INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR JOBSEEKERS

Your resume captured the employer’s attention and now it’s time to organize for the interview! Reviewing questions and preparing ahead of time enhances confidence on your big day! Don’t be alarmed with unexpected interview questions. Be prepared to give proficient and thought-out responses, highlighting skills required for the job opening.  Do allow room for creativity as you may be asked perplexed questions, and rehearse the questions below with others for constructive feedback. Much success on your interview!

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR INTERVIEW? CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

1.  What are your career goals this coming year?

Share career goals and the steps you’re taking to achieve them. Having long-term and short-term goals paints a professional picture of your dreams and aspirations. Companies like individuals who are motivated and goal oriented.

2. Did your previous employer need improvement in any area?

The idea is to identify potential problems, while offering positive solutions. This is a great opportunity to highlight leadership skills, as well as strategies implemented that have proven successful in the past.

3.  Can you describe a challenging scenario, and share how you handled it?

Discrepancies on the job happen, yet how we handle circumstances makes all the difference. Think outside the box and get creative when pondering different solutions. For instance, you can share of a scenario when you went beyond your job duties to assist a client who was upset gathering resources, making phone calls, and more. This scenario shows employee flexibility, dedication, and strong leadership skills.

4.  What are looking to gain from our company?

Rather than focusing on pay rate and employee benefits, consider other positive attributes the company offers like longevity and opportunities for career growth.

5.  What are your professional strengths?

The interviewer wants to know what you have to offer to the company. Why should they choose you over other job candidates? Highlight attributes you possess that pertain to the job position at hand. For example, if you are applying for a customer service role, mention your people skills and ability to be a team player. Creating a self-assessment list prior to the interview can also prove beneficial.

6.  What professional areas are you looking to improve?

My recommendation is to share attributes that can be tolerated by other colleagues. These should be traits that can be worked on over time. For example, becoming more proficient in another language, learning a new software program, or getting to know co-workers.

7.  Why are you leaving your current employer?

The company is curious as to why you chose to resign from your current position. Be honest about circumstances causing you to leave or seek for new employment opportunities.  

8.  Why are you applying for this position?

Why did you choose this company over other employment opportunities? This is a great time to express your passion and qualities that make you the perfect candidate for the job. Share features that make the company stand out from other employers. For example, mention the length of time the company has been in business, or the professional assistance you’ve received since day one.  

9.  Are you willing to relocate for work if needed?

It’s important to show flexibility, but also be realistic in your response. Share work accommodations that fit your schedule and current lifestyle. Perhaps you are flexible and willing to relocate, yet only within the same state or county. Most companies will value your desire for a fair compromise.

10. Do you have any questions for me? 

Be prepared to ask questions. This shows interest in part of the potential job candidate. This is also a good time to inquire on company benefits, scheduling, and job expectations.

STRATEGIES TO GETTING YOUR RESUME NOTICED!

You worked hard outlining your professional skills and credentials down on paper. Your resume looks sharp, with no grammatical errors and a neat professional appearance. Investing time in resume preparation is important in today’s highly competitive job market. Let’s explore strategies to getting your resume noticed beyond the receptionist’s desk.

STRATEGIES TO GETTING YOUR RESUME NOTICED!

1. Market Your Skills: Focus on your current skills, rather than on previous job-duties and tasks. The idea is to share occupational accomplishments that are up-to-date. 

2. Stay Simple & Interesting: Long and detailed resumes are boring and tiresome. Resumes should be no more than two pages long and easy to read. Keep informative and concise, refraining from narrative explanations.

3. Share Your Passions: It’s important to sound enthusiastic and motivated. Companies like positive people and team players. Unless you work from home or in a secluded environment, it is likely you will interact with other individuals.

4. Note Achievements: List active licenses, awards, certifications, and credentials related to the job you are seeking. 

5. Explain the “Gaps”: Share how you invested your time during periods of unemployment. For example, mention volunteer work, schooling, community service, internships, or other related activities.

6. Use Keywords: Some companies scan resumes based on keywords. They look for specific terms like “team player”, “motivated”, “eager”, “caring”, when deciding which candidates to interview. Read through the job description and pick-up words that describe the potential candidate the company is looking to hire.

7. Your Objective: The objective statement should be specific, concise (no more than 3 sentences), and descriptive. I also like to include keywords such as “motivated”, “eager”, and “passionate” in the objective statement. This section highlights what you seek, and what you have to offer the company.

For example: “I am seeking a full-time position as an Intensive Care Registered Nurse in a stable company were I can share my passion in critical care nursing. I am motivated to expand my career goals in an organization that promotes opportunities for growth.

