Recently I corresponded with a “mature worker” who has been out of work for six months. He had landed an interview, but was dismayed when he realized that his interviewer was still “wet behind the ears.” Yes, that’s a quote. Ouch. By the time one reaches a certain age (I myself am turning 57 soon), most interviewers will seem ultra-young! It is critical, at all times, to see oneself as an equal partner at the table, whether one is quite young and the interviewer much older, or vice versa. ... Read more

As a professional resume writer I often have a client start his or her replies to my questions with “we.” When I ask “who is we?” the client more often than not says “well that was me.” Being humble is a lovely trait, but being humble doesn’t necessarily land the job offer. A certain amount of self-promotion is expected! For those who are on the gentler side of talking about themselves, there are methods to soften the message so that it offends no one’s sensitivities! Here are two ideas. 1. Although you have to share your successes, if you tell the story of the struggles - challenges, meetings, research, presentations, partnerships and so on – that led up to the success, you won’t feel quite so boastful. ... Read more

I am all about authentic behaviour, real answers, honest conversation … but I do also caution that job hunters must be aware that they are an unknown entity, and thus some caution must be exercised during the interview process. A few stories from my time working in Human Resources will explain what I mean. ... Read more

Along with providing my clients with interview coaching, I also write their resumes. In preparing to compose a truly effective resume, I conduct an in-depth interview of each client. (One client asked if I’d ever worked for the police; she found my interviewing so deep! I dig until I get the rich material that I need!) The interview questions may remind people of job interview questions (but I ask many, many more). Unlike an interviewer, I am not willing to go on to another question when the client finishes his or her “answer”; I keep asking until I really understand what he or she actually did. It is tiring work as so often people are stumped and try to brush off my question with a “but I do that all day, every day.” That’s not enough, nor would it be enough for a job interview. Here’s an idea for responding to the so-often posed “Tell us about a few of your strengths.”        ... Read more

Sometimes great ideas for a new blog come at the oddest times. Out walking in the crips night air, an idea popped into my mind. I was mulling over how difficult some people find it to answer the question of why they should be hired, or what they bring to the table, or what makes them the best – all of these lead to the same message – and I pondered how people really like an easy-peasy formulaic method, and voila! One popped up. Here’s a formula that’s sure to ... Read more

The key Human Resource function is recruiting; after all, employers know that their business success links directly to the performance of their employees. Do you as a job hunter realize that your success is also linked to your choice of employer? Choose the wrong company and your career stagnates if not tanks, requiring considerable time and effort to re-establish it. Choose the right company, and your career soars to heights you may only have dreamed of. But how do you determine whether the potential employer is close to perfect? ... Read more

What do you think? Is it useful to drop a name here and there in an interview? For instance, would the following work in “selling you” as a great Quality Assurance Manager?

“I’m active on LinkedIn and have over 300 contacts. In fact, I managed to get within two contacts of Johnny Depp!”

Not so likely! Although it might work to prove you’re a great social networker. But there is a kind of name-dropping that would absolutely help and what’s more, anyone can use it. It is related to the people named on your reference page. Imagine answering a question like this:

“I have earned a fine reputation when it comes to managing timelines in project managing complex and major projects. In fact Sharon Gee, one of my references, also my Program Manager for several of these projects, will attest to this. She often remarks on how grateful she is that I manage to meet each and every milestone deadline. In fact she jokingly wonders if I have found a way to make time stand still while I catch up on details.”

Now that’s name-dropping that’s worth trying. ... Read more

Marketing and sales are an artform that is also based on science. The science comes from knowing what motivates people to act, and the art comes in how articulately and convincingly you present your case. Every job hunter is conducting a self-marketing exercise: in selling services that the employer wants to purchase. Learning a few marketing tricks might be useful. ... Read more

Last week a mother called me looking for interview help for her son. This isn’t unusual – I have lots of parents calling, looking to give their newly graduated children an employment push! But this fellow had been out of school for 10 years! And his issue? Mom shared that he needs interview coaching as he struggles with maintaining eye contact. This is not something that an interview coach can “fix”; all we can do is point it out, with sensitivity of course. The “fix” is beyond the scope of an interview coach’s role. ... Read more

The other day I caught up with a client. She is a delightful, energetic and articulate young woman who absolutely loves one particular retailer, who must remain unnamed! Sally, as I’ll call her, enlightened me with how she landed her latest position with her retailer of choice. Having heard of a potential opening, Sally reached out to her best inside contact to get the details. This contact immediately sent an email to the hiring manager, introducing Sally and urging her consideration. This is sometimes referred to as a pre-emptive reference, which is highly effective. To follow up, Sally penned an email to express her interest. Now, I would normally advocate against an effervescent use of exclamation marks to express sincere and passionate interest, but given the employer and given Sally’s personality, it worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just like that. ... Read more