How to write a impressive personal Profile for your CV - Kenya CV writing

How to write a personal Profile for your CV 

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Putting together the core information of your CV, such as education and employment history, is a fairly easy task. While you may think these components are all you need to market yourself effectively, you should probably add a personal statement too, to give your CV the extra oomph it needs to secure that job.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement, otherwise known as a personal profile, CV profile or perhaps even a career aim, is essentially the blurb of your career portfolio. This small paragraph sits at the top of your CV, concisely and effectively displaying who you are, your skills and strengths relevant to the sector or job role, and your career goals. Sounds like quite a mouthful, but personal statements are no problem to write, we promise. They’re actually really similar to cover letters, except you’ll be selling your best points to a potential employer in about four sentences, rather than an A4 page. So, if you’ve spent all this time jazzing up your CV to hook, line and sinker that recruiter, adding a personal statement ensures they grab the bait, so your CV won’t be ignored.

Is a personal statement necessary?

The short answer is you don’t need to have a personal statement. However, a study revealed that on average recruiters spend 8.8 seconds looking at your CV, so rather than letting your CV get lost in this ‘Tinderised’ process, you should give them a reason to read on.

There are some genuine reasons why you might not choose to have a personal statement, but it shouldn’t be that you can’t be bothered to write one! It actually depends on your job search status – if you’re applying for a specific job role and attaching a cover letter to your CV, then you may actively choose not to have a personal statement. As we’ve already mentioned, your cover letter is going to do a lot of the talking for you, so you may feel it’s best not to have another summary. Saying that, the whole point of a CV is to market yourself, so if you can include another piece of advertising, then why not?

If you’re a graduate then it might be best to leave the professional side of the personal statement at bay until you’ve gained some more work experience – simply highlight the fact you’ve got a degree, and outline the career path you’d like to follow. While it’s not a bad thing to share your ambitions with recruiters, you’ll probably find the word count could be better spent discussing your final year project in more depth (just when you thought you’d never have to talk about your final year dissertation again!) If, however, you’ve chalked up strengths and experiences during your time at university that anchor you to the job you’re applying for, you should highlight these in your personal statement, and make it clear to the recruiter that you will excel in this job role.

Personal statements are also particularly handy if you’re trying to enter a competitive sector such as PR, advertising, film, music and publishing. As you can imagine, recruiters from these fields deal with hundreds of CVs on a regular basis and will simply flick past your CV unless they spot that competitive edge. Personal statements are the perfect way for you to grab their attention and persuade recruiters to continue reading your CV, because you’re telling them from the off exactly why they should hire you. Of course, you’ll need to know how to write an effective statement first, but we’ll get on to that in a bit.

You should also consider writing a personal statement if you’re uploading your CV to a job board like Brighter Monday, as this gives you the chance to highlight your career goals and give your CV more context. While this is valuable information for recruiters, it’s just as important for you to get it right, as your personal statement will enable recruiters to match you with the right job and ensure that the role is fulfilling. If you’re not entirely sure what job you want, or if there are a few sectors you reckon you could enter with your particular skill-set, then it’s probably best not to include a personal statement. If your opening statement is too broad, you risk giving the impression that you haven’t done your research properly, or you’re looking for any old job – not the best impression to make on a potential employer!

The basic format

We know writing a personal statement can seem quite daunting but honestly, once you’ve started writing it, the rest will come naturally. Here’s a breakdown of the basics in creating your statement.

The most important thing to remember is that statements are usually around four sentences in length, and definitely no more than six. Aim for anywhere between 50 and 200 words and you’re golden.

Like the length, the grammatical person you’re writing in also has some flexibility. You could choose to write in third person which can appear more objective, for example ‘Project manager seeking… skills include…’ Or you could write in first person which tends to be more personal: ‘I am a project manager seeking… My skills are…’ It honestly doesn’t matter which person you choose, just pick the one you’re comfortable writing in. As long as you keep it consistent (and don’t actually use your own name if you choose to write in the third person!) you can’t go wrong.

The simpler your CV layout, the better. The last thing recruiters want is to trawl through a bundle of words trying to pick out your good bits like they’re the orange ones in a packet of revels. So, firstly you don’t really need a title for your personal statement. It sits under your name and contact info, and before the first chunk of your job or education history, so it’s pretty obvious it’s an introduction to you. Secondly, make the spacing a little bigger and try increasing it to 1.5. As it’s the first thing a recruiter will read, you want this to be as clear as possible – it’s often a real decision maker.

