Sample Questions to Ask Employers

Candidates should ask as many questions as they can. Taking a job is a big life decision and they need to know as much as possible about the organization, just as the organization wants to learn about them during the interview.

A few key principles about asking questions:
>Ask only those questions to which you want an answer. This may seem obvious, but many people will ask questions merely to impress the interviewer. Why waste your time and theirs when they are likely to see through your smoke-screen?
>Ask questions that reveal the depth of your research and your interest in the job. In other words, don't ask questions that are easily answered on the company Web site or in the job description. (You do have a copy of the job description, don't you?)
>Don't ask questions about salary, vacation, or other benefits until you are offered the job. If you do ask, the interviewer will be inclined to think that you are more interested in the money than in the position. (There are exceptions to this rule - for, instance, if you already have experience in this field and need to know if the job falls within your acceptable salary range.)

Some sample questions:

1. How and when will my performance be evaluated on this job? How is success measured in this department / organization?
2. I read in your literature that your training program is comprised of three six-month rotations. Does the employee have any input into where he will go at the end of each rotation? How do you evaluate the employee's performance during the training period?
3. I read in Business Week that a major competitor of yours is increasing its market share in your main market. What plans does your firm have to regain its lost market share?
4. Can you please tell me how your career has developed at this organiztion? Would someone entering the firm today have similar opportunities?
5. What is an average week in this job really like?
6. Does the management encourage the policy of promotion from within the organization?
7. Describe typical first year assignments on the job.
8. What are the challenging facets of the job?
9. What are the organization's plans for future growth or change?
10. What makes your firm, hospital, school system, ad agency, etc., different?
11. What are the organization's strengths, and what challenges does it face?
12. How would you describe your organization's personality and management style?
13. What are your expectations for new hires within their first three to six months on the job?
14. Describe the work environment.
15. What is the overall structure of the department where the position is located?
16. What qualities are you looking for in your new hires?
17. What characteristics does a successful person have in your organization?

Creating a List of References

*When do you need a list of references?

>Potential employers commonly ask for a list of references whom they might contact (usually by phone) before or after interviewing you.
>Be sure you have such a list at hand when you go to an interview or when you need to fill out an application for employment.

*How many people do you need to serve as references?

>You should have three to five people on your list.
>If you have been in the work force for a year or more, at least two of these should be professional references, such as from previous employers or close business associates.
>Always ask these people if it is okay to list them as references. If they agree, take down their exact job title, the name of the company where they work, and their work address and phone number. You will need to include all of this information on the list you present at job interviews.
>If you can, tell them the type(s) of position you are applying for and the skills and personal characteristics that are being sought.

*Whom should you ask?

>People who have supervised your work, through your paid jobs, internships or volunteer and extracurricular activities.
>In addition, close business associates can provide references, whether you have worked with them on the job or while planning professional association activities.
>Do not list family members as references.
>People who, preferably, know you in a context that is appropriate to the job to which you are applying (for research positions, you would typically ask professors with whom you had worked; for most other jobs, work and internship supervisors or advisors to extracurricular activities; a mix of people who know you in different contexts is probably best).
>People who are willing to say good things about you! If you're not sure, ASK. Be straightforward: "These are the skills my potential employers are looking for. Do you feel that you know me well enough to say positive things about me in these areas?" A less-than-positive recommendation can kill your chances at a job.

*How should you format your list?

>Do not make the mistake of listing your references on your resume, as it is commonly seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.
>On a separate page, list three to five people; their exact title, the company they work for, their work address and phone number (add e-mail address if it is available); and their relationship to you ("supervisor at summer internship at Houghton Mifflin," "thesis advisor," "supervisor of volunteers at Cambridge Community Services," etc.).
>At the top of the page, write "References for (your name)."
>Create this using word processing software (such as Microsoft Word, or WordPerfect)--in other words, don't hand-write it.
>Print on high quality bond or linen paper in white, off-white or light gray.

