Over 50 and Job Searching - Cultivating Your Upper Hand

No one really knows when youth ends officially. But if you are over 50 and looking for a job, you probably feel that the rules have all changed. These are the times of downsizing, ‘right-sizing’ (whatever that means) and cost-cutting. If you have ever lost a potential job to a much younger, lower-paid candidate, you might have asked yourself if you’ve reached your expiration date.

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Yes, age bias still exists – let’s not be in denial about that. But there are all kinds of biases that exist in the workplace and the matter of age is now less of an issue. Today, many companies are realizing the fact that younger employees are more liable to shift from company to company in an effort to strengthen their careers. But older employees are more likely to stick with their present jobs and have more loyalty. Companies (finally!) have begun to realize that stocking their workforces with younger candidates may not be the wisest thing to do with respect to their retention strategies.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you can shimmy right up to that 20-something Human Resources Director and expect them to just give you the job - it all boils down to what a particular company is looking for at any given point in time. If a company values the immediate cost savings that only a younger employee can offer, then you probably don’t stand a chance. But if you can manage to convince them that your knowledge and skills are a lot more cost effective in the long run, then chances are your age won’t be an issue anymore.

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In order to achieve this, you need to take stock of your qualifications and skills. Once you determine what skills are marketable, you’ll probably stand out from all the other candidates.

Tips - Differentiating Yourself From The Masses

• Find organizations that will view your skills and qualifications as appropriate to their business.

• One of the biggest misconceptions about older employees is that they are less technically savvy as their younger counterparts. If you are computer literate, add that to your resume. List all the software packages that you know how to use. If you aren’t proficient with the computer, consider taking classes.

• Networking is extremely important for the older employee in the job market today. Search for former business colleagues, organizations and employees at firms that interest you.

• Always concentrate on your past achievements and not on your age. You can leap over impending hurdles with regard to your age by displaying strong vitality, good work experience and refined work ethics. Make yourself seem like someone who can get the work done and who can bring a lot of profits to the table with your maturity and exceptional qualifications.

The bottom line is that an organization either has to hire talent or develop talent. So, if you are articulate enough about your skills and talents and can show that you are a fast learner, your chances of getting a good job, irrespective of your age, are very high vacancy

How to Network Like a Pro

You can learn a lot about networking to find jobs by asking recruiters how they do it to fill jobs.

That's because recruiters, also known as headhunters, have to network every day to locate and place candidates in positions they're hired by employers to fill. And recruiters don't get paid until they succeed.

So you'd better believe that successful headhunters know a thing or two about networking. 

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Here are two things, to be exact, you can do to network like a pro and get hired faster ... 

1. Google And Call Past Employees

Recruiting expert David Perry, author of "Guerrilla Marketing For Job Hunters," shares a unique way to research potential employers using Google. It's this: Find and call people who used to work where you want to work now.

"The fastest way to learn the real workings of an organization is to Google past employees and call them up. This is exactly what I do. Before I take an assignment from a company to place an executive there, I want to know if I'm walking into a hornet's nest," says Perry.

Here's how to do it ...

Google the name of your target employer and the word "resume." The search results you get back will include resumes of people who used work there. (You may want to add the word "experience" to "resume" in your search; experiment using Google's Advanced Search options.)

Once you find some resumes, pick up the phone and call. Say: "Hi my name is _________. I'm researching XYZ Corp. and I think you used to work there because I found your resume online. I'm thinking of applying for a job there. May I ask you a few quick questions to see if it's worth my time and effort? I know this is an unusual way to do a job search ..."

Most people will be impressed by your initiative, flattered to be asked for their opinion and willing to help you out.

"You want to learn about three main areas: the company and its culture; the department you would be working in; and the name of the manager you would be reporting to," says Perry.

Finish your conversation with this all-important question: "If I decide to talk with them, may I say that I spoke with you?"

"You ask this for two reasons," advises Perry. "First, if they left on good terms, you can drop that former employee's name when contacting the company to ask for a meeting. Second, that person may phone his old boss and tell him or her to keep an eye out for the smart person who just called -- that would be you."

If you're at all hesitant about this technique, try it on a company you have no intention of applying to. Work out the bugs first, then network your way right into your ideal employer. 

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2. Make Recommendations On LinkedIn

Tom Stewart, VP of Executive Search at Genesis10 in Minneapolis, advises job seekers to use LinkedIn.com as a way to get found by recruiters and employers.

"I tell people to think of LinkedIn as a sort of 'Who's Who' for the Internet savvy professional. It's a great way to expand your visibility -- and the more people who can find you, the better," says Stewart.

Key to using LinkedIn effectively is to give and ask for endorsements, also known as recommendations.

"Writing recommendations for those in your network benefits everyone. I have found candidates accidentally by clicking on the endorsements they wrote for other people on LinkedIn. I can count at least 6 passive candidates I placed in new jobs this way," says Stewart. 

Start with your network of first-level connections at LinkedIn. Pick one person you feel strongly about and endorse them. After you write a recommendation, the system prompts the recipient to endorse you, which leads to reciprocity.

Think of your LinkedIn recommendations as free advertisements you can run on other people's profiles. If they are successful and highly visible in their industry, your recommendation -- with your name on it -- will be highly visible, too. Which increases the likelihood that a recruiter who sees your endorsement will click on it, read your profile, and contact you. 

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Surviving Job Search Stress

A Job Search Is An Emotional Roller-Coaster Ride

Searching for a job can evoke a range of emotions. If you are searching for a job, then you may often be more open to negative and depressing emotions like anger and shame, instead of positive emotions. These emotions may rise and ebb, only to resurface again later.

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Searching for a job is like going on an emotional roller coaster ride - but what you may not know is that there are ways that you can control the twists and turns of your job search. Career consultants say that 90% of job search is an internal process (i.e. managing your emotions). Managing your emotions means that you are able to manipulate your thoughts and emotions in a way that serve you positively.

