| | Trying to get a job?Do you know what your potential employers are looking for? I was always a job seeker, but last month I had a chance to be on the other side of the fence. I now have a very good idea what it is like on both the interviewer and interviewee side. So here is your dirt on what really matters when you're looking for a job. This will probably be helpful for new graduates, entry level people, or people who's rusty to the game.
1. Resumes. Some job sites recommend 1 page resumes. Some job sites recommend 2 or more page resumes. What is the correct length? It doesn't matter. We just read the first 1-2 most recent work experience. Sometimes I look at the other stuff for entertainment, but it doesn't concern me.
2. We know we'll hire you the first 15 minutes you leave the interview.
3. Some job sites recommend you write a thank you letter. I remember doing this back in college because I thought it would give me a better chance landing the job. The real answer? It depends. Like I mentioned, we know if you're hired within the first 15 minutes. So if we hated your guts, a thank you letter won't help. But if you're one of our top candidates, a thank you letter might give you the slight edge. Why? Because nobdy writes thank you letters. So if we're deciding between 2-3 top candidates, I would pick the one who took the time to write one.
If you know you did mediocre on your interview, don't waste your time writing one. Don't even write one to "be on the safe side." Only write one if you know you did very well.
4. Always be honest. If you lie it pisses us off. If you don't know how to do X. Say yes. I remember one candidate where I asked if he can do something. He said yes. So I said show me. He couldn't. That pissed off one of the managers that was interviewing with me. Just say no, and we'll respect you more.
5. When I was looking for a job and got a face to face interview, I always went in with the mindset that the job is already mine and the interview is just a formality. This doesn't mean act cocky. It just means act comfortable, relaxed, and focus on getting rapport with the interviewers. They are going to be your future co-workers. Although I think superior technical knowledge might make up for lack of rapport. But most people hire based on rapport first then technical ablity.
6. Don't be cocky. Most interviewers hate that. Confidence don't mean cockiness. Then again don't be a pussy either.
There's other specific factors depending on which position and company you're applying for. But I think these should cover the basics.
|
| | Posted 6/22/2007 2:09 PM - 1 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- give stars
- votes0
- email
 - sent0
|
