Lindsay Olson

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Tough Interview Questions and How to Respond

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There's no doubt that at some point in your professional career you'll find yourself in an interview situation where you are forced to evaluate your negative qualities or performance. Some interviewers love these high pressure types of questions.

Putting someone in the pressure cooker for too long will surely lead the candidate to second guess if the opportunity is truly where he or she would like to land. If used sparingly and with tact, some important self-critical insights could help both sides discover the right fit.

Some questions are just outright inappropriate like "Why aren't you making more money at this point in your career" (rude and presumptuous) or "Why should (or shouldn't) I hire you? (an unprepared interviewer). There are some more tactful pressure questions that should be prepared for and given some thought.

For example:

Tell me about your last performance review. In which area were you most disappointed? Knowing what you know now, how could you have improved your performance?

The most talented and top performing employees always strive to improve themselves. Your job is to explain a specific situation or shortcoming and follow it up with how your performance could have been better. It's important to show your prospective employer you can take responsibility for these issues and that you have learned from them.

Where do you disagree with your boss most often? Tell me about how you handled the last situation where your boss was wrong and you were right.

Disagreements will occur in any working relationship over time. There's a fine line between sticking up for yourself and always being ready to wage war when opinions differ. The interviewer is wants to know how the candidate resolves the issue. Be careful not to gloat about the victory. Particularly in PR agencies, where team work and positive relationships between the staff are highly valued, the hiring manager needs to see potential staff member can keep an objective view even when the emotions and the stakes are high.

Meeting with a hiring manager who uses too many of the negative stress questions during the interview process could be a good cue to proceed with caution. But don't be so quick to dismiss a few of these types of questions for a bad work environment. It could also be a sign of how you are coming across. There's a fine line between confident and cocky. I tend to use these types of questions when a candidate crosses the cocky line to bring him or her down a notch before making a decision to proceed in the process.

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Job Seeker Mistakes - Hall of Shame

This month I posted a position for a Research and Communications Specialist. It's an entry-level position for a recent college graduate. I'm not an advocate of using job boards to recruit top talent, but this wasn't a position that warranted a full-scale search effort, so I posted it (disclosure: It was for Paradigm Staffing, not our clients).

I'm worried about the generation of young professionals entering the workforce if the responses I received reflect the lack of professional presentation skills upon departing these expensive university educations. My email filled with over 100 resumes for this position and only two of them were candidates I would consider based on their resumes and introductions.

Embarking on the first job search for a recent graduate is confusing, stressful and a learning experience every step of the way. But there is no excuse for not knowing the basics.

A job candidate should at least be able to write an introductory letter, especially when the job ad specifies the required materials. Of course, it should always be free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Here are some of the most interesting excerpts from this recent job post:

There I gained valuable experience in photocopying and other secretarial skills.

Lesson: Photocopying is a responsibility, but not valuable experience. Demonstrate value to an organization through your accomplishments. Find a way to stand out. This person's other secretarial skills should be much more noteworthy than photocopying. Think about the importance of the job and what problem the position solves for the company. Those are the skills you should play up to your prospective employer. In this particular case, the candidate could talk about efficiency and streamlining certain business practices through his or her efforts.

i living here during one year and my planes are stay until july, I am in interesting the possition.

- from a Marketing major

Lesson: Spell check. End of discussion.

As a result of my varied experiences, I have learned how to work in various situations with varied goals.

- from a recent Communications graduate

Lesson: Diversify the language. Never use the same word more than once in a sentence. Ever.

I can offer to you is seven years of education and work experience where I learned how to communicate with customers, how of working as a team with co-workers, time management skills are necessary

- from a Business Management graduate

Lesson: I get what the candidate wants to say, but unfortunately, it is very obvious he didn't bother to look at what he wrote before he sent it.

This is a from a candidate I would have interviewed until I received an email five minutes later.

I'm sorry, my Outlook sometimes has problems forwarding emails with attachments.