Tips To Surviving Your Job Search

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While it is good to stay away from depressing emotions, it is not a very bright idea to stay away from your emotions altogether. They will invariably become your strengths. Try to look for value in your emotions because doing so will help put the situation in perspective, and you will then be able to think clearly. For instance, the strong emotion of anger can also give you the energy to act in a positive way, just like the emotion of guilt and embarrassment teaches you to reexamine your behavior and act in accordance with your set values and principles.

Often in times of distress, we tend to talk to ourselves. Psychologists term this behavior ‘self talk’ and believe that it is healthy provided you are giving your distressed mind positive messages like ‘I can do it’ or ‘I will remain calm so that I can analyze my situation more optimistically’.

Fear is another emotion that most job seekers face. Fear can often make you feel that the situation is out of control. To get out of this mind-trap, you can make and keep promises to yourself. Set goals that will empower your mind and get you into action mode. For more effective control over fear, start writing a journal and register all your fears and the possible steps that you can take to overcome it. Also write about the barriers that are holding you back from applying those steps.

Another very good way of beating job search stress is to participate in a job search support group. Most regions have at least one, but if your area lacks one then you can form a support group on your own. The Internet also has lots of job search support resources.

The most important thing to remember when facing the stress of looking for a job is to remain positive and active. By not letting your mind become idle, you can stop negative thoughts and fears from taking hold in the first place. vacancy

Your Money or Your Life - How to Break Free from a Crappy Job

Everyone gets emotional about money. Most of us link it to happiness and/or success. It almost certainly results in anger and frustration at some point in our lives. It appears as if money has some power over us – the power to make a difference in our lives. The truth is that money only has the power we assign to it. job vacancy indonesia

The cornerstone of personal finance is your ability to manage your cash flow. Taking in more than you spend is essential to growth and prosperity. Most people rely upon their job as their sole source of income. All too often we become emotionally connected to the income our jobs provide. This connection can prevent us from making sound decisions when it comes to our lives. It is this emotional connection that forces good people to stay in bad jobs. employee

The emotional connection makes our present job seem larger than life. No matter how hard we try we just can’t break free from the bonds of this terrible situation. “I hate the job but I need the money” becomes our mantra. In essence we become addicted to the income that the horrible job provides and we don’t see a way to break free.

Here are three things you can do to help break your addiction to your horrible job and take back control of your life:

Admit you have a problem. Admit that you are miserable in your current job. Admit it to yourself and to your family. You will be amazed at how good you feel when you get the burden of denial off of your chest.

This admission will allow you to begin welcoming help and support into your life. You will suddenly feel free to consider other options. A solution will not magically present itself, however your eyes will be open to some possibilities that you may not have previously noticed.

Develop some form of secondary income. This does not need to be an income stream that rivals your current role. Even something that provides a limited amount of cash will help. The object here is to build your confidence in earning some money in a situation outside your traditional comfort zone. The occupation for your secondary income is totally up to you. The one nonnegotiable factor is that it must be in an area that you enjoy. The idea is that once you see you can make some money – any money – from something you enjoy, your mind will be open to leaving a job you hate, but feel you need.
Put limits on your unhappiness. In order to get your life back and take control of your career you must set an end date with yourself. Give yourself ample time to explore new opportunities and learn about your hidden talents. Set a date for when you will have a job that is rewarding both emotionally and financially Setting a date does a few important things for you psychologically. First it shows that you have control. If you can set a date, then you can walk away. Second, it removes any anticipatory anxiety. Sometimes the dread that comes from going to work everyday is about not seeing an end. Setting a date changes that. Finally, when you set a date you give yourself the ultimate motivation. Your mind will drive your actions to become consistent with your thoughts. If you set a firm date and stick with it, you will find a better job because of your internal motivation. vacancy

Five Lethal Job-Hunting Mistakes

Job-hunting takes enthusiasm, concentration and a great attention to detail - not to mention an effervescent manner (even if that's not your usual nature) and infinite patience. As long as you're expending so much energy on getting a new job, you'd hate to think any of that exertion might be wasted. But these five job-search missteps can knock you out of the game - watch out for them! employee

1) Using a juvenile email address or phone message.

Now is the time to ditch that "partygirl109" or "buffdudexx7" email address, immediately. Get a free email account from hotmail, and come up with an adult-sounding handle. Same goes for your voicemail: get rid of the cute kids'-voice messages and funny Groucho Marx tapes. This is for real.

2) Using an electronically challenged resume.

Get your resume in shape, in three versions: hardcopy (looking professional, fitting the page, and printed on decent paper); plain text, to be sent in the body of an email message; and a Word document, likewise printable and readable and formatted to the page. A junky resume leaves a terrible impression. job vacancy indonesia

3) Skipping the research.

As soon as you apply for a job online or via a print ad - or a friend, for that matter - do at least enough research to know what business the company is in, who its competitors are and where it does business. If the phone rings and you're clueless as to the company's business priorities, don't expect to fare well on a phone interview.

4) Being hard to reach.

If there was ever a time to keep your cell phone charged up, it's when you're job-hunting. NEVER leave a work number (unless it's your own company) or a friend or relative's number on a voice message for a prospective employer. Use your own numbers, and return calls promptly - same day, if you can. vacancy
5) Lying on your resume.
It's terribly easy for employers to discover falsifications on your resume, and it won't matter how long you've been with the company when the truth comes out: if you lied, you're fried. Tell the truth.

Career Education: How It Can Propel Your Career Forward

Ongoing career education is something that can help separate from you other job searchers and in some cases might help to win you the job.

As a recruiter, I have worked with companies who won’t hire people without a university degree. In some cases, they specify the type of degree needed but in other cases, the company doesn’t care what the degree is in as long as you have one.

