Job Tips 6 - Commonly Asked Questions

Most employers ask similar questions in an interview. Be prepared. Putting your answers together before the interview will help you to stay focused and to feel more comfortable. When formulating your answers, remember to focus on how your skills and experience make you the best person for the job.

Common questions include:

• What do you consider to be your major strengths?

• What do you consider to be your major weaknesses?

• Why do you want to work for this company?

• What are your short-term goals?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• What did you like most about your last job?

• What did you like least about your last job?

• How would your coworkers describe you?

• How do you manage multiple tasks/projects? Please give an example.

• How do you deal with stress and/or deadlines? Please give an example.

• Do you prefer to work independently or within a team?

• Why should I hire you?

Job Tips 5 - Find the Job You Want!

Whether you are looking for a job with employer, there are general guidelines you can follow to find work faster. Below are tips to help you with any job search.

Network: Most people find jobs through word-of-mouth. Talk to the people you know, including relatives, friends, professors, and former co-workers. Let them know that you are looking for work; ask their advice; seek out introductions to people in the field that interests you.

Customize: Create a custom version of your resume for each job or industry that interests you. Your resume is usually an employers first contact with you. Make sure it highlights your skills that relate to the job that employer is seeking to fill.

Know yourself: Identify your skills. Work on communicating them effectively. You need to be able to lay out your skills, and explain how they relate to the job you're seeking.

Organize and prioritize: Make a list to help keep track of your job search efforts. Preparing a list also helps you to organize your priorities and keeps you focused on your goal -- finding your perfect job.

Do your homework: Read the newspaper and trade journals to remain current on developments in your field of interest. Knowing the latest trends and mergers will help set you apart from other candidates in an interview.

Practice, practice, practice: Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Know your skills and be ready to illustrate how they relate to the job in question. Practice with a friend to get comfortable with your responses and to formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate.

Follow up: Follow up on all leads as soon as possible. If you don't, your competition may. And, following an interview, always send a thank-you note the same day.

Keep your head up: Looking for a job can feel like a job in itself. Don't let it get you down. With patience and hard work, you will find the right job.