Interviewing -- Soft Skills

GUEST BLOG

This is the first of what I hope to be several guest blogs and was contributed by Dacia Brown, Talent Recruiting Specialist with Emprise Bank.  Dacia graduated from WSU in May 2011 with a BS in Criminal Justice.

Let’s face it: most of us are not social extroverts. We all know the type- the individuals who have never met a stranger and feel comfortable in any new or awkward situation they get thrown into. In the time it takes you to introduce yourself to one person at a social gathering, this person has not only introduced themselves to two or three people; but has also learned the names of their new acquaintance’s children, grandchildren, grade-school best friend, and pet fish. These people have no shortage of friends, and probably know many of the key players in the professional community.

Chances are these “social butterflies” have no difficulty in job interviews. The social skills they display in their everyday lives are also being put to use when they go on an interview.  They show appropriate interest in their interviewer, have an open and friendly personality, and show confidence without coming off as arrogant.

Here’s an example. Candidate #1 and candidate #2 are up for the same position at the same company. Both candidates meet the qualifications for the position, have researched the company, and reviewed the key responsibilities of the job. Candidate #1 is called in from the waiting room and offers a split second of eye contact and a small smile. He or she offers a simple “fine” when asked how their day is going, and makes no attempt at returning the small talk. It may not be the case, but this candidate has given their interviewer the impression that instead of interviewing for their dream job, they would rather be on their couch eating a bag of chips and watching daytime TV.

Candidate #2 is called in next. Introductions are made, and the candidate immediately shows (appropriate) interest in their new “acquaintance”; asks them how their day is going, comments on the weather, etc. The tone of voice is positive and upbeat, and the recruiter is looking forward to spending the next hour (or more) of their day with them.

If scenario one seems familiar to you, small daily changes can be made to improve these skills. Goals can include introducing yourself to one new person a day, or just by making a regular habit of finding out something new about a current co-worker or friend.

Observe the social butterfly in your life next time you’re out together. When they’re meeting someone, they are leaning slightly forward, offering them a firm handshake, making eye contact, and giving a genuine smile. They’ve made their new contact want to get to know them. That should be your ultimate goal in your next interview. These soft skills are an integral part of the interview process and can make or break your chances of landing your dream job.

Dacia L. Brown, Talent Recruiting Specialist, Emprise Bank

 

Networking

Wasted Opportunities

Networking is probably the best job search tool you could use. It is through networking that you connect with someone who can help you connect with someone else who can help you connect with someone else. . . . ultimately resulting in you connecting with someone who can point you in the direction of a job.

It’s wise never to take contacts for granted. If someone you trust offers you the opportunity to talk with one of their associates or connections, appreciate that offer. Thank them graciously. Follow through. Above all, do not say you will talk with that person if in fact you have no intention of doing so.

One of the things about networking—and, in fact all of life, is you just never know who you are going to meet who can have a tremendous influence on you. Why would you not want to take advantage of that opportunity?

 “The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.”

~ Robert Kiyosaki

Job Search

IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER A BRIDGE JOB?

Sometimes you do everything you can to find a job and none of it works. If you’re in that situation, you may want to consider a “bridge job”.  Bridge jobs are often perceived as a part-time or short term jobs following a full time career. For our purposes, a bridge job is just what it sounds like – a job to bridge where you are now to where you want to be in the future and can be either a full-time or part-time position.

Although frequently appealing to retirees, bridge jobs can actually meet the needs of any job seeker. 

Bridge jobs are a way for parents to stay in the workforce while taking time off to raise children. They can be valuable while pursuing education or training or while transitioning to a new career. A bridge job, providing connections to other people, is a great way to network—in addition to providing income.  

 Some examples of possible bridge jobs include:

Working for family or friends

Computer work from your home, which could include typing, bookkeeping, creative assignments

Other home based work: sales, personal services, organizing, home or yard maintainence

 

If you're discouraged with your job search, maybe it is time to consider a bridge job. Bridge jobs, as are other full time, part time, degreed and non-degreed jobs are posted on Hire-a-Shocker.

 

 

Panel, Group and Committee Interviews

Interviewing takes many forms. I won’t ever forget the first time I walked into an office, scared enough about talking with one manager – and much to my surprise, saw four people armed with interview questions for me.

Why would an employer inflict such punishment on someone eager to work for them? Perhaps to enable them to make a better hiring decision, based on the opinions of several interviewers rather than just one.

Panel interviews are common with nonprofit organizations as well as in academia.  Panels may be made up of four to six people. The panel may include someone from human resources, department managers and even potential co-workers. Panel interviews may also be called group or committee interviews.   

Some tips for a panel interview include:

Interact with each person on the panel. But, direct your answer for each question to the person who asked it, maintaining eye contact with that person.

If you can, try to remember the name of each interviewer. Shake hands with each person as you leave the interview, thanking them and calling them by name.

Immediately after the interview, send an individual thank you note to each interviewer. If possible try to address some point each person made in your thank you note to him/her. If you are not able to get a business card for each interviewer, call the person who set up your interview and ask for that information.

Remember – Career Services offers mock interviews as one of its services. We’ll be happy to simulate a panel interview and send you off with more confidence for the real thing.

Study Abroad

Thinking about ways to make yourself stand out from other candidates?  Ever considered a study abroad experience?  Traveling to, and spending some time in another country demonstrates many skills and traits valued by employers at home as well as abroad. 

As our workplace continues to become more global, having the skill to communicate with diverse populations becomes more and more  important. Travelers must be adaptable and able to deal with stress, uncertainty and change. Journeying to another country shows courage, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. Resourcefulness and the ability to plan, manage time and solve problems.

Being able to describe your study abroad experience on your resume and in interviews and to focus on your accomplishments, achievements and the results of your study abroad experience can definitely set you apart from other candidates.  

Make an appointment with Career Services to learn more about how to use your study abroad experience to benefit you in your job search.

 

Job Search Takes Time

Students often come to us disappointed they have not had any response to their job search efforts. When we ask what steps they have taken in their job search, they may say they have applied on Monster and CareerBuilder. Or, that they applied for two jobs two weeks ago and haven’t heard anything back.

How long does it take to find a job? One estimate I found online is expect to job search to take one week for every $2000 of income you want – in other words, if you are looking for a $50,000 a year job, expect to spend 25 weeks (6 months) on your job search. Another source, said one month for every $20,000 of salary you want – for example, 2 months for a $40,000 a year job.

A job search takes time. How much time? “It depends”. It depends on the demand for the type of position you are applying for. It depends on how much competition you face. And, it depends on how hard you work at it.

I formerly worked with an outplacement company that urged clients to consider their job search a full time job. If you are a student, you already have one fulltime job. But, try to give your job search as much time as you can. Job search takes time. Work at it!

Interviewing

"Where do they get those questions and why do they ask them?" are questions you may have asked yourself the last time you had a job interview.

Why do employers ask the questions they do in interviews? I had opportunity to listen to engineering managers speak about interviewing yesterday. A favorite question of one of the gentleman is "Why are manhole covers round?" He asks this question, which on first thought may have little relationship to the job he is considering the interviewee for. Why? He wants to see the candidate's thought process.

Other questions he asks are to determine if the interviewee has experience working in and/or leading groups. And if he will "play nicely with others"; or, in otherwords, does the candidate have good interpersonal skills. "Tell me about a time you worked in a group and what your role was" and/or "Tell me about the most difficult person you've worked with" are questions you can expect to be asked the next time you have a job interview.

Interviewing is a skill. Pick up a copy of our "Ace the Interview Kit". Look it over and schedule a mock interview with our office. You will be glad you did!