Common interview questions and how to answer them...

Question: Why do you want to work at our company?

TRAPS: This question tests whether you’ve done any homework about the firm. If you haven’t, you lose. If you have, you win big.

BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.

Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press.

10 Must-do tips for jobs seekers

10 Must-do tips for jobs seekers

As a job seeker, finding the right position can be frustrating. But there are ways to make your search a little bit easier. Here are 10 tips from career experts to simplify your job search:

Bing: Common and avoidable job search mistakes

1. Learn how to get past the generic HR inbox Typically, emailing your résumé to human resources or filling out an online application means it will get short shrift once opened on the other end. Most of the time, they are screened by a software program for keywords that correspond with the job requirements. "People need to understand what an applicant tracking system is, what it looks for and how to maximize the odds that your résumé will pass through the [system], and move on to human eyeballs," says Jenny Foss, founder of Ladder Recruiting Group, who blogs at jobjenny.com.

2. Don't stress over the résumé If you have a limited amount of time, don't spend it all at your computer crafting a cover letter or preparing your résumé. "Cover letters and résumés come a distant third or fourth [as the most important part of] your job search -- never rely solely on them," says Rich Gee, an executive coach. Instead, Gee suggests using the time to make connections at your dream company even if there are no openings. "[Target] a company because you would kill to work there -- not because it has open positions," he says.

3. Create a job-search plan Just because you're looking for a job doesn't mean you need to apply to every position that comes your way. Instead, take the time to think through a specific plan for how you're going to land your next gig, Foss says. "Create an overall strategy, and then break it down into tactical efforts. Schedule your week, your days, your hours and know what you are going to do every day, before you get in front of the computer and surf aimlessly for eight hours," she says.

4. Conduct research before each interview Even if you've had a dozen interviews in the past three months, that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for the next one. Always take the time to understand the company -- beyond just looking at the website. Also, meet with people who have held similar roles or who work at the company. Knowing about the company and the position can help you be calmer during the interview.

5. Accept tea or water Ward off nervousness by using this interview trick: "At the beginning of the interview, if the interviewer asks if you want water, tea, etc., always say yes," says Alesia Benedict, chief executive of GetInterviews.com. "It serves as a great prop if you need to stall a moment and gather your thoughts before responding to a question." Use it when the interviewer presents tricky questions that you'd like to take a few seconds to think about.

6. Pay attention to the details Anything from misspelling the interviewer's name in a post-interview thank-you note to coming in a few minutes late for an interview can cost you a job. To avoid mishaps, pay extra attention to all of your dealings with potential employers.

7. Tap into your alumni network Many universities have well-maintained alumni networks; contact your alumni club for an up-to-date directory. Use the directory to find people who can help you land your next job. Many of them are eager to help fellow alums because of loyalty to the school.

8. Keep emails formal Even if you're simply confirming the meeting time to your interview, it's important to put your best foot forward, Benedict says. Skip terms written in shorthand like "thanx" or "2morrow," which come off as unprofessional. "Your email messages should be as clean and polished as a cover letter would be," she says.

9. Include a ZIP code on your résumé If you're looking for a job in your area, it's a good idea to leave your ZIP code in your address, even if it doesn't seem necessary at the time. "Recruiters often give preference to candidates who are local and will do a search on ZIP codes in the résumé databases to find candidates," Benedict says.

10. Be truthful It can be tempting to appear as if you have far more expertise than you do, especially if you're just starting out, but exaggerating your experience will likely backfire. Employers are looking for trustworthy individuals and are unlikely to hire someone who they have a hunch isn't being totally truthful.

Bing: Find a job placement agency near you

Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter. Copyright 2011 Careerbuilder.com. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.

Your work history: How far back should you go on a résumé?

Today's hiring managers have stacks of applications to get through quickly, so job seekers need to make each moment count when presenting themselves to prospective employers. While every candidate wants to give a thorough picture of accomplishments and skills, is it necessary to go back to the very beginning when presenting one's job history? "The reality is there is no right or wrong answer; it is all about preference," says Frank Dadah, general manager of financial contracting for the Winter, Wyman Companies -- one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. As a general rule of thumb, Dadah likes job seekers to include the past 10 years. "Anything further back than that is going to be obsolete. With the changes in technology and business practices, anything further back is really meaningless. I am not suggesting that if you worked for one company for 30 years that you only put 10 years on your résumé, but I am suggesting that if you have six jobs totaling 15 years that you only go back as far as approximately 10 years."

