yourself," question. |
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Write at least five success stories to answer behavioral interview questions ("Tell me about a time when…" or "Give me an example of a time…"). |
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List 10 questions to ask the interviewer about the job, the company and the industry. |
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Research salary data and determine your worth. |
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Determine your salary needs based on your living expenses --what is your bottom line? |
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Get permission from your references to use their names. |
Here's some encouraging news from a government publication that I received:
Where to find jobs identified
The best job opportunities may now exist in the unlikeliest of places: among the nation's biggest job cutters, where there are thousands of job openings, according to a new survey by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.
The nation's 9.4 million unemployed should be further encouraged, Challenger says, by its quarterly measure of job search times among out-of-work managers and executives. That shows the time has fallen from 4.2 months in the first quarter to 3.4 months in the second quarter, which is the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2001.
"The drop in job search times is the strongest evidence yet that the employment situation may rebound by year's end. Our data on managerial and executive job seekers tracked since 1986 are typically about six months ahead of the overall job market," says John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
But Mr. Challenger says many job seekers could miss some of the earliest and best opportunities by staying away from heavy job-cutting sectors, assuming that employers in these areas will not be adding workers until a full and robust economic recovery is certain. "Such an assumption would be a mistake," Mr. Challenger says.
According to the Challenger figures, sectors such as telecommunications, computer, industrial goods manufacturing, government and financial, which altogether have cut more than 1.7 million jobs since 2001, may be ripe with job opportunities for those who have the skills and experience to help turn a company or department around and who are willing to take the risk of entering an insecure job situation.
A Challenger survey of vacancies posted on the most popular Internet recruiting sites, including Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com , and HotJobs.com , found an estimated 71,700 job openings among the 10 industries that have had the highest number of job cuts over the last two-and-one-half years. For example, in the computer industry, where employers have announced 326,944 job cuts since 2001, there are currently 11,000 job openings listed among the top online recruiting sites.
Any news of an upcoming change for the best is welcome. Keep your spirits up! Try to remember this period is just a "speed bump" in your life's journey.
Trans-Bay Labor Market Consultant
San Francisco /Alameda Counties
http://www.calmis.ca.gov
RESUME POWER
You can't get an interview without a good resume to get you in the door. A great resume service I recommend is -
Kim Isaacs at - http://www.resumepower.com/ - Monster's Resume Expert.
Tell them The Interview Coach sent you and receive a $10 reduction off the regular price.
Resume Writing, and Distribution Services
Resume writing and services are designed for the discerning job seeker. We closely collaborate with our clients to develop strategies that yield the most positive results. As experts in the art of resume writing, we know what works and we know how to position our clients ahead of the competition. We can do the same for you. And don't forget, resume writing and services are an investment in your future, as well as a possible tax deduction.
Hi Carole:
I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for the great information in your interview preparation guide. I studied the guide and followed many of your recommendations. That combined with my skills and experience, and guess what....I got the job. I got more $, more vacation, better benefits, more job security...life is good.
Thanks, and you can be sure that I will recommend your product to all my friends and family.
Regards,
Chris M. - ON, Canada
Check out my workbook, "Interview Fitness Training, A Workout With Carole Martin" available at Amazon.com
- 13 powerful exercises – to get you focused and prepared for the interview
- Specific Tips – to help you prevent nervousness and “sweaty hands”
- Rules and Tools – to negotiate a higher salary, or other perks
- Strategies – to change your thinking – interviewing them as they interview you
- Preparation guidelines – to handle difficult questions about salary and other subjects
- Stories, Examples, and Testimonials – from former client’s successes and mistakes
- Resources – to research salary information, self-improvement books, and websites
Q. Dear Carole,
I just got interviewed for a job and all went pretty well with the interview. I was interviewed with the president of the company where I was applying and I also interviewed with the president of the parent company. They are starting a new department or project. They said that they really like me and my experience. It's exactly what they need.
They didn't say "You're hired," but they will call me when they are ready and asked me to keep in touch with them. Now I want to write/email them but I don't know what to say. Please help.
Sincerely,
Harry D.
A. Hey Harry - sounds like you did great! Good for you.
Here is a sample "thank you letter" to use as a follow up..
Dear (Interviewer),
(A separate letter should be sent to each interviewer -addressing any concerns or issues you heard during the interview.)
Your reaction to the interview.
"I left the interview with a million ideas going through my head regarding your company and the challenges of the job." Or, "I came away from the interview feeling confident that I was the solution to your problem."
Why you want this job.
"After talking to you and the other team members, I was impressed with the company's view of future technology." Or, "I have set my sites on working for a company that has the type of culture and mission such as yours - in particular your attitude toward the employees working as a cross trained team."
What you would bring to the company.
(Restate your qualifications)
"The added value(s) I would bring to this position would be my ability to solve problems using my past experience and analytical skills, particularly working within tight deadlines." Or, "I have several reasons to believe I am the solution to your problem..."
(List the skills and experiences you have that will bring a solution to the job's problems or challenges.)
Ask for the "sale."
(Do you want the job? Let the interviewer know)
"I am really excited about the prospect of joining your team and want to be considered as an interested candidate. I know that I would be an excellent fit for the job based on my past experience and what I can bring to the job, and my future goals."
Sign-off.
"I look forward to talking with you further regarding this opportunity." Or, "Thanks again for the interview, I felt very comfortable talking with you and I was impressed with your handling of the interview process."
Sincerely
Harry D.
Best wishes to you.
Carole Martin - The Interview Coach
"In the conference room, around the oval table, the Executive Recruiter was setting. She did not invite me to sit. I started to speak according to her questioning, while I was still standing. After 10 minutes, she said to me, "Why are you standing?" Then silently, she pointed out her hand to me to sit. The interview started exactly like this.
Anyhow, the conversation started not on the subject matter that I was called in for the interview, but the subject matter was rounded to her daughter, who attends high school. For a minute or two, I was in total shock! Then she started to speak about her boyfriend... I tried to be cooperative and answer her questions as they came along. Honestly, there was no word or any sentence regarding the actual position that I was called in for this interview. It was a total waste of time and hope! "
Do you have a job interview coming up...
Are you ready?
Are your interviewing skills rusty?
Do you feel excited?
Terrified?
In this economy, you'd better be able to answer every job interview question quickly, confidently and correctly or the competition will get the offer - what a waste!
Imagine walking into your next interview full of confidence, knowing you are prepared to answer every question that will be asked. You've come to the right place for help.
As The Interview Coach, I make it my business to get people in shape to win the interview battle. I can guide you through the ins and outs of interviewing -- prepare you for those difficult situations, improve your confidence, and get those job offers you deserve!
As a professional, I have interviewed thousands of candidates. As the Interview Coach, I share my in-depth knowledge of winning techniques, which will prepare you to face any interview with confidence. I will coach you and encourage you - sometimes pushing, sometimes holding your hand. I will be there for you when you need help.
"Just talking to Carole made me feel more confident when I walked into my interview." Jessica, New York
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.
Carole Martin
The Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com carole@interviewcoach.com
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 = CONFIDENCE = SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS =JOB OFFERS
