Find a job using Twitter

I'm back! The summer has been a blast and business has been time consuming, but I can carve out some time to stay on top of my blog again.

Click here for some tips on using Twitter in your job hunt. It's not going to be your most aggressive strategy, but you need to have lots of strategies. If you're using Twitter correctly it will expand your network and build a qualified one. And networking is the BEST tool for finding a job.

Have a great day!

Why did they ask that question in the interview?

Here is an article that I found that I thought was worth looking at. The title is a little too slighted for me but you should be aware of what HR folks can and cannot ask you in your interview.

I wouldn't suggest being too closed off in the interview despite this. Anyway, click here to read the article.

Forbes' mistakes to avoid in your job search

 

I enjoyed this article from Forbes.com on mistakes to avoid on your way to greatness and happiness.

If you're going to be successful in your job search, you will definitely want to avoid these mistakes.

Can employers use social media against you?

When you're looking for a job many companies are checking your social media, whether you like it or not. In fact, some employers are trying to monitor their employees' social media including getting their login info. Read this article on social media login requests from employers.

How should you ask for time off during the interview process?

 

Believe it or not, but you may very well find yourself in this situation someday. Maybe you already have. You are making a job change but you have plans for time off already set in stone. So how do you bring that up during the interview process?

The first question precedes this. Should you even share that at all? I've had many candidates bring this up throughout the years. What do you think?

Companies want decision makers

I read this article today: http://www.ere.net/2012/04/18/are-you-hiring-deciders-or-drifters/

I agree. Most of my clients are looking for people who feel confident that they can figure out the problems that are weighing on their organization and fix them. They want people that can make decisions.

The best way to prove that you are this type of person is to first, ask questions about their pressing problems or the problems specific to the position you're interviewing for. Second, give them a map of how you would go about solving the problem and/or how you've solved similar problems in the past.

How to speak in an interview: Talker personalities

We're to the final personality profile. The Talker. If the person interviewing you has a talker personality, look out. Talker's are called talker's for a reason, because they can gab. That can throw you off your game, so make sure you stay focused. Talker's are by nature extremely warm and friendly, which can help you relax. Don't be deceived though, their inviting disposition can be a trap. Many people get more liberal with what they say and do when communicating with a talker because of that disposition. You might say some things that you regret because they made you feel like you could be brutally honest.

Here's some tips on how to handle this. First and foremost, reciprocate their overly amicable nature. Compliment them often. Don't be patronizing when you do it, be genuine about what you compliment. Don't go overboard or they'll feel you're both patronizing and disingenuous.

Second, be very expressive. Use gestures. Exaggerate your facial expressions a little. They'll interpret this as passion, which is what a talker will look for.

Third, talk in terms of what compels you, not obligations and duty. For example, say I "enjoy it," or "I helped them do this," instead of  "It was part of the job," and short emotionless answers like "I did this or that." The former express that you feel an inner passion. 

In summary, be overly friendly, be passionate and expressive, but don't go overboard. Be genuine. Most importantly, talker's are more focused on the feeling they get about you. So make sure it's genuine and positive.