In other words, a lack of education can cost you. And you might not even realize it if the company doesn’t publicly admit this policy but simply lets their recruiters know about this particular form of screening.

When planning your career, education can certainly have an impact on your success or lack thereof.

Here are some ideas regarding various levels of education that might help to determine your long-term success in the workplace.

University/College Career Education

As mentioned above, some companies you apply to might require a Bachelor’s degree or college diploma and some might not even tell you up front that this is the reason you are being rejected. If you haven’t achieved this level of education and feel like it’s holding you back, you can do something about it. If you have a job, furthering your education through evening classes or online university training can be difficult to balance but it can be done. The long-term positive impact on your career can really make it worthwhile, too.

Post Graduate Career Education

If you have already have a university or college-level education, you might find that a further level of education can help take to a much higher level. Not only can a Masters degree or PhD level take you to a higher level of compensation – depending on your industry and existing level of experience of course – it can also help to project you to more senior positions that might otherwise be unattainable. If only getting such a degree was as easy as writing about it…Certainly, attaining a Masters or PhD level degree requires a special kind of person, a dedicated career-minded individual who no doubt clearly sees the value of education.

OK, let’s say that anything related to degrees or diplomas is just not an option for you. There are still plenty of great career education options you can look at: employee

Industry-Specific Career Education

A good example of industry education is the various platform-specific designations that Information Technology professionals can attain in areas such as computer networking, routers, wireless and Internet technologies. Often these designations will not only separate you from candidates who don’t hold a designation, it might be a requirement for actually applying for some jobs. Other examples of people who hold industry-specific designations are registered nurses and certified trainers. vacancy

Skills Training Career Education

There are a number of options you might consider such as computer training, presentation skills training, project management training, financial management training and assertiveness training just to name a few. If you can think of something about yourself that you’d like to improve, you can probably quickly find a course or some sort of training to take. Plus, taking training courses – especially if your employer pays for it – is a great way to keep active and network with others who might help your career. job vacancy indonesia

With Your Next Job, Have a Love Affair!

What do you do when you're looking for a potential mate? Go to the gym, go out on dates, go places you like. Ask around to see who's still single or newly single. Think about the time and energy you devote to dating, which if successful, will comprise maybe 20% of your waking hours. Now think about your career. You probably spend about 50% of your waking hours at your desk, commuting, or traveling for work vacancy

When we're dating, we're very specific and choosy about whom we'll spend 20% of our time with. Yet often times, we settle for the first job that comes along that meets very little of our criteria, often money. Would you be willing to spend the next three to five years with a mate just because you had one nice meal? Of course not. But that's exactly what we do when we're deciding on our next job – we have a couple of great interviews and the money's good, so we agree to join the company and then stay until a better one comes along. Where's the passion in this picture? I say, it's time to have a love affair with your next job! employee

The good news is that this is easier than you think. Just remember what AFFAIR stands for:

• A -- Admiration -- Love Your Work
• FF -- Faking Fails -- If You Fake Who You Are, You'll Be Miserable in Your Next Job
• A -- Acceptance -- What Are You Willing to Compromise?
• I -- Intermingling -- Interviewing Not Just Any Company, But the Cream of the Crop Companies
• R -- Reward -- A Job You Love and Pays the Bills

ADMIRATION. We often have an idea of what our ideal mate looks like. Hair texture and color, eye color, physique, the sound of his or her voice. Likewise, this is the first step to take when you search for your next job. That's why magazines often promote the top companies to work for -- these are companies that people admire. What kind of employer do you admire? Think about the job environment. Do you want to aspire to a window office, or do you prefer open environments where everyone's equally accessible?

Think about the perfect boss who is dying to have you work on interesting projects and promote you at every opportunity. Think about the colleagues you're working with and how you might realistically interact with them at networking events. Can you see yourself bowling with them, or perhaps having each other's families over for dinner? Visualize yourself in the office kitchen at 3pm in the afternoon singing "Happy Birthday" with your colleagues. Who do you want to be singing with? Imagining your ideal job in great detail puts your intention into motion.

FAKING FAILS. Be yourself – otherwise once you get the job you'll just have to keep on faking. Have you heard of anyone who sent out over 200 resumes in their job search? Are you one of them? As in dating, it is highly unattractive to solicit yourself to every available employer and then call for days on end asking if they love you and want to marry you, figuratively speaking. Be a little choosy here. Employers want to know you're a good catch. How can you be selective?

Well, you can reach out to your friends, family, and trusted colleagues. Have a hobby you love? Join a group. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Join networking groups in your area of expertise and volunteer for those activities that sound fun, even if they add a bit more time to your schedule. The key here is to do only those things that you absolutely love. If you're joining just to get noticed, you've missed the point. Just as in dating, you're more likely to meet your potential mate, or employer, when you're simply being yourself and having fun!

ACCEPTANCE. Now here's the kicker. Be willing to accept less than perfection. I know, this goes against the first "A for Admiration" in designing your ideal employer. But really, do you know of anyone who has the perfect significant other? With dating, you can love someone and be willing to compromise on shortcomings. It's the same with a potential employer. Know your core values and beliefs so that you're clear in your interviews what you must have and what you're willing to let slide.

Let's say you're interviewing to work in an advertising agency and you're a creative person who loves flexibility and wants a boss who provides lots of autonomy but is accessible for brainstorming when you're in a rut. Let's say you crave open space with ping pong tables and dart boards in a creative war room environment. But let's say that this agency's clients are predominantly traditional corporations with organizational hierarchies, long approval processes, micromanagement of details, and slow to act.

Are you willing to accept those shortcomings? Or are you really looking to work for a smaller boutique agency with a lesser-known client roster and possibly less salary potential? These are the types of considerations that if you decide in advance, will not be surprising to you after the new job honeymoon is over.

