10 Simple Do's and Dont's During Any Job Interview

Following are some "do’s and don’t's" that apply in any Job Interview:

Job

Don’t tell jokes. Never tell jokes, especially risque, ethnic, or tasteless jokes.

Don’t discuss personal problems. Keep the interview focused by discussing job-related topics.

Don’t waste time with excessive small talk.

Don’t stay too long. It is easy to detect when the interview is no longer producing useful information. When this happens, take the initiative and courteously begin your exit.

Do be positive. It’s your responsibility to convince the interviewer that you are the person for the position by relating your accomplishments and achievements in a strong, positive manner. Confidence always contributes to interview success.

Do turn negatives into positives. If your job history shows frequent job changes, for example, indicate that you realize the value of a stable position, which is why you are interested in the position. You can neutralize negatives by bringing them up yourself, with logical and positive statements.

Do respect the role of personnel departments. Although the personnel department does not make the offer, it is responsible for screening candidates and can be an obstacle.

Do follow-up with a thank you note. Enhance your impact by sending a follow-up letter thanking the interviewer for his time. Use the letter to summarize any key points of the interview that highlight the suitability of your skills and experience. Express your enthusiasm about the position, the company and the reasons for your interest. Limit the letter to a page and be sure it is error-free. Snail mail thank you cards are always a bonus.

10 Simple Tools For Job Seekers

1. Recruiters are selective. When asked how many job seekers expressing an interest are seen or spoken to the results were evenly spread, but a small majority (17.5%) say they only consider up to 1 in 10.
· How this helps: If you’re not 100% right for the role, you could still be considered. It depends on the agency, but some specialize in square pegs and round holes. 28% think that completely irrelevant skills would be a negative, but others say they handle this “frequently - it's all about knowing what the client will like.”

2. Don’t expect an immediate meeting. 97% use email or phone calls for the first stage because “initial telephone and skills assessment saves time for all parties concerned”.
· How this helps: Rather than viewing it as a blocking tactic or bad sign, understand that recruiters know that “time is precious” and they “only meet a candidate if I'm confident I can place them”. They see a phone call as a way to find out “how I can help them or if not where to direct them”.

3. No-one is perfect. After the initial contact, the wheat is sorted from the chafe. Half put through just 0-20% of candidates and no-one puts through everyone they screen.
· How this helps: Don’t despair if you get a few knock-backs. 40% say they reject due to lack of experience while 30% feel skills are missing so have a clear understanding of these requirements, and how you fit in, before you start.

4. Worry about the important things at interview. No-one would reject someone for interview based on looks and 43.5% said looks are irrelevant at interview, but hygiene is vital (49%) and both body language (45%) and dress sense (43%) are important.
· How this helps: Present yourself according to the job in question. “The importance of appearance will depend on the role”. Consider you’ll be an integral part of the employer’s brand and prep yourself accordingly.

5. Give the right impression. People might think that getting ‘friendly’ with the interviewer, saying they could do their job or being deadly serious at all times might help, but the majority of recruiters think this makes candidates just look either daft or rather silly.
· How this helps: Don’t commit the deadly sins of ensuring fresh breath by chewing gum or lying about your CV either. While the first certainly doesn’t seem that awful (especially considering the hygiene comments) these are definitely deal breakers for roughly 50% of recruiters. 

6. Do your homework. Researching the company, role and industry are vital. Other areas recruiters feel are important are the department (36%) and the competition (43%) because “it shows they researched over/beyond the accepted norm.”
· How this helps: Earn extra brownie points by researching the interviewer – 36.5% think this is a useful trick while 20% feel it is vital. Just don’t take it too far. As one recruiter said: “candidates can sometimes over prepare, especially on the interviewer. This can be bordering on stalking!”

7. Beware those ‘outside interests’. Recruiters feel that all but travel and charitable work are irrelevant to someone’s chances. These are useful talking points because “anything that shows teamwork/individuality and compassion can be good.”
· How this helps: The consensus seems to be to “banish anything that you can’t talk about in detail and be able to explain relevance to the role.” Some “have had various clients turn candidates down on the basis that they are not happy that they like trains or kite flying or opera.”

