Recruiters to Interviewees: Stop Making These Mistakes!
Everyone wants to come across well in an interview, but recruiters say many interviewees make the same mistakes that raise a red flag—and kill chances of being hired. Avoid these five deal-killers when you talk about yourself during an interview.
- Using “we” instead of “I.” Yes, collaboration is a key skill, but too many individuals discuss their teamwork experiences by using “we” instead of “I.” Interviewers want to know how you performed, not how the team performed.
- Explaining the “what” without the “how.” Talking about tangible accomplishments is indeed important. However, talking about how you attained those accomplishments is just as important.
- Omitting questions to the interviewer. Prepare questions to ask about the organization at the end of the interview. Doing so makes you appear eager and engaged. But don’t ask about vacation time or other benefits!
- Faking an answer. If you don’t have an answer to a question, say so. Then bring up a similar situation that illustrates the types of skills the interviewer was alluding to in the original question.
- Failing to send a follow-up e-mail. If you really want to impress the interviewer, send a short and gracious thank you note.
-From Fast Company
Effective Networking Is Career Mandatory
It’s hard to overstate the importance of networking to anyone looking for a job. These tips can help young professionals master this important skill.
Connect, connect, connect. Former classmates, alumni from college, community and religious leaders, and of course family and friends—all are possible connections. Attend networking functions and never say “no” to a situation that may lead to meeting new contacts.
Dial up the charm. Be likeable and friendly when meeting new contacts. Make sure to ask them about themselves. Show you’re a pro by always being polite, and demonstrate your professionalism by never drinking too much at a mixer.
Follow the experts. Contact the leaders in your field and follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, or other social media. If an expert has written a book, read it and make a comment.
-From the Los Angeles Times
When Not to Use E-Mail
Using e-mail in the workplace is fraught with many dos and don’ts. However, these situations require not using e-mail at all:
When you must deliver bad news. If you need to admit a problem, do so in person. Using e-mail to relay bad news makes it appear as if the writer is not taking responsibility for the event.
When you’re not sure how to respond. Wait until you know exactly what you want to say when replying to an e-mail. No one wants to read half-baked ideas.
If you’re agonizing over tone. If you are having trouble hitting the right note when writing, rethink sending that e-mail. Your hesitation may be a signal that the situation requires a real conversation.
If you’re writing between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Avoid sending e-mail when you’re tired. Late-hour e-mails are more likely to be emotional rather than rational. If you must compose, save the draft and look at it in the light of day.
When you ask for a raise. Asking for a raise in an e-mail trivializes the request. Some conversations must take place in person. Besides, when negotiating a salary increase, you want to be face-to-face so you can answer questions your boss may have.
-From Payscale.com
