How to Pass an Interview With Flying Colors

More than 2 million jobs were added to the U.S. economy in 2017, which could provide some relief for those seeking new employment.

But while the prospect of a new job can be exciting, it can also be stressful. Because the economy was so slow for so long, there is often strong competition for new openings.

Every company has a different hiring process as well, but you can expect to go through several rounds of interviews before you get a decision. Knowing how to pass an interview can give you confidence when applying for new jobs, and may give you an edge over other qualified applicants.

Below, we're providing some key tips for passing an interview with flying colors so you can go in confident and ready to impress. Read on to learn more.

1. Research the Company Beforehand

Whether you're applying for an entry-level position or the next step in your career, you want to be as prepared as possible when you walk into your interview.

As part of that preparation, do some research on the company that goes beyond what they included in the job posting. You should be able to talk about why that specific job at that specific company appeals to you.

Mention the company's overall mission, its past work, or even its office culture. Anything that shows you've spent some time doing your research is likely to impress your interviewer.

2. Be Prepared to Self-Evaluate

Knowing how to pass an interview is partially a test of how well you can sell yourself and your unique ability. Regardless of how your experience or knowledge stacks up against other applicants, you want to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job.

One of the most commonly asked interview questions is about your strengths and weaknesses as an employee. You're almost guaranteed to get it, and you should be honest with your answer.

When talking about your strengths, highlight the things you can do that no one else can. Maybe it's your unique experience or a skill you excel in. When talking about your weaknesses, identify areas where you can improve and make it clear that you're open to feedback.

No one is perfect and your interviewer shouldn't expect you to be. But they will be impressed by a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

3. Ask Questions

Your interviewer will be asking you questions for the bulk of the time, but you should be ready to ask a few of your own.

Asking thoughtful, relevant questions is a great way to show that you've done your homework. It also displays your interest and enthusiasm for the job and puts you on an equal footing with the person you're meeting with.

Want More Tips on How to Pass an Interview?

Once you feel confident that you know how to pass an interview, practice doing mock interviews with a friend. It can help you feel more comfortable in the intimate one-on-one setting.

Your application can get you through the door, but it's a strong interview that gets you the job. For more tips on the job application process, please contact us at any time.

disABLEDperson, Inc.

www.disABLEDperson.com

5 Tips For Writing the Perfect Cover Letter to Help You Land Any Job

5 Tips For Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

If you think that your cover letter is a time to list your professional achievements, think again.

A cover letter is a company's first impression of you. It's important to have a great resume, but a cover letter is equally important.

It takes about 6 seconds for a recruiter to determine if a candidate is viable on paper. So what is the recipe for the perfect cover letter?

The average job opening attracts 250 resumes. Distinguish yourself from the crowd by using these 5 tips to a perfect cover letter.

1. Write Your Hook

When you write the first sentence of your cover letter, don't be boring!

Write a bold statement that grabs the reader's attention. Try starting your letter with a question. For example, "Looking for a dynamic sales professional with a proven track record?" Well, look no further.

Don't be afraid to write a hook that challenges the status quo. The point of writing a cover letter is to gather interest.

2. Match the Job Description

Before you start writing your cover letter, take another look at the job description. The description should match the verbiage in your cover letter. Search the description for the top two or three desired qualities.

In your cover letter, include examples that demonstrate those skills. This is your chance to show that you have what it takes to be the perfect candidate for them.

3. Use Numbers and Statistics

It's one thing to say that you're a great salesperson. It's another thing to back it up with facts. For example, you could say that you generated 100 leads over the span of a year.

It's important to present yourself as a professional who values results. If you don't have numbers to back up your successes, don't worry. You can still provide examples of your work experience.

4. Use the Right Tone

Whether you're applying to a Fortune 500 company or a startup, the tone of your cover letter should match.

If you're applying to a company with a casual vibe, then write in an easygoing, catchy tone. On the other hand, if the company has a traditional culture, use a formal writing style.

Take a look at the company's website to get an idea of their tone. Your cover letter is a good time to show them that you can fit in!

5. Proofread Carefully

Before you click submit, make sure you proofread your cover letter.

Don't lose your chance at a job because you sent over a sloppy cover letter. Give your letter another look or ask someone else to proofread it.

Look carefully for any typos or any other errors. A poorly written cover letter is the easiest way to get your cover letter tossed in the trash.

Your Perfect Cover Letter

Your cover letter should highlight key skills, traits, and relevant experience. Distinguish yourself from the crowd by using these 5 tips to a perfect cover letter.

