Every job interview is a fact-finding activity. You and the interviewers are on a mission to see if this is a good fit.

Of course, your potential employer is looking at you…your education, experience, and personality. At the same time, you need to decide if the company has the right culture and opportunity for you and your career.

You also need to ask questions. Turn the interview into a two-way conversation by weaving your questions throughout the interview and avoid waiting until the end of the interview. Well-timed questions build rapport, they send a positive message that you’re engaged, prepared, and interested.

Here are a few questions to adapt for the specific position:

• How does this position contribute to the long and short-term growth strategies of the company?
• What are the goals and objectives for this position, and how will success be measured?
• In your opinion, what are the key factors for long-term success in this role?
• What kind of leadership style has functioned well for the team to be successful?
• Tell me more about the team I would be working with?
• How would you describe the working culture in the organization?
• Are there any outstanding concerns about me or my background that we haven’t addressed?

If you’re interested in the position, say it, and have a brief statement as to why you are the best candidate to help the company reach their goals and objectives. Ask what’s next in their process.

Ready to turn your next job interview into a two-way conversation? Connect with Job Seekers’ Edge today and let us equip you with the right questions to ask, and strategies to use. Don’t just answer – engage! www.jobseekersedge.com 

Short answer…Yes! Not only is it good manners, it is a must! A thank you note within 24 hrs. signals:

• You want the job.
• Reinforces that you are professional.
• Shows you’re suitable for the position.

Because many people now work remotely, more interviews are being done online,
and you might not have access to the interviewer’s physical location. So, send an email.

However, if you have the physical address of your interviewer(s), sending a handwritten thank you note is a great compliment to your email. And something very few, if any, other applicants will be doing.

• Keep it short, sweet, and to the point.
• Never send a text message, as it’s far too casual for this situation.
• Include 2-3 examples as to why you are the right person for the job.
• Address specific scenarios discussed in the interview.
• State what you will do, how you can bring value, and that you are excited about the opportunity.
• IMPORTANT! Thank them for their time and consideration. 

Don’t miss out on your dream job because of a missed thank-you note. Reach out to Job Seekers’ Edge and let us help you make the right impression.  www.jobseekersedge.com

Always start with the basics:

• Did you make a great first impression by arriving early and dressing appropriately?
• Did you prepare in advance to make sure you didn’t have any technology issues?
• Did you research the company, interviewer, and opportunity, and have quality questions prepared?
• Did you establish rapport versus just regurgitating your resume?
• Are you comfortable and ready to answer “behavioral questions” commonly used during interviews?     

Keep in mind, “failure” is inevitable when looking for a new job.  However, view interviewing as a numbers game that has to be played and you always have to put in your best effort.

The most qualified candidates often don’t get hired. Why? It is out of your control.  Maybe there was an internal candidate given priority, or it could be unexpected budget constraints that eliminated the position. Perhaps the candidate had already been chosen, and other interviews were just a formality.

Shake it off, and charge onward!

Have a question for us? Visit us at:  www.jobseekersedge.com

You’ve been contacted by a recruiter – music to your ears? Maybe…maybe not.

Sure, it’s flattering to get a call from a “recruiter,” but not all recruiters are created equal. You should learn everything you can about how they work.

1. Do they specialize in your industry and area of expertise?
2. How successful and how long have they been working in your field?
3. How do they collaborate with their candidates?
4. Do they give you timely information and feedback? From interview preparation to post-interview feedback, we’ve got you covered at Job Seekers’ Edge.
5. How many clients do they usually work with at once?
6. Which companies do they typically work with?

You are in charge of your personal brand. You need to ensure that it’s not diluted by a “recruiter” sending your resume to companies or opportunities that aren’t a good fit.

Don’t settle for mediocre recruiter experiences. Connect with Job Seekers Edge and access timely information and feedback that propel your career forward!

When someone searches on LinkedIn, make the most of it by having a compelling and relevant byline. You have just 120 characters to accurately represent yourself and entice the searcher to keep reading. 