8. If you get it wrong, don’t despair. When asked about a jobseeker getting the time, date or location of the interview wrong, researching the wrong business or being held up about half felt these could damage a jobseeker’s chances, but nearly 1 in 10 thought this would rarely be the case.
· How this helps: Make sure you keep them up to date by calling and explaining the delay. Only 3 people thought that this would still affect success, while nearly half felt this would help ensure your chance of getting the job was unaffected. 

9. You’re given feedback for a reason. Over 90% of recruiters always provide feedback after an interview, most commonly via telephone but also over email.
· How this helps: Learn from it to improve your chances with the next job you apply for – that’s why recruiters take the time to do this for you. Only 5% felt their feedback was always taken on board however.

10. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even if someone gets all of the above right, they should not rely on a single job opportunity. Over 60% of recruiters think that 3-5 applications is the magic number, while 18% think that people should apply for 8 or more.
· How this helps: Recruiters expect you to spread your bets so work with them on this. Many will even put you forward for a number of positions themselves as this increases their chances of success too.

10 Body Language Tips For Interviewing

Your body language could help you land your dream job.  From eye contact to posture to the way you fix your hair, avoid these 10 physical slip-ups in your next job interview.

Content by ResumeBear

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Watch Your Posture

Leaning back is lazy or arrogant, leaning forward is aggressive and slouching is just lazy. Instead, experts say to aim for a neutral position, sitting tall as if a string were connecting your head to the ceiling.

Breaking Eye Contact

“Hold eye contact one extra eyelash,” says charisma coach Cynthia Burnham. She says we tend to feel uncomfortable holding eye contact once a personal connection has been created. Don’t stare, but try to hold your interviewers gaze for one extra second before breaking away. “Do this especially when shaking hands,” she says.

Avoid Chopping and Pointing Gestures

Cynthia Burnham, a California-based charisma coach, says chopping or pointing motions can”cut up” the space between you and your interviewer in an aggressive way.

Never Cross Your Arms

“Arms crossed over your chest signal defensiveness and resistance,” says Karen Friedman, communications expert. “When they’re open at your sides you appear more approachable.”

Beware of Excessive Nodding

“Sometimes we undermine how powerful or in focus we are by nodding like a bobble-head doll,” says Burnham, a habit that’s particularly common in women. “Nod once or twice with a smile of agreement. But find your still center and stay there.”

Stop Fidgeting

The nervous energy will distract the interviewer. You want [him or her] focused on what you have to say, not the coins jingling in your pocket or the hangnail on your finger.

Control Your Hand Placement and Movement

It’s important to appear approachable and open, so don’t try to control gestures or fidgeting by keeping your hands still. This is especially important when you begin to speak, says Friedman. “Keeping your hands in your pockets or behind your back inhibits movement and makes you appear stiff.”

Manger Your Facial Expressions

“If your tone isn’t matching your facial expression you could find yourself in hot water,” says communications coach Matt Eventoff. “If someone asks what you’re most passionate about and your face is in deadpan while you answer, it’s not going to translate well.”

Shifty Eyes

Friedman says distracted or upward eye movements can suggest someone is lying or not sure of themselves. “It’s important to look someone directly int he eye to convey confidence and certainty.”

Avoid Constant Staring

It’s important to be confident and look the interviewer in the eye.  But then break away. Locking eyes with someone for an extended period of time can be interpreted as aggressive, not to mention creepy.

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Do You Know How To List References For A Job?

Do you need to know how to list references for a job? Some employers actually do check references in order to see how you performed on a job, how long you held the position, etc. You should always have your list ready when you are searching for work, but how should you lay it out? The tips below offer information regarding how to list references for a job, so that you can do it correctly and gain the most benefit. 

What exactly is a reference list? If a prospective employer has ever asked for this and you weren't certain, it is simply a list of names and contact information of those you have worked for in the past. These individuals should be able to give a reference regarding your work ethics, attendance history, and other details about your job performance to a potential employer. 

1. Give good references. When you create your job reference list, it's important that you give the names and contact information of those that you know will give you a good reference. Before you list former employers on this list, contact them and make sure they don't mind, and that they will give you a positive recommendation. This will help them be prepared for the call, and it won't come as a total surprise. 

