Practice your interview. Definitely take this advice; you do not want to ‘wing it’. I can’t remember the last time that I spoke with someone who went on a job interview and said they were glad they just played it by ear. In fact it’s just the opposite. Most anyone I speak with that has been on an interview always wishes they were better prepared. Unfortunately, hind sight after an interview is not what you want – because more often than not, you won’t get a second chance. So, prepare and practice.

Action:

To help you determine the best approach to answering any given question, take into consideration the context of the question. Learning to differentiate between the possible contexts and selecting an appropriate response will minimize your need to memorize questions and answers. Most interview questions will fall into the three following contexts:

Past Context. These are asked because the best predictor of future performance is past behavior. You may hear of these being referred to as “Behavioral Questions” – which are quite popular now.

Behavioral questions will usually begin with:

Tell me about a time…

In the past how did you handle…

Describe three key factors you have used to…

Give me an example of…

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career…

Present Context. These surround – who are you? What do you know? What do you want? The interviewer wants to know what is going on with you and who you are right now.

Present based questions will sound something like:

Tell me what you know about…

Where do you believe the industry is taking…

Why did you select this profession…

Future Context. With these questions the interviewer is trying to find out how you think, how you solve problems, what process you go through.

Future based questions will begin with:

What do you believe…

What steps would you take if…

How would you handle…

What would you do if…

So, pick out ten or twelve good interview questions that fall into the above contexts and prepare your answers. Then practice the answers in front of a mirror. Next, enlist one or two of your friends (you can use a parent, but they are not always the most objective in this situation) and have them ask you the questions. Formulate answers so that they are results oriented and prove the value you can bring to the organization. Make sure you stay on track with the question and keep your answers down to 30 seconds or so, (no rambling) you can always ask the interviewer if they would like more information.

To develop a strong interview strategy check out FiredUP Interviewing for New College Grads – It’s loaded with tips and techniques you’ll use now and in the future.

Good luck and remember – just move forward!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Create a strong ‘targeted’ resume. A one-size-fits-all version is not in the game anymore. Employers expect you to know what you want and why you are interested in them ‘specifically’. So, do your research, find a position you believe you are qualified for and target your resume to that position. This is a sure way to stand apart from the competition and will also help you in preparing for a phone screen from the employer. Knowing the position and having researched the employer will speak strongly in your favor.

Action: Your resume should be no more than two pages – if it is, edit it back. The first page needs to grab them (or they’ll never even peek at the second page). So, break the first page into three specific categories – top third; your objective speaking from the standpoint of ‘what you will bring’ to the employer, not ‘what you want’ from the employer. Middle third; your accomplishment statements. Since you’re a New Grad you can place your educational accomplishments here. In addition, this is where you add what you’ve done in the past that shows you focus in on and deliver results. Bottom third is where you add your experience and carry on through the second page.

For more expertise on resume writing contact our resume expert – she will give you a free review and analysis.

Good luck and remember – just move forward!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report – and while you’re there check out our new Great Video ebook

Get known – now. If you are not involved in a professional networking group it is time to join. If you think of these groups as a bunch of people coming together to get something from someone, then it’s time to change your mindset too. Networking groups are a terrific way to find out what’s going on in your community and profession, get to know people who are in the field you’d like to be in and gain visibility. Neglecting networking as a key component in your job search is a huge mistake. Networking will do more for you in the long run than almost any other form of job search. So, take action now.

Action: Begin right here. Research networking groups in your area and pick a couple that sound interesting to you. Set a goal to research and attend and/or schedule to attend at least two networking functions in the next two weeks. This will help you discover which groups will be best for you to join. If you’re stuck, here are a few links to get you FiredUP!

Riley Guide

MeetUp

Washington Network Group

Financial Executives Networking Group

eWomen Network

I love Seattle

Toastmasters

There are many more, just Google networking for your local area and also be sure to check with your Chamber of Commerce.

Just move forward!

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report – and while you’re there check out our new Great Video ebook