Congratulations…now you're INTERMINGLING! Over the past few months you've been joining groups and meeting people and having the time of your life. Now you've even gotten yourself some very interesting interviews. Not just any company, but companies that people you trust have referred you to. And you have an "in" since these people know and love you, and are essentially setting you up on blind dates, or interviews – telling both sides that you guys are meant to be soul mates together.

Try not to go crazy memorizing all those interviewing questions. The good companies don't rely on such trite questions such as, "If you were an animal, what kind of animal you would be?" Or the completely unrealistic one, "So where do you see yourself in five years?" As if any company would be willing to sign you on for five years without the possibility of layoffs.

Again, think of the interviewing process as a night out on a date, so to speak. How does your gut feel as you're talking with your interviewer? Is this somebody you'd want to go out with day after day? Is it easy for you to strike up a conversation with the interviewer? Do you find you're stumbling upon your words, or worse, that you're completely bored? Is she or he really listening to what you're saying by repeating back to you what you've said? Better yet, do you feel like a couple of good friends laughing and having a great time? Really try to use the cues your body is sending you -- try not to think so much with your head. Are you in love with this person? Let's hope so, because you'll be spending more time with him or her than with your significant other! job vacancy indonesia

What Employers Are Looking For In You

One of the most dramatic changes in the 21st Century job market is in the way employers consider you when they first lay eyes on you.

For example, if you think that it’s your resume that will get you a job, you’re in for a long, LONG job search! vacancy

Or if you’re intent on proving yourself based on your work history . . . what you used to do for someone else . . . get ready for disappointment and rejection.

And if your confidence is based on your ability to passively answer all the questions an interviewer throws at you, you already lost.

Today’s employers are looking for people with energy. And they pick up on your energy before they even formally meet you. Do you exhibit the energy employers are looking for? employee

Energetic people exude vigor, enthusiasm and drive. They want and need to be active. Employers can sense this quality in a person almost as soon as they enter the room. They have a spring in their step and a drive that puts a sparkle in their eyes.

All this occurs even before you open your mouth. We know from experience that an employer or interviewer will make a go/no-go decision about you in a matter of seconds all based on the sense of energy you communicate when they first lay eyes on you.

So, if you are not this type of person, it would be wise to practice how to look and act energetically so that you can make a good first impression. It really makes a big difference because job opportunities are literally won or lost depending on how you enter a room.

Being aware of employers’ expectations is critical to your job search success. The old-fashioned job hunting techniques focused all the attention on YOU . . . your work history, your past accomplishments, your academic and other credentials, your qualifications, your objectives.
But all that’s changed. Today employers expect you to know what THEIR needs are and how you can fill them going forward. Displaying energy is the first step. job vacancy indonesia

Do You Have This Key Element in Your Resume?

Most books on resume writing are terribly out-of-date. Although well intentioned and filled with other good information, most have not been updated for the job search realities of today. Surprisingly, few resume books will even mention what I am about to tell you today.  

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Your resume will be seen by many eyes, including electronic. The computer will "score" it by the number of keywords (also known as "buzzwords") the employer will find most relevant.

If you don’t account for this, your resume will stay locked in some database, never to be seen by anyone while you sit waiting by the phone for the call that never comes. vacancy

Put a "Keyword Competencies" section in your resume.

The solution for the electronic gatekeeper is to include a special section called "Keyword Competencies". This is, quite frankly, just a catch-all bin that you want to use to ensure that every relevant keyword is covered. You want to focus on the words most likely to be used by either a Human Resources staffing employee or a recruiter. They search resumes by keywords. The greater number of relevant keywords you can include, the higher relevancy score your resume will be given.

The easiest way to do this is to include a separate section that lists all the relevant keywords pertaining to your career and skills. This section should best be listed at the beginning of your resume to introduce the skill sets you possess early on from an interviewing standpoint. Psychology plays an effect here, too. Try to include no more than 75 keywords.

For example, if you were a Java Programmer, your "Keyword Competencies" section might look something like this:

"Java, Visual C++, perl, ticl, application development, visual basic, Windows NT/XP, programming, GUI, html, project management, layer 2, BSEE, etc". employee

The idea here is to put in as many relevant, searchable keywords that describe your potential job title, technical skills, management or organizational skills, relevant software and/or mechanical abilities and expertise. Include anything that might be important to the particular job.

Resumes: Ten Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’ve been downsized, are looking for a career change or are just starting out, your resume speaks volumes about you. If your resume doesn’t make it past the first cut, you’re doomed; no matter how qualified you are. Below are ten common mistakes to avoid when putting your resume together. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. job vacancy indonesia

1. Multiple pages – You need to be concise. Keep it to one page and one page only. If you can’t highlight your talents on one page, you’re giving the message that you are unorganized and tend to go on and on.

2. Fancy paper – If your skills don’t speak for themselves, then your fancy paper isn’t going to make a bit of difference.

3. Fancy font – Same as above. Don’t try to set yourself apart with a different font on your resume. Set yourself apart by being uniquely qualified. 

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4. Irrelevant info – No one really cares that you were a singing waiter if you’re applying for an accountant job.

Sidenote: I hope you're finding this to be useful. It's an important topic, but finding quality information about it can sometimes be a challenge -- which is why I chose to share this particular article with you. Please read on...

5. Outdated information – Does it matter than you had a newspaper route and were on the high school cheerleading squad 24 years ago? No, not in the least. Leave it off.

6. Typos and misspellings – You would think this is an obvious one, but you’d be amazed at the number of resumes received with big blaring mistakes.

7. Falsified information – Greatly elaborated credentials are the same as lies. Do not list diplomas, certifications, affiliations or awards that you did not earn. Just don’t do it. It’ll come back to bite you in the butt. 

