How to Convert an Informational Interview into an Application Interview - Hire Imaging

How to Convert an Informational Interview into an Application Interview - Hire Imaging When you have an informational interview, you may well come upon encouraging openings for permanent positions, temporary assignments, consulting contracts, or internships. If you want to apply for one of these opportunities, you should apply for a change in status. In other words, you should get permission to convert from an information seeker to an applicant for an opening. To be a good informational interviewer, you are a respectful and novice learner seeking access to insider information. As an applicant, you are a confident provider of needed skills, seeking an appropriate fit or match. These are very different conditions. They are different presentations of self. So, you have to convert your status as a rookie information seeker into a competent potential contributor. Also, managers who grant access to you on the basis of providing information are doing you a favor. They may really resent it if you suddenly start applying for an open position. This is not polite. What you must do is apply for permission to apply for one of the opportunities that became known in the conversation. Request a change in status by saying: That sounds like a very interesting opportunity. How would I go about formally applying for that position? By saying something like this, you are acknowledging that you are not at that point a candidate for anything but information. You are asking them for their advice about whether you can or should apply for the opening, and how to proceed if they grant you permission. Then, follow their instructions precisely. The very best response you can get is something like: “Well, I know the guy who’s doing the hiring for that position. I’d be happy to forward your resume to him now and see if he can meet with you.” True, this won’t happen often; but it’s the desired outcome. More often, you’ll hear some version of: “Just apply online.” To which you should promptly say, “Great! Thank you! May I mention your name as a referral?” Repeated analyses of employer websites and sorting of applicants reflects a strong bias toward candidates referred by current employees. Employee referrals go right to the top of the queue, often when they don’t exactly match the skills or experience requirements for the posted opening! Bottom line: You always want permission to be referred! I always love to hear from you! Please comment below.

