Job Interview Tips

I hope that all college graduates have launched their first job already by now. If not, let’s revisit an old topic of job interviews. The following discussion is built on a CNN News video: 

• Practice “Elevator Pitch” — A candidate needs to catch the interviewer’s attention in 10 to 30 seconds.
• Prepare five or more copies of resumes — It is possible that more than one manager will be interviewing the candidate.
• Have an online profile ready (i.e. LinkedIn) and list the hyperlink on the resume — It would be better if a candidate’s profile has good recommendations to support his/her credentials and qualifications.
• Maintain a professional demeanor — Showing up on time (not too early or late; it is good to show up 10 minutes before schedule), wearing professional dress, and having a firm handshake are important.
• Listen and maintain good eye contact — the video suggests a “50/50 rule”, which means 50% listening and 50% talking. Writing down two or three thoughtful and engaging questions for interviewers is important. By asking intelligent questions, a candidate will be able to demonstrate his/her interest in the job and keep up an on-going conversation.
• Follow up with a hand-written thank you note — as exactly what I discussed before “A Personalized Hand-Written Thank You Note: Why Bother?”
• Practice and practice — complete mock interviews before doing the actual appointment.

If you took my Leadership and Career Management class, Ms. Susan Terasaka and I have covered all these topics. Do you think these suggestions helpful? What other topics do you think the Leadership and Career management class should cover? If you interview candidates at work, what other advices will you provide to job seekers?

Working for a Social Media Firm

According to this CNN News video, there are many job opportunities in the field of social media, from those well-known and well-established social media firms to startups. Just like any other businesses, social media firms need all kind of talents. One does not need to be a programmer or an IT expert in order to work for a social media firm. Then, regardless of a candidate’s background, what qualifications does a social media company look for?

• Flexibility — We discuss the importance of flexibility and adaptability at work before; Social media firms are not the exception.
• Multi-tasking — When an employee needs to be flexible at work and does a variety of tasks for a company, s/he had better to be multi-tasking and be able to execute different types of assignments well.
• Collaborations — We all know that “two heads is better than one.” Many big projects need to be accomplished by a “team.”

If you want to work for a social media firm, how would you demonstrate your qualifications in resume, cover letter, and during the job search process?

Relevant discussions:
Do You Want to Become a Social Media Officer?
Social Media Officer
A New Full Time Position: Someone Monitoring Online Reviews and Comments

Social Media and Job Search III

We have covered the topic of using social media in job search before. Today, however, I would like to bring up this “old” topic again by sharing another ABC News video with you; I am going to highlight three “new” suggestions.

First, a LinkedIn profile could be more important than a resume. Many recruiters may feel that a public profile on the Internet can better reflect a candidate’s “real” credentials because people tend to be “honest” when they disclose their experiences, responsibilities, and education online. To me, a LinkedIn profile is definitely more important than a resume because I have found it more efficient and effective to refer a student or a job seeker to my connections on LinkedIn.

Second, keep in mind that few employers want to hire negative persons — a negative person can be referred to as those who constantly complain about just anything. Job seekers need to be very careful of what they put on the Internet. Here, avoiding negative complaints is different from having professional or even critical opinions. As a matter of fact, a candidate can demonstrate his/her expertise by being critical. I believe the key is whether a candidate knows what he is talking and whether s/he can offer constructive criticism.

Last, a candidate is advised to show his/her personality. Job seeking is very similar to “dating” in a lot of sense. While an employer is looking for candidates who fits in the organizational culture and the jobs, job seekers also want to settle for the jobs they like. If a candidate does not fit in the organization or job but secures a job offer by “pretending” to be somebody else, the candidate will find his/her life miserable in the new position and may soon leave the company. Showing a candidate’s true personality can be good for both employers and job seekers.

What additional suggestions do you want to add in regard to using social media in job search?

Relevant discussions:
Revisit Social Media and Job Search
Social Media Job Search Tactics

“30 Under 30” by Zagat

Last month, I shared a Fox News video, in which Tim Zagat, the Co-Founder & CEO of Zagat Survey, discussed why it is not a good time to open a restaurant. Today’s discussion is also inspired by an interview of Tim Zagat. In this ABC News video, Tim once again informed us how difficult it is to run a restaurant business; today’s discussion, however, will focus on the “traits” of the “30 under 30” — what makes these 30 young entrepreneurs/professionals succeed in restaurant business?

According to Zagat, years of work experience in the restaurant industry contributes the most to their success. They are top because they know what they are doing and they can do things well. Many of them started working in restaurants even when they were teens.

I must agree with Zagat that relevant work experience is crucial to a hospitality career. I conducted a qualitative study and a quantitative study about the important factors affecting a hospitality student’s employability upon graduation. My research findings reveal basically the same results. In addition to relevant work experience, what other skills a successful restaurant entrepreneur must have?