8. Paid & Unpaid Work: Most employers ask for a work history, but your unpaid work history can be as important. Let’s say you are applying for a pharmaceutical company and you have experience from a pharmacy internship program. Including this experience on your resume can prove beneficial.

FIVE Q & A’S TO DETERMINE WHAT JOB FIT’S YOU BEST!

With so many job opportunities available, it’s crucial to determine which positions best fit your lifestyle and personality. Here is a fun Q & A to to assist in defining which employment options are worth the time and pursuit. Taking a few minutes to think about your career decisions is a worthwhile investment.

Question #1: Do you prefer routines and schedules, or does spontaneity and excitement fuel your day?

Answer: If you prefer routine or a fixed schedule, then you may want to pursue employment options that offer a determined shift such as banking, sales, and various administrative positions.

If change and variety bring a sense of career satisfaction, there are many flexibility and creativity jobs you to engage. Unpredictable circumstances are encountered frequently, especially in the medical field and in the realm of education. These career choices are great choices for individuals that enjoy freedom and change. 

Question #2: What do you find more valuable, the rate of pay or company incentives?

Answer: If there’s greater value in the hourly rate, then a high paying position may appear to be the best choice. This option may not always be in your best interest. Let’s suppose company A has an offer for a full-time position with an earning of 60,000/year. On the other hand, company B makes an offer for 50,000/year including health benefits, a company vehicle, travel expenses, and periodic performance bonuses. Although company A’s offer may seem more appealing upfront, less expenses are paid out-of-pocket and more benefits are gained with company B’s offer. It’s a good tactic to define benefits and compensations before basing your decision solely on annual income.

Question #3: Is your schedule flexible or do you have fixed days/hours of availability?

Answer: A job offer may be attractive and well paying, yet the hours of work may not suit your schedule. Take time to analyze your availability and the hours that you can commit to working.  For some individuals the evening shift is ideal, while for others working twelve hour shifts three times a week works best. The key is to examine your lifestyle, preferences, and availability. There are many employers that offer up to four and five shifts, that accommodate to their employees schedule. Research the company and learn their work schedules, shifts, and hours of operation. This will help you determine if this job best suits your current employment needs.

Question #4: Are you extroverted and social, or introverted and reserved?

Answer: If you are a people person, getting an office job or working in the pharmaceutical lab may not be the best choice regardless of pay. At first the pay may be very appealing, yet it’s important to realistically envision yourself satisfied in the job role. Introverted or reserved individuals may not feel comfortable in a very social setting like marketing and sales. Being in such positions may create anxiety or frustration for job seekers that prefer some quietness and less social interactions. Office jobs, clerical work, and writing positions may better fit these personalities.

Question #5: Does the job opportunity enhance or contribute to future career goals?

Answers: Although some employment positions are on a temporary basis, it’s best to select occupations that contribute to your career goals. For example, your career path is in business management and there are two potential job offers that catch your interest. There’s an opportunity as a Sales Manager, or another offer as a Telemarketer. Both companies pay fairly the same, but the telemarketing position is more layback and closer to home. Although the telemarketing position may seem more beneficial, in the long run the experience as a Sales Manager will be of greater value on your resume when pursuing business management.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR NEW GRADUATES

You invested numerous years studying the profession of your dreams and the time has arrived to launch your career. Seeking work in today’s competitive job market can be intimidating for new professional graduates. Your resume can be striking, yet presenting confidence when interviewing speaks volumes. Displaying self-assurance when seeking employment increases the likelihood of others confiding in your potential. Trust your individual skills and qualifications, building confidence on positive attributes you have to share with others.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR NEW GRADUATES:

1. List your qualifications, skills, and potential. Make a list of all the skills you posses that match the job description, and emphasize on these skills during your interview.  Highlighting potential abilities is also important as it shows desire for career growth and personal development.

2. Have assurance in your abilities. All the necessary educational requirements, training, research, and/or testing has been completed. Rather than focusing on the lack of work experience, concentrate on personal accomplishments that have lead you to this point. There is much you can share in your professional field!

3. Take this time as a learning experience. Transitioning from being a student to a professional can be nerve-wracking. It’s a time period of new roles, expectations, and responsibilities. Starting a career requires patience and self-acceptance, understanding experience comes with time and practice.

4. Request feedback from hiring managers after each interview. Receiving negative feedback is no fun, but sometimes necessary. Feedback allows for introspection and also helps build interviewing skills.