Bing: Free résumé templates

Camille Fetter, managing partner for TalentFoot (an executive search firm based in Chicago), prefers including a complete job history. "You may have had exposure to a specific industry that could be relevant to your prospective employer's business. If you eliminate this experience altogether, you're filtering information from the prospective employer that might just be the experience you needed to rise above the competition." Fetter also worries that five to 10 years of missing experience on a résumé may be seen as a red flag to employers. "Recruiters and hiring managers may jump to the conclusion that you're trying to hide something." Dadah agrees that a potential pitfall of omission is that some interviewers may see it as dishonest, but he also points out, "We have all been told that résumés should never exceed one (when mailing) or two (when e-mailing) pages in length. Is it dishonest to shorten your résumé to keep it to a page or two?"

Handling the early years

However far back a job seeker chooses to go, effective presentation is crucial. Showcasing key skills and accomplishments at the top keeps the hirer reading, allowing more time to sell attributes. Unless there is something from your early career that is particularly noteworthy to highlight, older information tends to be placed towards the bottom of a résumé. "I advise job seekers to give paragraph or bullet point job descriptions as far back as 10 years. If the person has been in the same job for 10 years, then most of the résumé should be based around that one job," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want." To keep the résumé fresh and length-appropriate, she recommends that earlier positions simply be listed by title, name of the company and dates of employment. "This shows the candidate has had prior work experience, and it lets the employer know the types of companies the candidate has worked for before getting to where she is currently."

Giving employers what they want

While there may be no absolute rules as to what should or shouldn't be included on a résumé, remember that the ultimate goal is to present oneself as the best possible candidate for the position at hand. Always look to the information given in the job description for guidance. "There are times when 10 years back just isn't far enough," says Dadah. "For example, a company may be looking for a controller with 25-30 years of experience. In this case, truncating your résumé may be inappropriate." Bottom line: There isn't one "perfect" way to lay out work history, nor is there one magical résumé guaranteed to land any job. Be prepared to tinker with your presentation to adjust to the needs of the individual position. When all is said and done, the best résumé is the one that gets you hired.

Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.

Interviewing ABC's

Before the interview

Be Prepared

A. RESEARCH THE COMPANY

B. Bring extra neat copies of your resume

C. Wear a conservative full suit, make sure to be professionally dressed

D. Remove any earrings, cover any tattoos, and make sure to be conservative on jewelry.

E. Have questions prepared, bring a pad of paper and a pen

F. Find out your interviewers full name and Google him or her

G. Be prepared to share success story with documentation if handy.

During the interview

A. Shake the interviewers hand and maintain eye contact.

B. Expect Behavioral Based questions (i.e. “Tell me about a time when you lost a sale at the last minute, how did you handle it?”)

C. Ask the interviewer your prepared questions. Ask the interviewer about what career path they took to get to their current position. Stay positive! Stay away from the negative aspects of your past jobs

D. Be sure to sell yourself on why you would be good for the position and give examples

E. FEB selling method: (Feature, Example, Benefit)
· Provide a positive feature about yourself (ex: you are motivated)
· Give an example of how you used your motivation to complete a task
· Provide an explanation of how it benefited the company or situation

F. Overcome objections

G. Be enthusiastic!

H. ASK QUESTIONS! Ask about expectations, job specifics, how your interviewer got here etc.

I. Make sure to communicate the fact that you can do this position.

Closing the Interview

A. Ask the interviewer if they have any objections or concerns that you could better explain.

B. Tell the interviewer that you would like to move forward to the next step and follow up by asking “Will you recommend me for the next step”?