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Job Interviews Can Be a Real Bore

I'm sorry, but job interviews can be a real bore. If you get an interview with a company and have four people to meet, the odds are that two of those interviews will be boring. What do I mean by boring? Well, there are a lot of people asked to interview who don't do it very often and don't really know what to ask. There are also those that are so scripted that the candidate is forced to fall back on answers that are also scripted. If the interviewer was nervous or unsure going into the meeting and remained that way through until the end, you will be blamed for it.

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Boring interviews end up in a cycle of generic interaction that leads the interviewer to neither like you or dislike you. In the post-interview meeting that most companies have, you will likely not stand out. Instead, as you are peeling off your business suit or scraping off your fancy interview shoes, you are being described as "OK", "good gal/guy" or "capable". Not very inspiring for the hiring manager and not much cover if he/she wants to make you an offer.

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Whether your fault or not, you have not broken through to this interviewer. Because the interview was uneventful, even if the fault of the interviewer, you are going to pay the price.

So how can you turn a boring interview into a memorable one?

Turn the discussion around to focus on the interviewer.

In some cases, this will be a relief. They were not comfortable asking questions anyway. In other cases, they will love the idea of sharing a success or describing a key project that they led.

Yes, you have to take over. But you have to be careful. Each interviewer is different and may require a different style of takeover. Sometimes one question from you can change the entire structure of the interview, make it more personal and provide the opening for you to become more than just one of five candidates being seen that day.

How about some ideas, you say?

1. Ask the first question and keep asking.

Here's an easy one: How long have you been with (COMPANY)? Kicks off the interview as conversational and sets the tone a bit. If you sense that the interviewer likes talking, ask additional questions to better understand his/her role in the company and what influence they may have on the position in question. Once you've established a more conversational format, you can introduce key points about yourself with more precision.

2. Ask a personal question that focuses attention on the interviewer in a positive way.

"What have been your best moments here at (COMPANY)?" This allows them to share something with you and allows you to follow-up in a number of different ways. If the response is that the interviewer was critical in the installation of a new piece of plant equipment, ask him to show it to you. Oh, how an interview changes when you can get up, walk around and get conversational. You are now building a relationship and having an impact. And, by the way, everyone else you are interviewing with sees you on your walk - you look to be getting special treatment, right?

3. Ask questions to introduce your key and unique skills.

Ask a question like: Do you have a system to consistently guarantee new products will launch on time? After they answer, you are free to describe your skills here and cement yourself as someone who can make a quick and substantial positive impact. Be careful not to ask questions that could potentially embarrass an interviewer or force them to look less than strategic.

Now I hear some of you saying: "Hey, I'm thankful for every interview I can get. I need interviews, boring or not to get myself back in business!". I hear you. In times when interviews are hard to come by, your ability to make a really positive and obvious impact is crucial. You want the interview team to come in to the candidate review meeting with words like "wow", "I could see him starting here tomorrow", "that's the one we need". And those reactions won't come from a team of four when two of the four are asking standard questions and getting acceptable, standard answers. Don't wait until the end to ask your questions. You may run out of time and, for sure, you will not stand out. > employee  

Job Interview Tips for Pharmaceutical Sales Positions

Job interviews for pharmaceutical sales are unlike other types of job interviews. These interviews are used to assess whether a candidate is suitable in the sales environment in addition to reviewing background histories and skills. Interviewers would often ask tricky questions that test the personalities of candidates in order to determine sales potential. 

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If during a pharmaceutical sales job interview and the reviewer asks you a question on whether you prefer to work alone or with others in groups, you have to be careful here. If you say a solo environment is definitely better, they may not see you as a team player. If you say that you prefer working in groups, they might think that you would not be effective in sales since most of the time, pharmaceutical reps are out in the field on their own. 

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Therefore, the safest route to take here is to say that you like both environments and can be effective in both. When you are alone, you can be effective as an independent worker. Then when you are working with others in group projects or at meetings, you can also work effectively in teams.

You must convey the impression during a job interview that your skills enable you to excel in both scenarios. Don’t get fooled by the interviewer’s trick question. Here’s an effective response:

“I like both. I realize that most of the time, reps work alone and I certainly can be effective in this mode. Working with others at times will be a nice change and I can also be quite effective in teams as well. It’s a good working mix in my mind.”

Asking you about your strengths during an interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Asking you about weaknesses is another matter and is another example of a tricky question. You must be careful here not to expose any specific weak skills that may hurt you during an interview. Whenever I encountered questions about my weaknesses during my interviews, I countered with something like this:

“In all honesty, the only weakness I think I have is perhaps a lack of industry specific experience since pharmaceutical sales will be new for me. However, I am strong on my communications and sales related skills. I am also a fast learner so I am certain that industry specific training that your company could provide will help me make up for this lack of industry experience. I’m sure that I would be able to get up to speed pretty quickly and start growing those sales for your company.”

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Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Interview Body Language