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What to include

Okay, so what do you actually include? When drafting your personal statement, split it into three sections: who you are, what you can offer the company, and your career goals.

TIP: Bullet point things you might mention under each of these sections, then list the qualities that position you as the ideal person for the job.

Who you are

In the ‘who you are’ section you might state that you’re:

§  A recent graduate with a 2:1 degree in Creative Writing from the University of Surrey seeking an entry-level position in…

§  A highly-skilled mechanical engineer looking to resume a position in…

§  An ambitious purchasing manager looking to progress into…

What you can offer the company

In the ‘what you can offer the company’ part, you’re basically selling your absolute top skills and strengths and backing them up with evidence. If you’re tweaking your CV because you’re applying for a particular job, use the job spec to create your statement. For example, if the employer is looking for someone with attention to detail and you’ve got experience meticulously proofing essays or presentations etc., then say so!

If you’re crafting a more general personal statement with a job title in mind, be sure you include achievements and expertise that are noteworthy and will make you stand out in that field. For example, if you’re looking for a position within graphic design and you’ve got extensive Photoshop experience working on a major campaign, not only can you claim you have these skills in your personal statement, but you can back them up too – perfect!

The important thing to remember here is to not litter your personal statement with a trail of buzzwords. You might well be an ‘extremely driven strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and extensive experience in marketing’, but all you’ve really done here is told the recruiter that you’ve worked in marketing with no actual proof of your other claims. To top it off, you’ve also revealed this information in an extremely boring way that recruiters have heard a million times before; when it comes to selling yourself, you don’t want to write something as bland as overcooked rice, you want to lovingly craft flippin’ sea food paella. So try to highlight real, relevant skills and back them up with evidence to make the statement strong. Try something like this for the middle section:

§  During my degree I have developed an excellent eye for detail due to the heavy demands of assignments and research. As a result I am also able to work under pressure, especially when balancing my educational workload with my volunteering placement at local nursing homes.

§  Knowledgeable engineer with a wide skills-set, including condition based maintenance, through working on automated systems such as…

§  Through utilising my communications skills when working in managerial positions at large corporations, I have developed successful working relationships and resultantly, an advantageous professional network.

Career goals

The final section of the personal statement is to highlight your career goals. More than anything this shows the recruiter that you are a professional worth investing time and money in. Take a look at these examples:

§  I am looking for a challenging, fast-paced environment within media to utilise my written knowledge and develop my creative skill-set further.

§  Looking to re-establish a career in a progressive organisation which requires engineering expertise, after a short career break to take care of a new-born.

§  I am looking to secure a challenging role in a market-leading automotive company where I can bring fresh strategic vision and value to the business.

Dos and don’ts

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points to remember when crafting that all-important statement.

Do…

§  Get straight to the point – recruiters don’t like to read waffle!

§  Provide evidence of your skills and experience, but be brief! Offer just enough to hook the recruiter.

§  Remember that you’re marketing yourself.

§  Make the statement look purposeful – you need show you know what you’re talking about, without sounding too arrogant.

§  Reflect the job specification in your statement.

§  Be real! Recruiters ultimately want to know you as a person and what you can bring to the table.

§  Proof read for spelling and grammar.

§  Read it aloud to make sure it flows properly. Probably best to get someone else to run an eye over it too.

Don’t…

§  Overuse buzz words – you might want to chuck a few in there, but a hyperbolic stream of empty qualities and meaningless words is just off-putting.

§  Mix the grammatical person – remember either first person or third, not both.

§  Be boring – you want to sound unique with noteworthy qualities.

§  Copy from your cover letter or copy your cover letter from your statement – that’s just lazy.

§  Ramble!

Samples

Here’s a few final examples of personal statements for you to gloss over. Hopefully it’ll spark some inspiration for your own!

Graduate

I am a recent graduate with a 2:1 degree in Creative Writing from the University of Surrey seeking an entry-level position in copywriting. During my degree I have developed an excellent eye for detail due to the heavy demands of assignments and research. As a result I am also able to work under pressure, especially when balancing my educational workload with my volunteering placement at local nursing homes. Over the last year I have also balanced an editing position at Surrey’s media society, where I have devised content ideas and managed a small team of writers, proving that I have potential to excel within a professional writing field. I am looking for a challenging, fast-paced environment within media to utilise my creative knowledge and develop my writing skill-set further.

