Be Ready to Answer Interview Questions

April 5, 2010

The best way to prepare is to be ready to answer the interview questions. Practice your response to these:

Common interview questions

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why do you want to work for our company?
  • What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
  • Why did you leave your last job?
  • What are you looking for in your next job?

 Interview questions related to your work experience

  • Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss and what the outcome was.
  • Give an example of a time when you handled a difficult customer.
  • Describe a creative idea and how you implemented it.
  • Tell me about a stressful work situation and how you handled it.
  • Give an example of a time when you worked effectively with other people to accomplish a common goal.

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

Do you Know How to Network Effectively?

February 8, 2010

In your everyday interactions with friends, family and acquaintances, opportunities arise that could help you in your job hunt.

Some methods to increase your network include pursuing outside interests and activities like joining clubs, athletic organizations and professional organizations.

Another method is to attend community events and social functions. Becoming a volunteer in the community or volunteering to organize a community event can bring you in touch with lots of new people to add to your network.

Joining on-line communities like forums, newsgroups and chat rooms can bring your network to a global scale.

Once you’ve grown your personal/professional network, there are some courtesies that should be extended. It’s very important that you stay in contact with your network from time to time. But don’t be selfish! Don’t just contact these people when you need something, remember they have needs and interests too.

Don’t be afraid to ask your contacts for referrals. If your contact can’t help you, maybe they know someone who can.

Finally, remember to adequately thank your contacts and send notes of appreciation to your network members who offered help and assistance in your job hunt.

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

How to Interview Your Potential Employer

February 1, 2010

Developing constructive interview questions to ask potential employers. Knowing what to ask and how to ask it can make way for a higher quality interview and a more thorough view of the job and organization. Here are twelve constructive, uncommon questions to ask during an interview:

1. What distinguishes your company from other companies as a better place to work?

2. What percentage of your company’s employees began as temporary employees?

3. Why was this position created? If not a new position, why is this position vacant?

 4. How does this position impact the financial success of your company?

 5. Will I report to one person or will multiple people have an impact on my job duties?

 6. Who will provide the training I need to meet your expectations in this position?

 7. How are problem solving and decision making accomplished? Is there a formal process?

 8. How are temporary and direct employees rewarded for positive performance?

 9. How and when will you know if you’ve secured the right employee for this job?

 10. When good performers leave the company, what are their top reasons for doing so?

 11. What is your company’s philosophy on work/life balance?

 12. What do you think your competitors are saying about your company?

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

Looking for a Job? Get an edge.

December 20, 2009

In the midst of an uncertain economy, jobseekers must keep a competitive edge. Consider the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate. If you want to improve your chances, these are effective ways to become more qualified:

Continue your education: Adult learning centers, vocational schools, community colleges and universities offer certificate and degree programs which can make you more attractive to employers.

Volunteer: Doing volunteer work or internship or externship programs can broadly increase industry experience and provide valuable on the job experience.

Assignment Work: Through employment agencies like ALTRES Staffing, you can also acquire valuable industry specific experience and skills while still allowing you the flexibility to decide on a career.

Become an Expert: If you have unique skills or expertise, try getting published in your community newspapers, in on-line communities or even start your own newsletter.

Earn a Track Record: Most importantly, show stability and responsibility in your past and current employment.

Hone and utilize your “elevator pitch”: Prepare a 30-second summary of your professional assets.

Make a daily effort: Do one thing each day — like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event — that moves your job search forward.

Improve yourself and it may improve your outlook on job hunting.

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

Resume Types Revealed

December 19, 2009

There are three major categories for resumes – the chronological, the skills resume, and the creative/combination resume.

The most common and most useful is the first – the Chronological resume. The key feature of this type of resume is the listing of your jobs held from the most recent position held on the top to the oldest. Be sure to list dates, job title, name of the organization, address, and your description of duties and responsibilities. Use action verbs that are transferable to the work you are seeking. The other sections of the resume – education and affiliations should also follow the chronological format with the most recent achievements listed on top.

The second type of resume is the Skills resume. This approach is more successful for individuals who have limited paid work experience, are in career transition, or who have not worked for awhile. This type of resume will help you to present your strengths and avoid displaying your weaknesses. In the skills resume, you will group your experiences under your major skill areas. For example, if one of your strengths were accounting or bookkeeping skills, then you would list your activities from jobs, schooling, or volunteer opportunities that support this. The skills resume only makes sense when your major skills help to qualify you for the job you are seeking.

Finally, the creative/combination resume is the most volatile style. This type of resume is not encouraged unless the position you are seeking welcomes creative flair and ingenuity, and even then they can be risky. These resumes may combine chronological and skills techniques but defy traditionalism and may stray from the norm by using unusual paper colors, sizes and shapes, or art and decorative borders. The creative resume may be very successful for a small niche of jobseekers, but for most positions a chronological resume is preferred.

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

Post a job. Find a job. Win cash! FREE

September 8, 2009
At JobsFreeForAll we thought the whole “FREE” thing was pretty good. Well, “FREE” just got a whole lot better. How about free money? That’s right. You could win $250 this week from JobsFreeForAll.com. 250 bucks, 250 smackaroos. Free money!

Win $250 with JobsFreeForAll.com

Starting September 7, we’ll be picking two lucky winners every week. Just create your online profile and either post a job or apply for one. It’s easy. It’s free. And you could pick up an extra 250 bucks. Sign up now for your chance to win 250 big ones from JobsFreeForAll.com.

Hawaii’s newest and best job site is giving away cash prizes every week. Post a job. Find a job. Win cash!

