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
Setting Up and Preparing for Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are an important part of a successful job search. In part one of our series, we established some of the goals for setting up informational interviews. Now, how to set up these meetings, and prepare for them. Read More
Making Informational Interviews Work for You
Informational interviews are an invaluable tool for today’s job search. While you never actually ask for a job during an informational interview, many do lead directly or indirectly to employment opportunities down the road. In part one of our series on information interviews, we look at why you should do informational interviews. 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
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
Tips for Landing Jobs in Small Companies
The numbers show smaller companies may be a good channel for job seekers so you want to pay attention to them in your job search. But getting hired at a smaller company requires different techniques. Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting in the door at a small company or start-up. 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
Balancing Being Confident and Being Humble
Job seekers are often given two pieces of potentially conflicting advice:
- Be humble
- Sell yourself
The two seem contradictory. Is there a way to do both? The answer is yes, but it takes great communication skills, self awareness, and practice. First understand the reasons behind each piece of advice. Read More
Getting Your Job Search Materials Ready
When I was in the midst of my search for an internship, I was excited to see an email from a company that I had just submitted my resume to. I was immediately asked for writing samples from my portfolio. Unfortunately, my portfolio was scattered all over the place and it took a considerable amount of time to find and then format them. I learned the hard way that organizing ahead of time would have saved me a lot of stress and would have made the process a breeze. Learn from my mistakes with this step-by-step guide that will help you stay organized. 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