Should I Ask For The Interview?

August 24, 2010

Dear ILostMyJob.com,

I’m doing an out of town job search and the recruiter from one of my target companies finally called me to schedule an interview. I am paying for my own plane ticket to get to the interview. This is a large hospital so they have applicant tracking software that allows you to see what you status is.. (not qualified, under review, referred to hiring manager, etc).

I have several positions that have been “referred to hiring manager” but no interviews have been scheduled. Would it be bad form to ask the recruiter to inquire with said managers as to whether or not they might be interested in interviewing me while I am in town?

Short answer yes, “Ask for the Interview“

Long answer, if you have any reason to be in the area and it’s an expensive flight, yes you need to make sure you use the time wisely.  Usually, we don’t recommend letting someone else be in charge of your job search, recruiters included, but this is a special trip.  The interview is only a part of finding a job.  If a company is willing to interview you, they already like the idea of you working for the company.  So make sure to speak up.

The question is did you apply for multiple positions inside of a large company? If so, it’s very possible you’ll be dealing with multiple recruiters.  A overpriced computer system doesn’t mean there is true communication.  If anything it means less people are paying attention and expecting the computer to take over for them.  So make sure to know you need to speak up and tell recruiters you want an interview.

So, go ahead and e-mail or call the recruiters your working with and say, “I’m going to be in your town on Friday, August 27th, and I’ll be available in the afternoon.  I was wondering if I could set up an interview on that date?”  This is absolutely acceptable behavior.

If you are saying the words, “Help I lost my job” check out www.iLostMyJob.com – Your Career Transition Resource

Prepare for the interview by reading by our interview resources

1. Ten Interview Rules

2. Interview The Old Fashion Way

3. What Not To Wear to an Interview

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Interview tips for job seekers


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Assertive Men Get Jobs, Assertive Women Don’t…What?

July 30, 2010

Job hunting women? Might want to look a little more modest or reserved.  If you’re a job hunting man, it’s time to get a little more assertive.  That’s the conclusion drawn from Rutgers university recent study, “When Men Break Break the Gender Rules: Status Incongruity and Backlash Against Modest Men by: Corinne A. Moss-Racusin, Julie E. Phelan, Laurie A. Rudman” it’s being published in the quarterly journal “Psychology of Men & Masculinity.

All that happy talk about equality under the law aside, there have been many studies suggesting assertive women still pay a price in the job market, said Rutgers spokesman Steve Manas.

The study suggests that men who don’t waste time or modesty will benefit in the job search.

“For men and women, there are things they must and must not be,” said Moss-Racusin, a doctoral candidate in the department of psychology. “Women must be communal and other-oriented, but they must not be dominant.”

“It’s pretty established that you still hear the b-word when it comes to dominant women, ” Manus said.

On the other hand, “women are allowed to be weak while this trait is strongly prohibited in men,” Moss-Racusin said.

“I’ve got to be, a macho man,” is Manus’ Village People take on the situation.

To see how this would play out in job interviews, the researchers recruited 132 female and 100 male student volunteers. They then viewed videos of 15-minute interviews for jobs requiring strong technical abilities and social skills.

While the applicants’ credentials were deliberately set as equal, some of the actors presented themselves in low-key, “modest” fashion.

The students judged the applicants as equally competent. But both females and males said they “liked” the modest men less. That reflects social backlash, according to the researchers.

Compared to their egotistical and self-asserted brothers, the mild-mannered men seemed weak to the evaluators. While a modest woman caused no ripples, a less-assertive man was pegged as having low status, according to the study.

Contrary to the researchers finding, the built-in antipathy toward reserved male behavior did not translate into hiring discrimination. Moss-Racusin speculates that because males start out with higher status, even failing to live up to all gender expectations does not cost them as much in the job market.

“From what Corinne has said, there’s a feeling that a modest man may ‘grow into’ a job,” Manus said.

“Let’s face it, men are still in a dominant position when it comes to most hiring decisions,” and may allow more slack to an easy-going guy than to a go-getting gal, he said.


