Interview Tips

Top 10 Interview Questions

interview1Are you preparing for an upcoming job interview? It is likely you will be asked some of the following questions. If you plan your answers in advance, you will sound more articulate and confident in your responses. Be sure to give each question some thought before you head out for your next interview.

Here are the Top 10 Interview Questions:

1) Why should I hire you?

Use specific examples that showcase what you can do for the company by sharing what you’ve done in previous roles. They want to know how you will benefit them should they choose to hire you.

2) Give an example of a time when you showed initiative?

Think of an example of when you took action on the job and it resulted in a positive outcome.

3) What motivates you?

Take this opportunity to share work experiences or specific training you have undertaken to get where you are today. Show how you are passionate about the industry and driven to achieve set goals. Explain how you keep yourself productive at work.

4) How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?

Employers want workers that are organized and manage their time effectively. Prove that you are highly capable by explaining how you currently manage your time and responsibilities, for example, “by using to-do lists”.

5) What is your main weakness?

You don’t want to highlight anything that may make the interviewer doubt your ability to do the job, but claiming you don’t have any flaws can come across as arrogant. Choose something that was once a weakness and explain how you overcame the issue, or focus on an area where there is room for improvement and explain how you are working on it.

6)  Have you ever had a bad experience with a previous employer?

Never bad mouth a former employer or colleagues; it doesn’t reflect positively on you. Also, you never know who your interviewer knows. Instead, share how you would resolve a conflict and/or approach a difficult issue at work.

7) Why do you think you will be successful at this job?

Spotlight the skills that will benefit you and your employer in the position you are applying for and how you will use them to excel on the job.

8) Have you interviewed elsewhere?

This may feel awkward to answer, but the interviewer assumes you’ve been applying for other jobs. Be honest and tell them you are exploring other opportunities in the industry to find one that fits your skills.

9) What salary do you think you deserve?

Be sure to research before the interview to find the salary range in your area for the position you seek. For the best chance of getting the salary you want, aim higher than average and then negotiate.

10) Where do you expect to be in five years?

Be sure to answer this question in relation to the company you are interviewing with. They may not hire someone who appears as if they will run off as soon as something else comes along.

If you are currently searching for a new job, consider partnering with me to create a job-winning resume and LinkedIn profile. Let me help you shorten the length of your job search and get you on track to the career of your dreams. 

Contact Michelle at MCKResumeService@gmail.com or (727) 278-4367 

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graduation giftsWould you like to bless a college or high school graduate with the perfect unique gift? Consider giving them a professionally written resume.

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5 ways to be an exceptional employee

be exceptionalIs there a way to become that employee your boss can’t possibly live without? Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you might be an irreplaceable employee.

Are you willing to go the extra mile? Employers expect you to do your job, but are you the type of person that goes over and above? Employers love when someone picks up the slack where needed, pitches in when necessary, and stays late if required.

Are you flexible? An adaptable employee is willing to adjust when companies make changes. They don’t insist on doing things their old fashioned way. Employers know they can count on them to make adjustments when necessary and keep the company moving forward.

Are you progressive? Offer creative new ideas to save the company money and/or time. Be sure to promote the company to others so it gains profits and remains steadfast.

Are you developing new skills? An employee that learns new skills and applies them to their job is an asset to a company. By staying current in your industry, you improve your performance and become invaluable to those you work for.

Are you a problem solver? A company does not have much use for an employee that causes problems. But, an employee that is adept at solving problems – well now that’s someone an employer wouldn’t want to lose.

Although this list is not all inclusive and doesn’t determine who will earn or keep their position, these tips can help you become an invaluable and possibly irreplaceable employee. Be sure to examine your work ethic and how you operate within your organization. If you are lacking in any of these areas, polish up and improve your performance.

If you are currently searching for a new job, consider partnering with me to create a job-winning resume and cover letter. Let me help you shorten the length of your job search and get you on track to the career of your dreams. 

Contact Michelle at MCKResumeService@gmail.com or (727) 278-4367 

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Attention-grabbing ways to start a cover letter

cover letterBeing like everyone else will not get you far in your job search. Hiring managers receive numerous resumes and cover letters weekly. If you want to stand out among the rest, you must catch their attention.

