Interviews: Do's and Don'ts

So you are going to an interview... I did 6 Mock Interviews on University Students at the University of Calgary today. Made me think of giving some pointers...Let me make this easy on you:

Do:
1. Be on time, bring 2 resumes (one for your reference one for them), dress professionally
2. Research the company inside and out and know why you want to work for them
3. Talk about what makes you special; not what you did in a job but what did you accomplish
4. Look them in the eyes, be bold, enthusiastic, real, laugh, have fun...they are people too
5. At the end of the interview tell them how much you want the job and that you would be an excellent fit
6. Follow up by phone, email, or letter
7. If they ask you what is your weaknesses say something funny like "shoes"...and then laugh. Then answer the question properly.

Don't:
1. Bring a coffe mug, fidget, play with your hair or pen
2. Be arrogant or modest, BE confident
3. Bring up personal issues, struggles, or talk badly about a past employer
4. EVER say "I don't know, sorry"
5. EVER say "I don't have any questions"
6. Ask about salary or compensation in the first interview unless they bring it up
7. Use "umm" and "honestly"

Does this help? Hope so!

Julia

And You Thought Google Was Cool?

#1. Place to Work?

GOOGLE


What makes it so great?

Google sets the standard for Silicon Valley: free meals, swimming spa, and free doctors onsite. Engineers can spend 20% of time on independent projects. No wonder Google gets 1,300 résumés a day.

See link: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2007/snapshots/1.html

#2. Place to Work? A Local Google!!!

PENGROWTH  http://www.pengrowth.ca/

What makes it so great?

I went to Pengrowth's brande new office buildings built in 2007 downtown Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Address: 222 3rd Ave SW

What did I find?

After finding my cheap parking beside the building I walked on the manicured lawns and past the sculptures to find a beautiful set of buildings. I took an elevator ride to the 21st floor...in the elevator I found a flat TV screen with snipits of all the latest news that day. I got off the elevator to find myself in what looked like a mansion! It was so incredible...picture cruise ship quality. Attention to detail, beautiful crown molding, seating area fit for a queen, wall decor and elegance. The chandalier had the Pengrowth oil drop logo all the way around it...nice touch. There was a curved staircase leading up to another floor to my left. The receptionist's title was "First Impressions Manager". She offered me tea, coffee, or water...I was waiting for her to offer me home made muffins....but then I learned that they were available in their own Starbucks on the second floor!

I was taken on a tour and found out that there are all original artworks on every wall...and as an employee you can request them for your office from a catalogue. There was a full kitchen you would see in the White House on EVERY floor. There were meeting rooms with fireplaces, couches, lounge chairs, tv's, workstations and so much more. Their boardroom had the state of the art conferencing system and screens.

While in the meeting room with my client there were 2 people that came by in 1 hour...one was sweeping the "crumbs" on the carpet next to us and another one wiped off the LCD lit table next to us. Amazing attention to detail. I thought I was in the twilight zone!

This is the new era of a giant like Pengrowth. With an office like that I can't imagine the employees would be looking around for other jobs...

I really wanted to just move in and live there. I asked. They replied, "Come visit us anytime."

I am just grateful to have the opportunity to recruit for them...someone I know will be living there eventually!

Best Resume Ever

Are you wondering how to stand out amoungst so many resumes on the resume pile?

There is huge competition now for most positions as the market is flooded with talented people who have been laid off. These people not only need jobs, they are willing to work for less, and try new career opportunities.

My Advice:
Make a Power Point Presentation.
1. Profile who you are
2. Outline your skill set
3. Speak about your relevant experience and use numbers to back it up
4. Mention your education
5. Don't forget to talk about hobbies
6. And round it off with photos and personal information- become real

I am telling you to do this because I had an employee do this to me on Friday and I absolutley watched the presentation. I was so curious...how could I not look? This was new, refreshing, so sales professional like!

I emailed him back tonight (Sunday); and he was already offered a job.

Now that is wow!

Top 5 Dream Jobs: Men Vs. Women

Men:
1. Football Player
2. Entrepreneur
3. Rockstar
4. Pilot
5. Dr.

Women:
1. Teacher
2. Doctor
3. Vet
4. Pop Star
5. Business Woman

What's Your Dream Job?

Mine: TV Travel Host