TIPS TO SIMPLIFY RETIREMENT PLANNING

You’ve invested years into the workforce and are now considering retirement. What factors drive some people to retire sooner or later in life? Is there a specific age-range that’s best to retire? Planning for retirement is unique for each individual’s situation and goals. Optimal timing for retirement depends on the person’s needs, aspirations, and financial position. It’s important to maintain flexible and open to new possibilities when planning for retirement. 

THINKING OF RETIREMENT? CONSIDER THIS:

1. How many years have you been in the workforce? Social Security collects a portion of your employment income, accumulating funds for when ready to retire. Social Security provides detailed benefit information based on age, work history, and income. Applying for benefits is also possible on the Social Security website. According to AARP, the longer you wait to collect Social Security after age of 62 the greater the return. AARP comments further, “For each year you delay, your Social Security benefits will increase between 7 percent and 8 percent up to age 70, depending on your year of birth.”

2. Determine monthly income and monthly expenses. Jot down all sources of income and expenses for each month. This provides detailed information on financial obligations needed when considering retirement options.

3. Which sources of income will commence upon retiring and which will cease? List new sources of income such as Social Security, 401K’s or other retirement plans, savings, investments, and others. Also review income sources that will cease or decreases, and include updated financial figures to your retirement planning list.

4. It’s never too late to strategize for retirement. Regardless of age or work experience there are many options available. Seek assistance from a financial expert who can provide retirement options based on your goals and financial needs.

5. Working is still an option after retirement. Seeking employment after retiring is a choice for individuals who require extra income or enjoy working. There is a limit to the number of work hours allowed when receiving Social Security benefits. Consult with Social Security to make sure you’re keeping within their guidelines.

*All suggestions should be discussed with a professional who specializes in retirementment prior to implenting any ideas discussed in this article. This article is only intended for informational purposes.

10 TIPS FOR CONFLICT-RESOLUTION WHEN DEALING WITH DIFFICULT COWORKERS

Tip #1 Pinpoint problematic behaviors:

Take note of demands, insults, or other rude comments done by a colleague or team members at work. This information may come in handy if you need to schedule a meeting with a supervisor. Some challenging behaviors include arrogance, moodiness, jealousy, extreme competitiveness, rudeness, selfishness, demanding, derogatory statements, yelling, making fun of others, and mean comments.

Tip #2 Assess the situation:

Is it common for the individual to behave in this manner, or can they be having a bad day? It’s important not to take things personal if someone is having a hard day at work. On the other hand, some individuals like to complicate matters for everyone else. Ask yourself the following questions: Is this person simply having a difficult day? Are factors in his/her personal life triggering negative responses towards others at work?

Tip #3 Identify the problem:

Do you notice the same behaviors with other coworkers, or does it appear to be a personal issue? Perhaps this employee has a short fuse and gets upset easily. Other times employee frustrations result from the role of a particular individual(s) in the company. For example, if you were chosen for the manager position regardless of another employees seniority in the company. In this case, frustration is taken out on the individual for the position they hold, not for personal traits. If this employee were to be demoted, the problematic behaviors from the coworker would most likely dissipate. There are also employees, who don’t like individuals who hold leadership positions. Again, it’s not a personal issue, but rather a generalized attitude towards individuals who sustain managerial positions in the workforce.

Tip #4 Confront the problem:

Once you’ve taken time to identify the problem it’s important to confront the situation. Unresolved issues tend to worsen over time, partly related to assumptions and the buildup of negative emotions. If you find it safe to speak directly with the individual, do so with caution and in a professional manner. It’s best to involve a third party such as a manger or supervisor who can direct the situation and assist with problem-solving strategies.

Tip #5 Maintain a positive attitude:

Regardless of the final outcome keep a positive attitude. No one person is liked by all, meaning we will likely experience disapproval from another at some point in our lives. It’s advisable not to take another’s actions personal, but rather to focus on fulfilling your job role. Maintaining a professional relationship with coworkers is key for job fulfillment. Although it may be challenging to uphold a good attitude with difficult coworkers, it serves as a personal benefit and gratification to keep positive.

Tip #6 Stay professional:

Don’t lower your standards and professional conduct for anyone. Even if you are informed of others who are spreading rumors or gossiping about you, don’t fall into the trap. In time people will notice your character and those of problematic coworkers.

Tip #7 Uphold confidentiality:

Refrain from sharing your personal circumstance with other employees. Keep things private between the difficult employee and your supervisor. There is no need for others to get involved.