Career break

Highly-skilled mechanical engineer looking to resume a position in industrial construction. Extremely knowledgeable with seven years industry experience. Possesses a wide skill-set, including condition based maintenance, through working on automated systems on large-scale building projects. Looking to re-establish a career in a progressive organisation which requires engineering expertise, after a short career break to take care of a new-born.

Career progression

I am an ambitious purchasing manager looking to progress into a senior purchasing position within the automotive sector. Through utilising my communications skills when working in managerial positions at large automotive corporations, I have developed successful working relationships and resultantly, an advantageous professional network. Due to over 12 years of experience within this industry, I am fully equipped with commercial awareness and product knowledge. I am looking to secure a challenging role in a market-leading automotive company where I can bring fresh strategic vision and value to the business.

How to master applying for a job online - Kenya CV writing services

How to master applying for a job online - 2019

Applying for a job online can be a confusing process, especially as it varies for each and every employer. Here’s a run-through of how to master that online job application process, all the way from constructing your CV to finally hitting that send button.

Your CV

The first step in applying for a job online is actually crafting your CV. It might seem like a fairly straightforward process, but you shouldn’t take this step too lightly. A well-written CV can put you miles ahead of your competition. Think of it as a first impression. You don’t want to overthink it; otherwise you may look like you’re trying too hard. You shouldn’t dismiss spending some time on perfecting your CV either though since you only get one shot to make a first impression.

Keep it specific

You need to be clean and concise in your CV when it comes to applying online. There are certain things many job-seekers think will make their CVs stand out, but are in fact better left out. Remember that a recruiter has to sift through dozens of CVs a day, so adding pointless information to fluff out your CV might actually make them throw yours away. Besides, it’s likely they’ve seen these tactics before, so you’re not really fooling anyone.

On this note, you should really make sure the skills you’ve listed in your CV are actually related to the skills required by the job. When you apply online, you’re probably going to encounter an applicant tracking system (ATS) rather than an employed recruiter. These are programmes designed to look through applications and pick out the ones with relevant skills, to then send to the recruiting department. ATSs do this by looking for keywords. They aren’t very creative and literally look for exact keywords like communication, teamwork and time-management in your CV to match the job specification. So ATSs aren’t going to be able to spot these keywords if they’re not written clearly.

And likewise, professional recruiters have a keen eye for spotting these skills and they only have a few minutes to skim through each successful CV. If they see something they’re interested in quickly, they’re more likely to set your CV aside for an interview.

Fonts and layouts

Choosing the right font and layout can make or break your CV if you’re competing with dozens of other candidates. Even though the ratio between vacancies and applicants has been steadily rising in favour of the applicants, you’re still going to have to deal with some competition.

To make your CV stand out to a recruiter who has to see many of these every day, make sure you choose nice, clean fonts. And same goes for the layout. It’s going to be easier for the recruiter to spot important information this way, and they’re more likely to read through it instead of just giving it a cursory glance. Using flowery designs and needlessly complicated fonts are going to make your CV look less professional too.

It would be best if you send or upload your CV and cover letter as PDFs; Word documents are not as reliable. For example, if the document is opened in a different version of the software than the one it was made in, the fonts may not be interpreted correctly and the whole text is going to look messy. Formatting can also be misinterpreted, with similar results. PDFs are not affected no matter what version of the reader you’re using.

Applying online

Many large companies have their recruitment process handled by specialised software. That means before your CV reaches an actual human recruiter, it first has to pass through a programme that sorts these applications; so that’s the ATSs mentioned earlier. These nifty little programmes are great for companies dealing large volumes of applications since they speed up the process immensely.

As an applicant, these ATSs might seem a bit unappealing. For one thing, you can’t really use your personal charm to get by. You should instead identify the keywords it might look for and make sure you use as many of them as possible. You can find these keywords by looking through the job description. Some recruiters will ask you to fill in an online form instead of or in addition to sending your CV. Make sure you fill everything in. You might be leaving out stuff that’s actually very important for the tracker.

Even though some online applications don’t ask for a cover letter, it’s still a good idea to send one with your application to strengthen your chances of securing that all-important interview. A well written cover letter can elevate your CV, since it gives you a chance to discuss your skills relevant to the role in more detail.

