tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82845739748164731892023-11-16T03:19:10.296-08:00How to Get HiredFrom the author of Polished: Adding Shine to your Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview SkillsR. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-24000456302104051382011-01-23T22:08:00.000-08:002011-01-23T22:20:20.323-08:00Video: Skills vs. Tasks<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Firms all want prior experience - how do I enter a field without it? </span><br /><br />What do I market without industry experience? What should interns and first-time job seekers stress?<br /><br />I answer these and more during my sixth video guest post at <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/intern-qa-special-scott-shares-some-resume-advice-for-college-students">http://www.wallstreetoasis.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-77274302323189447542011-01-23T22:02:00.000-08:002011-01-23T22:06:23.807-08:00Video: Second Round Interviews<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: What is different about 2nd Round interviews? </span><br /><br />What should I stress in the next round? How do I even get past the first round? How do I get the callback?<br /><br />See <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/interview-advice-from-scott-morris-2nd-round-interviews">http://www.wallstreetoasis.com</a> for my fifth video guest post.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-18015207934886864212010-12-19T23:52:00.000-08:002010-12-20T00:29:51.901-08:00Video: Who Gets Promoted?<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Who gets promoted? </span><br /><br />What do managers look for when offering a promotion? Who should you focus on building relationships with? <br /><br />I answer these and more during my fourth video guest post at <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/scott-morris-on-promotions-part-1">http://www.wallstreetoasis.com</a>.<br /><br />Update: My first video got over 40,000 views in 3 weeks!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-25437481346966273182010-12-19T23:45:00.000-08:002010-12-19T23:51:17.486-08:00Video: "Walk Me Through Your Resume"<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: How should we approach "Walk me Through Your Resume"? </span><br /><br />I address how to answer this famous question, and how your interviewer's actions during your answer indicates what she knows about you.<br /><br />This is Part III of my video guest posts at <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/interview-advice-from-scott-morris-walk-me-through-your-resume">http://www.wallstreetoasis.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-89338477260541646552010-11-23T23:40:00.000-08:002010-11-23T23:53:15.318-08:00Video: Who Gets the Offer?<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Who gets the offer? </span><br /><br />Which candidates do interviewers remember? How early in the interview can the decision be made?<br /><br />I answer these and more during my next video guest post at <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/wall-street-mentors-presents-scott-morris-on-the-interviewing-process-at-goldman-sachs">http://www.wallstreetoasis.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-48165913777736314532010-11-21T21:34:00.000-08:002010-11-21T21:42:13.529-08:00What's Worse Than Not Knowing?<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: If an interviewer asks a technical question we don't know, how should we respond? Should we talk through some related information or guess?</span><br /><br />Don't guess, and don't try to answer a related question. You probably won't get away with it. Doing so entails a significant risk; you show bad judgment and an inability to follow directions. These are both bad character traits.<br /> <br />Generally, these questions are not asked to find out what you know. Instead, they show your interviewer how you approach problem solving, and whether you can piece together the relevant information and come up with the right answer.<br /> <br />If you don't know and come clean, you run the risk of getting a "She should have know that" outcome, but this is far better than showing poor character. <br /> <br />It is important not to panic. Your interviewer will usually give you a hint or two to help you figure it out, and most of these questions can be answered without understanding the specifics of the question. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-74423156010336558562010-11-21T21:29:00.001-08:002010-11-21T21:33:42.141-08:00Video: Answering "Your Greatest Weakness"<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: How should we answer the "What is Your Biggest Weakness" question?</span><br /><br />See my video guest post about this common yet tricky interview question at <a href="http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/wall-street-mentors-presents-interview-advice-from-former-ceo-of-boston-options-exchange-and-">http://www.wallstreetoasis.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-42101850368886914782010-10-27T18:21:00.000-07:002010-10-27T18:30:16.416-07:00Thank You for Nothing<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Has a thank you letter from an interviewee ever made you hire her? How about a candidate calling HR to "check how the search is going"?</span><br /><br />Thank you notes are another gauge of a candidate's interest in working at a particular job. However, just as some people write them more than others, some interviewers will value them more than others.