A Company Focused Interview

In an interview, it is almost always a mistake to disparage the company you are leaving. Instead, look at the company's published information and pick out a few strengths that make valid reasons for wanting to make a change.

For example, you could talk about:
- how well it's regarded in the industry
- its cutting edge technology
- what you hope to learn from the company
- the prospects for career development that are different from your old company
- changes in your life and career aspirations that make change a good option for you
- the location.

Good Cover Letter Example

Use this sample cover letter to help you with ideas for your own.

February 20, 2006
Mr. Robert Bigbucks, Regional Hiring Director
Big Time Corporation
52 Pickup Avenue
Jobtown, New York 12345

Mr. Bigbucks,

I am responding to your ad in the Journal of Sales and Marketing for the Regional Director of Sales position. You will find that my background and experience is an excellent match for this position.

As Director of Sales for Acme Widget Company, I managed a staff of 50 sales professionals. During my five year tenure at Acme, I have increased the sales of widgets and widget peripherals by over 20% each year. This was the direct result of innovations in customer contact, service improvements, and staff adjustments that I made.

In researching Big Time Corporation, I have found that you have a higher than average sales force turnover, and also that you are using an older customer service contact and data base system. I have some ideas on how both of these things could be quickly and inexpensively improved.

In addition to the experience indicated on my résumé, I have also served as the Fund Drive Volunteer Coordinator for Wilshire Academy, a small private school in my town. Through my direct efforts, Wilshire Academy has been able to meet its funding goals for the past six consecutive years. Wilshire has awarded me the Meritorious Service award for each of those years in recognition of this achievement.

I would be very happy to discuss my experience and credentials with you, and show you how I can put my skills to work for the benefit of Big Time Corporation. I know that Big Time is right for me, and I would love the opportunity to prove that I am right for Big Time.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule an interview at your convenience. I can be reached at (555) 555-5555, anytime, or via email at johnd@doe.net. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, John Doe

Online Job Posting

Many employers are now finding it more convenient, less expensive, and more effective, to post a job opening online. This trend is also beneficial to the job seeker.

Make online job boards one part of your overall job search strategy. Although studies repeatedly show that they are not the most effective means of finding a job, they can be a good starting point. By looking through the online job postings, you can gain access to a wider variety of jobs than you might have considered otherwise.

When To Discuss Salary In An Interview

Avoid bringing up salary in a job interview. It's best to wait until you have been offered the job to start talking about money.

If an interviewer brings up money too early, attempt to direct the conversation back to the job duties and your qualifications. The more you show them how good you are for the position, the better your chances for being hired for more money.

Good Functional Resume

This is an example of a Functional resume. It contains no employment dates, as this job seeker had some gaps in her history. It highlights her skills and lists her employers to show she has a work history.

Natalie Employee
123 Job Street
Worker, New York 90210
(555) 555-5555

Objective: To obtain employment in data processing, coding, or data entry
_________________
Education
Local Business School, Worker, New York
Associate Degree in Legal Administrative Assistant, August, 2002
* Microsoft Office Suite

* Word Perfect

* Desktop Publishing

* Business Law

* Accounting

* Legal Office Systems

* Information Technology

* Composition and Research

Local Vocational School, Worker, New York

Received Certification for CIP June, 2000

* Web Page Design

* Computer Programming

WORK SKILLS
Legal Assistant/Secretarial
* Performed general legal office procedures

* Prepared legal documents

* Composed legal correspondence

* Prepared bank forms for mortgage closings and refinances

* Performed title searches

* Handled general filing for busy law office

* Operated switchboard for busy law office

* Carried out general reception duties for busy law offices

Customer Service/Food Service

* Processed customer orders

* Handled cash and cash drawer

* Solved customer problems

* Prepared food

* Performed general maintenance duties


WORK EXPERIENCE
Smith and Wesson, LLP, Worker, New York Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Attorney Elaine Bennis, Worker, New York Legal Assistant
Jerry Seinfeld Law Offices, Worker, New York, Legal Assistant Intern
American Automobile Association, Worker, New York, Legal Assistant Intern
Bill and Ted's Sandwich Shop, Worker, New York Customer Service/Food Prep
Burger Queen Corporation, Worker, New York Cashier/Cook


References Upon Request

Negotiating For a Raise

Prepare yourself to negotiate for your next raise by considering the following questions:

- How long have you been with the company?
- What is your function within the office?
- How well does the office get along when you are gone?
- What is your education level?
- Have any of your colleagues received a raise recently?
- What is your relationship with your boss? Does he/she seem to respect you?
- Have you met or exceeded objectives on your recent evaluations?
- Have you done anything lately that has made more money for the company?

If your boss declines to give you a raise at this time, ask what you can do to earn a raise and how long you should wait before scheduling another appointment to talk about your compensation.

The Art of the Follow-Up Phone Call

Keep your follow-up phone call brief and focused by sticking to these objectives:

1. Re-introduce yourself and mention something you did or said on the interview to help the employer remember you.

2. Determine if the position you're applying for has been filled. If it has been filled, ask if there is another position available that fits your qualifications.

3. If the job is still open, let the employer know that you are still very interested in the job.

4. Briefly remind the employer how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the job.

5. Find out if there is anything else you can do to help you get the job while you are waiting to hear from them.

A Little Research Goes a Long Way

Research the companies you are interviewing for. Type the name of the company into a search engine and look for the following information:

1. What the company does, makes, or sells and how they compare to the competition.

2. How the company is organized.

3. What the salary range is for similar positions in the area.

4. Key words or phrases that are repeated on the company Web site.

5. Any newsworthy items about the company that you can ask about or mention during your interview.