Some larger companies don’t use recruiting agencies or job boards, and prefer to handle the process themselves in-house. These companies use similar software that’s tailored to their needs. They usually post their job offers on their own websites or on their social media pages, so be proactive in your search! Make sure you understand the recruitment process of the company you are applying for and whether it’s handled by an actual recruiter or by an ATS. Most companies provide an email address where you can request further details, so don’t be shy about using it.

Sending your CV via email

So some job postings may require you to send your CV and cover letter directly to the recruiting department. When sending the email, remember you’re sending the email to a real person. State clearly in the subject line the job you’re applying for: include the job title and reference number. In the body of the email mention how you found out about the opening; whether it was a through a job posting or via someone you who already works there. Don’t forget to specify what documents you‘re attaching. If anything happens to the attachment, the recruiter has to know what documents they were supposed to receive.

If the recruiter doesn’t reply within a reasonable time-frame, send in an email to ask about the status of your application. This shows you are truly interested in the position and you are doing your due diligence. It can also spur on the recruiter to make a decision regarding the position in question; they’re busy people you know!

Applying even when they’re not hiring

So what happens if you want to apply for a job, but company you want to work for isn’t hiring right now? Well, it’s still possible to apply for a role that doesn’t exist yet, you just need to make sure your CV and cover letter are top-notch and that you’re sending it to the right person!

You need to find a direct contact, rather than applying through an application platform, or by sending an email to an anonymous HR rep you found online. That means you need to search for the head of recruitment’s email address. 

Career fairs

Meeting someone who already works at the company you want to apply for is a great way to gain an advantage over your competitors. You can meet recruiters in person at career fairs. This is a great opportunity to get more information about job offers and you can also make a really good first impression too. Showing up to these sorts of events proves that you’re truly committed to finding a job, and you’re willing to put in the extra effort to make sure you succeed.

If you do find a recruiter who wants to look over your CV, make sure to take down their full name and email address. When you contact them, remind them in what context you met and how thankful you are for this opportunity. This is going to make you look like you’re already part of the team with your friendly, yet professional, approach.

If you’ve found a recruiter’s email address through a shared acquaintance, mention their name, and, if it’s relevant, how they know each other. If they’re friends outside work, you may choose not to mention that in the email. Make sure you check with the person that gave you the email address first to see if they’re okay with you mentioning them!

Proofread!

Few people actually take the time to carefully proofread their emails or online applications before sending them. Auto-correct functions don’t always do the job, especially when it comes to word order and phrasing.

And make sure you’ve actually attached your CV and that it’s the correct document. If you have more than one version, make sure you label them correctly. You could always download the documents once you’ve attached it to the email to double check everything’s in order!

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Kenya CV Writing Services

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Self-Awareness Exercises for Happiness and Success

An old African proverb says, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside can do you no harm.”

Self-awareness is one of the most important skills for success. How you behave and respond to external situations is governed by internal mental processes. Self-awareness uncovers any destructive thought-patterns and unhealthy habits. This leads to better decision-making and behavioral responses.

Here are 12 exercises for greater self-awareness:

1. The three Why’s 

Before acting on a decision, ask yourself “Why?” Follow up your response with another “Why?” And then a third. If you can find three good reasons to pursue something, you’ll have clarity and be more confident in your actions.

Being self-aware means knowing your motives and determining whether they’re reasonable.

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2. Expand your emotional vocabulary 

The philosopher Wittgenstein said, “The limits of my language means the limits of my world.”

Emotions create powerful physical and behavioral responses, and are more complex than “happy” or “sad.” Putting your feelings into words has a therapeutic effect on your brain; if you’re unable to articulate how you feel, that can create stress. Here’s a great list of “feeling words” to help with labeling your emotions. Increase your emotional vocabulary with one new word each day.

3. Practice saying “No” to yourself

The ability to say “No” to yourself — to put off short-term gratification for the long-term gain is an important life-skill. And like a muscle, it is strengthened with exercise. The more you practice saying “No” to small daily challenges, the better you can withstand major temptations.

There are plenty of daily temptations — social media, junk food, gossiping, Youtube. Make a goal of saying “No” to five different temptations each day.

4. Break visceral reactions

A person without self-awareness runs on auto-pilot, and responds with knee-jerk reactions. Self-awareness allows you to assess situations objectively and rationally, without acting on biases and stereotypes.

Take a deep breath before you act — especially when a situation evokes anger or frustration. This gives you time to re-assess whether your response will be the best one.

