Career Information Online

On the bottom of almost every resume you seethe statement “references available upon request.”  You probably have it in the bottom of your resume.  But who should you use as a reference?  Unless you are a teenager trying to get your first job, the people you use should be known to you in a professional way.  (Unless, of course, the company requests a personal or character reference.)  If you’re currently employed you’ll probably want to refrain from using anyone at your current place of employment.  Here are a few suggestions of people you can use as a reference:

• A former co-worker at the same level as you.
• A former supervisor.
• An employee who you supervised.
• An employee of another firm with whom you worked on a joint project or venture.
• A former client who can attest to your skills and abilities.

Depending on the position, a potential employer might request a reference from a specific category.  Don’t be surprised if this happens. 

The easiest way to build a list of references is to continually ask people to be one.  Just as it’s a good idea to continually update your resume, it’s a good idea to have an updated list of references.  Ask people you’ve known professionally if they would mind serving as a reference.  Be sure to get all their contact information, including work phone, cell phone and email address.  Keep in touch with them from time to time to make sure their contact information is current and they are still willing to be a reference.

It might sound silly, but before you use a reference from your list ask them if you can do so.  Tell him/her the name of the company, position/title and name of the person who will be interviewing you.  If you have the opportunity to contact them after the interview you can tell your reference the specific duties and responsibilities that were explained to you so he/she can tailor their statements to the needs of the company.  You might think this sounds unethical, but think about this.  I’m not saying that anyone should lie about you and your background.  What I’m saying is this:  If expertise in a specific software program is an integral part of the position and your reference can comment on your abilities, if the reference knows this is important he/she can be sure to emphasize your experience in that area. 

References are an important part of the interview process.  Be sure to spend time in choosing the right references who can help you get the job.

When you’re searching for a job you have probably spent hours working to make your resume the best it can be.  Resumes are important.  A resume is probably the biggest factor in whether or not you get invited for an interview.  However, it is the person behind the resume who gets the job, not the piece of paper.

Don’t put all your time during a job search in resume preparation.  You need to spend time getting ready for each and every interview, whether it is researching the company, practicing common questions, or preparing a list of questions for the interview.  Relying too much on your resume is a common error job seekers make.  The interviewer has read it and knows what it contains.  They want to get to know the person behind the resume.  He/she needs to know you have the background listed and can actually do what you say you can do.

Don’t rely solely on your resume in an interview – put in some time in interview preparation as well.  Your resume isn’t going to do the talking during the interview – that’s going to be up to you.

When you think of an interview does your stress level increase?  Do you get nervous as you prepare to meet with a potential employer?  If you answer yes to either or both of these questions you’re not alone.  Interviewing can be very stressful.  You’re considering a career move that can impact your life for the next few years.  If you change the way you look at it you might be able to be more relaxed as you approach your next interview.

Consider the following – the interview as a fact finding mission.  You’re going into it to learn more about the company and the requirements of the position.  The interviewer is going into it to find out more about you, your skills, background and abilities.  It’s not an inquisition or interrogation (at least it shouldn’t be).

With a little preparation and a change in mindset you can go into your next interview with a calm and relaxed attitude.

There’s a financial cost associated with every job.  Many people don’t consider this fact when they accept a new position.  It’s important you know how much money you will need to make in order to bring home your desired salary in this new position.

So what kind of expenses do you have with a job?  The most obvious one is health care.  Depending on the plan and the size of the company there can be a significant difference in out of pocket expenses.  And don’t forget things like office visit and prescription copays – they play a role in the cost of health insurance.  Other factors to consider include:  commuting expenses, paid training, tuition reimbursement, and health club memberships.

Before accepting a new job, compare the costs that you will be required to pay out of pocket.  You might just find out that the salary offered to you is a raise on paper but in fact a step backwards in what you bring home every two weeks.

When it’s time for you to give your notice of resignation you’ll of course tell your manager verbally.  The company will probably ask for you to give this notice in writing as well.