For more interview resources check out iLostMyJob.com’s Interview Section

1. What Not to Wear to an Interview

2. Addressing, Why Should I Hire You?

3. Addressing, Previous Termination

4. Dealing with Salary Negotiations

Join our Facebook Group: Facebook.com/iLostMyJob

Follow Us on Twitter: @ilostmyjob

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Motivation Monday Podcast for Job Seekers

July 26, 2010

Job Seeker Radio:

Job Seeker TV: Motivation Monday Video

  • Now the Senates on the Hot Seat to Extend Unemployment
  • Chicago Job Start Guarantees 60% Placement for New Hires
  • Want 29% More Money? Check Out a New Public & Private Venture

If you want help to deal with unemployment please check out our parent website: iLostMyJob.com – Your Career Transition Resource

Check out our Tuesday Tips Podcast for Job Seekers

Check out our Working Wednesday Podcast for Job Seekers

Interview tips for job seekers

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The Entry Level Job Hunt – What is Your Weapon of Choice?

July 14, 2010

Author Byline: CareerAlley
Author Website: http://Careeralley.com

“Hunting is not a sport. In a sport, both sides should know they’re in the game.” – Paul Rodriguez

Job Hunting. Are you in the game or watching from the sidelines? You need to be fully in the game and armed with the right tools if you expect to get a job, it’s tough out there. Entry level jobs are one of those “good news, bad news” topics. The good news is that entry level jobs are fairly inexpensive for companies so they are more likely to add these positions. The bad news is that they are fairly inexpensive (as in you won’t get paid as much). But let’s be honest, the “big bucks” tend to come later in your career and this is all about getting your foot in the door (both feet would be even better). We start with one relevant article about protecting your online image (hopefully not too late for you), the rest are job search resources.

  • How To Manage (and Protect) Your Online Reputation – This article is from Forbes.com and covers the “online reputation” issue. When most of us are growing up, the last thing we think about is working (as in a full time job after college), so maybe we don’t spend as much time on our image as we should. Besides the usual “Google yourself”, there are other things that you should consider. This article covers the topic as well as providing additional relevant links.
  • @Collegejobs – Their tag line is pretty funny (but true) – “Because College Kids Need Cash Too ;-) “. The main page has tabs at the top for functional rolls (like Retail and Marketing) as well as links for Internships and Summer. Above this is a very basic search tool. Below the tabs starts the actual listing of jobs which indicate if they are full time or part time. The right hand side of the page has listings by location. There were over 2,900 job opportunities when I checked the page.
  • ROCS (Responsible Outgoing College Students) – Another search engine, ROCS has tabs at the top for Students/Grads, Internships, Find a Job and more. You can sign up for a monthly newsletter or scroll down to the jobs, which are sorted by function and indicate if they are full time or part time. At the bottom of the page you can click links for the main functional categories.
  • National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) – In addition to a number of other services, NSCS has a careers page that can help you in your job search. The main part of the page (center right) has links (with overviews) for Careers, Internships, Career Networking and Graduate School. There are some related items on the left hand side of the page.

Good luck in your search.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

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Interview tips for job seekers

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Never Have Interview Butterflies Again!

July 7, 2010

For many of us an interview can seem scary, frightening and makes us sweat while even thinking about it. Despite “butterflies” in our stomach it is perfectly natural to feel this way when we meet a challenge. Not only is it natural but these feelings are helpful for us when we’re in the interview. But you’re wondering, why shouldn’t you be scared?

Well, being invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first test: your application must have made a good impression with your future employer. Employers will only interview people who seem to be able to do the job. Did you know only about 10% of applicants are selected for an interview?

So if you have an interview, you have a very realistic chance of landing the job! Now it’s time to prepare. The interview success is dependent upon your preparation.

Before the interview, make sure to find out as much as you can about the company. This will improve your self-confidence when you are asked any company questions or hear any company jargon. For example, if you’re asked who the clients are; the type of organization they are & what your potential job will involve. It will help you mounds if you’ve done the proper research.

While in the interview, your potential employer will be focusing on your ability to match the job requirements. Specifically matching your personal qualities, communication skills & motivation. Enthusiasm matters but being dull might be a plus for an accountant. Your potential employer will already have an indication of these from your application to the organization but now the interviewer will assess you in person.