13 Smart Questions to Ask at Your Interview

13 Smart Questions to Ask at Your Interview During the interview process, candidates tend to forget that the interviewer shouldn’t be the only one asking questions. You want to really get a sense of the job you’re applying for, the work environment and whether you think this is going to be the place for you. Asking the interviewer quality questions can make you seem enthusiastic about the job, and it shows that you did some research and planning for this interview as well. The next time the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, don’t be afraid to speak up! Here are 13 questions your interviewers are going to love to answer: Why is this position available? This can tell you a whole lot about the position you’re applying for. If it’s a new position, you should probably expect to be doing a lot of things on your own since there’s likely no one there who’s done this exact job before. Another thing to keep in mind is, according to a LinkedIn survey, the number one reason why people change jobs is for a greater opportunity for advancement. If someone who moved onto another position within the company previously occupied the job, it shows there’s good upward mobility in the company. However, if that person left to go somewhere else, it could mean they got a better offer from another company with more opportunity for them to grow. How would you describe the company’s culture? This is a great question for showing that you want to fit into the company as well as getting a feel for whether or not you’re going to be happy working there every day. After all, you want a work environment you’ll enjoy being a part of. Can I get an example of how I would collaborate with my manager or supervisor? Managers have the biggest impact on employee engagement, so it’s important they’re the type who will work with you and encourage you to succeed. Employees who work for engaged managers are 59% more likely to be engaged with their own jobs. This question will help you get a feel for how your manager is going to interact with you. Where do you see the company in three years, and how would I contribute to that if I got hired? 40% of HR professionals say their biggest challenge is employee retention and turnover. They’re looking for workers who want to be in this for the long haul. If you ask this question to your interviewer, it shows that you want to be with the company long-term â€" and that’s something they’re going to respond to. It also shows that you want to leave a lasting mark on whatever company you work for and that you want to do big things. What’s your employee turnover rate, and how are you addressing it? This goes hand in hand with the last question. It’ll let you know what kind of company you’re working for if they can’t keep anyone employed. It shows again as well that you’re looking for something long-term and you want to know if they’re the kind of company that’s going to give you that. Additionally, remember that a lack of opportunity for advancement is a prime motivator for changing jobs? It’s also the second biggest source of work stress for employees, coming in at at 44%. It’s not healthy for you to be in a work environment where you feel stuck. What do you like most about working here? Can you tell me more about your experience with the company? People really do like to talk about themselves. A study shows that talking about ourselves activates the reward areas in the brain â€" ones that are also connected to sex and food. This will likely make the interviewer think positively of the conversation you’re having. This question also gives you a chance to learn more about the company. If your interviewer has been there for a while, there’s obviously a reason why they’ve chosen to stay for so long. Find out what that reason is and if it’s something you value in a job as well. Is there anyone else you think I should meet with? If they want to bring in potential coworkers or the person you’ll be working under to see how you get along, that’s a good sign they value teamwork. They won’t want to hire someone who doesn’t seem to mesh with the people already working there. This also gives you a chance to see if you have more interviews you’ll need to complete, and hopefully whom they’ll be with so you can prepare. What are the biggest challenges I’ll face in this position? This question helps you get more of a sense of what you’re going to be doing on a daily basis. It’ll also let you know what you’ll have to work on to ensure you succeed should you get this position. If they say there aren’t any challenges in this job, they’re likely not being honest with you â€" and it’s probably not a position you’re going to enjoy. Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications for the position? Yes, this is definitely a terrifying question to ask. It leaves you vulnerable, and you have to be willing to listen to what they have to say. However, it also shows that you’re confident enough to discuss your weaknesses so you can work on them and become better. What can I do between now and my next interview that would help me hit the ground running if hired? This is a more subtle way to see what, if any, qualification gaps exist. Asking shows you take initiative and youre willing to learn. Of course, you have to actually follow through on their recommendations, but your interviewer will be impressed at your next interview when you come having read the book, gotten the certification, or practiced the skill they recommended. When your staff comes to you with conflicts, how do you address  them? Asking this shows that you know conflict resolution is a necessity and needs to be dealt with in a professional manner. It also gives you a bit more info about the company and how it works, too. You want problems to be discussed and dealt with, not just ignored and brushed to the side. If I’m hired, what should I prioritize in my first few months besides learning the ropes of the company? This question gets you to the specifics of what they’re going to expect from you as a new hire. Along with showing that you’re eager to accomplish big things, this can help you set up a plan for if you get the position. If you know what they expect from you, then you can take the proper steps to ensure you accomplish that. What are the next steps (Timeline for making a decision, more interviews, etc.)? This is something you want to make sure they don’t forget to tell you. Getting a flowing conversation going is good, but you need to know this information so you aren’t lost when the interview is over, wondering what to do now. This should let you know how and when to follow up with them and what to expect going forward. Also, it should give you an idea of how long you should wait around for a phone call from them before moving on and looking for something else. Bonus: Think of a question tailored to what your interviewer is saying. You want to show that you’re actively listening and paying attention throughout the interview. There’s no better way to do that than to ask specific questions pertaining to what the interviewer has been saying. It shows that you’re quick at picking up details as well, which is a good quality in an employee. Bringing some questions to ask your interviewer shows that you’re engaged and interested in the company, but it also gives you the information you need to make your final decisions as to whether this particular company â€" and job â€" is somewhere you’d like to be. Have at least a few of these questions prepared before you go into your interview â€" enough to have backups in case they answer something you were planning to ask. Do you know of some other good questions that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments! While you’re here, be sure to  subscribe to the PC newsletter  for  more tips to help you ace your interviews!

Tips On Writing A Functional Resume

Tips On Writing A Functional ResumeWriting a functional resume isn't as hard as many make it out to be. This is great news for you if you are finding it difficult to get any sort of job and if you are looking for something to help you climb the career ladder you have come to the right place.The first thing you need to do is think about what it is that you are getting yourself into. Are you being asked to jump into the deep end and start working immediately? Or are you being asked to pick up some manual labor on a project and work your way up from there?Writing a functional resume is probably one of the easiest ways to start a new career. You can start with a few simple tasks like applying for a job. Then you can use this resume to get the job. In my case I was interviewed by my college's career center and got offered a job in their library, but before that I had applied online.When you are applying for a job you need to create a resume that lists all of your experience. Think about t he tasks that you have completed as well as the projects you have helped complete. Try to list projects that can be verified by an employer or supervisor.Once you have filled out your resume you will need to list your skills as well. List the ones that you have and the ones that you would like to improve. Include your hobbies and interests, as well as skills that you learned in school. List all of your accomplishments.Then you will want to list the skills that you already have. These skills may be knowledge-related skills, such as technology or computer skills. You may also want to include your experience with different types of people and how they treated you. Perhaps you will have a rough idea of what type of skills you want to have.When you are looking for a job, it is best to go with a functional resume, because you will have something more than just a job. It is a great starting point for your future career.