*Stay in touch with your references.

>Don't forget to send each of your references a thank-you note when your job search is over. Proper etiquette aside, it will help keep your contacts current. You never know when you might need their help again sometime down the road

Direct From the Recruiters

*Well before the interview, do an "inventory of your successes."
Write them down. And have stories and examples you can draw on to elaborate on the successes. The goal is to have a menu of successes you can draw from during an interview, depending on which strengths and characteristics you want to emphasize.

*Come up with a "30-second commercial" that includes:
-Who I am?
-What I want to do?
-What I can bring to the table?

*When describing your examples and stories, use the CAR structure:
1. Circumstances: here's the situation/problem
2. Action: here's what I did and why
3. Result: here's how it turned out

*It's best to try to turn the interview into a conversation, not just a linear Question & Answer format. Two suggestions on how to do this:
-Your examples/stories should engage the interviewer so that they'll ask to hear more about what you did.
-Break the ice by showing interest in them. ("How is it going today?" If they're an alumnus/alumna: "When did you graduate from BC?")

*Always take notes during the interview.
It shows that you're interested and listening and puts you more in control. It also lets you refer back when asking questions later. Ask early in the interview, "Do you mind if I take notes?"

*You are always being interviewed and you are always networking.
In other words, any interactions on your internship, or on the phone with a receptionist, or even with a professor or advisor can potentially be a chance to put your best (or worst!) foot forward.

*Today, students are the commodity - you're in the driver's seat.
Today, the company expects the student to tell them what the student wants to do and accomplish, not the vise verse. BUT - it's important to be able to articulate what you can do for the company and how you can fill the role they have available.

*Prepare for the interview the same way you would for a final exam.
Do your homework and the test will be easy.

*Try to match the interviewer's energy level.
People like to hire others like themselves.

*Remember that the employer is looking for reasons to hire you.
You walk in with an A and it's up to you whether you keep that A or sink lower.

*Take a few seconds to think about a difficult question before responding.
Responding quickly may convey that you're impulsive and don't take time to think about your decisions.

*You want to lose your anxiety and become engaging with the employer
This also shows that you would be customer-oriented and able to be comfortable with people of varying status.

*Don't make up answers to questions you don't know.
They will fear you will do the same thing in the work place.

*Understand the significance of language abilities and travel experiences.
If you can master one thing they will see you capable of mastering their information as well.

*The interview is constantly happening.
Always act as if someone is watching you.

*Check the room for clues.
Family pictures, sports stuff, etc. can provide "ice-breakers" to help make conversation.

*Students should be setting forth goals (and thinking strategically) early on.
Think about your short-range and long-range goals as you decide on which internships and activities to participate in.

*Enthusiasm is vital!
Demonstrate your interest in the job and in the company

Tuning Your Resume

Resume is having vital power than any other thing in this world with respect to job search. It speaks with the Employer prior to the candidate. So Resume should be given higher priority in job search . Is there any standards for updating resume available in this world? Nobody can give unique answer , because it varies from person to person , because resume filtering again depends on person . So, it not that much of easy to update (tune ) , resume , so that every where it can be acceptable. But there are some steps, which can able to make the resume to speak effectively.
The following are few tips for tuning the resume …
1) Before tuning the resume, the aim behind it should be very clear . It means , what is to be highlighted , has to be known. If its required to highlight technology , it should be given priority in terms of technical way of writing resume .If its required to present communication skills, then it should be prepared in a way that the richness of the language can be reflected . According to the aim ,whatever has to be highlighted first should be given more stress. For this , the analysis of job requirements is must.

2) Every block (Phase) of the resume has to be shuffled in a way that the sequence of the priorities will be maintained so that the employer can easily pick the resume in the filtering process.

3) Revising the resume is essential. It can be done personally or it is better to ask somebody to revise and comment about it. The unwanted things can be removed this way. Because, for an accountant , its not required to keep the school best athlete award , at the starting page , but for a person who is trying for a post in the army it is essential. So unwanted issues can be removed or given lower priority.

