Of all the best interview answers I’ve heard as a Hiring Manager over the years, one in particular stands out as the best answer I’ve ever received. The question was a tough one that is fairly commonly asked in interviews, in one form or another. It goes something like this, although the exact wording may…
Applying for jobs in person is primarily appropriate for entry level jobs and high turnover jobs such as retail and fast food. Everyone pretty much knows that these types of businesses accept (and in fact encourage) walk-in applications in order to get a steady stream of candidates for these high turnover positions, so simply go…
I find there is much confusion, especially among job applicants, about what exactly is the role of Human Resources in the hiring process. A good employment guide should explain this. Many years ago, the Human Resource (HR) department had a more active role in the hiring process and would sometime actually do the hiring for…
Okay, so the worst has happened and – whatever the reason – you lose your job and end up unemployed. What do you do? This can a very traumatic time for anyone. However, the worst thing you can do is sit around and mope about your situation. Well, okay – you may need a day…
Because there is no single formula or model cover letter sample that is applicable for all occasions, I’m going to use as an example the actual cover letter that I created for my own job search. First, below is the actual job ad for one of the jobs I applied for (and got!). I highlighted…
Here it is, straight from a Hiring Manager. You’ll learn how to make a resume that gets attention and gives you the best shot at an interview. Yes, an interview – not a job. Remember: a resume, no matter how well written, will not get you a job. Interviews get you jobs. The purpose of…
As a Hiring Manager I’ve asked most of these sample interview questions. And as a candidate I’ve also been asked many of them! While it’s impossible to list every question that may be asked on an interview, there are many common questions that have a high probability of being asked on any given interview. You…
Everyone needs good interview question and answer advice. But just as important, you need to know what other interview mistakes to avoid. Based on my own 30 years of experience as a Hiring Manager, plus talking with many of my peers over the years, here are the most common interview blunders. These blunders will definitely…
Sooner or later during your job search, you will likely have a phone interview, which has both good and bad points. On the good side, you can be much better prepared. You can have your research notes in front of you, the job advertisement, your list of questions to ask, you resume, your answers to…
Looking for a job can be daunting even at the best of times. In truth, no matter how many times you go through it in a lifetime, it often doesn’t seem to get much easier. However, that is only the case if you don’t take the active steps necessary to make it easier. If you…
Our careers form a crucial part of our lives. A fulfilling job is one of the greatest things in modern life, and there are many factors that lead to satisfaction at work. However, there is no question that money is at the heart of it all. Earning more money is a driving force for all…
We all make mistakes. After all, it’s human nature. However, you have to keep these errors from creeping into a job search or else you’ll become one of the dreaded long-term unemployed. Once this happens, you’ll get into a rut that is hard to get out of. To avoid this fate, you have to stop…