After the interview

A. Send a Thank you note and contact your recruiter with Feedback.

Wilson Human Capital Group

Healthcare Employment Trends And Other Helpful Information

Funny resume bloopers, but don't let this happen to you


Resume editing and writing is serious business, but everyone has horror stories when it comes to what they've seen in a job seeker's resume or (gasp!) inadvertently included in their own. While resume bloopers may make hiring managers chuckle, they make job seekers cry. Nothing knocks a candidate out of contention faster than these pitfalls:

Inappropriate e-mail addresses:

A candidate who applied for a law enforcement position used this e-mail address in his resume -- badtothebone@net.com.

A banking candidate used this one in his cover letter -- greedisgood@mail.com.

And unless sexykitten@net.com is looking for a job in adult films, this person should choose another address.

Typos that will make you squirm:

Spell check doesn't catch everything in resumes or cover letters, especially typos like these:


"I was hired to review the company asses in 2007."
The candidate meant to write assets, not asses.

"Delivered daily massages to appropriate personnel."
This administrative assistant meant to write that she delivered messages, not massages, to the appropriate personnel.

"As indicted, I have over 5 years of analyzing investments." Perhaps this person meant to "indicate" something else.

Far too much information:

Like the candidate who wrote in her resume under hobbies: Gambling in Vegas.

Or the one who included this under admissions in his resume: "Failed the bar exam 3 times, passed on the fourth go-around, proving my dedication."

And the candidate who began her cover letter with this: "I am going through a very nasty divorce and am currently unemployed. I need money fast and would really like this job."

Eye-rolling objectives:

Hiring managers are used to self-serving statements such as: "I am looking for an opportunity where I can use my education to further my professional goals." However, even jaded managers raised eyebrows at these:

"Looking for a full-time position with minimal time commitment."

"To get a job and pay my bills."

"I have no experience or skills, so I am willing to begin anywhere and learn."

It's unlikely that any of these candidates would have made it through to hiring. You should never treat your job search lightly or leave anything to chance.

With a daunting task as important as finding a job in this economy, your chances for success dramatically increase when you connect with an experienced, detail-oriented, professional editor who writes resumes every day. Use the tips in resume editing, writing and job-interviewing services they provide to make that impression flawless and memorable, in the best way.

The next words you might hear are, "You're Hired!" Copyright © ARAnet, Inc.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/ara_funnyresumebloop#ixzz10w760FJI

Job Alert

Department Of Health And Human Services
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Job Title: Microbiologist


Salary Range: $32,722 - $64,450 per year
Series & Grade: GS-403-5/7/9
Position Information: Full-Time Career/Career-Conditional
Duty Location: Multiple vacancies – Atlanta, GA., Southeast Regional Laboratory
Open Period: Friday, September 20, 2010 – Monday, October 18, 2010

These positions are being filled through the use of Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) Appointments

Become a part of the Department that touches the lives of every American! At the Department of Health and Human Services you can give back to your community, state, and country by making a difference in the lives of American everywhere. Join HHS and help to make our work healthier, safer, and better for all Americans.

• Do you want to make a difference in improving the quality of people's lives?
• Are you interested in learning and working in state-of-the-art scientific techniques for food and drug safety?
• Join the FDA team and be on the cutting edge of protecting our nation’s food and drug supply.

Transcript(s) are required.

For GS-403 Microbiologist positions, you must possess one of the following:

A. Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
(The above constitutes the minimum qualification for this job.)

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Resume and transcript(s).
• May be required to work nights and/or weekends and/or holidays.
• Travel required: Some


MAJOR DUTIES:
As a Microbiologist, at the full performance level incumbent will:
• Perform scientific analyses and tests on a broad range of official samples submitted to the field laboratory.
• Prepare scientific reports identifying the sample and stating the methods and procedures used, any modifications of the methods including validation of data and the results.
• Select and make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work.
• Participate in inspections with an experienced investigator to assist, observe, and evaluate manufacturing processes, practices, and conditions.
• Performing scientific tests and analyses on a broad range of official samples submitted to the laboratory;
• Preparing scientific reports related to sample analyses; and
• Assisting in facility inspections
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Desired Knowledge:

Please address the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) in your resume:
• Knowledge of basic scientific principles and practices
• Ability to perform basic analyses of scientific data
• Skill in oral and written communication

Benefits:
The Federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees:
Federal Employee Health Plan
Federal Employee Government Life Insurance
Thrift Savings Plan



How To Apply:
Send a copy of your resume, KSAs, and transcripts to the following:

Steven Simpson
Director of Microbiology
60 8th Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404-253-1179
Email: steven.simpson@fda.hhs.gov

Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them - InterviewDestroyer


Question: Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.