<br /><br />How can you tell if your interviewer will respond to a letter? If a person gives you a business card, it may be a sign that they value this form of recognition. I personally never put much weight on them.<br /> <br />I don't have any direct experience with the second question, but common sense would suggest that it probably won't do much good to "check in" with the HR department. The phrase, "don't call us. We'll call you" is probably a worthwhile rule of thumb.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-32491426689991353172010-10-17T19:03:00.000-07:002010-10-17T19:21:22.137-07:00Why Alumni Won't Help You<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: How should we approach alumni? How direct can we be about looking for an internship or job?</span><br /><br />Alumni can be a great source; they can help you understand the skills necessary for certain jobs and the culture of different firms. But, be careful with a direct sales pitch. <br /><br />Wanting to learn from the alum and cultivating a relationship are fine, but you will rarely get anywhere by asking directly for a job or reference. To get to this point, you cannot be direct. If they like you and think you have potential, they might just be willing to recommend you. Focus on cultivating a relationship and let things evolve as they may.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-51089816767682423872010-10-10T11:24:00.000-07:002010-10-10T11:44:51.091-07:00Who Cares About Cover Letters?<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Why do employers care about cover letters? What can I communicate with a cover letter that isn't on my resume?</span><br /><br />A cover letter serves a number of specific purposes for an employer. <br /><br />First, it is an indication of how interested the prospective employee is in a particular job. Anybody can attach a resume to an email, but a cover letter takes time. It can help provide insight into one of the most important questions an employer must answer: "Does she really want to work for me?"<br /><br />I often will place a specific request in a job description, such as "please describe a team experience where you had to overcome a particular problem". I generally would really care to hear the response, but more importantly, I want to see which candidates put out the extra effort to craft an individual letter to address this issue. This has proven to be a great weeding out process! <br /> <br />Second, a cover letter can create an important narrative about one's qualifications and possible impact in a particular role. It better expresses character traits and passions than a resume. Lastly, it can provide insight into a candidate's communication skills and judgment.<br /> <br />For you, the writer, it gives you the opportunity to frame your skills and experiences in a way that is most favorable for you. Put in the extra effort. It is worth it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-38901270669158429972010-10-03T09:16:00.000-07:002010-10-10T11:35:56.061-07:00Answering "Tell Me About Yourself"<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Is the "tell me about yourself" interview opener a make-or-break question, or more of a 5 minute warm-up where I can share where I was born, my story, and what I am interested in?</span><br /><br />Well, first off, you should <span style="font-style:italic;">never</span> spend 5 minutes answering any question. You should practice answering questions in short, concise statements that last no longer than 1 to 2 minutes.<br /> <br />With regard to the "tell me about yourself" question, many interviewers like to start out with a general question like this to allow you to steer the conversation in a direction that you want. You should take advantage of this, and highlight some key points from your background that accentuate your strengths and invite your interviewer to ask follow-up questions. <br /><br />However, make sure you answer the question as it is asked. If your interviewer asks you to summarize your resume in a couple of minutes, make sure you answer the general question as you move from strength to strength.<br /> <br />It is not a "make-or-break" question. It is a "break the ice" question, and an opportunity for you to get comfortable with the interview process. Learn to use it to your advantage. <br /><br />By the way, I am assuming you are kidding about going back to when you were born, but just to be clear, you should focus on relevant experiences that will show your interviewer that you will perform well in the job at hand. A little bit of local color is fine, but don't expand the question to too much detail, or you will lose the interviewer's attention and turn an advantage into a disadvantage.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-59729006022518877512010-09-29T22:52:00.000-07:002010-11-21T23:47:34.705-08:00How to Get Hired - The EbookMy free Ebook, <span style="font-style: italic;">How to Get Hired: Staying Out of the "No" Pile</span>, is now yours to read, download, and share.<br /><br />Learn inside:<br /><ul><li> The secret Four-Step Method recruiters follow to choose job candidates.</li><li> The checklists employers use to make hiring decisions.</li><li> The insider's step-by-step guide for success.</li></ul><br /><br />Please click the image below to view or download.