We hope that this article has given you a starting place for writing your cover letter. Are you ready to start searching for your dream job? Take a look at our job board to find open positions today.

disABLEDperson, Inc.

www.disABLEDperson.com

5 Things needed for a Successful Second Interview

Congratulations! Getting called back for a second interview is not easy at all. To this point in your quest for a new job, you stood out from a large number of people just to get the first interview. You nailed the first interview and they are asking you back to the “Second Interview”. Let’s look at this from an example perspective. Say 100 people applied for the job and they chose 5 (you included) for a second interview.  Be happy! So far you beat out 95 people. Now you only have to beat out 4 others to get the job. Odds seem better. So enjoy your success for a moment. You deserve it! Be proud of yourself for coming this far. Your confidence should be high, high enough to drive you through the next round.  

You know that you need to nail this interview and you also know that the competition is tougher. You are 1 of 5 of the crème of the crop. It’s important to know your purpose going into this interview. How is the second interview different than your first? Nancy Range Anderson, author, career coach and founder of Blackbird Learning Associates LLC explains:

“During the first interview, the interviewer as questions to determine three areas; can you do the job, do you fit into the company culture and do you really want this job. It’s a good bet that in the second interview you will have a panel of people who more than likely will be more senior conducting your interview and while they may ask similar questions that were asked in the first interview, they are looking at you differently that the people in the first interview looked at you. In the second interview they want to compare you and your skills with the other candidate. It is a check box situation. Who has more skills, which one is better?  Always remember, this isn’t a popularity contest. The employer is looking to hire the best qualified candidate. If you want the job, you need to be that candidate. Here is how!

You need an ice-breaker

You need to connect with the interviewers. How do you do that, with enthusiasm? The definition of enthusiasm according to the Merriam Webster dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiasm is a “strong excitement or feeling”.  I am assuming that you are excited about this position. If so, share it with the interviewers. Let them know. Enthusiasm is contagious. Tell them what excited you during the first interview.

Sharing your genuine enthusiasm with the interviewers lets you to tap into their enthusiasm and created mutual enthusiasm and passion which will make you stand out.

Remember, look the interviewers in the eye. Keep eye contact with the interviewer. Bring up something someone said in the first interview that stood out to you.  

What is your unique Angle?

This is the opportunity for you to sell your skillset. Tell them how your experience positions you for the open position.  

This is the time to detail your accomplishments and how your accomplishments would benefit them as an employer. Anderson explains: “The interviewer at this stage wants to know, ‘What’s in it for me/us?’ and ‘What can this candidate do to help us accomplish our goals that the other candidates can’t do?’”.

Identify your angle. Then let them know how your unique professional experience makes you the only candidate left for this job, and that they “must have” you for their team.

You Need to Prepare

The “job description” is the employer’s list for his/her ideal candidate. As the candidate, you must study the job description. It is your guide to your second interview preparation.

Anderson recommends: “To prepare the candidate needs to focus on the responsibilities, skills and requirements of the open position and come up with specific behavioral stories detailing his or her actions and results.”

Anderson supports a direct approach: “I suggest that the candidate draw a two-column chart. In the left column, list the hard and soft skills, tasks and job responsibilities required of the position and in the right hand column write out examples of work-related accomplishments that support these. Above all, the candidate should focus on his or her role in these accomplishments and use words such as “I” rather than “We”.

Employers like to hear that a candidate is a team player and for sure you need to emphasize that you know how to function well on a team. However, you need to highlight your individual accomplishments and successes that set you apart.  

Salary prep a must

You need to do your research and know what you are worth. Do not under or overestimate your worth. Search sites such as www.Glassdoor.com as part of your research. Anderson advises: “The candidate should be prepared to discuss salary at any time during the interview process.”

Anderson explains: “Salary discussions usually come up towards the end of the interviewing cycle and most likely will be initiated by the interviewer. This can be a positive sign.”

If you have special skills or special experiences that brings more to the employer than they are looking for pay attention to their enthusiasm about these skills or experiences. You may be able to negotiate a higher salary because of them. It is up to you to read that situation though. If you are unsure, do not try.

Asking questions

Please remember that an interview is a two-way conversation. DO NOT waste your opportunity to ask questions. Employers want you to ask questions. It is another way for you to impress the interviewers. Study the company and the industry that the company is in. Understand where the company is in relation to its competitors.

These are some questions Anderson recommends:  

How would you describe the company culture?

What are the challenges your team is facing right now? How can the person stepping into this role help?

What kinds of people really grow here?

What are the long and short term goals of the department?

Remember, being invited to a second interview is a big deal. You wouldn’t get this far if you were not a good candidate. Be confident and by all means go into the interview prepared. Good luck!

disABLEDperson, Inc.

