Fired? How to answer the question

If you have ever been fired from a job, this is probably the question you dread most of all during an interview.  When you're asked the question, don't lie. It's so easy for a prospective employer to find out why you left a job, so if you're being asked – assume that they already know.  So, what should you do?

Before you start interviewing for a new job, you need to come up with a cohesive story that briefly explains what happened. Your story should also include what you learned from the experience without talking bad about a previous employer or co-worker. It sounds like a tough job, but it's actually fairly easy.

If you need detailed pointers, see the complete article here.

Follow Up After an Interview

A most common question that job seekers ask is "Why didn't they call me back after the interview?".  Once the interview is over and the thank you note is sent, it becomes a waiting game.

Follow up with a company after the interview. A follow up phone call is one of the most useful but under-used pieces of interview etiquette.  You've already met a representative of the company and discussed how you could be an asset to their company.  This means that you have a business relationship.  Calling them back isn't even close to cold calling someone.  It's perfectly acceptable, and in fact, expected that you will give them a call to follow up.  For a few tips from the full article, click here.

Acing the interview

Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows employers are still cautious about hiring. So it's more important than ever to really wow a potential employer.

Here are 5 Tips to help you put your best food forward and nail that interview.

1. It's not all about you. What is it that they need? What is it that their company needs?
2. Understand how work life has changed. Employers don't want to hear that you can't compromise or be flexible -- especially in a time when companies are forced to do more with less staff.
3. Practice makes perfect. You need to have more than one answer for any question you're going to be asked.
4. Consider easing in. If there's a way to do an interim or project-focused job, it could be your chance to show them what you're made of.
5. Leave money for last. People can easily get filtered out if they start setting limits about what they will do and how much they'll do it for. 

If these tips make sense, get more details here.

Get HR on Your Side

Employers are dealing with more job applicants than ever. With thousands of submissions for a single vacancy, companies must be more diligent when sorting the wheat from the chaff. Many rely on HR managers to screen out applicants who aren't qualified for the job or a good fit for the company. This step may feel like a roadblock to you as the applicant, but there are good reasons companies do it. Instead of thinking, "Ugh, I have to talk to HR," focus on how you can work with the department to pass this critical hurdle.

If you are called for a phone interview, or better yet one in person, you have passed a significant hurdle. You have made contact. For some good pointers on handling this level of interview view the complete article here.

Show Confidence with Body Language

How do you look? What message do you communicate the moment you walk into a room? What are your eyes, hands and shoulders saying? What information can people gather about you before you ever say a word?

People read your body language, often via instinct and without thinking. It’s because our poses and postures are a great source of information. They reflect our mood and our confidence level. With a little practice, we can learn the tips to show confidence through body language so that we always appear confident, capable and ready.

If this sounds interesting or you are just curious, find 10 tips for body language here.

How to stay optimistic

The holiday season is not noted for much hiring. The corporate focus is preparing for the next year in many ways, but not necessarily with interviews. Building a Support System Being in a job search for long period of time can be mentally draining and physically taxing.  Seeking support from friends, family or professional help may also may not generate much response for your search efforts. Regardless, you need to remain optimistic.  Consider the following suggestions:

1. Build a Support System
2. Volunteer – Do Something you Like/Love
3. Be Inspired, Remain Motivated
4. Define Goals – Be Practical
5. Meet Friends – Network
6. Practice Positive Affirmations

For more info about how to achieve this optimism, click here.

Ask Better Interview Questions

So, the resume you slaved over for weeks and the expertly tailored cover letter landed this interview.  You have answered all their questions in confident detail, you feel great. Their next question: ‘Do you have any questions for us?’  It has all gone so well, and you say…‘No’. BAD MOVE!

This was your chance to take control, to direct part of the conversation to your benefit. Your prior research on the company should give you some good discussion points. Ask short but thoughtful questions; let the interviewer participate. If you would like to learn 5 techniques for this part of the interview, click here.