<br /><br /><h1 align="center"> <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/gethiredblog/"><img src="https://sites.google.com/site/gethiredblog/how-to-get-hired-staying-out-of-the-no-pile/HowtoGetHiredCoverv2.jpg?height=400&width=516" style="border: 2px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); padding: 6px;" width="516" height="400" /></a><br /></h1><br /><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-R. Scott Morris<br /><br /><br /><br /><a title="View How to Get Hired: Staying Out of the " no="" pile="" on="" scribd="" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/38450016/How-to-Get-Hired-Staying-Out-of-the-No-Pile" style="margin: 12px auto 6px; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; display: block; text-decoration: underline;"></a> <object id="doc_48232" name="doc_48232" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: medium;" width="100%" height="500"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=38450016&access_key=key-1zfeg3aboky2byexn6uj&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_48232" name="doc_48232" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=38450016&access_key=key-1zfeg3aboky2byexn6uj&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="100%" height="500"></embed> </object>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-5425430270621742412010-09-18T10:22:00.000-07:002010-09-18T10:26:39.206-07:00Your Biggest Weakness<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: How should we answer "tell me your biggest weakness"? I have heard we should work in a strength as the answer.</span><br /><br />Bad advice. The “it's-a-weakness-but-really-a-strength” response will highlight a true weakness: a lack of self-awareness.<br /><br />The purpose of this question is generally to learn about your character. Mature, self-aware people know what they do well and where they need support, and they have enough self-confidence to admit it.<br /><br />In answering this question, you should not belabor the point or be self-deprecating, but you should answer the question honestly. Responses like, "sometimes I need help managing multiple deadlines" or "sometimes my first response is to act without thinking through thoroughly" are perfectly acceptable and will not hurt you. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-29699893170093942262010-06-28T17:32:00.000-07:002010-07-05T19:43:24.452-07:00Surprise! Nobody Cares<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: For interviews and cover letters, I've heard that the best way to show interest in a firm is to give historical facts (founding date, important deals) or logistics (number of employees). How often should we work these in?</span><br /><br />Yikes, what bad advice. That is the last thing I want to hear. When I am reading your cover letter, I do want to know that your letter has been written specifically to answer my job description, and that it is not a form letter. Likewise, when I am assessing you in both your cover letter (and resume) and during your interview, I am looking for evidence that you would want to work for me and my firm.<br /><br />But, regurgitated facts are not the way to show it. <br /><br />Experiences and skills that are aligned with what I do are much more relevant to me. I am never going to leave an interview thinking, “Wow, she was able to name all three of our founders and knew when their birthdays were!” But you will be heading towards an offer if I am thinking “Wow, that research project she worked on covered exactly the type of problems we deal with every day!”<br /><br />Dazzle me with your skills and evidence of interest in my industry; don’t bore me with memorized facts about my firm.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-12841368788206936882010-06-28T17:19:00.000-07:002010-06-28T17:22:56.831-07:00Interviewers Love Their Competitors<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: If an interviewer asks if I have applied to other companies, including competitors, should I be frank?</span><br /><br />Yes, it is okay to tell them that you are interviewing with their competitors. This will actually give them some level of comfort, since it shows that you are focused on their particular industry.<br /><br />But, don’t elaborate on the point; this is a common mistake. Keep it short and sweet. Since this is a general question, you only have to give a general response. Specifically, don’t go into detail about your other opportunities, their relative fit, and your assessment of them. <br /><br />If someone asks you this level of detail—which they may near the offer stage of the process—keep it positive. Never “diss” another company – even to a perceived rival. This would be viewed as unprofessional.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-77403217256780759272010-06-20T08:26:00.000-07:002010-06-28T17:22:39.331-07:00Changing Your Resume and Cover Letter<span style="font-weight:bold;"> Q: Should I make a new resume for each company I apply to? How different should each cover letter be?</span><br /><br />It is perfectly fine to customize your resume and cover letter for each opportunity. Your goal when doing this will be to highlight your particular skills and strengths as they relate to the individual opportunity. For example, if giving presentations will be a key part of the job, make sure your presenting experience and skills stand out over less related information.<br /><br />Just be aware of the logistical problem of remembering which version went to whom. <br /><br />With regard to cover letters, once you have done four or five of them, you usually have covered most iterations and can cut and paste the right pieces together. Keeping your information general, but tayloring it to each particular opportunity, is the best combination.