Anonymous Author

www.disABLEDperson.com

www.JOFDAV.com

Disability,being Disabled can be a real Pain

This is one of those weeks where my mobility disability has decided to take it up a notch. For those of you who are disabled by mobility issues, you know what I'm talking about.

You are going through your life and you have accepted the limitations that your disability has placed on you. Also, you have become somewhat tolerant to the constant level of pain that you are in. You know what I mean. You figured out how to get through the day. You take your meds, rest, jump on a TENS unit or whatever. You go through the day and laugh at good jokes, smile when appropriate and engage in life.

Then for reasons not known to you, your disability decides to decrease your mobility and increase your pain. You try to figure it out. What did I do different? Maybe it was the hot sauce I ate last night? Maybe it was that new pillow? I did buy new shoes! At the end of the day after racking your brain you cannot come up with any reason why you are feeling worse. 

In response to your up tick in pain and decrease in mobility, you increase your medications (of course by advice of your Dr.), run your TENS unit all day, stay in bed, etc. You hope that this is only a one day deal. You hope that tomorrow you will wake up and you will be back at your regular disability level. How many of you have been there? Instead of feeling like a hot burning knife is stabbing you that you will fee just the knife in you. Some of you know what I am talking about. You live your life with a pain level of 6 or 7 out of 10 but when you get like this your pain increases to a 9 or 10. You long for the days gone by.

During this time, your mind runs away from you. Fear sets in with the following question, "What if this level of pain is my new reality"? You start to assure yourself that you have been through this before and this exacerbation will subside, you hope anyway.

Why am I writing this in the blog to you all today? Honestly because I really don't feel like writing anything technical. Also, all people with disabilities an exacerbation now and then. It is something we all have to deal with. I just keep telling myself and I will tell you. Like other things in life, we will get through this.

Thanks for letting me lament. Back at you next week.

disABLEDperson, Inc.

Anonymous Author

www.disABLEDperson.com

www.JOFDAV.com

"Ours is simply to serve"

Interview Question: How did you find out about this job opening?

Let’s take a look at this question. Why would an employer ask you where you heard about a job that they are looking to fill? I believe they do so for multiple reasons. These reasons may include:

1. They are paying for a recruiting service to fill their position.
2. They are paying the social media team to blast their position out to their Social Network.
3. They are paying a job board or multiple job boards to advertise their opening.
4. They are curious to see if any of their employees are recommending working at their company.
   

So why would you care as a potential employee.  I know you are probably saying that this question doesn’t help you at all. It is strictly for the employer’s benefit. Hold on there, you can answer this question is a way that will showcase you, your savvy and more. So let’s explore the options above on how they may benefit you.

The first thing you must understand is that the employer more than likely is utilizing all of the options listed above.  Many employers simply want to know where you came from. How you found them though says something about you. Also with today’s technology, they probably know the answer already.

If you found them by working with a recruiter, what does that say about you? That says that you have taken your job search extremely seriously, that you were willing to consult an expert to find work, that you were willing to look at your faults and have someone critique them to make you a better candidate and that you trusted the process. Also, you were already vetted by a professional. The process speaks volumes to a potential employer.

If you found the job on Social Media, that tells employers that you are OK putting yourself out there, that you are somewhat personable and open to multiple ideas and enjoy communicating with others? Which Social Media site you found the job also says something about you. If you found the job on LinkedIn  it may suggest that you think of yourself in a professional manner. If you found a position on Twitter it may suggest that you are a more direct person, it is what is it person. Finally, if you found a position through Facebook, it may suggest that you are a more relaxed very personable person.

If you found the job on a job board that tells employers that you do things the traditional way? That also says that you will follow traditional values and traditional protocol in my opinion. What job board you found the position on also says something. If you found the position on www.Indeed.com or www.Careerbuilder.com then you are identifying yourself as a person in the general population. If you found the job on a niche job board that says that you identify yourself with a specific group which speaks volumes about who you are. As an example, if you found a position on our site: www.disABLEDperson.com, you are identifying yourself as a person with a disability. If you found the position on our other site: Job Opportunities for Disabled Veterans, www.JOFDAV.com you are telling the employer that you are a veteran with a disability.

If you found the position through an employee referral what does that tell the employer? That tells the employer that you already aware of the company culture.  You understand what it takes to work there and you are OK with it. If the employee who referred you is a trusted employee then the employer will have a sense of trust in you already in my opinion.

So you see, that question is not a simple one. Every question asked to you during an interview has meaning and how you answer each question regardless of how insignificant it seems  has importance.

I hope this helps you in some way.

See you next week.

disABLEDperson, Inc.

Anonymous Author

www.disABLEDperson.com

www.JOFDAV.com

“Ours is simply to serve”