Remember, words are only 9% of communication so it’s always important to get correct body language, maintain eye contact and smile every now and again.

To help you through your interview here are few useful hints and tips:

-Enter the room confidently and when introducing yourself shake hands firmly

-Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic

-Always be polite, and try to maintain

-Do not lose interest and ask questions as well as answering clearly and concisely

-Answer questions as fully as you can, avoid just saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’

-Provide examples to prove your skills and achievements

-Always tell the truth

-Ask if you don’t understand a question

-Sell yourself – get your good points across

When ending the interview it’s important to leave the interviewers with a good impression of you. No matter how bad you think the interview was, always act as if it was a great interview. Thank the interviewer for their time & make sure to say goodbye to everyone. Always shake hands, look at people & leave being perceived as positive.

Never get to caught up in the outcome of the interview. Interview skills are difficult to grasp at first but the more you practice the easier they become. If you don’t land the job it isn’t uncommon or to call for some feedback. It will help you in the next interview.

For more interview resources check out iLostMyJob.com’s Interview Section

1. What Not to Wear to an Interview

2. Addressing, Why Should I Hire You?

3. Addressing, Previous Termination

4. Dealing with Salary Negotiations

Join our Facebook Group: Facebook.com/iLostMyJob

Follow Us on Twitter: @ilostmyjob

Check Out Our Youtube Tips: iLostMyjob.com

Interview tips for job seekers

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Qualities HR Needs To See From You In The Interview

May 2, 2010

Do you interview often but don’t land the job? Have you had a series of what seemed like awesome opportunities only to be left empty handed?

Have you tried to find out what is the problem? Have you asked for an outside perspective? Old co-workers? Anyone who has interviewed you? Do you think it might be time to look in the mirror?

Ask yourself, what qualities do you show in the interview?  Do you use the right qualities or the wrong qualities?

Well we can’t look into a crystal ball but we can think like HR!  Want to know how?  Get your answer HERE!

———>Top 10 Skills Desired By Hiring Managers<——–

Interview tips for job seekers

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Do you know how to control an interview?

April 11, 2010

Our control of a situation in our lives varies day by day.  As a job seeker our children, spouse or family give us the greatest amount of control, it’s stable with them.  As a job seeker it feels like our careers have no control and we are spinning…

We feel nearly helpless.  That helplessness doesn’t need to exist.  We can take back the control.  Much more than we have right now.  First, we must address what’s different so we understand why we feel so helpless.

Think about it.  In all other aspects of your life we have a choice.  That choice is to compromise. The world would be different if a company compromised with every person who landed an interview.  Getting an interview would mean almost always getting some work.

The difference is apparent.  You can get more compromise back in your interview.  Want to two ways to get control?

  • Get to know your interviewer

Read about them on linkedin, find out who they are, were they went to school, their back ground and if you can through talking with other previous employees.  Find out about their work history in the company.  Maybe they were in sales and developed a great team and then were asked to help in hiring.  That would be valuable info if you were interviewing for sales.

  • Bring a proposal.

Do you really want this job? Do you think you would be good at it?

If you answered yes, then why don’t you have a plan for the first month in the job? Bringing a proposal plan if even only to talk about.  If you print it as an actual report that would in the office you can bring more credibility.  It shows initiative.  It’s drive companies want from you.  You’re job interview isn’t a job yet, so make it a job by bringing actual work!

For many more ways to gaining control and get the edge in an interview there is a Webinar this week on April 15 th 2010:

UPCOMING F-R-E-E Webinar >
Selling Yourself in an Interview
How to Separate Yourself from other Job Applicants

Interview tips for job seekers

Here You Can Ask A Question to Our Career Doctor

Interview tips, Interview Help

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Posted by ilostmyjob

Do you have an interview strategy to talk salary?

April 7, 2010

OUTLOOK NEWS 10-04-12 MON

Interviews are never easy.  The uncomfortable feeling, the nerves & feeling like it’s all about “not” selecting you is all part of the game.  The interview process is leaving a trail of very unhappy job seekers unfortunately for companies.