- Organizational Communications graduate

Lesson: If you forget the attachment, it's excusable. Just don't lie and blame it on your Outlook program. It's insulting. It's a sure sign of someone who can not take responsibility for a simple mistake. Don't worry, you're not perfect and I expect you to make a ton of mistakes in the beginning. It's okay as long as you can admit them AND learn from them.

And my personal favorite:

I am a student from California Living in ____ currently just playing baseball and going to school with free time on my hands. I am studying Communication Studies and Interntional Business at (Ivy League University) and transportation would not be  problem. I think this would be great i have time on my hands and would like to be productive. Chau!

- not sure who he is because he didn't bother attaching a resume

Lesson: Some things are better left untouched.

Seven Tips Millennial Job Seekers Will Benefit From in This Tough Economy

This is a guest post from Lisa Orrell

, courtesy of Recruiting Blogswap.

We all know the current job market is tough, regardless of what generation you′re from. But for many Millennials, who are inexperienced when it comes to searching for a job, it can be an even tougher time. So this article provides all you newbie job seekers with seven tips that will give you an edge over your job-seeker competition.

1. Start a blog

Not "just" a blog — a blog that covers the news and information about specific companies, or industries, where you′d like to work. You can then contact the company(s) and let them know you have a blog that is "about them and their industry". This can attract their attention and give you an edge over just submitting a resume. Even micro-blogging on Twitter using this strategy is smart.

2. Make Yourself Known

Many newbie job seekers send their resume and then do nothing. Making 1-2 follow-up calls is not enough. Until someone tells you "the position is filled", keep calling, emailing, and inquiring. Sure, it may seem like you′re annoying, but you are making yourself memorable, and that′s key.

3. Know Your Target

Make sure you include the terminology used within that industry, and/or by that company, when submitting your info to them. This can range from the job titles they use to the industry/company jargon they use. The point here is to make your resume and cover letter "customized" to them, not generic to ANY industry and/or company.

4. Don′t Rely on Your Computer

Yes, the Internet is a powerful networking tool. And, of course, network on social networks like FaceBook, Twitter and LinkedIn. But face-to-face contact can be more powerful. Attend local professional networking events in industries you′re interested in. Interested in a Marketing career? Attend your local AMA chapter mixer. Each month, attend as many "live" networking events as possible. Not only will you make a lot of contacts but you′ll become better at "selling yourself" which can help when you interview.

5. Make Business Cards

Don′t arrive to networking events or job interviews without business cards. You can even make your title "Job Seeker in Finance" (or whatever you′re looking for). And on the back print a few bullets about you: Education, Degree, strengths, etc. These can be like mini-resumes and they give you something interesting to hand to people (versus writing your contact info on a napkin at an event). Make your own cards and get them printed inexpensively through online services like LogoMaker.com.

6. Thank You Cards

Whenever your return home from an interview or networking event, or even from casual encounter with someone you met at a party where you discussed your employment, send a hand written thank you note to everyone you met. People tend to send thank yous via email, but a hand written note makes a big impression nowadays because very few people send them!

7. Be "Employed" Through Volunteering

If you′re unemployed, use some of your free time to volunteer at a local non-profit. That reflects well on you when interviewing. You can say that you volunteer 15-20 hours per week for XYZ organization and your tasks include"¦employers want to know you′re "doing something" other than looking for a job full time. It also shows them you′re hard working and not just sitting around your home waiting for a job.

For more info about generations-related workforce trends, check-out Lisa′s business blog.

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.

Photo credit: Jesse Millan

Trekking the Perito Moreno Glacier

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Occasionally you'll find a post here that has nothing to do with career advice or job search. Believe it or not, I do have other interests! Despite the economy crashing and everything coming to a jolting halt in 2009, I decided to take the mini-vacation I've been talking about for the past four years I've lived in Argentina. Hey, everyone needs a break once in awhile.

