cachinko's answers to the toughest job search questions
DESCRIPTION
Every job seeker has at least one question that simply stumps them. In this webinar, experienced hiring manager Heather R. Huhman will answer the toughest job search questions.TRANSCRIPT
Contact Heather at [email protected]
Questions for Cachinko Solving the Toughest Job Search Challenges
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Contact Heather at [email protected]
Introduction
• Currently, American unemployment is at 9.1%
• HR budgets are at an all-time low
• More applicants + less HR = confusion for all
• Since August 31, you’ve sent tons of questions ranging from networking and interviews to resumes and applications
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• What did you like most and least about each position you’ve held?
• Tell me about yourself. • What about [company name]
interests you the most and why? • Also: Tell me about something you
achieved that you think someone else in your position would not have gotten done.
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What are your top three recommended non-cheesy
interview closing techniques?
-Emily
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• Give a short statement – You’re still interested – Sum up discussion
points • Ask when they’ll be in
touch • Ask about any
reservations they might have about hiring you
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What should a new grad/job seeker do if they’re trying
to break into a new industry that’s not related
to their degree? -Ashley
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• Connect skills/experience
• Take a class • Informational
interviews • Join an
organization • Network
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• Short answer: No! • Long answer: There are a
variety of offline job search options… – Professional organizations – Offline networking – Informational interviews – Job fairs
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How do you explain a gap in your work history that is
related to a disability? -Chris
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• Be upfront • Go into as much
detail as you feel comfortable
• Know your ADA rights
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How do you make a resume fresh and something that the prospective employer
will read? -Stacy
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• Short & sweet –Bullet points
• Active language • Quantifiable results • Dynamic language • Update often
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How long should you wait before following up on an
interview? -Jeana
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• 7 to 10 days • Methods
– Call – Email – Handwritten note – Face-to-face meet up
• Include – When can I expect a decision? – Thanks – Answer any unfinished questions
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How can I adapt my CV when I have 18+ years of
experience? -Anne
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• Quantifiable achievements and results
• Highlight desirable skills
• Active language • Dates are optional • Connect past
experience
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After 9 years of “retirement”, how do I identify
"transferable skills" and present them at an
interview? -Sam
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• Look at the job posting • Timeless skills • What did you do during
retirement? – Volunteering – Organizational
participation • Take a class to update
skills
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What are the newest and most fandagled resumes
that would make me stand out?
-Lynne
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• LinkedIn • Personal website • The classic resume
– Keep up-to-date – Dynamic, active
language – Quantifiable results – Bullet points
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How do you connect with the right people at an
organization when everything is online?
-Kelly
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• Doesn’t have to be online
• Do your research • Social media
– LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
• Join networking groups – Online – Offline
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If I’m a volunteer, should I consider myself “currently
employed” on an application?
-Gordon
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• Depends • Can it connect?
–Skills –Experience –Field –Overall relevance
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Popular mistakes job seekers make:
• Forget to follow-up, thank • Lengthy, unreadable
resume • Under-qualified • Generic application • Passivity • Lack of strategy • Uninterested
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• Depends on the company – Budget – Specific position – Supervisor
• Depends on the employee – Interest in the company – Ability to learn – Skill set
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What is a good approach for older workers when
searching for a professional position?
-Edward
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• Networking! –Professional
organizations –Personal network –Social networking
online • Job boards • Job fairs
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Next Webinar: Questions for Cachinko Part II
Questions will include: • How can I translate my skill sets? • Should I take a sure thing or wait for
my dream job? • How do you actually find jobs?
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Thank you! For more tips: blog.cachinko.com
Join us for our next job seeker webinar on:
October 13, 2011: Questions for Cachinko Part II: Still Answering the Hardest Job Search Questions
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