Tip #8 Show kindness:

Displaying kindness eventually offsets challenging behaviors. The challenging co-worker will realize that his/her tactics are simply not working. Even if the issue continues, your consideration will be evident to other coworkers who can serve as a support system and advocates if need arises.

Tip #9 Change your work environment:

If possible request a transfer to another department or office space. Some companies offer various work shifts, allowing for flexibility in work days and time. Other organizations have multiple locations permitting for employee transfers within the company.

Tip #10 Stay true to your character:

Regardless of another’s behavior, stand your ground and stay true to your character. Don’t hand your potential with the company to someone else. Interact as little as possible with problematic individuals. When assigned projects with such coworkers keep conversations to the point, stay polite, and be confident in your skills as a valuable employee to the company.

FINDING A CAREER THAT FITS YOUR PERSONALITY

A sales manager position opened at work, and the boss inquires if anyone knows of a potential candidate. Immediately you think of Sally, your bubbly friend who can make buddies with just about anyone – even pets. To your surprise, after a few weeks into the job Sally mentions how the sales position just doesn’t fit her personality. How could this be? Sally is friendly, social, and energetic – the perfect fit for the sales manager position we’ve been seeking to fill.

There are many intriguing aspects to an individual’s personality. Although it may appear irrelevant, personality types influence work fulfillment, productivity, longevity, and general satisfaction in career choices. Before presenting job recommendations for each personality type, let’s explore four common types of temperaments.

4-BASIC TYPES OF TEMPERAMENTS AS DEFINED BY WIKIPEDIA:

1. Sanguine- Playful, lively, carefree, talkative, and social characters. These individuals are warm-hearted and can make friends easily, yet many have difficulty following tasks, keeping appointments, and can be a bit forgetful.

2. Choleric- Egocentric, extroverted,strong-willed, impulsive, and aggressive personalities. These are task-oriented individuals who like to be in charge, and receive recognition for their accomplishments.

3. Melancholic- Serious, cautious, and introverted temperaments. Such individuals are focused and sympathetic, yet can be prone to depression and changes in mood.

4. Phlegmatic- Private, calm, patient, caring, and tolerant personalities. These individuals often have a rich inner life, enjoy quite settings, exhibit consistency, yet may appear somewhat clumsy.

Using Carl Jung’s Theory of Personalities, Truity Psychometrics developed a questionnaire and provided it freely to the public. Truity’s findings lead to their development of 16-personality types, outlining common characteristics within each personality. By understanding personalities types, we can narrow job options to bring about excellence and fulfillment with various temperaments. You may resonate with more than one of the categories listed below, which explains how some people experience a passion for multiple job roles.

16-PERSONALITY TYPES PROVIDED BY TRUITY & COMMON JOBS OF INTEREST:

1. The Inspector: Neat and orderly, abide to rules, traditional, predictable, hardworking, and reliable personality traits. Hobbies include chess, trivia, and solitary sports.

Career ideas: Management, accounting, administration, golfers, and law enforcement.

2. The Protector: Practical, compassionate, grounded, conventional, and traditional personality traits. These individuals are hard workers, appreciate traditions, value relationships, and maintain a devotion to family.

Career ideas: Chefs, education, healthcare professional, and religious positions.

3. The Counselor: Nurturers,strong personal integrity,quiet, caring, intuitive, and ethical personality traits.

Career ideas: Counselors, coaches, teachers, artists, writers, and musicians.

4. The Mastermind: Problem-solvers, introverted, analytical, perfectionist, and strategically driven personality traits.

Career ideas: Computer occupations, technical fields, and legal professions.

5. The Craftsman: Troubleshooter, independent, adaptable, value stability, attentive to details, and logical personality traits. These individuals are good with their hands and enjoy working with others to solve problems.

Career ideas: Technicians, law enforcement, criminal justice, agriculture, military, mechanics, comedians, and aviators.

6. The Composer: Cheerful, flexible, spontaneous, quiet, friendly, supportive, loyal, nonjudgmental, modest, and sensitive personality traits. Such individuals are sensitive to color, texture, and tone.

Career ideas: Artist, interior designers, wedding planners, musicians, healthcare workers, and business.

7. The Healer: Imaginative, pursue truth & meaning, optimistic, caring, ethical, compassionate, self-expressive, and sensitive personality traits.

Career ideas: Counselors, coaches, therapists, writers, and artists.

8. The Architect: Philosophical, analytical, explore concepts, innovative, independent, and nontraditional personality traits. These individuals may come off as unconventional, as may offend with their precise speech and communication style. Many enjoy activities like meditation, hiking, writing, and computers.