 Listen in on Cox radio stations (@krater96 @hawaiian105kine @kccnfm100) as winners will be announced every Monday starting September 14. We’ll announce winners on our Twitter streams too @JobsFreeForAll and @jffa_HI.  Visit our site for Official Rules.

1 Comment | Employer, Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Big Kahuna

Four Steps to Your Job Search

August 10, 2009

If you’ve recently been let go or are worried about job security, these job searching tips are for you. Job searching can be time-consuming and frustrating however there are steps you can take to insure you spend your time wisely and efficiently. It will not be easy, particular in this economy, but there is work available. You just have to be smarter about how to make yourself stand out and give a potential employer even more reasons to hire you.

Do a self-assessment

  • Review your skills and background to help you understand what kind of workplace/industry you would excel in.
  • When assessing yourself and your background, consider your personality, training, experience and skills and what jobs suit you. (Do you like working independently? Do you enjoy fast-paced environments? What did you do at your past jobs and what did you learn to do?)

 Create an effective resume

  • Resumes should be written clearly and simply. Bullet points work best because they are easy to read and highlight your accomplishments.
  • Your cover letter should not duplicate your resume but should emphasize any specific skills or accomplishments that will help you get the job.

 Search for positions in various ways

  • Networking is one of the best ways to find a job is by word-of-mouth. Tell everyone you know what you are looking for and even pass along your resume. (You never know whose desk it may land on.)
  • Staffing consultants are also another great option. Many jobs that are never listed in public are only offered through staffing services, like ALTRES.
  • Register with sites like JobsFreeForAll, Yahoo Jobs, Monster or CareerBuilder which often send emails about jobs that are available in your area of interest.

 Follow up and prepare for the interview

  • Always call or email the company to make sure they received your resume. (unless it specifically states not to.)
  • Ensure your follow up is viewed as positive, not a nuisance. Calls and emails simply to check in wastes the employer’s time.

Use the follow up to differentiate yourself in some way. Send a sample of your work or provide the hiring manager with specific information relative to his or her company or industry.

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

Interview Success for the Fashionista

July 25, 2009

When going to a  job interview, first impressions are critical. You are marketing yourself to potential employers and the first thing they will judge when meeting you is your attire. Dressing appropriately will create a positive first impression and a competitive edge.

 Today’s focus for fashion is for the ladies and appropriate attire for office or industrial positions.

 1.    General Tips

  • Dress for the right part. Don’t go to an interview for a landscaping position in a suit and tie, or interview for a finance position in casual pants and a polo shirt.
  • Remember, the interview is about you, not your clothes. Stay away from loud, distracting colors and patterns that make it difficult to concentrate on your qualifications.

 2.    Be well-groomed

  • Make sure your hair is neatly trimmed and groomed. (This includes facial hair such as beards and mustaches.)
  • No excessive cologne
  • No big handbags
  • No excessive jewelry that makes noise when you move
  • Make sure you dress comfortably
  • Don’t have gum, candy or any other object in your mouth
  • Turn off your cell phone or pagers or leave them in the car

 3. Attire for Professional/Office Positions:

  • Make sure your clothes are neatly pressed
  • Socks should coordinate with suit/pants
  • Aloha shirts are OK as long as they are crisp and tucked in
  • Belt should match shoes
  • Wear nicely polished dress shoes
  • No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

 4. Attire for Industrial Positions:

  • Wear appropriate work shoes or boots
  • No tank tops
  • No jeans or clothes that have holes
  • No slippers
  • No t-shirts with logos or sayings
  • No hats
  • No sunglasses
  • Make sure outfit is neatly pressed
  • Make sure the outfit “fits” - Not too tight, not too baggy… just right!

Watch  ALTRES on KITV4  for more about dressing for success
Fashion Tips For Women Going To A Job Interview

Taking the time to follow these simple rules will ensure your fashionista style has you looking great from head to toe.

Leave a Comment » | Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by HR Diva

JobsFreeForAll Gets Social

July 24, 2009

In an effort to reach out to the community, JobsFreeForAll is signing up on some of the big social websites, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  We are just getting started, but have already begun tweeting all new JobsFreeForAll Hawaii jobs here:

http://twitter.com/jffa_HI or @jffa_hi

Every job posted to this account will contain the hashtags: #hawaii #jobs.  We plan on encouraging other Hawaii job sites that use Twitter to also use these hashtags, so if you do a Twitter search using both of these tags, you will find not only get jobs from JobsFreeForAll, but other Hawaii jobs as well.

The official JobsFreeForAll Facebook page has not been released yet, but I have my own page up.  Add me as a friend and you can stay up to date with the latest JobsFreeForAll news.

Leave a Comment » | Employer, Jobseeker | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Lamp Genie

Top 10 reasons to read The Jobs Free Forum

July 20, 2009

 Why you should read The Jobs Free Forum and register at JobsFreeForAll.com?

  1. Your job sucks and you won’t take it any more
  2. Finding jobs on Craigslist is like trying to start a fire with two sticks
  3. Being your own boss or working from home means not eating
  4. A results list containing 10,143 jobs in 17 states really doesn’t help
  5. Minimum wage jobs don’t pay enough to feed the cat
  6. Completing a new application form for every job makes your head hurt
  7. Every job posting without a company name makes you think you’re being replaced
  8. You’ve been invited to a mandatory company meeting this Friday afternoon
  9. Real jobs shouldn’t ask for full body photos
  10. There really is a good job for you out their somewhere

Leave a Comment » | Employer, Jobseeker | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Big Kahuna

Next Entries »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.