Follow up is one of the most important parts of networking. It doesn’t matter if you are in a formal interview or talking with an acquaintance on your softball team, follow-up is crucial to engaging and building. In the last part of our series on informational interviews, we explore follow-up for this type of networking. Read More
Conducting the Informational Interview
Informational interviews are a great networking tool when conducted correctly. In our previous posts on networking meetings, we walked you through goal setting, setting up and preparing for informational interviews. Now, how to effectively make the most of your time with your contact. Read More
Entering And Exiting Networking Conversations
For many people (including myself), networking at social and professional events can seem like a very intimidating process. Two of the trickiest parts: How do enter into a networking conversation, and equally important, how do you properly end one?
Starting a conversation can be the most intimidating part of networking. It sets the tone for everything else. How do you determine when a good opportunity has come up to start a conversation? Read More
Using Your “Elevator Pitch” Correctly in Your Job Search
Job seekers are often told to have an “elevator pitch”, a concise summary of their core skills and accomplishments that they can deliver rapidly to anyone who will listen. But used incorrectly, this little speech can kill your chances for further discussion, let alone finding a job lead. Some tips for creating a pitch that will get you in the door, not kicked out of the building. Read More
Avoiding Job Application Mis-Steps
You found a job that looks really interesting. The last thing you want is for a lame mistake to ruin the chance for making a good first impression, or worse, cost you a shot at a job. Here are some classic mis-steps and how you can avoid them:
Should I Put Volunteer Work on My Resume?
Volunteer work is a great way to get involved and help make your community a better place. It might also help land you your next job. Many people don’t think to put volunteer work on their resume because it’s not a “regular” paying job. When writing your resume, include any skills or experience that will help demonstrate that you are the right match for the job. Take advantage of volunteer work by doing the following: Read More
The Art of Follow-up
Some of the most common questions I hear from job seekers have to do with if/when/how to follow-up. Whether you’ve met a new contact, submitted a resume or gone in for interviews, appropriate follow-up is critical. Use your specific situation to determine how to best follow-up. Here are the basic guidelines as a start: Read More
Answering the Question “Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?”
Where do you see yourself in five years? It’s a question many people face in interviews, yet don’t take the time to prepare for it. You may be tempted to envision where you’ll be in five years on a personal level, but that’s not an appropriate way to answer the question. Read More
Why You Still Need a Cover Letter and How to Write a Good One
The world of job seekers is deeply divided over the subject of cover letters. Some say they are a waste of time, others say they are a valuable tool. So which is it? It’s really both! Any given cover letter may be completely ignored or it may be the piece that gets you noticed and in the door. Read More
How To Answer “What Do You Know About Us?”
“What do you know about us?” It’s a common but puzzling question that gets asked at many interviews. Last week we talked about how to research companies. Today, how to present the information you gathered in a way that shows you did your research and highlights why your skills and background would be an asset to the company. Read More