I’ve actually heard about job seekers forming blogs, groups & linkedin discussions around companies and their negative qualities and why no one should apply or work there.  It’s not amazing when you think about it, these companies need potential employees to still like them enough to not work for a competitor and not bad mouth their brand.

This makes it even more uncomfortable for someone when they’re interested in talking about salary or benefits in the interview.  We have some responses from people who want what they want and refuse to take less…

…Also as far as the compensation question goes I usually try to say that I am quite flexible and that I’m sure if the fit is right between my skills and the needs of the employer then we should be able to agree on a suitable number.

I mention that the whole package, health care benefits, 401K, etc is a part of the discussion, not just a single salary number. If none of that works, then I push back and give a wide range (the lowest I would consider) to a fairly high number and say that their location may also affect the range (if you’re willing to move to a higher cost of living area, etc). Hope that helps! – Marcia J.

This is an example of a job applicant taking the power into their own hands and refusing to be pushed around by a company that believes they can get cheap workers because of the recession.  Another strategy is to back load your contract…Read to learn how to bring it up….

A group that I attend had this discussion the other day and someone came up with one suggestion that was pretty good. “Over the last “X” years my salary has consisted of a base and incentive that allowed me to make “$XK”. I want to find a position that will enable me to make that same amount in some sort of mix of those components.

In that way you allow them to back load with a bonus that is set up to let you earn more money. You do have to make sure that you have the bonus clearly spelled out and that it is not capped etc. Just one suggestion. - Pam N.

These are both good options for talking salary.  Many people know how to talk salary but don’t know what they should be paid for their service.  If you want to check out what you should be paid, read our article:

Salary Negotiations & What’s My Salary

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Could you get a job without an interview?

April 5, 2010

OUTLOOK NEWS 10-04-13 TUE-1

Could you land a job without an interview?

Interviews are important don’t get me wrong.  They are the first step for 95% of job seekers.  But also for 99% of the people in the interview, it’s the end.  This of course isn’t true for companies interviewing for multiple positions but generally each interview session is simply for one position.

Regardless, can you get a job with an interview? Why wait for someone to pick you? You can get a job without an interview.

Of course it’s all about method.  There is no magic formula to land a job, it’s all about your openness to try new things.

To get started if you’re targeting jobs and want to get a job without an interview try this:

  1. Clip a news story about the company that interests your professional area of expertise.
  2. Write up a proposal from your professional expertise and find out who the manager who is in charge of that project or division.
  3. Once you’ve done that, find out who is the boss of the project manager or division chief then send the proposal and clipping to 2 levels of management above the department head along with the department head.

This will give you a chance to expand your visibly & feel the rush of working again.  You don’t want to be out of work and doing this will give you an opportunity to connect with the corporate decision makers.

It’s about showing off who you are to a company.  Use all your connections to find these people.  If you want to find people in the companies you will need to use Linkedin.com and do an advanced search.

What would you do to get a job without an interview? What is your method? Do you want to wait for the interview or do you want to get a job without one?

If you’re interested in finding other ways to land interviews without going crazy feel free to check out our article:

Why Targeting Your Job Market Gets You More Interviews and Offers

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Springtime Thaws the Job Search

March 15, 2010

Now that spring is in the air do we know how to restart the job search? Shake off the winter frost and start getting back out there. Here in Minnesota it’s been cold.  I mean cold and people do actually forget what it’s like to be outside.  We especially forget how it can be awesome to be out of the house.

With spring this week it’s time to rethink our job search.  Do it like KFC, rethink.

Get up, get moving and get out.  Think out of the box.  Push for new ideas and restart the engine.

Reevaluate your networking groups, contacts and jobs on your radar.  It’s time to think big picture.  What goals do you need to set for this summer to be how you want it?

Take this week to plan out what spring will mean to you.  It’s only 3 months but it’s the perfect time for you to realign your goals and get what you need done.

What do you need to get done? Can you see the steps you need to achieve your goals? What is your big goal?

If you have any questions regarding a goal ask the Career Doctor: Ask the Career Doctor

For job search help check out ilostmyjob.com – Your Career Transition Resource

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Posted by Dustin

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