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-58561637779320121062010-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:002010-06-20T08:01:28.958-07:00Interview Skills are NOT Social Skills<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: I keep being told that good interview skills are equivalent to good social skills. Isn't preparation basically for people who cannot carry on a normal conversation? I mean, we are just giving a few soundbites and talking about ourselves, right? </span><br /><br />Well, I guess that would be equivalent to convincing yourself that you don't need to study for finals, because you "know the material". If you ever talked yourself into this frame of mind, you know how well it turned out. Expect the same level of success if you do not adequately prepare for your interviews.<br /><br />Interviews are not a normal form of interaction. They are one of the most uncomfortable, nerve-wracking experiences you will ever endure. When caught off-guard with a question one is not prepared to answer, a common response is panic and a spewing of blabber from one's mouth. No social skills or any other innate ability will help you after this, but the confidence of being well-prepared will save you.<br /><br />Be aware that you have very little time during an interview to present your case for why you should get the job. You have to be ready to articulate your top selling point under all the possible scenarios your interviewer may throw at you. You have to practice answering many iterations of possible questions and be able to deliver your message in a fluid--but not over-rehearsed--way. <br /><br />Like everything else in life, you get better with practice. Interviewing is no different.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-4307676615277456822010-05-26T21:32:00.000-07:002010-06-20T08:07:53.103-07:00Answering "Why This Industry?"<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: How should I answer the infamous "Why are you interested in this field?" question?</span><br /><br />First off, the general reason for this question is that the interviewer wants to determine how serious you are about the particular field he or she is interviewing you for. You typically will get this question if you are new to the field (for example, a career-changer or recent graduate). This is the number one uncertainty that we recruiters face with first-time job seekers; are they really serious about a career in health care or consulting or zoology? You guys are a big risk because most of you lack a track record that we can point to for guidance.<br /><br />We are looking for you to mitigate this risk with your answer.<br /><br />You want to address this concern head-on with proof that you understand what it means to be “a health care professional” or “zoologist”. You can do this by reiterating past experiences--or even conversations--that you have had that show that you are aware of what it will take to be successful in this career path. If you can speak to your passions and how this particular field touches them, all the better.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-45470359259914556262010-05-24T23:32:00.000-07:002010-06-20T08:12:51.171-07:00How to Creep Out Your Interviewer<span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Should we Google our interviewer before an interview? I want to make a connection, but recently my interviewer seemed creeped-out.</span><br /><br />I think the problem stems from the impersonal nature of the interviewing process. What is the average success rate for interviews? Over my career, it has to be in the low single digits. Your interviewer knows this, too. <br /><br />Aware that the odds are pretty high that she is going to say “no” to you, she rightly does not want to get too personal - saying “no” to people is more difficult if you have a personal bond with them. This is why she may have been “creeped out”. Other than the obvious concern that you may be a stalker. <br /><br />Personally, I applaud taking the initiative and trying to find out information about your interviewer. This is a good trait of successful people. Keep it up, but in light of the “creeping out” factor, we have to explore a better way to use this information to help you land the job. <br /><br />One way is to search for experiences or aptitudes that you have in common with your interviewer. Then, focus on less personal ways of bringing these out in the interview. If you find out that your interviewer was an accounting major, when she asks, “tell me about a project that you worked on that you really enjoyed”, give her an analytical one that she can relate to. <br /><br />Or, if she is from your home state, find a way to weave this into your conversation. If you can do this without seeming like a brown-noser, you will help her get comfortable with including your name on the callback list. <br /><br />Don’t shy away from doing these sorts of things. Much of the interviewing process is intuition and feel. It is not devious or dishonest to create positive rapport with your interviewer. It is good self-marketing. <br /><br />Information is power. Don’t be afraid to use it to promote your own cause - just don’t get too personal!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-5838475868722385332010-05-14T17:58:00.000-07:002010-05-14T18:01:45.750-07:004 Reasons you Should Not be "Superior"<span style="font-weight:bold;">Topic: Excellent, Superior and other Superlatives</span><br /><br />When describing their skill levels, I often warn job seekers to refrain from using words like “excellent” and “superior” for four reasons:<br /><br />1. These words are their opinions not mine. I don’t want to hear opinions. I want to see facts and examples and formulate my own conclusion.