5. Be accountable to your flaws

Nobody is perfect. Being aware of your flaws, but failing to accept accountability, is leaving the job half-done. We’re often critical of others, while ignorant of our own flaws. Self-awareness helps turn the mirror on ourselves and prevents hypocritical behavior.

Iteration and self-improvement only happens once you recognize a flaw. Create a habit of acknowledging your mistakes, rather than making excuses.

6. Monitor your self-talk

There is non-stop commentary in our heads, and it’s not always helpful. A little bit of negative self-talk can spiral into stress and depression.

Pay attention to the way you respond to your successes and failures — do you pass off your achievements as luck? And crucify yourself after failures? Positive and negative feedback-loops will form in your mind based off how you respond to successes and failures. Being tough on yourself needs to be balanced with self-compassion. Celebrate your wins, forgive your losses.

7. Improve your body language awareness

Watching yourself on video can be a cringeworthy experience, but awareness of your body language, posture, and mannerisms improves your confidence.

Slouching, or taking a “low-power-pose” increases cortisol and feeds low self-esteem, while standing tall or taking a “high-power-pose” stimulates testosterone and improves your performance. Using hand gestures helps with articulating your thoughts and affects how people respond to you.

Record a speech or presentation and evaluate your posture and hand gestures. Watch videos of skilled speakers and adopt their mannerisms to improve your own.

8. Play “Devil’s Advocate”

Taking an opposing view forces you to question your assumptions. Your ‘default’ beliefs and worldview are not always reasonable; it’s healthy to “argue against yourself” and see how your views hold up.

And you’ll give your brain a good workout. Processing challenging information stimulates new neural connections.

9. Know your personality type  

Knowing your personality type allows you to maximize your strengths and manage your weaknesses. Understanding your “strengths” and “talents” can be the difference between a good choice, and a great choice. (Strengths are skills and knowledge that can be acquired, while talents are innate).

Start with understanding where you fall on the introvert/extrovert spectrum; know your Myers-Briggs type; and then conduct a personal SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats).

10. Ask for constructive feedback, regularly 

We all have blind spots in our thinking patterns and behaviors. Asking for regular constructive feedback cuts through any self-deceit or one-dimensional views you might hold. But only ask people you’d consider mentors — those who understand you; whom you respect; and will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

11. Practice self-evaluation and reflection 

Keep a journal and track your progress. How would you rate your current level of self-awareness out of ten? Think about how often you say regretful things; repeat bad habits; make absent-minded decisions; and have erratic thoughts.

Set regular goals, break big goals down into smaller milestones. Ask yourself at the end of each day, “What did I do well today?” And, “How can I improve on this tomorrow?”

12. Meditation

Meditation is a foundational practice for improving self-awareness. To focus solely on your breathing is to focus on a key internal process. You’ll become aware of how your mind wanders, and get better at snapping out of distractions.

For beginners, start with ten minute sessions. Find a quiet place to sit, breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Count your breaths silently, pulling your mind back when it wanders. See how many breaths you can string together.

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Interview's questions and answers

Kenya CV writing Services : Get a professional CV

Interview Guidelines & Tips

It’s important to note that institution first ask educational questions relating to the job applied for before there ask general questions. For instance, if you had applied for job relating to Network Administrator or System Administrator, there may ask:-

         1.      What is the difference between a hub and a switch?

         2.      What is a network?

         3.      What is TCP/IP and what does it stand for?

         4.      What is a default gateway?

         5.      What does DHCP stand for?

         6.      What is an IP Address?

         7.      Blah Blah Blah..

  

   We have hundreds of jobs' possible interview Questions and Answers.

   Click on the category link to view the PDF document of the interview questions. To be able to download you MUST be a facebook page Fun, so like the page then you will be able to download.

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CV Guidelines

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What is a CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that outlines your entire academic history. It is used most often to apply for employment opportunities.

What categories should I include in my CV?

At the very least, a CV should include contact information, education, research experience, teaching experience (if applicable), publications, presentations, and references. Other potential categories are listed below and may include awards, professional affiliations, community or university service, and others.

What is the appropriate length for a CV?

Length is less important in a CV than completeness. Your CV should include your

Complete academic history and is not typically limited by length, as is a resume.

Should I include job descriptions for every position listed on my CV?

Not necessarily. Most academic search committees may focus solely on your institution and your advisor. Given this focus, listing your title, institution, advisor, location, and dates you attended or were employed there are required. Additionally, most faculty reviewers expect to see dates listed on the left hand side of the page.