2. Continue with the style of your resume. If you have written a resume, write your job reference list using the same style and font, so that all of the documents you submit match. This is simply meant to help you present yourself in a professional manner. 

3. Create a separate page for your list of references. It is important that you job reference list is on a page all its own, as many employers will pull this page out when contacting former employers (and it just looks organized and professional.) Title the page "Reference List" at the top, and center this at the top of the page in a bold font, preferably Arial, New Roman or Verdana for easy reading. 

4. How to lay out each individual reference. When creating your list of job references, simply list the contact person's full name on the first line, such as "Ms.Anne Greenway." Their job title goes on the second line, and the name of the company where they work goes on the third line. The street address and city and state with zip code are placed on the fourth and fifth lines respectively. Last, you will want to list the phone number on the sixth line, followed by the email address on line seven. 

5. List your best references first. If you provide a list of 4 or 5 job references, a prospective employer is likely to call the first 3 on the list. List those references that are likely to give you a glowing recommendation at the top, so that employers contact them first. 

If you need to know how to list references for a job, follow the tips above. A positive recommendation from several previous employers can make a significant impact on whether or not you obtain the job! 

How to contact a recruiter without being connected on LinkedIn

Reblog from GetJobTips

OpenLink symbol

Have you seen a colorful circle symbol after a person’s name on LinkedIn and wondered what it meant? Many recruiters with a premium LinkedIn account feature such a logo on their profile because they want top candidates to contact them if they are interested in their open positions.

What does it mean and how can it benefit you?

The OpenLink circle symbol announces that you can send the recruiter (or anyone else with the symbol) a free InMail message even if you aren’t connected to them. (Otherwise, with the free, basic LinkedIn account, you have to buy the ability to send an InMail message to a non-connection, or upgrade to a Job Seeker or Job Seeker Plus account to send such messages -- see the paid options in this graphic)



Normally to reach non-connections through InMail requires you to purchase messages or upgrade.

To send a free OpenLink Message

• Locate a person with the OpenLink symbol.
• Click the Send InMail link on the OpenLink member's profile (or from search results).
• Complete the OpenLink message template and then send.

Reach out to OpenLink recruiters for free to convey why you are a top candidate.

Considerations / Limitations

• You must have Introductions available to send an OpenLink message. However, sending an OpenLink message will not reduce the number of Introductions you have. People with a free account can send up to 5 Get Introduced messages per month. Check your Settings to see how many you have available (Your Settings can be found by clicking the triangle next to your name in the upper right corner of your home page).
• If you have a Basic (free) account, you can purchase up to 10 InMail credits (if you are trying to reach a non-connection who does not display the OpenLink symbol). If you don’t get a reply to a particular message in 7 days, you can send another InMail — to another user — at no charge. After you’ve reached the maximum of 10, you will need to upgrade your account to send additional InMail to non-connections.
• If you have a premium account and want more credits than the number you've been allotted, you can continually purchase up to 10 more at a time.
• You don't need to use a paid InMail message to send messages to your 1st degree connections. To contact them, simply click Send [Name] a Message in the upper right corner of his/her profile.

Options to avoid paying or upgrading to send InMails

• Invite people to connect and include in your message the reasons for your invitation. While sending invitations is free, you may need to know his or her email address (Learn how to find email addresses)
• Seek out and invite people with “Open Networker,” “LION” (LinkedIn Open Networker) or big numbers after their name, such as “13,000+.” Such wording indicates that the person is willing to accept all invitations. Many recruiters are open networkers. Even though people state that they are willing to accept invitations, customize your invitation message to let them know why you want to connect. (Learn how to invite strangers to connect ) (Finding recruiters)
• Send a “Get Introduced” message to the person through your network instead of an InMail message. People with a free account can send up to five Get Introduced messages per month. (Learn how)
• Join LinkedIn groups where your target people are likely members. I’ll talk next time about how to find groups with the people you want to reach.

Reach out to OpenLink recruiters or purchase/upgrade to send InMail messages to non-connections! Doing so can help you …Get a Job!