Uber or Lyft How Much Money Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Make

Uber or Lyft How Much Money Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Make $3.37! That’s the paltry median hourly profit for Uber and Lyft driversâ€"after expenses are factored inâ€"according to a new study. The paper, from the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, is based on a survey of over 1,100 rideshare drivers. The results indicate that the “median profit from driving is $3.37 per hour before taxes, and 74% of drivers earn less than the minimum wage in their state.” [UPDATE: After the working paper was published, Uber’s chief economist John Hall published a response stating that there was “a major error in the authors’ methodology.” Stephen Zoepf, one of the paper’s authors, then responded by saying that “Hall’s specific criticism is valid,” and acknowledged that the “survey questions could and should have been worded more clearly.” If he followed the advice in Hall’s criticism, Zoepf explained, median profit would rise to somewhere between $8.55 to $10 per hour for Uber and Lyft drivers, not $3.37 as initially indicated in working paper. Zoepf said he would be “conducting a thorough revision of the paper and will update it” in the next few weeks. After Zoepf released his response to Uber’s Hall, Lyft also issued a statement: “When an academic study changes so dramatically in just a matter of days, that’s a real flag. While the revised results are not as inaccurate as the original findings, driver earnings are still understated. MIT’s study has fundamental methodology problems.”] Median gross driver revenues are $0.59 per mile, the study found, but after expenses, median driver profit is only $0.29 per mile. What’s more, 30% of Uber and Lyft drivers are actually losing money once expenses like gas, insurance, vehicle repairs, and depreciation are included, according to the paper. Pay varies widely for Uber and Lyft drivers due to a number of factors, including the local level of pay and ride demand, when a driver works, how many hours a driver is on the road and personal expenses. Uber and Lyft do not say how much their drivers actually make, perhaps because it is impossible to come up with definitive figures. Uber says, simply, “You can drive and earn as much as you want. And, the more you drive, the more you’ll make.” Lyft offers the same vague insight: “The more you drive, the more you earn.” Uber disputes the findings in the MIT report. In a statement sent to the Guardian, Uber said that the report’s “methodology and findings are deeply flawed. We’ve reached out to the paper’s authors to share our concerns and suggest ways we might work together to refine their approach.” MONEY has reached out to Lyft in the past, and it has not offered any estimates for how much drivers earn. After originally publishing our story, Lyft sent us the following statement: “Drivers are an integral part of Lyft’s success. An ever-growing number of individuals around the country are using Lyft as a flexible way to earn income, and we will continue to engage with our driver community to help them succeed. We have not yet reviewed this study in detail, but an initial review shows some questionable assumptions.” Previous studies have indicated that pay is significantly higher for Uber and Lyft drivers than the numbers cited in the MIT study. A 2017 survey by RideShareGuy blog found that drivers earned an average of $15.68 and $17.50 per hour at Uber and Lyft, respectively. But these are gross earnings, and it’s unclear what a driver’s real profits would be after expenses are factored in. Another studyâ€"this one funded by Uber in 2015 and leaked to Buzzfeedâ€"found that drivers earned roughly $8.77 per hour in profit in Detroit after including expenses. In Houston, the hourly profit for Uber drivers was approximately $13.17. It’s worth noting that Uber added tipping as an option in its app only last summer, which obviously increases the opportunity for drivers to earn more money. But why do the estimates for Uber and Lyft pay vary so widely from study to study? It’s because there are different ways to gather information from drivers, as well as different ways to calculate driver expenses and how many hours a driver is truly “working.”

