Doostang News April 5: What You Need to Know When You Walk Into an Interview

Showing up to an interview requires possessing more than just that arsenal of resumes, business cards, and reference lists in your portfolio. There are also a few key things you need to know and be able to discuss with an interviewer come the big day – things that require a little bit of light studying, but that can do a world of good in pleading your case.

Know Your Background

This may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to freeze up and forget about the basics of your career history when you’re in the middle of an interview. On one hand, that’s why it’s great to have a copy of your resume in front of you, just in case you find yourself in one of these terrifying, awkward moments. However, suffice it to say, constantly referring to your resume doesn’t come off quite as well as confidence, preparation, and steady eye contact do. After all, if it’s on your resume, you’re expected to be able to discuss it. So take the time to go over your experiences and think of potential talking points. If you do this ahead of time, you’ll have a much smoother – and ultimately a much more successful – interview.

Know the Company

Surfing the web the night before your interview to find and memorize the “About” section of the company’s website is not enough. If you’re aiming to impress, figure out what the company is really all about. Read the mission statement, look for recent company appearances in the news, become familiar with sister companies or corporate brands. Firms want to hire individuals who can truly contribute something, and someone who knows the company is more capable of doing this. Convey a vested interest in the company, and let the interviewer know that once you’re brought on, you can spend less time learning the ropes and more time underscoring that “About” section.

Know the Position

Again, this is another one of those “you may think you know” topics, when in reality, you have a lot to learn. Knowing the position is about being acquainted with similar positions in the company, or similar positions at other companies. You should be familiar with the industry to which you are applying, and should know the ins and outs of the position itself, including duties, qualifications, and salary requirements. You should also consider how different aspects of your background compliment the job requirements. Finally, contemplate your goals, and how this position will fit into them or help you get closer to them. Really understand what it is that you’re going after, and hiring managers will be much more receptive to your pitch.

Understanding these key elements in a job search can really lay the foundation for a great interview. And while some may write these off as the “basics”, understanding the nuances of what you want and what you bring to the table can truly affect whether or not you ultimately land that dream job.

Learn:

1. How to network in groups comfortably & get rid of the FEAR
2. How to network 1-on-1
3. How to get started, stay organized & hold yourself accountable

PLUS Interactive networking exercises-Practice what you’ve learned!

Fee: $20

Date: Wednesday, April 28th

Time: 12 noon (Bring your own lunch)

Location: Asa Flats & Lofts (1200 NW Marshall Street in the Pearl)

Register: jdavidson@realitycheck-coaching.com

Lori says, The key points are to First, get your resume perfected and then get yourself out there, ie. Network!  Most important is to keep your head up, keep motivated and keep being persistent.

Top Ten Ways to Find a Job

When the economy is in bad shape, the job market is usually worse. Those with jobs are trying to stay employed and people without jobs are desperately trying to find a new job - both can be extremely stressful.

If you put in the time and effort into finding a new job you will be rewarded no matter how fierce the competition is. Stay motivated and persistent – finding a new job is your new job right now.

These are the top ten ways to find a new job:

