Professional Outlook, Inc. Recruiting Specialists

Candidates who interview well may already understand this, but it is worth noting the different types of interview question and the best strategy for response.

Direct Questions

These types of questions predetermine the focus of your answer. e.g. “What skills do you have that relate to this position?” Your information should be clear and specific. These types of questions, whether they relate to technical or soft skills, should be easy to answer if you have completed the research on yourself.

Non-Direct Questions

Non-direct questions are general and do not ask for specific information. e.g. “Tell us a bit about yourself.” You determine the focus of your answer. In response to this particular question, you should briefly summarize approximately four areas: education, experience, skills, and personal attributes. If possible, make your response relevant to the job you are seeking.

Hypothetical or Situational Questions

These questions use a problem solving approach to determine your analytical skills and critical thinking abilities. These “What if” questions are presented in the form of case examples or problem situations. You will be asked to imagine yourself experiencing a situation and will then be evaluated on how you would handle that situation. e.g. “It’s 3 p.m. and you have a report due to your manager at 5:00 p.m. Suddenly a major customer calls and says she has a crisis and need your help immediately. What would you do?” (more…)

It’s time to write and read your new goals for 2012. If you have not yet written down specific goals, commit today to get them written! Your goals should include any and all areas that are most important to you. Examples:  Career, Financial, Personal, Health, Spiritual, Philanthropic, Education, etc. Write down your ten non-negotiable goals and follow them with 4 – 5 Action Items and Completion Dates.  If you don’t write them down, or include dated Action Items – there is a chance they will only have the longevity of some New Year’s Resolutions.  Lastly, post them where you can read them as you are conducting your job search efforts.  These goals remind you WHY it is important for you to focus on  your Job Search to turn the goals you’ve set into your reality in 2012.

Very occasionally, our recruiters pick up on some negative attitudes from some candidates who may be frustrated in their job search. Our fear is that potential employers might also pick up on these negative vibes and impact their decision to hire or not to hire.  We understand this is a very difficult time of year to be looking for a new position.  We understand how frustrating it is to be rejected and not receive a job offer.   It’s easy to focus on what has and is going wrong with your job search.

However, it’s time to realize you have NO control over the job market, or the decisions made by hiring authorities.  You DO have 100% control over how you choose to react. Their decisions can become learning experiences to improve your search efforts, or they can destroy you.  The choice is yours to make. (more…)

As the holidays approach, it’s easy for job-seekers to rationalize a slow-down in search efforts. However, it is important for you to realize that many companies are motivated to spend their hiring budgets before year end.  At the beginning of the year, companies set a budget for hiring and many companies have not spent their budgeted amount.  If they don’t spend their hiring budgets in 2011, their hiring budget for 2012 may be reduced, which of course is not in their best interest.  This is why you will see many companies motivated to hire! This is the perfect time for you to put momentum behind your search and leverage this phenomenon to your advantage!

At POI, our highly talented recruiters specialize in finding the right fit for candidates and employers through a thorough understanding of our client’s corporate culture and operations. All the same, we find it benefits our candidates to conduct their own research to identify prospect companies for employment. Research  is the most effective way to turn a mediocre job search into a powerful, effective job search campaign.  Let’s discuss the two types of research i.e. primary and secondary.

Primary research is actually talking to someone where secondary research is reading materials already in print.  You need to conduct both types of research.  It is actually wiser to complete some secondary research before you start talking to people, so your questions are more intelligent and focused. (more…)

Your job search is a sales process so you will experience frustration, rejection and disappointments. It is so important to view these setbacks as lessons or opportunities to improve your job search techniques. If you are not scheduling interviews, it may be time to review and possibly adjust your job targets or career path. This could result in more interviews and a new fulfilling career.

If you don’t interview well, practice answering the difficult questions like “Tell me About Yourself” and “Why did you leave your last job?” These questions are commonly asked and being prepared will help you ace your next interview.

If your questions did not reveal the challenges or preferences of the hiring authority, rewrite the questions you will ask. The purpose of your questions is to reveal what is most important to this particular hiring authority so you can position yourself as their solution.

The job market is improving, job offers are being made and if you stay positive and continue to improve your job search efforts, you will begin to enjoy results and obtain a job offer or offers!

Youe attitude greatly impacts the level of success you will enjoy throughout your job search. See the cup half full and expect to succeed at identifying and landing your dream job!

If you are currently employed and have accepted a new opportunity it is important that you handle the resignation from your current employer with dignity.  You don’t want to burn any bridges or leave with bad feelings between you and your employer.  Often, this is the person who will be providing a job reference for you in the future.
When you resign with dignity and correct resignation etiquette the process actually has a positive impact on both your personal and career development.  There is no reason why your current employers and co-workers can’t remain an important part of your professional network.

Practice makes perfect and it is important that you plan out  your approach, prepare what you are going to say and write and lastly, maintain a positive attitude throughout the process.

Resignations are normally done in person backed up by a written resignation letter. (more…)

Ask yourself the following questions to self assess your current resume:

1. Does the layout invite attention?  Is it clear and easy to read with appropriate spacing?

2. Did I list only my past ten years of work experience?

3. Did I list my education?  High School?  College?  Trade School?  Any job relevant certifications?

4. Did I key in on any rewards/awards that set me apart from my past co-workers?

5. Do I have a skills section that lists all career specific skills? (more…)

During your job search, you will be subject to the opinions of people reviewing your resume, interviewers, hiring authorities, family and friends. It is easy for you to get frustrated when those opinions screen you out from consideration. You must realize that opinions are often not based on facts. They are someone’s interpretation of what they perceive as fact. A lack of communication or feedback is even more frustrating because you don’t know why you were screened out or what you need to improve. If you are utilizing Job Boards or Website Postings, often you do not receive feedback due to the volume of responses.  In many cases you could be screened out by a computer using an automated screening system.

Family and friends don’t realize how hurtful their remarks, opinions and advice can be when you are desperately trying to find a job. You must also realize that these individuals have NO expertise in how to conduct a successful search. The job market today is much more competitive and automated making it more difficult to schedule interviews and obtain valuable feedback. Do yourself a favor and block out the negativity and noise in your life. Don’t allow the opinions of others to become your reality. When you are told what you will NOT be able to accomplish, automatically think to yourself, “just watch me!” One great example: Michael Jordan was told by his high school coach that he was not good enough to play high school basketball. Just imagine how different his life would have been if he believed that coach and quit playing basketball. Your attitude, expectations and self confidence level greatly affect the success of your job search. Starting today, expect great things to happen and kick your job search into high gear.

You must know and be able to communicate the answer to this question in order to receive job offers. Imagine for a moment that you are up against two other job seekers who have the same education, experience and expertise that you possess. Why should someone hire you?

These factors are also considered in the hiring process.
Which job seeker demonstrated…

• the strongest interest in the opportunity being offered?
• the highest level of confidence in their ability to do the job?
• knowledge of the company as well as the job being offered?
• the ability to fit into the company culture?
• talents which would enhance current team members?
• a track record of accomplishments and how they impacted past employers?
• the ability to make the hiring authority “look good!”

Don’t assume for one minute that hiring authorities are going to take the time to figure out who is the best fit for their opportunity. It is up to you to show a high level of interest, stress your accomplishments and the impact on past employers, as well as a higher level of confidence in your ability to get the job done.

Finding a job is a competition and you want to WIN by obtaining the job offer. It is your job, as a job seeker, to eliminate the competition by clearly showing the hiring authority why you are the person who will provide the greatest return on their investment (your salary package) if they hire you! Go out there and WIN!