<br /><br />2. Chances are I have a different, and likely higher, expectation of what it means to have “excellent communication skills” or “superior understanding of business marketing”. If there is not corroborating evidence to support these statements, they are likely to go in the “no” pile.<br /><br />3. These statements of opinion are extra words that make it harder for me to find their relevant skills.<br /><br />4. If they do make it to an interview, you can be assured that I am going to drill down very hard on this area and see if they meet my interpretation of these words.<br /><br />Of course if you meet my definition of what an expert is, I want you on my team, but trust me, unless you have at least 5 years of work experience under your belt, you won’t . Best not to go there.<br /><br />Btw, here is an easy fix. Change “excellent” or “superior” to something like “honed my”. This simple change makes the statements actions not opinions.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-70261571761884953432010-05-14T17:53:00.000-07:002010-05-14T17:56:13.186-07:00Asking for Recruiters for Feedback<span style="font-weight:bold;">David: While you were recruiting, how did you feel about candidates asking you for feedback on their performance?</span><br /><br />I do not mind if candidates ask me for feedback. However, many recruiters are instructed by their legal departments not to give specific feedback to candidates, so do not be surprised if your yield from such inquires is not very high.<br /><br />Try focusing your requests to address additional skills or experiences which would make you more attractive, as opposed to soliciting direct feedback of why you did not make the cut. You may get a better response.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-68498590315294372212010-05-14T17:44:00.000-07:002010-05-14T17:50:43.866-07:00Cover Letter Prompts: The Hidden Question<span style="font-weight:bold;">Topic: Cover Letter Body Paragraph(s)</span><br /><br />For those of you struggling to formulate a cohesive message in your cover letter, try answering the following question. Generally, this is what recruiters are really asking you to tell them in the letter:<br /><br />"Please describe for me in one or two paragraphs why you think you will add value to my team. Please give clear examples, not opinions, as to how:<br /><br />1. Your skills will lead to success in the position we are offering.<br /><br />2. Your strong character and intellectual capacity will propel you to future advancement."<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-90853252419128842492010-05-14T17:40:00.000-07:002010-05-14T17:49:47.259-07:00Fraternities: Hot or Not?<span style="font-weight:bold;">David: I'm in a fraternity, and I was wondering what your thoughts are on whether fraternity membership should be on a resume. Does including it help or hurt?</span><br /><br />It is OK to mention fraternity membership, but only at the bottom of your resume. Perhaps, you will get lucky and make a connection with an alumnus.<br /><br />In general, fraternities are good for building leadership and communication skills and suggest a well-rounded, social person. If you stay away from the rah, rah brotherhood stuff, mentioning it should be a net positive.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-73926857556116657242010-05-02T14:20:00.000-07:002010-05-02T14:34:33.103-07:001 Sentence Is Killing All of Your Cover Letters<span style="font-weight:bold;">Topic: Cover Letter Focus</span><br /><br />The purpose of your cover letter is to introduce yourself to a prospective employer and articulate how you will add value to her firm. Many job seekers feel compelled to focus a meaningful part of their letters on what they hope to gain from the experience of working at a particular firm or in a particular role. <br /><br />This is at best irrelevant information and should not be included unless it is explicitly asked for (e.g. some educational internships or non-profit opportunities, offering “an experience”, may actually encourage this).<br /><br />It is not that employers do not care about this information, but it is not relevant to the process of deciding whether you should be called in for an interview. It only dilutes your message and may introduce risk, i.e. “I hope to gain intimate industry knowledge so that I can start my own firm”. Yikes!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284573974816473189.post-88580737110142379492010-05-02T14:15:00.000-07:002010-05-02T14:51:22.900-07:00The Magic Spell for Automatic Success<span style="font-weight:bold;">Justin: With less experience, what magic can I do to impress employers?</span><br /><br />It's not about magic; it's about understanding what you are good at and crafting a message that accentuates these skills. Start by asking yourself what you like to do and what you are passionate about. Populate your resume and cover letters with examples that illustrate these things.<br /><br />The true you will come out and someone is bound to recognize your talent. It is a tough market out there. You cannot be passive. You must work hard at it and make it happen yourself.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=317095818171&ref=mf">Polished</a> and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!</span>R. Scott Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889178443971869497noreply@blogger.com0