1. Use the Internet Daily – It is so easy to get lost on the Internet wasting time on websites, job boards and social media sites with no real benefits. Make sure you are actively spending your time on the Internet looking for and applying to jobs and networking with those who may be able to help. There are a ton of useful job boards and career sites to help you focus your search. Check out Job Board Reviews to help find the most useful websites to your industry or profession. Do your best to stay focused on your job search for a few hours a day. Be sure to actively apply to jobs, don’t just upload your resume and wait for phone calls.
2. Perfect your resume – Your resume is often the first glimpse a potential employer gets of you and your skills, make sure it accurately details your skills and work history and how they can benefit your future employer. Make sure you have someone proof read it before sending it out and try to customize it for each job you are applying for.
3. Network – Let everyone you know that you are looking for a job. The more people you have out there on your team, with eyes open the more opportunities you will have. Tell everyone in your network what kind of a job you are looking for or any special skills you may have. You can forward your resume to people in your network and ask them if they know of anyone hiring or if they can check within their company for any open positions. Most people actually find and are hired through referrals from a friend or family member than any other source.
4. Go back to school – Now is the time to get the competitive edge over other job candidates. Many people are finding it hard to get to a traditional college or university and are opting for online schools and programs. Look into enrolling in an accredited online college for some online courses and upgrading your training. Increasing your education will improve your resume and get you one step closer to landing a job.
5. Target Local Companies – Get out and start knocking on some doors. If you are not having any luck online submitting your resume online, it’s time to get out and start meeting people face to face. Make a list of companies in your area that you would like to work for, call them directly to see if they have any openings that interest you. If that doesn’t work, put on some professional attire and stop by with your resume in hand.
6. Industry Mags and Social Niches – Sometimes the best positions that are the perfect fit are only being advertised in industry specific magazines and publications. Sign up for some Industry trade magazines, online groups, forums, and social networks. Reading up on the latest industry news is a great way to stay on top and find new open positions. It also will help with your industry specific networking.
7. Job Fairs – Can it get better than this. Job fairs are a giant room or convention center filled with companies who are looking to hire. Dress to impress, print out a bunch of copies on your resume and start talking to companies who are looking to hire. It’s such an easy way to meet people and get some help with your search.
8. Get some Professional Help - Recruiters, headhunters, and temp agencies are always looking for qualified candidates. Find some recruiters that specialize in your industry or position and get them your resume.
9. State and public resources – There are so many free resources offered by your state to help job seekers find a new job. Most states and counties offer everything from resume writing services, career counseling, and lots of sessions on all the skills you will need to find you new job. State and local resources are also often given lists of openings that aren’t posted or found in other locations. Pop on over and see what they can offer.
10. Consider Freelancing – If you are not finding the right full time position, consider taking a contract position or freelancing your services out. Many companies are not able to hire for full time positions but would be willing to give you a try on an as need basis.

Get on out there! Remember to Network, keep your head up and Don’t give up! There is someone out there waiting to hire you. ~ Jill Czeczuga

www.JobBoardReviews.com

Register for KISSpdx April 1 - April 9th and KISSpdx will donate an additional $20 per registrant. That’s $100 every 5 women! Let’s Go GIRLS! Register Online: www.kisspdx.com

Check out the promotion and pass along the link here:

KISSpdx Give Big Promotion

KISSpdx 2010 is here!      KISSpdx Partner List KISSpdx Partner Form

“Women are a huge part of the workforce and are leading the new economy, but we’re busier and more stressed than ever. Kiss PDX 2010 is an opportunity for professional women like you to join together to achieve both satisfying careers and sustainable lifestyles without compromising one for the other.”

– Jennifer Davidson, KISSpdx Producer

KISS pdx– Keep It Sustainable Sister!, an innovative two-day conference focused on successful career management provides you with strategies for a balanced, sustainable lifestyle through workshops by Portland’s most exciting Innovators in the fields of wealth, health, happiness, and career advancement. Limited to just 60 women to ensure you have a quality experience and individual attention, Kiss PDX 2010 will provide action-oriented advice, camaraderie and self-care in a fun, friendly environment, including opportunities from pampering to peer mentoring, with sessions on Increasing Your Net Worth, The Science of Happiness, Building an Executive Presence, Adding Life to Your Years, and more. Discover how to live a sustainable lifestyle with career, family, health and other needs in balance. Join us May 21-22 for an experience like no other.

Lori Rush (r) with E.D. Christine McDonald (c)

This is a huge honor and a direct reflection of your ability to unite others. Congratulations Lori! RCC is lucky to have your kind heart and fierce commitment! Thanks for all that you do!

See the full story and Lori’s best friend Shirley Cyr who was also honored for her contributions with the Promise of One Award!

Komen Oregon Press Release

I had to keep up and have my intentions at the forefront because the meeting was squished between her morning commute and her first court session of the day. I wanted to make sure to ask Maurer what the tipping point would be for her or women in her network. Meaning, what would make you want to sign up vs. not sign up? Maurer responded immediately with the answer, You. She continued, Meeting you makes all the difference.

Wow! I thought to myself. Coming from anyone that would be a compliment, but from a presiding judge…I was honored. It was a perfect reminder that the most powerful weapon, tactic or strategy we have in life is ourselves.

Lesson Learned (for each of us to remember)

• You Are The Difference
• You Are The Tipping Point
• You Have Work To Do In This World….SHOW UP!