Career ideas: engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, writers, and computer experts.

9. The Dynamo: energetic, practical, active, silly, and playful personality traits. These individuals are very energetic, funny, and adventurous.

Career ideas: Sales representatives, marketing, brokers, business owners, aviators, and racecar drivers.

10. The Performer: Entertainers, spontaneous, centered, enthusiastic, and playful personality traits. These individuals enjoy the pleasures of food, nature, animal and people.

Career ideas: Chefs, teachers, actors, musicians, and childcare occupations.

11. The Champion: Innovative, creative, passionate, warm, energetic, unconventional, skillfulness with language, changeable, and self-expressive personality traits. The champion is often bored by repetition, explaining the wide range of friends and experiences.

Career Ideas: Writers, composers, musicians, counselors, educators, and artist.

12. The Visionary: Curious, open-minded, influential, lack patience, re-inventors, friendly, confident, creative, and charming personality traits.

Career Ideas: Travel guides, stewardess, writers, educators, artists, also careers in science and technology.

13. The Supervisor: Hardworking, traditional, orderly, logical, conventional, and practical personality traits. Such individuals value ground rules, and like to be in control of things.

Career Ideas: Bankers, managers, administrators, financial executives, business owners, and other leadership positions.

14. The Provider: Giving, sensitive, dedicated to helping others, loyal, strong moral character, and caring personality traits. Routine and organization are highly welcomed by these individuals.

Career Ideas: Charity organizer, positions in religious affiliations, teachers, nurses & other healthcare professions, and cooks.

15. The Teacher: Good communicators,charismatic, idealist, persuasive, focused, optimistic, forward thinking, storytellers, and compassionate personality traits.

Career Ideas: Educators, social workers, gourmet chefs, event planners, artists, and tour guides.

16. The Commander: Ambitious,strategic, problem solver, solution oriented, objective, blunt, decisive, and assertive personality traits. These individuals are focused on results having clear action plans.

Career Ideas: Managers, supervisors, administrators, business owners, and other leadership positions.

The key to finding an occupation that suits your personality is to first have a thorough understanding of your preferences and character traits. This requires introspection and time, but prevents the dread of entering a career path that doesn’t express your strengths and talents. People who report high work satisfaction are often those who “love what they do”. Take some time today to see which personality type best describes you. It may be that you connect with multiple types of characters, which is an advantage for more options in job-fulfilling roles.

WORK-RELATED STRESS: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Thriving in today’s fast-paced society calls for excellence and quick turn around. Employees are faced with multiple job tasks and thinner and thinner deadlines.  Experts agree that a healthy level of stress known as eustress can yield productivity and enhance work performance. Unfortunately, poor management can push employees beyond healthy stress, leading to physical and/or mental burnout.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Each person has his or her own stress threshold. It’s important to keep this in mind when taking on new job responsibilities or promotions within the company. Share with your employer areas of strengths and the areas you are working to improve.  It’s just as important for leaders to examine job assignments, workloads, deadlines, competency & skills, and employee availability before designating assignments. Stepping into new job roles is a great opportunity for success, yet it can add stress as employees are in the process of learning new skills and responsibilities. Proficient leaders are mindful of such circumstances, allowing ample time for deadlines during periods of training and transitioning.

The World Health Organization (WHO) compares the difference between healthy and unhealthy work stress mentioning the following:

  • Healthy stress motivates employees to work and to achieve their highest potential. This type of stress is healthy and productive. It keeps individuals alert and interested in their job roles.
  • Unhealthy stress places demands and expectations that are beyond the ability or timeframe, which the employee can offer. This stress is unhealthy and can lead to occupational stress.
  • Factors include poor management, and lack of support from supervisors and colleagues.

WHO comments on work stress stating, “A healthy working environment is one in which there is not only an absence of harmful conditions but an abundance of health-promoting ones.”

TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES:

1. Do not overcommit. Before accepting a project or job tasks examine your comfort level with any given job assignment.

2. Express realistic deadlines when given time sensitive assignments.

3. Suggest ideas for decreasing stress in your workplace.

4. Communicate with your employer if you are feeling overwhelmed.

TIPS FOR MANAGERS:

1. Set realistic deadlines for projects and job tasks.

2. Encourage teamwork, and provide assistance if needed.

3. Put into account competency & skills, experience, and employee availability before designating assignments.

4. Encourage quality improvement and employee meetings for feedback and support.

5. Promote a stress-free environment with periodic luncheons, and other employee incentives.

6. Provide strategies to decrease work-related stress, and allow for workers to share areas of concern.