TRAPS: There are some questions your interviewer has no business asking, and this is one. But while you may feel like answering, “none of your business,” naturally you can’t. Some interviewers ask this question on the chance you admit to something, but if not, at least they’ll see how you think on your feet.

Some unprepared candidates, flustered by this question, unburden themselves of guilt from their personal life or career, perhaps expressing regrets regarding a parent, spouse, child, etc. All such answers can be disastrous.

BEST ANSWER: As with faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret. But don’t seem as if you’re stonewalling either.

Best strategy: Say you harbor no regrets, then add a principle or habit you practice regularly for healthy human relations.

Example: Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to you. Then say, “You know, I really can’t think of anything.” (Pause again, then add): “I would add that as a general management principle, I’ve found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid causing them in the first place. I practice one habit that helps me a great deal in this regard. At the end of each day, I mentally review the day’s events and conversations to take a second look at the people and developments I’m involved with and do a doublecheck of what they’re likely to be feeling.

Sometimes I’ll see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a five minute chat in someone’s office to make sure we’re clear on things…whatever.”

“I also like to make each person feel like a member of an elite team, like the Boston Celtics or LA Lakers in their prime. I’ve found that if you let each team member know you expect excellence in their performance…if you work hard to set an example yourself…and if you let people know you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind up with a highly motivated group, a team that’s having fun at work because they’re striving for excellence rather than brooding over slights or regrets.”

10 Keys to a Dynamite Resume

To help you construct a better, more powerful resume, here are ten overall considerations in regard to your resume’s content and presentation:

1.Position title and job description. Provide your title, plus a detailed explanation of your duties and accomplishments. Since job titles are often misleading or their function may vary from one company to another, your resume should tell the reader exactly what you’ve done.

2.Clarity of dates and place. Document your work history and educational credentials accurately. Don’t leave the reader guessing where and when you were employed, or when you earned your degree.

3.Explicitness. Let the reader know the nature, size and location of your past employers, and what their business is.

4.Detail. Specify some of the more technical, or involved aspects of your past work or training, especially if you’ve performed tasks of any complexity, or significance.

5.Proportion. Give appropriate attention to jobs or educational credentials according to their length, or importance to the reader. For example, if you wish to be considered for an engineering position, don’t write one paragraph describing your current engineering job, followed by three paragraphs about your summer job as a lifeguard.

6.Relevancy. Confine your information to that which is job-related or clearly demonstrates a pattern of success. Concentrate only on subject matter that addresses the needs of the employer.

7.Length. Fill up only a page or two. If you write more than two pages, it sends a signal to the reader that you can’t organize your thoughts, or you’re trying too hard to make a good impression. If your content is strong, you won’t need more than two pages.

8.Spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Create an error-free document that’s representative of an educated person. If you’re unsure about the correctness of your writing (or if English is your second language), consult a professional writer or editor.

9.Readability. Organize your thoughts in a clear, concise manner. No resume ever won a Nobel Prize for literature; however, a fragmented or long-winded resume will virtually assure you of a place at the back of the line. Be sure to select a conventional type style, such as Times Roman or Arial, and choose a neutral background or stationery. If your resume takes too much effort to read, it may end up in the trash, even if you have terrific skills.

10.Write and Re-write. Finally, I suggest you write several drafts, and allow yourself time to review your work and proofread for errors. If you have a professional associate whose opinion you trust, by all means, listen to what he or she has to say. A simple critique can make the difference between an interview and a rejection.

PSI Group

Phone interview tips and advice - Careersearchtoolbox.com


Phone interviews are becoming much more common. Here are some phone interview tips and advice.

Be prepared, you must practice for this as much as you do for a face to face interview if not more. The phone interview is the time for you to do your best because a successful phone interview will lead to a face to face interview which is where the magic happens and deals are made. Do your best to devote all of your attention to the interviewer and avoid any and all distractions and interruptions. Always ask the interviewer what the next step is, how you will be notified and what the time frame is.



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