Navigating a Mid-career Job Change with a Recruiter - Your Career Intel

Navigating a Mid-career Job Change with a Recruiter - Your Career IntelYou have to own your job search.This is the advice I recently gave a room of mid-career professionals, all embarking on foreign territory searching for a new job. Many of these professionals had significant tenure at their current positions five, 10, even 15+ years. The last time they had looked for jobs, the rules had been different. The idea of using LinkedIn for stealth searching wasnt widespread, nor could you use the platform to signal to recruiters you were open to new professional possibilities. Resumes were mucksmuschenstill submitted via PDF email attachments. First round interviews were with humans, not with AI or other digital interfaces.One thing that hasnt changed is that senior positions are still rarely advertised, and most are filled through an executive recruiter. From a candidate perspective, it can initially seem like the recruiter has all the power. Theyre in direct contact with companies, eval uating resumes and determining which ones to submit. As a mid-career candidate, is there anything you can do to improve your odds?The Recruiter Perspective What Were Looking For in a Candidate and How You Can Improve Your AppealRecruiters consider which companies will benefit most from your skills and experience. We also evaluate whether your interests and professionals goals are the right fit for the position and the company. Our goal is to create a successful partnership where both you and the company thrive together.One thing we cant do is to create jobs out of thin air, no matter how much we like you personally or appreciate your experience and skills. Its up to you to own your job search and present yourself as the best possible candidate. Heres where to get startedCover the basics.Before a recruiter can present you to a company, you need to have your ducks in a row. Updating your resume is essential, but dont overlook your LinkedIn profile. Quantify and benchmark accomplishme nts. If you increased sales, by what percentage was this increase? How does this compare to the industry average (or company average) over the same period? If you were promoted, did you receive this promotion early compared with the standard progression timeline at your company? The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your recruiter to sell you as a standout candidate.Expand your perspective.When youve been at a company for a long time, its easy to lose sight of the bigger picture in your industry. I recommend attending industry conferences and networking events with a fresh eye. Attend different sessions, make it a point to introduce yourself to your counterparts at other companies, and follow up after you make a connection.Your recruiter can also be a critical ally in this process. Recruiters have a wealth of market intelligence we know which companies are looking to hire, which skill sets and experiences are most in demand, and how much companies are willing to pay f or top talent. Dont be afraid to ask our opinion and perspective.Be a smarter networker.When youre in the middle of your job search but arent getting a lot of leads, its natural to feel frustrated and even a tad desperate. Unfortunately, this mindset can negatively color your networking interactions. Approach every conversation from the perspective of bringing value, rather than completing a transaction. Ask, How can I help this person? rather than focus on How can this person help me? even if youre looking for career advice or an internal referral.My job, as a recruiter, is to be a consultative partner to clients and help them prioritize hiring requirements. I present a curated selection of candidates based on my clients needs. In some cases, this may mean pushing the client to consider a non-traditional client who I believe would be an exceptional fit. You could be that candidate. But first, you need to own your job search and present the very best that you can.Have you navigated a mid-career job search? I welcome your thoughts on this process in the comments below.

