Monthly Archives: March 2012

Questions to Ask in Interviews

Posted on by Frank Civitate

At Synergy Staffing, when we talk about dream jobs, we’re talking about careers. They’re the kinds of positions that bring relevant experience, enriching responsibilities, and real hope for the future. We know how important it is to just get a job, but really improving your situation requires that you know what you’re getting into. The interview is your chance to get the information you need to make the best decision for your life. So take the opportunity to interview the interviewer. Making an educated decision is always worth it.

The company

  • What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years?
  • How do you see the future for this industry?
  • What do you consider to be your firm’s most important assets?
  • What can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth?
  • How do you rate your competition?

The position’s history

  • How many positions are you looking to fill in this department?
  • What are the major strengths and weaknesses of the current team in place?
  • What types of skills are you looking for with a new employee?

The department:

  • What are the career paths in this department?
  • What have been the department’s successes in the last couple of years?

The job’s responsibilities

  • What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
  • What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
  • Could you describe a typical day or week in this position?

The expectations

  • What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in%ҁJ20the first three months?
  • What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
  • How will I be evaluated at XYZ company, and how often?

The next steps

  • Based on my research of your company and information obtained during this interview. I think this is a great opportunity for me, and feel that I would be an asset to your team. What are the next steps in the interview process?

Be Prepared For Your Interview

Posted on by Frank Civitate

Under-preparing for interviews – it’s one of the most common mistakes that job seekers make. It makes perfect sense, since we devote so much time to honing our skills, preparing resumes, and researching companies. But interviews are unlike any other situation. Focusing some of your momentum on the actual interview is vital to scoring the job of your dreams.

1. Know yourself
The biggest mistake that candidates make is that they look at their résumé only at the time that they write it. You must review your résumé several times a week. Remind yourself of your accomplishments. You are the only person who has the capability to toot your own horn!  Know the difference between confidence and arrogance. Being confident in your skills is desirable, but being arrogant about your abilities is not. It’s okay to talk about yourself — as long as you know when to stop.

2. Be accountable
Make sure to be responsible for any time that is not listed on your résumé. Use this to showcase ways that you have kept your skills sharp. This will reflect that you are a leader in your field and you take initiative.

3. Consider the pay
Be aware of their compensation requirements and yours before the interview. Understand what the salary band is for the position. Know the difference between your needs versus market trends and value. Be very specific and develop your interview around demonstrating ways that your skills will bring value to the company.

4. Show quantifiable results
Every hiring manager is thinking about budget during the interview. Be prepared to discuss ways that your background will drive revenue and increase profits or save money. Share ways that your previous contributions have supported the accomplishment of your employers’ corporate goals and objectives.

5. Know your limits
Understand all the details of the position for which you are interviewing. Be prepared to share your accomplishments as they pertain to the requirements in the job posting. Stay focused and don’t try to oversell your capabilities.

6. Research the company
Research the company and know why you want to work there. Understand the backgrounds of the people with whom you will be meeting. Be ready to discuss the company’s products or services. Monitor the About Us and News/Press sections of the company’s Website. The Website may also show important information like market presence, trends, and corporate values.

7. Arrive early
Show up to the interview location early. Watch people as they come and go to and from the office. Observe their body language and their pace. A company that fosters a healthy corporate culture will have people who love their job. This will be obvious as you observe the employees.

8. Bring extra copies of your resume
A good rule of thumb is to bring two more résumés than you think you’ll need. In other words, if you are scheduled to meet with three people, bring five copies of your résumé.

9. Prepare emotionally
You are under evaluation from the time that you arrive until the time you leave. Be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. Your cell phone should be turned off. Your appearance and demeanor should be friendly and focused on the interview and “closing the deal.” Smile a lot and be personable and engaging.

10. Have patience
Schedule your time accordingly. Expect to wait. Sleep well the night before your interview and never yawn during the discussion!

If you do your homework well, you will be extraordinarily successful in your interview. It will become easy for you to open new doors of opportunity toward building the career of your dreams!

Interviewing Tips

Posted on by Frank Civitate

The interview is the last obstacle between you and the career of your dreams. When you present yourself well on paper and in person, the right opportunities will be yours. But between making ends meet and scheduling interviews, preparation can be difficult.

Synergy Staffing recruiters know the fine details that can get you hired or passed over. We’ve got you covered every step of the way and can prepare you in ways most employment seekers never consider. The following interviewing necessities might seem basic, but what they really are is fundamental. Address the following point so make sure your value shines through during your next interview.

PREPARATION:

  • Do your research on the company before the interview. Look for Websites, newspapers, and trade magazines.
  • Develop a list of questions and information points for discussion. This helps a company understand your level of interest and that you’ve done your homework.
  • If necessary, take a test drive to the location the night before your interview to become familiar with the commute and ease interview-day stress.
  • Try to arrive 10 minutes early.
  • Review your resume. (Know yourself).
  • Review your qualifications. (Know your work history).
  • Practice the interview with a friend or family member.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE:

  • Business professional dress attire. Men should wear a dark suit, tie, and polished dress shoes. For women, blouses, modest dresses, business suits, slacks, and dress shoes are appropriate.
  • Make sure you’re well groomed. Please have hair, facial and head, combed, trimmed, shaved, and/or styled in a professional manner. All visible tattoos should be hidden.
  • Jewelry should be limited to one necklace, ring, bracelet, or wristwatch. Too much is a distraction.
  • All piercings should be removed and/or limited to one earring in each ear. All tongue or facial piercings should be removed.

THE INTERVIEW:

  • Bring extra resumes, a notebook, a pen, and the job description.
  • Consider bringing your portfolio. It’s optional, but it might better exemplify your work.
  • Turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before the interview begins.
  • Do not chew gum or smoke during the interview.
  • Extend your right hand first for greeting, shake hands firmly, and make eye contact.
  • Stand and wait for your interviewer(s) to ask you to take a seat to get the interview started.
  • Sit attentively with good posture during the interview. Act interested, not desperate.
  • Answer questions clearly and concisely, using proper English.
  • Do not discuss compensation prematurely. Many interviewers look at this action as a negative.  In addition, Synergy will handle or assist in all compensation negotiations.
  • Leave all personal issues at the door. Nothing, other than business and job description, should be discussed.
  • Don’t be afraid to politely ask for the position if you like what you hear. Often this action separates candidates and makes “the one candidate” stand out.
  • Make sure to take the interviewer’s business card(s).
  • Thank the interviewer(s) when leaving. At your first opportunity, email and send a written “Thank you” to the interviewer(s).
  • Call or email your Synergy recruiter promptly after the interview to discuss. We often get immediate follow-up responses and decisions from client companies.
  • Most importantly, relax, take a deep breath, and be yourself…professionally speaking!