Does order matter on a CV?

Yes. It is critical for you to consider the position you are applying for and/or the audience you are writing for when compiling a CV. For example, if you are applying for a faculty position at a small college, you will want to list your teaching experience on the first page of your CV and your research experience and publications later in your document. The reverse would be true if you were applying to a research intensive university or institute.

I’m in the process of drafting my CV, but am not sure about format and style.

It is a good idea to ask your advisor or a mentor in your field for a copy of his/her CV, as each discipline has its own standards for content, style, and format. We have provided different format you can download and use the format to write your CV.

Interview Questions

Interview Guidelines & Tips

Before we even talk about the common questions asked during the interview, it’s important to note that some institution first ask educational questions relating to the job applied for before there ask general questions. For instance, if you had applied for job relating to Network Administrator and System Administrator, there may ask:-

         1.      What is the difference between a hub and a switch?

         2.      What is a network?

         3.      What is TCP/IP and what does it stand for?

         4.      What is a default gateway?

         5.      What does DHCP stand for?

         6.      What is an IP Address?

         7.      Blah Blah Blah..

For Professional CV, visit Kenya CV writing Services

So it’s always good to do some revisions on your area of education.

1. Ten "Common" Interview Questions

There are some common interview questions that you will typically hear throughout various stages of the interview process. We recommend you prepare ahead of time for these questions, which will facilitate your ability to sell yourself in the interview.

1. Tell me about yourself?
   Your answer should be no more than two to three minutes. Be clear, concise and logical in your delivery. Pick a specific starting point, and if possible illustrate positives and accomplishments.
2. Why are you leaving your current position?
   This is a tough question. You never want to talk in the negative about any aspect of your previous employer, while not coming across as a sales person. Whatever your answer, be truthful and talk in the positive.
3. What do you like or dislike most about your current position?
   Be careful with your answer, specifically in regards to things you dislike. The interviewer is probing to see if there are potential obstacles with their open position. Instead, utilize this as an opportunity to talk about the positives of your previous position; learned technical skills, challenges and areas of personal growth. The golden rule is not to talk in the negative about previous or current management, and always present a positive image.
4. What are your most significant strengths?
   Be prepared with at least three specific strengths. You will want to qualify the strengths with specific examples and quantifiable accomplishments. Discuss strengths that would be applicable, advantageous to the open position and facilitate results in regards to your performance.
5. What are your most significant weaknesses?
   Provide areas that you have identified and been working on to improve. You can actually turn it into a positive or strength if you can communicate specific improvement. The goal is to turn the fault into a character quality.
6. What is your most significant career accomplishment?
   This is an important answer. Your past performance and accomplishments are the best indicator of future performance! Prepare an answer that goes into who, what, where and why of the accomplishment and relate the results it had on the organization. Talk about the details and your personal involvement if it was a team accomplishment.
7. How do you work under pressure and stress?
   It is important to illustrate your ability to perform in pressure and stressful situations. People who are top performers have the ability to work well under pressure. It is recommended that you provide a specific example of an accomplishment in a stressful situation, why it was stressful and the details of how you overcame the adversity.
8. Why should we hire you for the position?
   Your objective is to summarize the qualities and strengths you bring to the organization, show how your past accomplishments predict your success in the role and most importantly, reveal how you can help them overcome the immediate challenges in the position. You want to let them know that you feel confident about your ability to make a contribution to the team, but not come across as egotistical.
9. Describe a situation in which you failed.
   It is important to recognize that the best people in business fail. You have to be able to communicate the failure, the potential effect on the organization and most critical, how you overcame the failure and succeeded. The interviewer is trying to gauge your ability to recognize your mistakes and how you react when faced with adversity.
10. What are your career goals?
    Where do you see yourself in five years? Be honest and realistic with yourself. Think about where you want to be in five years and communicate that answer to the interviewer. Be careful not to tell them what you think they want to hear. This can get you in trouble. Your answer should incorporate that if given the opportunity you want to still be with the organization in a role allowing you to make an even stronger contribution with greater responsibility.

2. Telephone Interview Tips

Objective: There are two main objectives of a telephone interview. First, it is your opportunity to sell the company on "why you want the position" and "what can you do for them" = what do you bring to the table. If you successfully do this, it typically results in a second interview either via the telephone or in person (on-site). Second, it is your opportunity to qualify the position as the "right fit" for your job search criteria. Expand & read more

If you are interested in the position then tell them specifically. It is OK to be politely assertive.