Make sure you don’t use a common intro in your cover letter, such as:  “Please accept my resume for consideration of the (ABC) position within your organization. “

Snoozer! Don’t waste space in your opening line by citing the obvious. You need to be different, unique, and appear more valuable than the competition.

Following are a few focus points that lend to attention-grabbing openers: 

  1. Mention the name of a mutual acquaintance. Name dropping virtually guarantees your letter will be read – nothing beats the coattails of someone the hiring manager likes and respects.
  2. State the manager’s name and how you met in the past. Seeing their own name always catches their attention. Furthermore, knowing you have taken the time to get to know them and respect them enough to want to work for them will cause the hiring manager to read more about you.
  3. Lure them with the notable benefits you have to offer. The qualifications you possess that directly relate to the qualities the hiring company seeks will get you noticed.

Samples of sizzling cover letter opening lines:

  • “Julie Nelson mentioned your company has opened a division of sporting goods and suggested I contact you.”
  • “Your speech on Tuesday was inspiring, Mr. Roberts. Soon I will have completed my master’s in physical therapy, just in time for your entry-level opening in the PT ward.”
  • “Since you will soon be working on photo sessions for the Spring catalog, I have enclosed my resume and portfolio to show just how ideal my background in photography and design is for your marketing strategies. “

What makes these opening lines great is they mention names, connect to an experience, reveal in-depth knowledge of the company, or express relevant qualifications. All show the candidate as a person who cares enough to take extra measures to prepare a great self-marketing tool.

If you need assistance designing an attention-grabbing cover letter and/or resume, contact Michelle: MCKResumeService@gmail.com or (727) 278-4367

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5 resume writing tips for new grads

college grads3It’s that time of year when college grads start contemplating writing their first resume. They know the competition for jobs is fierce, so how do they go about presenting themselves in the best possible light?

Here are a few tips:

  1. Create a professional email address. One of the biggest complaints from employers is when a new college graduate uses a cutesy or unprofessional email address. For example, something like icarryagun@gmail.com  is not going to help your job search. Be sure to create a professional email address that you will continue to use for business purposes.
  2. Be relevant. For a new college graduate, a one page resume is usually a good length. Be sure to include experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Although it’s great that you maintained a paper route from age 14 to 17, it isn’t really relevant to an employer considering you for a civil engineering position. Employers are interested in the academic credentials and experience you obtained while in school.
  3. Be honest. Avoid the temptation to pepper your resume with buzzwords and skills you don’t actually possess. It annoys employers when they interview an applicant and find they can’t explain what’s on their resume. It can cost you dearly when a hiring manager finds out you lied – and they always do.
  4. Proofread. Submitting a poorly written resume plagued with spelling and grammatical errors, passive language and other easily correctable mistakes is a surefire way to catapult your resume right into the trash bin. Be sure to proofread your resume and have one or two trustworthy individuals reproof it for you to make sure it’s perfect!
  5. Work full-time at finding a job. Don’t make the mistake of thinking employers will find you just because you posted your resume to a few job sites. This is only a starting point. Whether you are a recent grad or an experienced professional searching for a job, never sit back and wait for the next job to find you. There are jobs out there – work hard and you’ll find the one for you!

Wishing you much success in the adventures life has to offer!

Need help designing a resume, cover letter, follow-up thank you letter, or LinkedIn profile? Contact Michelle at MCK Resume Service

I am offering a 15% discount to new grads on entry level resumes during the month of April!

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2013 Job Search Tip – Volunteer

mck logo2Volunteering is an excellent option for the job seeker who is looking to gain experience and/or fill an employment gap on their resume. Not only does volunteering aid and bless society, but it helps you in the process – in more ways than you can imagine. Trust me, it works!

If you need assistance crafting a resume, cover letter or LinkedIn profile, contact Michelle at MCK Resume Service: (727) 278-4367 or MCKResumeService@gmail.com

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Choose a job you love.

choose a job you loveTo be a successful job seeker these days, you must stay calm, patient, proactive, and prioritize. Be sure to put your time and energy into jobs that most interest you and have the greatest chances of coming to fruition. Once you have done your research, carefully choose a few companies you are most interested in. Pursue them with passion – even if they don’t have current openings.