8 Public Speaking Tips That Actually Work

8 Public Speaking Tips That Actually Work The average person, they say, fears public speaking more than they fear death.Ive never believed this. For example, would you rather deliver a speech at yur sisters wedding (in front of a tipsy, exceptionally happy audience) or be suffocated by a boa constrictor? Would you prefer to offer celebratory remarks at your colleagues baby shower or be stung to death by 1,200 honey bees?Now, if you said that you get stage fright and you fear public speaking more than the dentist, that I would understand. Every time they use that drill I want to rip off the bib and run screaming to safety. Plus, why do they stuff your artificially wide open mouth with all that equipment and then ask you how the kids are doing?Why Do People Fear Public Speaking?What do you think about when public speaking? Most of us especially introverts hate public speaking because we feel like were being evaluated and judged when we do it. We fear that when we speak in public and make a presentation, the audience is watching our every move, from what were wearing to how we sound to the brilliance, or lack thereof, of what were saying in our speech.Bad news we are.Good news if you know how to talk, you can nail this and speak confidently in any given situation.How can you make your speaking effective? There are several key concepts that once implemented, will guarantee that youll wow the crowd and be invited back for more.8 Public Speaking TipsSo, if you tend to get stage fright or suffer from anxiety before speaking in public, take a deep breath and remember that nervousness is normaland these eight public speaking tips will help you deliver your presentation with an unwavering, persuasive voice.1. The audience rules.Whatever they want to hear outweighs anything you need to say. As the speaker, ask yourself what interests the people, and talk to them in a way thats relatable.2. Dont waste the introduction on fluff.You know how everyone thanks you for being h ere and how happy they are to be here too? Boring. Dont waste the first moments on anything other than a surprising statement or a great question or a personal reference.3. Identifyand hammer homethe key message.Think of yourself as story on the front page of The New York Times. No one reads the column and goes back up to landsee what the headline was. Tell them right away why they should be listening to you, and make sure subsequent points support the big idea.4. Use voice and body to drive home key information.Got something really important to say? Look right at the big boss while you say it. A significant shift of topic? Turn to another part of the audience to signal the change. A critical data point? Say it more loudly so people perk up and listen. Effective public speakers master not only the right words and steady eye contact but also confident body language and animated gestures.5. Confidence can be faked.When you speak in public, you only have to act as if youre confident fo r the length of your presentation...even if you feel your nervousness is overwhelming. Ever tell someone they look great when you know theyre struggling or unhappy? All of us can fake it for short periods of time when we have to. Channel that inner performer and smile with your face and your eyes while you present.6. Become aware of, and master, badeanstalt habits.Its OK to pause while youre speaking, but using filler like um, uh and other verbal glitches can be really distracting and can make you sound nervous. Unconscious and frequent hand movements can also take an audience away from listening to you while they focus on the exciting choreography of your digits. Have a friend spot you and point these tics out so you can catch yourself before you do them.7. Practice out loud.Its not enough to do it in your head. To hone your skills and confidence as a public speaker, rehearse by saying it out loud ten to 20 times so that when its really showtime, its just one more time versus the b ig occasion.8. Embrace being nervous.How do I calm down before a presentation? That anxiety will reisepass within the first two minutes. And the reason why youre a little scared is that you care. Consider the jitters a gift to your audience, not a sign of weakness.The best advice I can give you, introverts and extroverts alike? Imagine that youre not a public speaker instead, youre chatting with your best friend. Keeping the image in your head of someone youre supremely comfortable with will relax you, relax your audience, and ensure that your authenticity shines through as you present your words with direct eye contact and confident body language.Who knows? If you master this, maybe getting that filling done wont hurt as much.--Nancy Halpern is an executive coach with a proven track record in helping senior leaders and their teams reach their full potential. Shes been quoted in The Financial Times, The New York Times and other publications, as well as appearing on both NPR and the PBS NewsHour.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer

Kids, Work and Resume Writing Skills Desk Job

Kids, Work and Resume Writing Skills Desk Job Select theresume objectiveif dont have any reception job experience. Your resume ought to be in a position to highlight your expertise for a receptionist and your capacity to effectively carryout the job duties that will have the position you attempt to obtain. You have to be really professional as soon as you get started searching for work and once in the job. If you wish to find the job, you have to put some thought in what youre likely to set in your Medical Receptionist skills list. Resume writing objective is a significant portion of the resume, without it resume wont leave its effects on the recruiter. A work applicant will be highly conscious of the importance of a perfectly crafted resume. There are many statements one can utilize to make an effective resume. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. The Hidden Treasure of Resume Writing Skills Desk Job Resume writing Objective is a vital section in any sort of resume. The majority of the resumes writing services dont offer you the chance of direct contact by making use of their writers. The format of your resume ought to be easy and plain. This Front Desk Agent resume template gives you inspiration for those kinds of expertise and expertise to include in your resume. Hiring managers (for the large part) are especially interested in what youve been doing in the previous 23 decades and the way it is related to the position theyre attempting to fill. Highlight Your Special Skills Even in the event the work post doesnt mention any technical abilities, in case you have them go ahead of time and place it in your resume. Finding a job is a critical portion of someones life. Looking for employment is often discouraging, and it may take some time. Crafting the ideal receptionist resume objective takes time and a good amount of thought and skill to receive it right. Deal first with the requirements and see ways to show exper ience or education that matches the main job duties. Its possible to work out on how youre able to connect your abilities and experiences to the organization and job profile which provides you mora confidence. Proofreading is of extreme importance when you need to land that coveted job at a big organization. One other important consideration for your resume is the kind of paper you use. Utilize your resume to demonstrate the company which you are ready to handle all the particular job requirements and meet their help desk position requirements. By keeping the above mentioned demand in view, a lot of inexpensive resumes andonline resume writing services are offered for the ease of candidates, but its not easy for all of the jobless candidates to bear the excessive professional resume writing rates. Since resumes are for the most part digitally sent, theres absolutely no need to have a printout and sign the resume.