4) Resume should undergo continuous updates that are happening. It means that every 15 days or 30 days , the resume has to be updated with enhanced skills. To make the work simple , update it whenever time permits , rather than on the day before the interview or job applying.

5) Try to read as many other resumes as possible so that , new points can be squeezed and can be placed in own resume. Many resumes are available on the internet which can be found by effective search.

6) Generally, a job seeker who does not get a job think that resume is not good . But self confidence is required to have a belief that their own resume is having good standards, once its tuned.

Taking more care or worrying more for one issue makes sick . So don’t worry much about the Resume; but give the sufficient quotient of time to update ( tune ) it.

How to Answer in an Interview

Regardless of the type of question you are asked, you will find it easier to respond effectively if you keep in mind some basic question-answering strategies.

*You can never predict all the questions that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points. Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in the industry and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program). Consider each question as an opportunity to provide some of this information.

*Don't assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your resume. Therefore, ensure that you incorporate the relevant information from your resume in your answers.

*Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.

*If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and can avoid an unsuitable answer. If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point in what you are saying.

*Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes" or "no."
The interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to 'blow your own horn.' As long as you are providing examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients."

*Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your former employer to the weather - and don't apologize for experience that you don't have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you should not say "I have a little experience..." Instead say "I have experience......"

*Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.

And last but not the least, Confidence in your answers will surely not let you down in an interview. So stay confident and win your dream job.

All the best!!!

Preparation for an interview

Great interviews arise from careful groundwork. You can ace your next interview if you:

1.Enter into a state of relaxed concentration: This is the state from which great basketball players or Olympic skaters operate. You'll need to quiet the negative self chatter in your head through meditation or visualization prior to sitting down in the meeting. You'll focus on the present moment and will be less apt to experience lapses in concentration, nervousness, self-doubt and self-condemnation.

2.Act spontaneous, but be well prepared:Be your authentic self, professional yet real. Engage in true conversation with your interviewer, resting on the preparation you did prior to coming to the meeting. Conduct several trial runs with another person simulating the interview before it actually occurs. It's the same as anticipating the questions you'll be asked on a final exam.

3.Set goals for the interview:It is your job to leave the meeting feeling secure that the interviewer knows as much as he or she possibly can about your skills, abilities, experience and achievements. If you sense there are misconceptions, clear them up before leaving. If the interviewer doesn't get around to asking you important questions, pose them yourself (diplomatically) and answer them. Don't leave the meeting without getting your own questions answered so that you have a clear idea of what you would be getting yourself into. If possible, try to get further interviews, especially with other key players.

4.Know the question behind the question:Ultimately, every question boils down to, "Why should we hire you?" Be sure you answer that completely. If there is a question about your meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer is probing delicately about your personal life, careful not to ask you whether your family responsibilities will interfere with your work. Find away to address fears if you sense they are present.

5.Follow up with an effective "thank you" letter:Don't write this letter lightly. It is another opportunity to market yourself. Find some areas discussed in the meeting and expand upon them in your letter. Writing a letter after a meeting is a very minimum. Standing out among the other candidates will occur if you thoughtfully consider this follow up letter as an additional interview in which you get to do all the talking. Propose useful ideas that demonstrate your added value to the team.

6.Consider the interviewer's agenda:Much is on the shoulders of the interviewer. He or she has the responsibility of hiring the right candidate. Your ability to do the job will need to be justified. "Are there additional pluses here?" "Will this person fit the culture of this organization?" These as well as other questions will be heavily on the interviewer's mind. Find ways to demonstrate your qualities above and beyond just doing the job.

7.Expect to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself.":This is a pet question of prepared and even unprepared interviewers. Everything you include should answer the question, "Why should we hire you?" Carefully prepare your answer to include examples of achievements from your work life that closely match the elements of the job before you. Obviously, you'll want to know as much about the job description as you can before you respond to the question.

