It’s not unusual for job seekers to tell me that they were called to interview for a position, however, they passed on the opportunity because they… didn’t like the company thought it was too far to commute thought the job wasn’t a great fit for their experience didn’t think it would pay an acceptable compensation level heard some bad things about the culture …or any number of other objections Is it...

One interview question many people seem to have a difficult time answering well is "What are your strengths?".Either they feel uncomfortable "blowing their own horn" in the interview process, or they give answers that are very generic and don't distinguish themselves from the majority of other candidates. This is one question you know will be asked in one form or another… either directly, or indirectly through behavioral qu...

Over the course of 25 years as a recruiter I've interviewed thousands of people. Beyond that, I debrief with my clients after they interview candidates and get their feedback and impressions as well. Although there is an occasional "new one" I've never encountered before… most of the time candidates make the same mistakes, usually without even realizing what they're doing is a problem, or realizing that they are creating a...

As I’ve said many times before, LinkedIn is a game changer when it comes to an effective job search in today’s online world. There has never been a resource that made it as easy to find the critical information you need when you’re looking for a new job… Companies, Contacts, Interview Prep information, Comparative Job Histories, and venues to discuss topics and challenges related to any job, field, or industry. It’s incredi...

I received a note from someone that said:“I was told I was not assertive enough in an interview I just had. How do you do that?”Good question, and one that I think affects a number of job seekers. How do you express assertiveness without being over-bearing or offensive? And what does being “assertive” really mean?One nice result of this encounter, is that the employer gave an honest critique that most people are not likely...

As job seekers hear various job search tactics and strategies, they often think… “That doesn’t really apply to me. Those techniques are for different kinds of jobs.” Is that true? Are there different “rules” for ‘Blue-Collar’ vs. ‘White-Collar’ jobs?Well… Yes… and No!Here are some things to consider…Online tools. While LinkedIn and other online resources are “must-haves” for an effective white-collar job search in today’s m...

Someone in one of my job search classes had a terrible experience at a recent interview and wasn’t sure how she should have responded. The interviewer/hiring manager was rude, confrontational, aggressive, and belittling. Essentially… he was a Jerk!It’s pretty rare that it happens… but sometimes it does. What should you do if you are confronted with that kind of situation, and does it necessarily mean the potential opportuni...

Congratulations… you got a new job offer that you like! Then, when you went back to give notice to your current employer they said: “Hey wait! We don’t want to lose you, we’ll beat your new offer!” Great news… right? Maybe… but probably not!More money always sounds nice… but here are some things to consider before accepting that counter-offer and staying at your current company… Why were you willing to interview in the firs...

So often, when job seekers give their Elevator Speech at a networking event or when asked in a formal environment, they give an overly “slick” or a too detailed recitation.A key to success in networking with others, is for them to clearly understand what you do and what you are looking for. If you come across as if you’re trying to impress them too much, or if they don’t “get” what you do, you won’t get results. Furthermore...

I was recently asked a question by someone trying to help a job seeker that had been terminated from his last position. They wanted to give some helpful advice. Here’s the conversation (edited for privacy)…I am trying to help a gentleman who was let go from “ABC Company” last month. My first impression was that he was laid off, but when I asked him some questions about the change he said he was terminated. Obviously I wasn’...