The following article summarizes the top 10 ways to ensure that you show good interview body language. Make sure that all the preparation you do for a job interview isn’t in vain. Your body language is key to job interview success. > Vacancy
The top 10 ways to improve your interview body language are as follows:
1) Eye Contact
There’s nothing more off-putting to an interviewer than the interviewee being unable to make regular, good, strong eye contact. The interviewer may think that, because you’re unable to do this, you either have something to hide, or you may not have the conviction of your beliefs. If you have difficulty concentrating when looking straight into someone’s eyes, then try looking between their eyes. They won’t be able to tell you aren’t looking straight into their eyes, but you’ll find it easier to maintain focus. Try it with a friend first to see what I mean.
2) Smile
You need to practice a strong, sincere smile. A good smile has the power to say, “I’m a happy, confident person and I’d love to work here.” Try practicing smiling in a mirror. Practice a smile that puts people at ease. It’s just as much your responsibility as theirs to ensure a relaxed atmosphere during the interview. If you’re embarrassed about your smile, see what a dentist can do about it. It might not cost too much to fix your teeth – and it will get you a lot of money if you get the job!
3) Open Body Language
Again, try practicing with a friend first. Make sure your legs are slightly apart if you’re a gent. Place your hands apart, on your thighs is good. Open body language is even more important when the interviewer is talking. It demonstrates that you are receptive to the question and actively listening. Remember when you practice your body language with a friend to take note of what to do with each part of your body. Unless you do that – and remember – you’re leaving it to chance that your body language will come across well at your job interview.
4) Don’t slouch
It’s easy to appear as if you slouch too much. This is especially prevalent if you’re asked to sit in a large, soft seat. Try not to appear too relaxed. Not sitting all the way back in the seat is a good idea. If you sit forward, it makes you look more attentive and more interested. Some people slouch because they’re not very interested. Other people slouch because they have bad body language. Either way, an interviewer isn’t going to be too impressed. Try practicing in a mirror at home. > employee
5) Don’t be too erect
If you’re too erect then you won’t appear relaxed. If an experienced interviewer is interviewing you, they might put this down to stage fright. They might judge you on what you’re saying rather than how uptight you appear. However, if your interviewer isn’t too experienced, they might not feel relaxed either because of your posture. They could leave the interview with a feeling that you weren’t as good as the other person simply because you were too erect. Try to relax… but not too much!
 
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Job Interview Tips for Pharmaceutical Sales Positions

Job interviews for pharmaceutical sales are unlike other types of job interviews. These interviews are used to assess whether a candidate is suitable in the sales environment in addition to reviewing background histories and skills. Interviewers would often ask tricky questions that test the personalities of candidates in order to determine sales potential.

If during a pharmaceutical sales job interview and the reviewer asks you a question on whether you prefer to work alone or with others in groups, you have to be careful here. If you say a solo environment is definitely better, they may not see you as a team player. If you say that you prefer working in groups, they might think that you would not be effective in sales since most of the time, pharmaceutical reps are out in the field on their own.

Therefore, the safest route to take here is to say that you like both environments and can be effective in both. When you are alone, you can be effective as an independent worker. Then when you are working with others in group projects or at meetings, you can also work effectively in teams.

You must convey the impression during a job interview that your skills enable you to excel in both scenarios. Don’t get fooled by the interviewer’s trick question. Here’s an effective response:

“I like both. I realize that most of the time, reps work alone and I certainly can be effective in this mode. Working with others at times will be a nice change and I can also be quite effective in teams as well. It’s a good working mix in my mind.”

Asking you about your strengths during an interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Asking you about weaknesses is another matter and is another example of a tricky question. You must be careful here not to expose any specific weak skills that may hurt you during an interview. Whenever I encountered questions about my weaknesses during my interviews, I countered with something like this:

“In all honesty, the only weakness I think I have is perhaps a lack of industry specific experience since pharmaceutical sales will be new for me. However, I am strong on my communications and sales related skills. I am also a fast learner so I am certain that industry specific training that your company could provide will help me make up for this lack of industry experience. I’m sure that I would be able to get up to speed pretty quickly and start growing those sales for your company.” 

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Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Interview Body Language

The following article summarizes the top 10 ways to ensure that you show good interview body language. Make sure that all the preparation you do for a job interview isn’t in vain. Your body language is key to job interview success.

The top 10 ways to improve your interview body language are as follows:

1) Eye Contact

There’s nothing more off-putting to an interviewer than the interviewee being unable to make regular, good, strong eye contact. The interviewer may think that, because you’re unable to do this, you either have something to hide, or you may not have the conviction of your beliefs. If you have difficulty concentrating when looking straight into someone’s eyes, then try looking between their eyes. They won’t be able to tell you aren’t looking straight into their eyes, but you’ll find it easier to maintain focus. Try it with a friend first to see what I mean.

2) Smile

You need to practice a strong, sincere smile. A good smile has the power to say, “I’m a happy, confident person and I’d love to work here.” Try practicing smiling in a mirror. Practice a smile that puts people at ease. It’s just as much your responsibility as theirs to ensure a relaxed atmosphere during the interview. If you’re embarrassed about your smile, see what a dentist can do about it. It might not cost too much to fix your teeth – and it will get you a lot of money if you get the job!

3) Open Body Language

Again, try practicing with a friend first. Make sure your legs are slightly apart if you’re a gent. Place your hands apart, on your thighs is good. Open body language is even more important when the interviewer is talking. It demonstrates that you are receptive to the question and actively listening. Remember when you practice your body language with a friend to take note of what to do with each part of your body. Unless you do that – and remember – you’re leaving it to chance that your body language will come across well at your job interview.

4) Don’t slouch

It’s easy to appear as if you slouch too much. This is especially prevalent if you’re asked to sit in a large, soft seat. Try not to appear too relaxed. Not sitting all the way back in the seat is a good idea. If you sit forward, it makes you look more attentive and more interested. Some people slouch because they’re not very interested. Other people slouch because they have bad body language. Either way, an interviewer isn’t going to be too impressed. Try practicing in a mirror at home.

5) Don’t be too erect

If you’re too erect then you won’t appear relaxed. If an experienced interviewer is interviewing you, they might put this down to stage fright. They might judge you on what you’re saying rather than how uptight you appear. However, if your interviewer isn’t too experienced, they might not feel relaxed either because of your posture. They could leave the interview with a feeling that you weren’t as good as the other person simply because you were too erect. Try to relax… but not too much!