8.Watch those nonverbal clues:Experts estimate that words express only 30% to 35% of what people actually communicate; facial expressions and body movements and actions convey the rest. Make and keep eye contact. Walk and sit with a confident air. Lean toward an interviewer to show interest and enthusiasm. Speak with a well-modulated voice that supports appropriate excitement for the opportunity before you.

9.Be smart about money questions:Don't fall into the trap of telling the interviewer your financial expectations. You may be asking for too little or too much money and in each case ruin your chances of being offered the job. Instead, ask what salary range the job falls in. Attempt to postpone a money discussion until you have a better understanding of the scope of responsibilities of the job.

10.Don't hang out your dirty laundry:Be careful not to bare your soul and tell tales that are inappropriate or beyond the scope of the interview. State your previous experience in the most positive terms. Even if you disagreed with a former employer, express your enthusiasm for earlier situations as much as you can. Whenever you speak negatively about another person or situation in which you were directly involved, you run the risk (early in the relationship) of appearing like a troubled person who may have difficulty working with others.

Job Fair : Go Get Ur Job

IT is the season ... for job fairs. As summer draws to a close, recruiters are ramping up their efforts to find new employees at career fairs across the country.
Never been to a career fair? Or have you gone to one and walked out with a few business cards and a full stack of your own resumes? Never fear. Use these tips to make the most of any job fair.

Prepare Pre-Fair
The best way to prepare for a career fair is to find out which companies are going to be in attendance.
The fair's sponsor will usually have at least a partial listing on the event's web site or in advertisements. Review the list carefully for companies of interest to you. Don't let a strange name deter you; do your due diligence and familiarize yourself with all the participants.
Visit each company's corporate web site. Take into account the proximity of each to your home. Investigate recent company news using Yahoo! / Google search engine.


You've Gotta Look Smart
If you want the job, look like you've already got it.
Dress in business-friendly attire. A suit in a neutral color is always your best choice. Shine up your shoes the night before -- or treat yourself to a shine or a new pair of shoes. Make certain whatever shoes you wear are made for serious walking. Career fairs are often held in large exhibition halls and making the rounds requires that you spend a lot of time on your feet.
Arm yourself with a simple portfolio or briefcase and stock it with copies of your resume, business cards (if you have them), a pen and a small pad, some breath mints and a few tissues. Make sure, too, that you're able to hold all the business cards you collect as you make your way through the fair.
Finally, don't forget to bring your most winning smile, a good attitude and a firm handshake -- and make sure you showcase them to everyone you meet.

Scope Out the Scene
However long you have to spend at a job fair, make sure you give yourself a few moments to get the lay of the land. Walk the aisles. Make note of all the companies and their booths. Are there any surprise participants? If there are, and you're not fully prepared to speak with them, call a friend or use your cellphone or PDA to get any small tidbits that can help you more easily converse with their representatives. How are their stocks doing? Have they been in the news lately?
Next, assess your time. Don't linger too long at any one booth. To cover more territory and make for smoother interactions, gather some materials from each booth and take a few minutes to review them. Lurk around and subtly eavesdrop on the interactions other candidates are having with each company's representatives.


Knock Their Socks Off
Because you did your homework, you have a sense of a company's culture, its needs and what positions are open. Using this foreknowledge and the information you've gleaned from the newest materials you've read and conversations you've overheard, whip up a short elevator pitch -- two or three sentences on your expertise and how it matches the company's current or future needs.

*After you deliver your elevator pitch, try to engage each representative in a brief conversation. Be sure to ask a question or two and make eye contact the entire time. Don't monopolize anyone's time for too long.
*Be gracious to everyone you meet, but remember not to act desperate. This is a career fair, not a final interview. Curiosity and enthusiasm will go a long way; overt aggressiveness will not.
*Feel free to send brief thank-you notes to those you have met, reiterating your interest in working at their organization.