Setting: Set aside an hour in a place where you will be comfortable and can talk confidentially without interruption. If you don't receive the call within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, call the contact or send an e-mail to seek further direction.

Attitude: Your enthusiasm and animation will be important in conveying your interest. Make sure that you are alert and ready. Make sure you are smiling while you are talking. Be honest and try to relax. Remember that the interview is a two way street. Avoid long rambling responses to questions and try not to monopolize the conversation.

Preparation: Obtain some background information on the company. Visit their web site. Prepare several questions about the opportunity and position. Be able to succinctly summarize your "having" attributes such as education and work experience and more importantly your "doing" attributes, which are quantifiable things you have done that have added value to your employer.

Things to Avoid
You can close the door as quickly as you open it on a new opportunity. Below are some pitfalls that could exclude you from further consideration by the company contact.

• What's in it for me? Avoid any comments or discussion that allows the company contact to perceive you are primarily concerned with what the opportunity provides for you rather than what you can do for them. Don't immediately ask about benefits, relocation package etc. Save that for the personal interview.
• Avoid the negative. Don't overtly criticize your current/former employer. Be positive, tactful and professional throughout the entire conversation.
• Avoid yes or no responses. Expound a little bit on direct questions and sell yourself at every opportunity.
• Salary questions. Let the company initiate the discussion on money. There is a time and place for everything, and your first telephone interview might not be the opportune time to have an in-depth salary discussion.

Closing
If you are interested in the position then tell them specifically. It is OK to be politely assertive. Ask them what the next step is. Tell them you are interested in a personal interview. After concluding the interview, immediately send them e-mail thanking them for their time and expressing your desire to move forward in the process.

3. Personal Interview Tips

The Do(s) and Don't(s) of Interviews

Do(s):

• Dress for success (coat & tie, appropriate) – it is better to overdress and take off the tie than be dressed inappropriately
• Visit the restroom before the interview or in between interviews if it is an all day process
• Make good eye contact at all times
• Be prepared for common interview questions, but do not have canned answers or replies
• Look for something in common with interviewer by viewing items in their office or from their background (ask your consultant)
• Take this opportunity to sell yourself—keep focused and do not let any information you hear during the interview affect your intensity or "game face"
• Use common sense —be aware of the audience and surroundings from the moment you walk in the door until you leave
• Listen to each question carefully and ask them to repeat the question if you need clarification
• Demonstrate good body language—intensity, positive, enthusiastic…this communicates a lot about you and is always being evaluated
• Get business cards or contact information from everyone you meet
• Write a handwritten thank you note ASAP. Bring the stationary with you – write the notes from the hotel or airport and drop them in the mail there before you leave to return home.
• Make sure you tell people "I like what I heard and am interested in the next step"
• When answering questions, be concise and do not ramble on - avoid answering with yes or no
• Take extra copies of your resume and references with you…always be prepared
• Take good notes to use for follow-up
• Be early and take a few minutes to get a feel for the culture and surroundings

Don't(s):

• Checkout during the interview (the goal is to get to the next step)
• Have any physical distractions (dress, jewelry, perfumes etc.) that would affect the interviewer
• Oversell yourself to the point it becomes a negative
• Appear overconfident (sell yourself but also be humble when appropriate)
• Make up an answer or exaggerate your accomplishments or technical skills (it will cause you problems)
• Have a cell phone or beeper on during the interview – it is best not to bring them into the interview
• Talk too much. The interview needs to be a two way dialogue and more of a conversation
• Chew gum or use any body language that could be a possible distraction
• Ask about money or benefits unless the interviewer specifically brings it up
• Drink alcohol if going out to a lunch or dinner with the interviewer (use your good judgment)
• Talk negative about your current or former job to include bosses, peers, company culture, etc.

4. Turning Negatives into Positives During the Interview

Dependent upon your experience and work history, you may have to overcome some obstacles during an interview. Sometimes you will know what questions will surface which allows the opportunity to prepare in advance for overcoming any issues. Expand & read more

Regardless of the negative, the goal is to overcome the obstacle and get back to selling yourself through positives and accomplishments. Sometimes, the perceived negative can even be turned into a positive. Below is a proven way to address negatives during an interview.

