Ability to Learn
Give an example of a situation at your previous employer when you have had to keep up with changes in technology, terminology,and information specific to your field?
How quickly have you learned new processes for a job?What did you have to learn?
How soon could you learn this job well enough to become productive?
If time did not permit a training period on a new job, how would you go about learning the things expected or required of you?
Give three examples of your adaptability.
Describe the most recent formal learning experience you’ve had.
What are your long-term professional goals? How do the duties and responsibilities in this position relate to that goal?
What do you consider to be important attributes of a supervisor?
What kind of supervisor do you enjoy working for most? Least?
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Overall Job Performance
How do you typically handle yourself in a fast-paced environment?
How would you describe your work pace: fast,moderate, slow, or if it varies and under what circumstances?
What are your strengths? Why?
What are your weaknesses? Why?
How do you handle a heavy workload with many deadlines?
In all jobs there are heavy periods and light periods. What do you do in such cases?
You are given several rush projects to be completed in a short period of time. How would you establish priorities? Why?
How would you describe your organizational abilities?
How would you describe your attendance and punctuality habits?How would you describe your work habits?How would you describe your own performance standards?
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There are several pages of questions. Because each position is unique, these questions may or may not suit your specific needs. You might begin sorting out the questions by choosing only categories pertinent to a particular job/position. You may need to adapt or rephrase the questions to the specifics of your position.
The questions are divided into the following categories:
- Previous Job Experience & Performance
- Expectations for This Job
- Management Attitudes
- Decision Making; Problem Solving; Analytical Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Skills; Dealing with Conflict
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Contrary to what people believe that presentation is relevant, the information stored on your resume is all companies are concerned about. Putting heavy borders and color schemes will not change the qualifications and criteria of recruiters and most probably it is a waste of ink and paper.
Simple resumes will most likely be checked out first. Fancy resumes will get attention but it is no guarantee for hiring. You are coming as an applicant and not as a designer. Remember that and just show them what your qualifications are. They need a person to fit based on qualifications and not on how they can read an exaggerated resume without matching qualifications.
There are a number of job opportunities online. Finding one means that you have to establish your qualifications for the position. You may want to brush up on your communications skills or take a few classes to improve yourself. Even if you are eyeing top level jobs, it’s ok to start with the lowest level and just work your way up the corporate ladder – at least you are already inside of the industry that you want to belong to.
Have a well-prepared resume in your hand before you approach prospective employers. It is also a good idea to get a few clips of recommendation from your previous employer or from whatever social group you have.
Here are some specific examples of appropriate questions to ask during a job interview:
Job Performance
* How do you normally handle yourself in a pressured and fast-paced environment?
* What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why?
* How do you describe your work and organizational habits?
Creativity/Initiative/Innovation
* What are some ideas that you have contributed to your previous work?
* What have you done to make your job easier and more interesting?
* Describe an example of how you exercised innovation in your work.
Ability to Learn
* Do you easily adapt to changes in your work? Give examples how you are able to cope with it.
* Are you willing to have ongoing training as part of your job?
* Are you a fast learner or a slow learner? Give examples to support this.
Interviewers for job openings should be well-trained on the questions that they should ask. This is critical in evaluating applicants for the job. Since each position is unique, the questions have to be picked out to apply to a specific position. Choose from within these categories:
Previous work experience
Expectations for the possible job offer
Attitude as an employee
Decision making skills
Communication skills
Conflict resolution skills
Motivation/Goal orientation
Ability to learn
Cooperation
Dependability
Flexibility
Financial management
Honesty
Teamwork attitude
Technical skills
Initiative or Creativity
Planning/Oversight
Leadership qualities
There are a lot of ways on how you can create a list of potential employers that will most probably hire you. One good way is to search the internet or the jobs section of your local newspaper or magazine. Do not send in your resume, just record their names. Another way to find a good source of employer market is to talk to your local Chamber of Commerce and find out the businesses who are expanding, entering town, etc.
Then, create a spreadsheet of the potential employers to keep you organized. This will allow you to stay on track as well as to document your results.
Your skill and creativity will be put to the test here. More often than not, the receptionist will not just give you the name of the hiring manager (but sometimes less experienced receptionists do). Also, there are companies who are only putting the name of an HR representative in the ad. But this is not the person you want. You need the person with the authority to hire.
One technique would be to call the company and simply ask the department that you need, for example “Publishing Department.” Then, whoever answers the phone, ask to speak with the publishing manager.
This is where you need to shine. Once you found yourself speaking to the hiring manager, you need to sell your personality and your experiences. Do not overdo it and ramble on and on out of your nervousness, just say enough to capture his/her interest.
You can say this sample script, hi Mr. Doe, my name is Joe Baxter, I noticed that you are looking for a publishing assistant and I want to contact you directly to request for an interview. I was working in my same job for the last 10 years…etc. At this point, you have to highlight some of your accomplishments and try your best to convince him/her that you are a great candidate.