Subscribe to the MJW Careers' Jobstickers Podcast on iTunes

Subscribe to the MJW Careers' Jobstickers Podcast on iTunes

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Closing Questions Are the Answer to a Successful Interview

Preparing for an interview is just as important as the interview itself. Without proper preparation, you can get caught off guard or even leave the interviewer questioning your ability to deliver once hired for the position. The best interview tactic is to have impressive closing questions.

While working in Human Resources as a Recruiter, I once had a hiring manager hire a candidate simply because of their interview. He was so pleased with the candidate's knowledge and their pertinent closing questions relating to the company's current situation and the actual position being advertised. The hiring manager favored the interviewee over another candidate strictly due to the fact that he showed enthusiasm to learn more and really cared about the organization.

How was that candidate able to do all this? Researching the company. You always want to make sure you research a company prior to attending an interview, so you can:

1. Know if you would enjoy working there.

2. Find out if you would fit into their corporate culture.

3. Ask educated questions throughout the interview.

4. Use verbiage during the interview that relates to the company, industry and specific job for which you are interviewing.

5. Ask insightful closing questions.

Remember, your competition is doing this legwork. There is nothing worse than having no questions at all. You want to add some of these following questions in the mix to make you that much more effective:

1. Is there any other information you need from me regarding my application?

2. Do you have any hesitations about me for this position?

3. How do I compare to my competition?

4. Is there any reason why I would not be an asset in the job I am interviewing for?

5. I want to work for your company; can you see any reason how I might not fit into your corporate culture?

6. Is there anything hindering me from moving forward in the interview process?

7. Where do I go from here? Can you tell me about the rest of the interviewing process?

8. Do you know when I might hear correspondence regarding the next step?

9. Is there any reason why we can't set up the next interview now?

So before you go to an interview, research the company and prepare a list of closing questions. The more work you put into the preparation process, the greater your chance of impressing the interviewer and getting hired!

JobStickers Podcast #7: Phone Etiquette for Job Seekers

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The 7th MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast series will be focused on phone etiquette for job seekers. It is important that every single aspect of your job search is sharp and effective, including your messages and phone interviews with potential employers.

On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.

For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html

Asking for a Raise and Salary Negotiation Techniques in a Declining Economy

To get the money you deserve, you have to ask for it and explain why you deserve it. In a bad economy, wondering "When is the best time to ask for a raise?" is sort of like asking "When is the best time to buy a house?" The answer is, "Whenever you need a house!" So if you feel you need (and deserve) a raise, now is the best time.

Reasons You May Feel Hesitant
1. You feel lucky to even have a job.
2. You worry the boss might view it as "unacceptable" or out of the question.
3. You are afraid of being rejected, demoted, or fired.
4. You feel guilty because friends and colleagues are laid off or cannot find work.
5. In general, fewer Americans are getting a raise (across all industries).

Your boss cannot fire you for asking for a raise. Under normal circumstances, it is customary to ask for a raise every 12-18 months. If you received a mediocre raise, ask your boss if you can revisit the discussion in 4-6 months.

The most opportune time to bring up a raise is after you have earned a major victory for the company or department, or whenever you are on the boss' good side. Schedule a convenient, stress-free time for your boss. If you prefer, ask them if they want to discuss it over coffee so it feels more comfortable.

Getting Ready
Any time you negotiate salary or a raise; you must be confident and be prepared. Compile a list your contributions and for each item, state its impact on the company's bottom line.

Here are some examples:
1. Goals met
2. Projects completed
3. Problems solved
4. Impact on your department or team
5. New ideas or projects generated
6. Tasks fulfilled
7. Knowledge gained
8. Expectations exceeded
9. Kudos from clients and co-workers

In your discussion, follow these guidelines:
1. Acknowledge that you understand the economy and company's financial situation.
2. Do not insinuate that your current salary or job position is a problem.
3. Never give an ultimatum or threaten to quit if you do no get a raise.
4. Do not tell them if you have a better offer from another company.

What to Expect When You're Expecting...a Raise
First and foremost, get ready to hear "No". When you know it is coming, you can respond unemotionally and state your prepared arguments. Take the initial rejection as jumping off point to start negotiation. Reiterate your best arguments and then about other possible options.

Budget can be a real issue for negotiating a higher salary or raise, especially in a tough economy. Non-cash options are a great alternative if your employer's budget cannot grant a raise or higher salary. These perks may seem less attractive than what you hoped for, but they do save you money and make life easier.

If you still come away empty handed, set up another meeting in 4-6 months or whenever the budget improves. For the mean time, define goals with your boss that you can meet to win a raise the next time.

JobStickers Podcast #5: Career Fair Techniques

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The 5th of the MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast series will be focused on career fair techniques. Career fairs are not supposed to be about long lines and bad parking. You need to do as much as you can to not waste your time, nor the time of the companies in attendance.

On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.

For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html

JobStickers Podcast #4: Sample Interview Closing Questions

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For the 4th installment of the MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast, we will be discussing some sample interview closing questions. You should always be asking questions at the end of an interview!

On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.

For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html

JobStickers Podcast #3: Quick Internet Tips to Help Find a Job

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Welcome to the 3rd installment of the MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast! This week we will be discussing some quick internet tips to help you get started (or continue) your job search.

On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.

For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html