1. Acknowledge the negative: "I can appreciate the fact you are concerned that I have had four jobs in the last eight years".
2. Clarify the negative: "I know on the surface it appears that I transition jobs every two years, however, some of the reasons were out of my control (closure/downsizing) and in my other reasons for leaving, a lot of thought went into my decision in regards to what was best for the organization and my career".
3. Transition to the positive and benefits: Explain what happened on each position, transition any potential negatives into positives, and show there is no pattern to you leaving a job every two years. A way to turn the negative into a positive is if you left because of no growth opportunities, you can give examples of how you have progressed by position, responsibility or skills in previous positions and the resulting contributions to your employer.

Some common negatives or objections you might face during an interview are outlined below. If you know these are parts of your past and will come up during the interview, prepare in advance to utilize the above method to turn the negative into a positive.

• Frequent job changes
• Gap in work experience
• Working out of the industry
• Inflated salary level in relation to the market
• Perception that the position is a step back from previous experience or responsibility
• No degree or applicable certification
• Unemployed status
• No job progression or advancement

5. Questions to Ask During an Interview

In almost every interview it is a given that at the end you will be asked, "Do you have any questions"? This is a great opportunity to set you apart in a positive way from other people being considered for the job. It pays to research a company before you arrive for an interview. Expand & read more

Employers say that they are interested in candidates who ask quality questions and make intelligent conversation based on what they know about the organization. They are unimpressed by candidates who know nothing about the company, what the company does, or the position being offered. Below you will find some appropriate questions to ask during an interview. When asking questions make them precise and definitive, and do not ask questions that are vague or take several minutes to answer. You do not want your questions to consume 15 minutes of a 45-minute interview.

• What do you like most about working for the company? Why?
• What is the future of XYZ Company from your perspective?
• Describe the corporate values of XYZ Company?
• What is the average tenure of people in this department or at XYZ Company?
• What are the backgrounds of the people I will be working with most closely?
• What are the immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three months?
• What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
• How will I be evaluated in XYZ Company and how often?
• What are the top three current initiatives for the company?
• What projects is this department currently working on?
• What are the growth plans for XYZ Company over the next 12 months?
• What new products or services is XYZ Company considering introducing to the market?
• What sets XYZ Company apart from the competition?
• What is the next step in the interview process?

6. How to Dress for an Interview

How many times have you heard, "You only have one chance to make a first impression"? When you interview, you are going to be judged on every possible factor, including what you wear. You want to look sharp and show that you will fit into the culture at your prospective employer. If in doubt, be conservative, even if the prospective employer has a "business casual" dress policy. You can take a jacket or tie off if needed, but can't overcome being underdressed. If you err, it should be on the side of being conservative. Below are some suggestions for appropriate interview attire and how to make a strong first impression. Expand & read more

Men

• Traditional two button, two-piece and single-breasted conservative suit (navy or charcoal gray).
• White long sleeved pressed dress shirts (button down, forward point or spread collar).
• Ties should be silk, conservative and coordinate with the suit. Avoid any ties that could distract the interviewer (i.e. picture ties, loud colors or printed scenery).
• Leather sole and polished dress shoes (black, cordovan or dark brown).
• Socks should be high quality and preferably over the calf. Avoid socks that will bunch down around your ankles in an interview.
• Hair should be cut in a conservative, professional style. If you have long hair, wear it back in a ponytail.
• If you wear an earring, we recommend you remove it prior to the interview.
• Avoid wearing too much cologne and a watch with an alarm feature.
• Have your suit professionally dry cleaned prior to the interview.

Women

• Traditional two piece and matching traditional business suit (navy or charcoal gray).
• The length of the skirt should be just below the knee.
• Tailored and pressed blouses (white or off-white).
• Shoes should be low-heeled (three inches or less) and polished with closed toes (black, navy or neutral colors).
• Handbags should be moderate size and only large enough to carry essential items (black, navy or neutral colors).
• Avoid jewelry or make-up that are distracting.
• Hair should be neat and professional. If your hair is below shoulder length it should be pulled back.
• Fingernails should be medium or short in length. Avoid excessively long fingernails and if you wear nail polish, it should be a subtle color (preferably clear).
• Avoid wearing too much perfume.
• Wear appropriate hosiery and bring an extra pair for back-up (neutral color).

The goal for men and women is to look professional and classic. Everything should be done in moderation and remember, you are being evaluated on what you wear in an interview, so "Dress for Success".