• Use keywords that reflect you, your level of expertise, and industry.
• Use caution when using keyword dividers (special characters such as diamonds and stars) that may be inconsistent with your professional identity.
• Avoid typos in your byline and throughout your profile.
• Refresh your byline on a regular basis to keep it current and relevant.

Don’t let your LinkedIn byline go unnoticed. Connect with Job Seekers’ Edge now and unlock the secrets to crafting an irresistible first impression. Visit us at www.jobseekersedge.com

You’ve sent out your resume or applied to posted jobs, but haven’t landed an interview. You need to ask yourself a few questions. 

• Are you sure your resume is formatted correctly? e.g. keywords, a 2-page length, and a modern design?
• Have you made an investment in yourself by having your resume professionally written?
• Are you comparing your resume to the job description using an ATS?
• Have you modified your resume to make it at least a 70% match to the job opening?
• Are your major accomplishments the main focus of your resume?
• Is your resume consistent with your LinkedIn profile?

It’s time to work with experts if you provided a “no” response to any of the questions above. Increase your interview chances with a tailored resume. Connect with Job Seekers’ Edge and transform your resume into a job magnet!

At some point in your career, you’ll probably be required to take an assessment, especially if you are interviewing for a position or moving into a new role. 

• Behavioral assessment responses describe how a person might “show up” in the workplace and whether they are a good fit for the job’s requirements. For example, introvert/extrovert, fast/steady, rule follower/risk taker. DISC, Myers-Briggs, and Predictive Index evaluations are a few examples.
• Emotional intelligence assessments demonstrate self-perception, self-expression, decision-making, stress management, and interpersonal skills.
• 360-degree evaluations gather feedback from various perspectives – peers, direct reports, and supervisors
• The cognitive assessment determines how quickly a person can learn (if change is constant in the workplace, rapid learning is essential).

Understanding these assessments aids in hiring decisions and employee evaluation, so just be yourself. Don’t let valuable career opportunities slip away. Connect with Job Seekers’ Edge and discover how assessments and evaluations can give you the competitive edge you need!

There’s no need to dread the “Tell me about yourself” question. Shape your response into a captivating narrative that will have potential employers wanting to know more.  Your response can be your own “secret weapon” for success.

As always, practice and prepare. You want to create a positive and compelling picture of yourself. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid repeating what is on your resume – they have it.
• Be brief in your story, and don’t get too deep into your personal life.
• Share personal attributes that align with the role. E.g., “I’m involved in Vistage (or other leadership organizations),” or “I enjoy competitive sports.”
• Align your personal activities with the job responsibilities. “I am an Eagle Scout leader,” “I’m on the board of a local non-profit,” or “I coach my child’s soccer team.”

Remember to take a breath, and pause appropriately. Avoid the “data dump.”

Don’t leave your career to chance. Seek out personalized guidance from www.jobseekersedge.com and prepare yourself to outshine the competition in your next interview.

Popular formats for interview questions are situational and behavioral style. Even the most qualified candidates can get stumped. Use the S.T.A.R. method to prepare for your next interview.

S – Situation: Describe a situation you dealt with as it relates to their question. Be specific and brief. 

T – Task: What was your specific role in the situation? Increasing sales? Managing deadlines?

A – Action: Briefly explain the action you took to address challenges and overcome obstacles.

R – Results: Explain the outcome, and what you learned.

Remember the S.T.A.R. acronym and be prepared. Tell your story concisely and persuasively.

For specific tips, feel free to reach out to us at www.jobseekersedge.com.

Sometimes the traditional cover letter is optional in today’s job search. Even though recruiters or hiring managers may not read your letter, it is still an opportunity for you to show:

• Your writing ability
• Specific skills and accomplishments that are specific to the position
• Your attention to detail
• Your style and personality

By writing a cover letter, you are also sending a clear message that you believe is relevant. Many recruiters and hiring managers do value a cover letter, avoid sending the wrong message by NOT sending a personalized introductory letter.

A great cover letter will differentiate you from other respondents, and help shine a light on why you’re the best candidate.

For a free call on how to create the perfect cover letter, or other job search tips, go to www.jobseekersedge.com.