The original article can be found on Thea's blog. Is it appropriate to take notes during a job interview? Generally yes, and the way you do it sends messages about you that can help you get the job – or lose it. Here’s how to take notes during an interview. Politeness counts. First, show consideration for the interviewer by asking, “Is it all right if I take a few notes?” Most will say &ldq...

As a job seeker you probably are well aware of the many obstacles on the road to landing a new job successfully. Knowing the best approach to the process will help your job hunting efforts be fruitful and productive. Whether you are just starting the journey to a new position or you’ve been beating the path for a long time, it’s important to know how to make yourself more hireable and what it is that will open door...

If you still plan and conduct your job searches the same way you did 10-15 years ago, you probably aren’t getting the traction you used to back then. Some things never change, while others seem to change every time you turn around. If you don’t see the need for significant change in your job search plans or if you actively resist the idea of making changes, it’s important to understand one key fact: Change...

Hi Deb: I’m currently employed, and have been interviewing for a few months. A friend of mine just told me that he submits a bill for his travel expenses to his interviewer after the interview is complete. He will bill the interviewing company for his mass transit ticket, parking, mileage, and any other expenses associated with his travel. He said that I should be doing this too, as it “commands respect.”...

As college graduates enter to world of work, employers will be watching them and evaluating their job performance. New employees are expected to accept the culture, fit in and prove that they belong. Employers want new employees to hit the ground running, perform at a high level and impress everyone they work with or encounter. In other words, recent grads must earn their way into the company by making solid contributions....

Preparing for interview questions will give you the edge over other qualified candidates. Although there isn't one correct way to respond to questions, keep the following in mind: 1. Understand what's being asked. Employers want to know about your adaptive skills (meeting deadlines) and personal qualities (dependability, motivation). 2. Answer questions briefly. Present the facts as advantages. 3. Answer the rea...

There is a pervasive myth out there among job candidates that the interview is about you. It should be easy to go in and talk about yourself, your achievements, your vision. Make no mistake. The interview isn’t about you at all. It’s about the business pain that the hiring manager and company have. The hiring manager doesn’t want to listen to your life’s story or a rehashing of every project on which y...

When you line up and go through job interviews, are you wasting your time? This is not an easy question for most of us to answer, although you might have an opinion based on your experience as a candidate (good or bad). Recently I came across an article indicating that companies themselves tend to place more emphasis on the value of in-person interviews than on objective assessment, even though it’s often not justifie...

Success is measured by your results. You’ve had this ingrained in you:. It follows that if you didn’t get an offer after your interview, you failed. Your self-esteem takes a hit and maybe even depression sets in. “Nobody wants me.” You make all about you. You all have heard about how much a “bad hire” costs the company. Well it costs you as well. Your zeal to get the offer by overs...

If you’re open to new job opportunities, you know it’s smart to keep your resume updated. But did you know it’s equally important to be ready for a phone screen interview – which could happen at any time? And are you ready? A headhunter may find you through a personal referral or LinkedIn and give you a call. Make no mistake – this “chat” is an interview! And typically fewer than...