6) Make sure your eyes sparkle
It’s all very well having good eye contact at your interview, but if your eyes aren’t looking bright and interested then you’re making life difficult for yourself! Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before your interview. Remember – this is a very important day – you need to look your best and have no bags under your eyes! If you want your eyes to sparkle, then it’s worthwhile getting some whitening eye drops. It doesn’t cost much, but it will work
7) Be engaged
It’s important to be subtly positive at your job interview. You need to demonstrate that you’re actively taking part in the interview. When your interviewer is telling you about the job role and company, make sure you nod subtly. This shows that you are listening and are interested in what they are saying. It shows that you are engaged in the discussion process and want to be part of the organization.
8) Breathe deeply
One of the best ways to relax before an important interview is to breathe deeply. If you breathe deeply, not only are you relaxing by slowing your rapid, nervous heartbeat, you’re also ensuring that your brain has as much oxygen as possible. This means you’ll be able to think clearly at your interview and be able to respond to difficult questions more rapidly. Breathing deeply before an interview will provide you with the effective combination of being relaxed and alert at the same time.
9) Accept an offer of a glass of water
You may not feel like having a glass of water, but taking a sip of water can have a calming effect on your interview performance. It can give you an opportunity to collect your thoughts while refreshing yourself. It will also give you a chance to get used to the surroundings while the interviewer is out of the room getting the glass of water. This will also give you the opportunity to gather your thoughts and decide upon any amendments to your interview strategy, as well as review your prepared responses to questions.
10) Practice your handshake
So many people don't have the right ‘professional’ handshake. Remember, this is part of the first and last impression you make at the interview. If you have a weak, limp handshake, this tells the interviewer that you may not have the ability to deal with confrontation. On the other hand, if your handshake is too strong, then you may not be a good listener. You may be quite confident about controlling a situation, but you may be less likely to be democratic in approach. To demonstrate the happy medium, have a firm but not hard grip, make good eye contact at the same time, and mirror the style of the person whose hand you are shaking.

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The Best Plus-Size Suits For Job Interviews

You've fine-tuned your resume and landed that important interview for the perfect job. Now, you need to figure out what plus size suits will make you look professional and stylish. There are many options for plus-size suits, but let's narrow down the search to what will give you the sharp image that you need to impress your interviewers.
What Type Of Job Are You Interviewing For?
When you begin searching through the racks of plus size suits, keep in mind the position for which you are interviewing. If you are hoping for a job in a creative field such as advertising, art, fashion, or entertainment, you will want to choose more colorful fabrics and trendy styles in suits. Potential accountants, bankers, and financial planners should stick to conservative colors, styles, and fabrics. And, if you are hoping to land a sales position, look for tailored suits in assertive colors.

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Interview Bias: Overcoming the Silent Forces Working Against You

Your job interview is tomorrow. You know your appearance will matter, so you polish your shoes and brush your hair. You realize your interviewer will have your resume in hand, so you've come prepared to explain every minute detail included on it. You've even done practice interviews and prepared your responses to all the trick questions. Are you ready? Not yet.

There remains a single type of preparation that you should do that can make or break your interview-knowing how to handle the possible biases of an interviewer. You need this knowledge because of a simple reality; interviews are subjective, no matter how many objective indicators are introduced. Interviewers are human, and all carry with them some assumptions about different types of people. Despite what may be valid attempts to leave these assumptions behind in the process, even the most earnest interviewer may be letting some of these biases make their way into the decision-making process. The best candidate for a job has many a time been passed over in the interview process because of bias. You don't want to be one of them.

interview-knowing how to handle the possible biases of an interviewer. You need this knowledge because of a simple reality; interviews are subjective, no matter how many objective indicators are introduced. Interviewers are human, and all carry with them some assumptions about different types of people. Despite what may be valid attempts to leave these assumptions behind in the process, even the most earnest interviewer may be letting some of these biases make their way into the decision-making process. The best candidate for a job has many a time been passed over in the interview process because of bias. You don't want to be one of them.

You're not likely to be able to change the bias itself in the short duration of the interview, and you may not be able to recognize it with so much else going on. You can, however, increase the chances that the interviewer will not apply their biases or assumptions toward you. This means preparing for the possible biases of an interviewer before you encounter him/her. You therefore need to recognize the most likely biases people have toward you and prepare to address these biases in interviews to minimize their impact.

Pinpointing Potential Biases

Many people think biases surround visible differences that people have, like race, gender, or appearance. This is true. However, biases usually run much deeper and assumptions are made about a number of other potential differences you may have with your interviewer. An interviewer may unconsciously make assumptions about you based on the way that you speak, your age, or any of the background information you have listed on your resume.

To figure out some of the biases that may surface, give some thought to comments people have made to you in the past that surprised you. Have people thought you were much younger or older than you actually are? Have they assumed you were less intelligent because of your accent? Have you been labeled because of the way you dress? Have people been surprised to learn something in particular about you? Make a list of some of these assumptions or obstacles that could impede on the interviewer from seeing you as the best candidate.

Use your friends to add to your recollection. Ask them what their first impressions of you were. Colleagues from the past are especially valuable since they know you in a work atmosphere and work attire. Have friends read through your resume and create a list of five statements they would make about you based on your resume. Ask them to limit their responses to information on the resume and explain your goal in the exercise so you get honest answers. Combine these statements with ones people have made about you in the past and keep a list handy with all of these assumptions.

The Information Inundation Technique

Once you get a sense for the impression you make and the biases people may have against you, make sure you address them. You should still be focused on demonstrating why you are a qualified candidate for the job. Therefore, while delivering persuasive responses to interviewer questions, saturate your responses with information that will also undo biases. Here are some suggestions:

1. Match their speech and behaviors. It is a good idea in general to match your interviewers in terms of their speech and behaviors for etiquette purposes. If an interviewer is formal in their speech, you should be as well. If they sit up straight, don't slouch. This will help reduce assumptions they make about you based on differences they perceive they have from you.

