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
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
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
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
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
Pre-Interview Research
You got the interview, now what? Time to dig in and learn all you can so you can shine in the face-to-face meeting. Having good background on the company will make you look interested and prepared, but the research will give you valuable knowledge that will help confirm that this is in fact a place you want to work. Read More
Interview Strategy – Giving It All Away
Let’s say you are in a job interview and you are asked for your biggest idea for innovation within the company. Do you give away your best thinking, knowing you may or may not be hired? Or do you hang on to it, hoping for credit once you are in the door and part of the company? Read More
Top Tips on Negotiating Job Offers – Part 3 of 3
Nancy Kasmar, MS, SPHR, CCP is the Practice Lead for Compensation and Benefits Consulting at Washington Employers, a member-based organization providing real-time business results through strategic workforce performance solutions. She is a subject matter expert on compensation and assists members in attracting, retaining, and motivating their employees.
The groundwork for negotiating a salary offer in your new job begins when you start the interview process. You need to do your homework before you get to the job offer stage, so you are ready to negotiate for that higher salary when the opportunity presents itself. Here are some tips for improving your next job offer, and a short illustration about why you need to negotiate. Read More
Top Tips on Negotiating Job Offers – Part 2 of 3
Nancy Kasmar, MS, SPHR, CCP is the Practice Lead for Compensation and Benefits Consulting at Washington Employers, a member-based organization providing real-time business results through strategic workforce performance solutions. She is a subject matter expert on compensation and assists members in attracting, retaining, and motivating their employees.
The groundwork for negotiating a salary offer in your new job begins when you start the interview process. You need to do your homework before you get to the job offer stage, so you are ready to negotiate for that higher salary when the opportunity presents itself. Here are some tips for improving your next job offer, and a short illustration about why you need to negotiate. Read More