So I finally went on a four day trip to El Calafate and the glaciers in the south of Argentina. El Calafate offers a spectacular landscapes and a ton of activities for people of all ages. The most memorable excursion of this trip was trekking on Perito Moreno glacier - not the type of adventure you can find in just any place in the world.

All the credit for the photos goes to my husband, Matias Dutto. Without his eye and passion for photography, I'd have nothing to share.

Some tips for those of you considering a trip to Argentina and the glaciers (from Matias's blog):

• Don't miss the Patagonia lamb dinner at the restaurant "La Tablita." It's one of the most recommended in town for reason, so ask your hotel or call for reservations in advance.
• Consider stay at Robles Sur Gone with the Wind full movie . Our friend, Oscar "Colores" Di Pietro, is the ultimate adventure host in Patagonia. If you're a photographer, if you're looking for an exclusive adventure, if you like serene places to stay, if you want to entire joy an authentic Italian cafe or if you're interested in climbing, this is the place you have to stay.
• Renting a car to see the area is always the best option (and cheaper in most cases).
• March is a perfect month to go because it is the end of high season and the weather is still very nice.

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What Not to Say or Do in an Interview: Part 2 by Stephanie Lloyd

This is part two of Stephanie Lloyd's 2-piece series on what not to say or do in an interview. You can find the first five here.

6.  Interviewer: "What questions do you have for me?" Candidate: "How much vacation will I get?"

Do *not* discuss salary or benefit packages, particularly during the first interview! Remain open. If you are asked what you′re looking for, it is fine to let them know what your salary and bonus structure is today.  Beyond that, let them know you′d rather defer that conversation until you′ve learned more about the opportunity, and they′ve learned more about what you can bring to the company.

7. Interviewer: "Candidate flushed the toilet during the phone interview."

Phone interviews are frequently a first step in the interviewing process.  Do *not* disregard the importance of this first impression! Be sure to set up a specific time in advance for the call.  This will allow you to be fully prepared and avoid situations where you are unable to conduct an effective interview. Make sure your phone (especially if you are on an extension) is audible or in good working order.  Avoid cell phones. Be aware of any potential distractions, i.e.; radio, television, background conversations, etc. If you have the "call waiting" feature on your phone, do not interrupt your conversation to answer a call.

8. Recruiter: "Candidate was so nervous; the poor guy asked me how my weekend was four times."

Do *not* appear nervous or desperate! A client recently told me that their top candidate for a particular position was ultimately not given the offer because he appeared so desperate during his interviews with the hiring manager.

9. Recruiter: "Candidate showed up for her 4:00 p.m. interview at 2:30."

If you have an interview scheduled for a job you really want, don′t be late. Also, do not be an hour and a half early. It′s disrespectful; recruiters and hiring managers have busy schedules just like everyone else. Be sure you know where you′re going so that you can arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. Drive to the location in advance of the interview if necessary to be sure you know exactly where you′re going. In the event that you do arrive more than ten minutes prior to your scheduled meeting time, wait in your car or find a nearby place — outside the office/waiting room — to wait.

10. Interviewer: "Candidate showed up with his mother and said she would give him an excellent reference."

No matter what, do not, I repeat, do *not* allow your parent(s) to go with you. And do not let your parents try to negotiate your offer for you! Your parents have no place in the interview process. EVER.

What would you add?

Stephanie Lloyd is a Recruiter and the Principal of the Calibre Search Group in Atlanta, Georgia. She has more than 15 years experience in financial services recruiting and sourcing and started her own firm in 2006.

You can find Stephanie on Twitter at @atlrecruiter, on LinkedIN, or on the Calibre Search Group website.

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Links:

What Not to Say or Do in an Interview - Part 1

Getting Your Next PR Job in 2009

The Examiner PR columnist, Valerie Simon, recently interviewed me for a piece she wrote on "Getting Your Next PR Job." Here is an except and read the rest of the comments over at the Examiner

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Although just last November "public relations specialists" ranked 19th on Time's list of 150 recession proof jobs http://tinyurl.com/5k7ode Charade dvd , it seems that these days no position, or company is immune to the economic crisis. While much of the news you are hearing probably concerns layoffs or entire companies going out of business, the fact is that there are many PR positions available. So how do you find them? And how do you distinguish yourself from the myriad of other candidates out there? Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing some conversations with both recruiters and organizations who are currently hiring. There is good news out there, and with the right resources, you can be a part of it!

Lindsay Olson, a partner and recruiter at Paradigm Staffing, continues to make successful placements, regardless of the current job market. "In the past two weeks, we placed a Director of Public Relations for a marketing services company in Connecticut and a Sr. Account Executive for a technology PR agency in San Francisco. We've also signed two new clients in the past week - both in-house PR positions."

According to Lindsay, while there has been a decrease in the number of new jobs available, those jobs that are available are open because the position is a very important hire for the company. There are many candidates vying for the same positions, so the competition is fierce and means candidates need to be more prepared than ever for their interviews....

Continued here...

Photo credit: Matias Dutto

Ten Things to Not Say or Do in an Interview by Stephanie Lloyd

Stephanie Lloyd is a Recruiter and the Principal of the Calibre Search Group in Atlanta, Georgia. She has more than 15 years experience in financial services recruiting and sourcing and started her own firm in 2006.

In this two-part guest series, Stephanie gives us some humorous examples of what NOT to say in an interview and why.

1.    Interviewer: "Why did you leave your last job?" Candidate: "I was met with a string of broken promises and lies, as well as cockroaches."

Do *not* say anything even remotely negative. This includes past employers! You even enjoyed the drive to the interview"¦no matter how long you were stuck in traffic.

2.    Interviewer: "Why are you interested in this position with our company?" Candidate: "I need money. I want to have a life, party, give my wife expensive gifts, and eat something besides soup."

Do *not* take the interview for granted! The interview process is your opportunity to sell yourself for the position, as well as to learn more it. Be fully prepared with your notes with regard to: 1) the company, 2) the position, and 3) yourself (resume).  You then are able to come across as organized and articulate. Use specific examples when answering questions; stress your achievements, records and accomplishments.

3.    Interviewer: "What questions do you have for me?" Candidate: "Hey, did you catch that Braves game last night?"

Do *not* show up to the interview unprepared to ask good questions. Who′s been successful and why? Why is the position open? Who does the position report to; who does it supervise?  What needs to be done in the first six months; the first year? Are there any major challenges that need to be addressed immediately? Tell me about the history of growth of the company. What is your highest priority in the next six months, and how could someone like me help? What are the characteristics of your top people? What are your personal satisfactions and disappointments since you have been with the firm?

4.    HR Professional: "Candidate (falsely) claimed to have been a professional baseball player."

Do *not* lie about your salary"¦or your education"¦or your employment or criminal history. These things can be and are checked!
5.    Hiring Manager: "Candidate wore turban, one-shouldered top, & sandals. When asked if appropriately dressed she said, "Don′t you think I look pretty?"

Do *not* dress inappropriately for the interview. What you wear has an impact on the first impression you make and significant influence on the entire interview. A decision is made about whether you may be the right person for the job in the first five minutes, and the hiring manager spends the next half-hour trying to defend that decision. If you can, prior to the interview find out what the company′s dress code is, and dress better than suggested. Most times, it's best to wear a suit, particularly when it′s a first interview. Conservative is still the rule of thumb for interviews.

Come back later this week to see Stephanie's remaining five things not to say or do in an interview.

You can find Stephanie on Twitter at @atlrecruiter, on LinkedIN, or on the Calibre Search Group website.

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Where in the World is Lindsay?

It will be quiet around here for the next week or so. I'm going on short, but overdue vacation. See you sometime next week.

Photo credit: Marina & Enrique The Watcher divx