2. Acknowledge & Spin It. If you sense a bias, don't be afraid to address what it is you think is being held against you. If you have an accent, explain what you do to make yourself understood. If you are young, note it, but also explain what your age adds and focus more on the experiences you have had that makes you worthy of the position. If you are a woman working in a male-dominated profession, explain what you can add to the position very specifically because you are female. Make a point to show the value of the aspect in question.

3. Find a connection. When you get the chance to ask your own questions at the end of the interview, work to establish a connection with your interviewer. Ask them what they like about the company in question, and communicate your ability to relate to some of the traits he or she identifies. Make a point of smiling and try to be friendly. An open, communicative style on your part is helpful to address any negative biases that person may unconsciously be holding against you.

4. Communicate your Bridge Building potential. A successful job candidate is not only someone who can do the job, but someone who can work in the organization's culture and be able to do the job well in the long run. Interviewers with biases may assume that you will not fit well into the organization's culture because of your differences. Communicate your ability to work with different people, think from different perspectives, and be open-minded. Give examples. Ask about the company culture and talk about your ability to work with and relate to different people.

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Six Steps to Acing a Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews are becoming more popular these days.  Sometimes they’re used as a simple pre-screening technique; other times they are an invaluable way for companies to consider candidates who live far away. 

Some employers hope to catch you unprepared in order to see if you can think on your feet and if you have superior communication skills.

So, if you are prepared for the call, you'll ace the test. If you are invited to participate in a telephone interview, here are six tips for acing it.

#1. Take the call when you’re ready. If an employer calls and wants to do the interview when you’re not expecting it (instead of setting up an appointment), excuse yourself politely (“I’m in the middle of something right now…”) and offer to call back in ten minutes. This will give you time to prepare.

#2. Get rid of distractions. Take the call on a phone in a quiet room — away from co-workers, radio, television, family, roommates, or anything else that may make noise or take your attention away from your task.

#3. Gather your tools by the phone. These include:

• Your resume

• Pen and paper to jot down notes, including the interviewer’s name

• Company research (with relevant information highlighted)

• Questions to ask about the company and position

• A list of your selling points to mention, and items to cover as you talk about the position. These include your best qualities, specific experience and skills related to the position, and personal traits such as dedication, enthusiasm, and team-building skills.

#4. Stand up to talk. Your position affects the quality of your voice. If you are sitting down relaxing, you don't project the same enthusiasm and intensity as you do if you're standing up. Also, smile as you’re talking. It will come through in your voice.

#5. Make a good sales presentation. You are selling yourself, so make sure you do it well... Just as you would during an in-person interview. Ensure that you’ve covered all the selling points on your list. (You do have a list, don't you?)

#6. Let the employer end the interview. When it's obvious the conversation is over, don't try to drag it on. Say "Thank you for your time," reiterate your interest in the position, and ask what the next step will be. 

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Ask Me No Questions, I'll Tell You No Lies

If only there were no questions involved in getting a job!

If you are a fan of NBC's "The Apprentice," you know who Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth is. She's had the honor of being fired by Donald Trump (and others, according to "People" magazine).

On that show, Omarosa claimed that one of the other contestants made a racial slur against her.

According to website opinion polls at the time, only 10% of viewers believed Omarosa's claim; 90% thought she was lying.

These poll results were showing BEFORE viewers of the April 15, 2004 episode saw Omarosa lie to members of her team, including her "boss." It wasn't a little white lie, it was a biggy.

And it had nothing to do with trying to win the game, because she'd already been fired from the competition. I won't go into the details... talking about Omarosa could keep me busy for about 50 pages.

I believe that, despite Omarosa's obvious intelligence, talent and skills, her decision to tell lies rather than take responsibility for her actions (or inactions) is going to ruin her career.

It's a real shame, because she has so much going for her. But her lying will be her undoing. And when she fails, she's going to blame others. She reminds me of... uh-oh, I'm starting to get off on a tangent.

Back to my point... don't lie to employers... or potential employers!

Telling a little white lie when you "call in sick," is one thing. Lying about your qualifications on your resume or during a job interview is quite another... do not do this, no matter how tempted you are! It will come back to haunt you!

When you've been struggling to find a new job, have you ever thought about:

Putting a friend's name as your previous boss on the application? Making something up about your experience so you'll match the desired qualifications? Exaggerating your education? Saying you resigned from a job when you were really fired? Failing to mention a little felony conviction from couple of years back? Maybe the company in question is trusting, understaffed, or lazy and won't do a background check. But are you willing to bet your career on that? In this fiercely competitive job market, the temptation to lie in order to boost your chances of getting a job can be pretty strong. But BECAUSE the job market is so tough, employers are getting tough, as well. Very few are now taking resumes and applications at face value. Trust is nice, but when it comes to their hard-won personnel budget, ever-increasing demands for better customer service, and their sometimes-fragile reputations, companies are taking no chances with the people they hire. No matter how desperate you are for work, lying is a bad idea. Most employers will check your references (carefully), do a thorough background check, and find out about your "inaccuracies." Let's say you "exaggerate" your qualifications on your resume. The employer is impressed and calls you in for an interview. She asks about your qualifications, and you must lie to back up your resume claims. She falls for it, fails to verify your references or background, and hires you. Can you breathe a big sigh of relief? Nope. Now you have to back up your claims with your job performance. If you start to struggle, chances are good that you'll start to lie again. Eventually people will get suspicious, and the background check will finally be done. You are busted! But the sad story doesn't end there. You lose your job and vow to never lie again. You correct your resume... but wait... what about that job you were just fired from? It only lasted a few months. Would leaving it off be lying? If you leave it off and are asked during an interview about that employment gap, what would you say? So you decide to include it on your resume. Then you're asked in the interview why you left your previous job. Oh no! You tell them you left because it wasn't the right fit. This company does check you out, and get the truth from your previous employer. Now they know you were fired. But worse, they know you lied about it. There go your chances for THAT job. Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy