Five questions you should never ask at an interview

Five questions you should never ask at an interview by Michael Cheary There’s nothing worse than having no questions to ask at the end of an interview…Actually, there just might be. In fact, asking something inappropriate or unprofessional is often more harmful than asking nothing at all â€" and can send all the wrong signals to recruiters. It could even be the reason they decide not to hire you after an otherwise great interview.We’ve already covered what you should be asking at an interview, but here are a few questions you should definitely steer clear of:  What does your company do?Think asking someone what their company does is a great way to get the ball rolling? Think again.All this question really says to a recruiter is that you can’t think of anything worthwhile to ask and, more importantly, that you haven’t even deemed the interview significant enough to spend a few minutes on a search engine looking the company up.So don’t ask anything that you could have learned by researching the company. Instead, focu s on the specifics in more detail to help demonstrate you’ve done your homework.What you should be asking:  I saw that your company has recently done X. Can you tell me a little more about this?How to prepare for an interviewPre-interview checklist  Can I move into other areas of the business?As disinterested questions go, this one is right up there.OK, so perhaps you see the position you’re applying for as a springboard to something else, but that doesn’t mean you should tell the recruiter that. You might as well just go the whole way and ask ‘If I’m not right for this job, do you have any other vacancies you think I might be right for?’Take your current audience into consideration and try exhibiting your drive and enthusiasm for the position you  are  applying for. Trust us, it will be a lot more impressive.What you should be asking:  What are the promotion prospects? What opportunities for development are there?Five career goal questions, and how to answer themHow to: Make a career plan  How much sick pay do I get?So you’re at the  first interview, and you’re already planning your first absence?When it comes to sick pay and annual leave, it’s probably best to leave them alone, or at least until you receive an offer. Otherwise it just looks like you’re pre-empting being away a lot. And no hiring manager wants to see that.Unless you have a specific medical reason for asking, leave this one well alone.What you should be asking:  Nothing that relates to sick pay or holiday at this stage.Excuses, excuses one in six Brits admit to faking it for a day offWhat’s the nightlife like?For some of us, the social aspect of a company is an important part of our working lives.However, as the old adage goes, there’s a time and a place for everything. And the time for asking about the best places to go out in the area is not during your first interview.Finding out more about the team or asking an open-ended question about company culture is fine, but let any other social aspects come up naturally when you have the job.What you should be asking:  How many other people are there in the team? What’s the best thing about the company culture?12 things you should never do at an interviewJob interview nightmares revealed  How did I do?When it comes to the end of an interview, this one could be a deal-breaker.It may seem like an innocuous (or worse, ‘humorous’) question at the time, but no matter how much rapport you feel you’ve built, asking how you did is likely to put the interviewer in an uncomfortable position. And more practically, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to provide you with the answer you’re looking for.So avoid temptation and shy away from compliment-fishing.Instead, ask them when you can expect to hear from them and send a follow-up email thanking them for their time. Trust us, it’s a much better reflection.What you should be asking:  Could you give a description of your ideal candidate? When can I expect to hear from you?Four ways to follow up after an applicationWhy haven’t they called? The importance of asking for feedbackHonourable mentions:  How long will this take? How important is it that I turn up on time? What’s your social media policy? How long is lunch? Does the company monitor emails? Do you perform background checks? Do you fancy going for a drink after this?  Final thoughtsSome of these questions may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many times they come up in interviews.Aside from the examples above, the biggest tip we can give is simply to listen. Remember to remain attentive at all times. That way, you can avoid asking anything that you should already know the answer to.Finally, never underestimate the power of preparation.Making a list of good questions to ask before you arrive on the big day will keep all embarrassing situations and awkward silences to a minimum.And, if you’re struggling for inspiration, here’s a handy  list of question s you should be asking.Eight signs your interview went wellWhat to do after a job interviewThe worst thing you can do at an interview?  Aside from asking the wrong questions (or having nothing to ask at all), what  interview nightmares  worry jobseekers the most?We spoke to a group of university students to find out and see if recruiters actually agreeStill searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Interview Techniques Job interview tips Questions to ask at a job interview

Top 4 Resume Tips for Job Seekers

Top 4 Resume Tips for Job Seekers This article is sponsored by  Careers Australia. The job market is tough as a job-seeker, so how do you get an edge? Having a great resume or CV is one of the most effective ways to stand out in the crowd and get noticed by potential employers. So what makes a good resume? Here are the top four tips to a cracking resume: 1) Less really is more: Probably the number one rule in resume writing is to keep it short and concise. DO NOT waffle on and try to pad out your CV. If you’re lacking job experience, you can’t invent it. Do anything you can to get some, including volunteering for charities or approach employers and offer to work for them for a short period of time, without pay. Another thing you may need to consider is doing some vocational education and training (VET). Distinct from more traditional and academic courses, this type of study focuses on getting you straight into work by providing you with job and industry-specific skills and knowledge. Some education providers even work directly with employers to provide apprenticeships and job-based training. 2) Follow the recipe: When it comes to writing your resume   don’t freestyle it stick to the classic recipe. This consists of: Your name and contact details Your qualifications â€" title of qualification / year of completion or expected completion / education provider Relevant training / skills / attributes Your work experience. The work experience element is undoubtedly the most important and is what employers really focus on. This should always be listed in the following format: Chronological order â€" starting with your most recent work experience Job title Employer and location Key achievements Responsibilities If you can’t think of any key achievements or you’re just new to the workforce, you can probably skip this bit and just focus on role responsibilities. 3) Make it relevant: Resumes can be very generic and after reading dozens at a time, one can blend into another for the people reading them. If you really want to stand out in the resume crowd, you need to tailor your CV to match both the employers and jobs you’re seeking. To do this, give greater emphasis in your resume to the particular skills and experience that a company or organisation is seeking. However, this doesn’t mean fabricating jobs and experience, so ensure that you’re honest and truthful. 4) Keep it clean and uncluttered: Imagine you’re an employer and on the hunt for new talent. You’ve advertised a job and now you’re desk is literally covered in resumes. What’s the first thing you notice when you pick up someone’s CV? It’s the overall design and presentation. Choose styles that are clean and uncluttered, but allow you to express yourself and subtly make your mark. Absolutely avoid detailed and busy page borders and super fancy fonts. When it comes to resumes, it’s what’s inside that really counts. While a nice looking design is important, it all comes down to the content. Don’t ‘fluff up’ your CV, stick to the standard format and where you can, tailor it to suit specific employers and jobs. This article is sponsored by  Careers Australia.

Advice For Employing Nannies

Advice For Employing Nannies The old family dynamic by which men would hold jobs while women ran households has been fading into history for some time now, and in recent years it has essentially been eliminated as an expected situation. This is not to say that there are not still many families that operate with one parent at home and the other at work â€" however, it is increasingly common for both parents to work. In fact, some recent polls have indicated that for the first time in the United States, women are employed in equal numbers as men. This is a wonderful trend for a number of reasons, most notably, of course, that it opens up all sorts of opportunities for women with professional ambitions. However, it can also lead to somewhat more complicated home lives, as children still require rather constant attention, particularly when they are young. After all, what do you do with your young children when both you and your husband are spending your days off at work? It may seem a bit strange to rely daily on the help of a babysitter or nanny, but this is a very helpful solution for a number of families out there with two working parents. Care for your children is extremely important, and fortunately there are many resources such as Care.com available to you to help you find a suitable nanny to watch over your children while you are at work. In general, however, here are a few things to keep in mind as you conduct your search: • Try not to lean toward youth if you are looking for more permanent help. For many parents, the concept of a “babysitter” brings to mind a high school or college student â€" perhaps a friend of the family. However, particularly if you are looking for help during the daytime hours of the week, you will need to remain receptive to the idea of employing an older nanny. Fortunately, this is an increasingly popular profession, and there are plenty of career nannies whose services will be available to you. • Allow your children to become familiar with their nanny gradually. Particularly if you are considering a long-term nanny, you need to make sure that the initial interactions go smoothly, and that your children are not overwhelmed by being abruptly left with a stranger. If your children see that their parents trust and are comfortable with their new nanny, they will be more likely to follow suit. Particularly with young children, this is a crucial step in building what will ultimately be an important relationship. • It is also important to remember to keep your new nanny happy. Many parents become preoccupied with the idea that daytime care is only for their children; however, it is important to remember that your children’s caretaker is doing you a huge favor, and is a major part of your children’s lives. Taking the time to become friendly with your employed nanny can be a great way to make him or her feel like a part of the family, and can ultimately help to make the entire situation easier! Any career ladies, care to swap nanny hiring tips? Happy weekend!

5 Essential Steps To Fall Back in Love With Your Business - Classy Career Girl

5 Essential Steps To Fall Back in Love With Your Business All relationships take work and running your own business is one of the hardest things you might ever do. Before you started, you probably dreamed of the freedom you’d have by being your own boss. But lets say you are feeling a little burnt out by your business. How do you fall back in love? Escaping the 9 to 5 and being in control of your own destiny might sound like a dream come true, but in reality you probably find yourself working more hours than ever before and feeling the stress of having to make all the decisions. This can kill your motivation, which could  have a negative impact on the quality of your work and even your income. It’s not like you can just drop everything and take a holiday when you’re the boss, so you need to find another way to fall back in love with  your business. 5 Essential Steps To Fall Back in Love With Your Business 1. Give Yourself a Break When you set your own hours, it can be all too easy to slip into bad habits and start working all the hours, especially with smart phones in our pockets keeping us connected. Jetting off for a two week beach break might not be an option, but it’s important to give yourself downtime and take care of your physical and mental well-being â€"if you’re not performing at your full potential then your business won’t be either! Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break, and make sure you build some relaxing “me time” into your busy schedule. Avoid the temptation to slip back into work by taking a ‘digital detox’ â€" you can’t relax and unwind with emails, phone calls and social media going off all the time. Schedule some time for yourself and stick to it. You’ll soon find it makes a big difference and you feel recharged and more inspired. 2. Try Something New One of the best ways to inspire yourself is to try something new â€" especially if you’re feeling stuck in a business rut. Take an online course relating to something you want to improve in your business, try something new with your social media, record a vlog or even make some time to start a new hobby. You might think you don’t have the time to take on anything else, but if it’s something you’ll enjoy it’ll have big benefits when it comes to kick starting your motivation. 3. Remember Why You Got Into it in the First Place Take some time to reflect on the “bigger picture”. Why did you start your business? What did you set out to achieve? Reflect on everything you’ve achieved so far and revisit your goals. You’ll see how far you’ve come instead of feeling weighed down by how far you’ve got to go. When you’re working for yourself you’ve got to remember to give yourself a pat on the back â€" otherwise who else is going to do it? 4. Take time to work on your business It’s too easy to focus on working  in  your business instead of  on  it. While you’re busy shipping orders, balancing the books and doing all the day-to-day tasks, you’re not focusing on how the business works. More importantly, you’re not focusing on how it’s going to grow. Think about how you want the business to look in the future, make a plan to get there, then set aside some time each week to make it happen. Focusing on the bigger picture will help you fall back in love  and remind you why you’re doing it in the first place. 5. Stop Trying to Do it All If you’re feeling burnt out and uninspired, it might be time to seek some help. It could actually be more cost effective to hire a virtual PA, an accountant, or someone to manage your social media, write your blog posts and take care of your marketing. There’s all sorts of business solutions available and they’re probably not as expensive as you might think. Plus think of the hours of your time they will free up â€" if that helps you focus more on maintaining your well-being and growing your business then it’s invaluable. Take some time to reflect on what areas of your business you could outsource, then you can research your options. Remember that when you’re running your own business, you’re in this for the long haul. So give yourself time to recharge, focus on where you want to go and build a plan to get there. You’ll soon fall back in love with your business and be back on the road to success!

Will a LinkedIn Premium Membership offer a Strong ROI on your Job Search

Will a LinkedIn Premium Membership offer a Strong ROI on your Job Search Photo Credit â€" Pixabay.comAs LinkedIn continues to evolve and the site continues to grow, plans and user offerings are likely to continue evolving to meet the needs of its diverse membership.In my experience as a Professional Resume and LinkedIn profile writer who has helped clients leverage LinkedIn to its fullest and successfully land interviews, I’ve learned that choosing between a paid The free plan lets you create a complete profile, reconnect and expand your professional network by reaching out to friends of friends, people you’d like to connect with and even alumni from your alma maters.You can also ask for recommendations from managers, peers and direct reports and even return the favor.Lastly, you can search and view profiles of other members free of charge.The free version does, however, come with some limitations. The details you are able to see about 2nd degree connections as well as those who have reviewed your profile are often limited, and you can only request fi ve introductions at one time.With regards to InMail, LinkedIn’s private or direct messaging system, free subscribers can only receive messages. Additionally, free members can only save three searches The monthly fee for premium accounts varies by more than $200 annually, and both offer monthly payment options. In both cases, it is more cost effective to pay one time annually for these plans than it is to pay month-per-month.Here’s where the plans differ and where they don’t:REACH: The number of InMails you can send doubles from 15 to 30 when you upgrade to the Executive plan.SEARCH: Both offer unlimited profile searches, saved searches and filters to apply when searching.evalVISIBILITY: All offer the option of choosing for anyone to view your entire profile.THE BOTTOM LINEQuestions to Ask Yourself:Do you anticipate needing to reach out to non-connections via InMail?Could you benefit from a larger professional network?Do you expect to need to request formal introductions? Would you like the ability to drill down to get details of who is checking out your profile.If the answer to these is YES â€" then consider a paid plan to give you your best job search ROI. Making the call on which paid plan works best for you will depend on how many InMails you anticipate using.

12 Resources for College Grad Job Search- Majoring in Employment - CareerAlley

12 Resources for College Grad Job Search- Majoring in Employment - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. You are somewhere in your (hopefully) four year college career and, if youve not already figured this out, the experience is likely to be different than you envisioned when you began. Whatever your major (and no matter how many times you change your major), your ultimate goal is to have a career in the field of your choice (which is hopefully your dream career). But your four years of college may not be enough to land the job of your choice. Graduation does guarantee a job. On the contrary, your college diploma just means you are now qualified to look for a job. But why wait until you graduate. Why not get a head start on the job hunting process? To do this, you need to add a second major as early in your college career as possible. Your second major should be Job Search Preparation. Suggested Reading:Proven Job Search and Interviewing Techniques for College Students and Recent Grads Learn Everything You Can About Your Major No, this is not about taking Your Major 101, this is about understanding how and where your major is applied in the working world. Now is the time to explore the types of careers and jobs that use your major. Use your college years to research companies, connect with industry groups and start to build the network you will need when you graduate. Career Research Checklist Company Research Best-Paying Jobs by Major Experience, Experience, Experience Need I say more? Education is great, but experience is even better. Use your four years at college to get some work experience in your major. This can be done in many different ways. Internships (as many as you can do), Work/Study, volunteering, etc. There are many ways to get experience before you graduate and hands-on experience is what will give you an advantage over those graduates whove not done the same. Ways to get career-related experience during college Internships as Career Experience How to Find an Internship Job Search Marketing Toolkit If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you are familiar with my Job Search Marketing Toolkit approach. While most of the tools look like they are geared towards experienced workers, this is not always the case. You should start building your resume, cover letters, interview skills and elevator speech now (see the next topic for Networking). Yes, these tools will change as you gain experience, but by creating these documents early in your college career you will have well defined tools by the time you graduate. Critical steps for building a resume in college and landing a job after graduation 5 Tips for Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile Building Your Resume for Life After College Networking Build Yours Now It is never too early to build your network, arguably the most valuable tool during your entire career. So, you may ask, how do you build a network in college? Everyone you meet potentially becomes part of your network. Your family, your classmates, your roommates, your professors, and so on. Build your network now. 6 Ways to Network While Youre in College 6 Links to Networking for Job Search Its Not Who You Know, Its Who Knows You Tips on How to Network While Still in College We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ Visit Joeys profile on Pinterest What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to land your first job. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

Why Use a Software Developer Resume Template?

Why Use a Software Developer Resume Template?Software developer resume template is the most popular type of resume. In fact, some people have been lucky enough to get a job and could have never completed their college degree even if they have the best qualifications and work experience. So, it is a very good idea to include this resume template on your own resume. In this article, we will take a look at the most common reasons why people use this type of resume.Many young people are looking for job. Many people have this dream but cannot find any job. This is the main reason why many young people are using software developer resume template to find a job.If you have an office and want to start up a new business, you should use a software developer resume template. You need to be different from the other candidates because you have the experience and you have the education. And a good developer has a lot of potential in their career. It can be a lot of fun to build something new. But there are companies that are not interested in new ideas because they are just going to give you a contract and then you have to deal with it.When a new candidate is applying for a job, they need to know the company and the position before they can apply for it using a software developer resume template. Many applicants use this type of resume because they are tired of the same old thing. You need to write something new and unique. But you need to write it in such a way that it will look natural to the reader.You should know that most software developer resume template requires you to include three or four years of school. This means that if you have not finished your high school degree, you should think twice before using it. Otherwise, it will look very unnatural and too much like you are just sitting around on your college campus not working on building software.You can use the software developer resume template as an investment to yourself. The right software developer resume te mplate can help you make money when you are looking for a job.If you are doing a job search, use a developer resume template. You do not need to bother about formatting and grammar, since the job market is filled with newbies. And if you are someone who does not get much sleep, then use a developer resume template so that you are more productive in the morning.Once you have found a developer resume template, you should fill it in and start learning how to use it. And this will be a great resource for you. Learn how to build up a company from the ground up.