Tag Archives: interviewing

Job seekers should have a set of questions to ask the interviewer, just as the interviewer has their own set of questions. The job seeker is looking for an employer of choice; just as the company is looking for an employee of choice. The hiring manager will ask questions directly relevant to the job and must ask all candidates the same questions, while avoiding EEOC protected topics.

Some interviewers will ask the open-ended question, “What else can you tell me about yourself?” Many interviewees believe this is an opportunity to spill details about their personal life, but you should avoid talking about family, religion, politics, ethnic background, and…

Starting your job search and need direction? Already in your job search and need direction?

Download our Cleared Job Seeker Guide. It’s a step-by-step guide designed to assist security cleared job seekers in their next career move, providing practical tips and guidance for every aspect of a cleared job search.

From building an initial strategy, to developing job search tools such as a resume, to tips on interviewing and salary negotiation, the Cleared Job Seeker Guide is a roadmap to keep job seekers on track for for success. Chapters include:

1. Career Development Strategy
2. Resumes, Profiles and Your Elevator Speech
3. Job Boards and Career…

Whenever I talk about job search, there are questions about following up after an interview. Why, when, how, how much…

‘Why?’ is easy.
When you write a thank-you note to interviewers, you have another chance to impress each interviewer you talked with. When you check in after the expected decision time frame, you remind them of your interest and potentially, your value.

What, you do not know when they expected to make a decision? Next time ASK!

‘When’ is also easy.
Thank-you notes should be immediate – the same day or within 24 hours. Follow-up calls and emails come several days or more after the date they…

As we mention frequently, people make snap decisions about you based on first impressions.

It’s important that you present a positive total package to a potential employer. One aspect of that is body language. Many of the judgments that interviewers make about you are subconscious – they don’t even realize they are judging you when they judge you.

Some body language tips to keep in mind when you interview:

Have a good handshake

You want to shake the other person’s hand firmly, but not too hard. This isn’t a strength contest. Give it 2-3 shakes and let go. People with weak handshakes often don’t realize they have a weak handshake.…

As 2012 comes to a close, we’re reviewing our blog stories that generated the most readers this year.

America loves lists, so those tend to be the most popular articles. That is unless you throw out something controversial such as whether your email service provider makes you look old.

Our 5 most popular stories of 2012:

5. Top 10 Reasons DISCO and OPM Reject Security Clearance Requests

Check out this just released list of top 10 reasons that security clearance requests are rejected. You may have thought drug use or credit issues were to blame, but it’s not nearly as juicy as that. It’s mundane simple mistakes, such…