The resignation letter is not a time to list all your complaints with the company.  It’s the time to tell your employer you are terminating your employment – nothing more.  Keep the letter brief and to the point.  Here’s an example:

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from (company) effective (date).

If your experience has been positive you can always add a statement that your enjoyed your tenure with the company.  No matter what, never include any negative statements or comments.

There are a few questions that are standard in any interview, no matter the position.  One of these questions is the classic “tell me about your greatest accomplishments.” I’m sure there are many areas in your life where you are proud of what you’ve done – family, school, church – but keep your answers confined to your professional life. I know that when I interviewed someone I was happy to hear about their personal accomplishments.  It portrays the person as being well rounded.  However, I was more interested in what a person has accomplished professionally that can be of benefit for my company.

So how should you answer this question?  Mentally prepare two or three anecdotes that demonstrate your professional abilities.  These examples should be significant and explain what you did, your role and responsibilities, and why you consider this outcome a great accomplishment.  What if you’re a new graduate and really don’t have any professional accomplishments?  If you worked full time while attending school, or paid for college yourself then this is an accomplishment worth mentioning.

Remember to make your accomplishment stories ones that show why you’re the best person for the job.

In my previous life in staffing I heard some horror stories about people being offered a job, accepting it and giving their two week notice to their current employer only to have the new employer change their mind and rescind the job offer.

Most companies are ethical and when an offer of employment is made it is solid.  Other companies might rescind an offer but give the person a severance package.  No matter what the position or company, get the offer of employment in writing, and give written acceptance of the offer.

It’s just common sense to want to get an offer in writing.  It will confirm your title, salary, start date, and possibly benefits like vacation time.  Many companies put a spot on the offer letter for you to sign to indicate acceptance.  If they don’t, here is an example of wording you could use in a letter or email:

I am pleased to accept your offer of employment and look forward to starting with (company) on (date).  I look forward to a long and productive tenure with this company.

Getting the offer in writing is not 100% guaranteed that the company won’t be sleazy and take back the offer.  It will give you peace of mind, however, as most reputable and ethical companies won’t go back on their written word.

Your resume gets you in the door to an interview.  At that point it’s up to you to sell yourself to get the job.  Many people feel uncomfortable talking about themselves and their accomplishments and hesitate to do so in an interview.  They think that their resume can do the talking.  Just remember that companies hire people, not resumes.  It’s critical that you clearly state your skills and accomplishments while in the interview.

In an interview it’s just you and the interviewer (or interviewers, whatever the case might be).  There’s no one sitting next to you to speak out about your background and achievements.  You need to do it!

Don’t ever lie or embellish about your background.  That’s easy enough to find out.  But don’t be afraid to speak up about yourself.  Would you consider yourself an expert in a software program?  Have you successfully managed multiple projects?  Have you been given a special award or recognition?  Don’t assume the interviewer can figure it out from your resume – come right out and tell them.

When you get past the interview the potential employer will go ahead and check your references who will verify what you’ve said.  But if you can’t get past the interview the hiring manager will never get the chance to speak with these people who will tell the interviewer how great you are.  It’s up to you to tell the interviewer why you are the person to hire.  Don’t be passive in the interview – tell that person why you are the person that should be hired.

In the course of any interview for any position you’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewer.  The first mistake you can make is not having any questions prepared.  The second mistake you can make is asking the wrong questions of the interviewer.

So what are the wrong questions?  Questions about salary, vacation, personal time and benefits are not appropriate.  It’s too soon in the early stages of the interview process to ask these questions.  This information is important to have in order to make an informed decision of whether or not to accept a position.  You need to first evaluate if this is a job you’d like to have.  You also need to sell yourself to the interviewer as the best candidate for the position.  If the only questions you ask are about salary and benefits the interviewer will think they are the only reasons you’ll take a job and when a better paying job comes along you’ll be gone.

Wait until you’ve sold yourself to the interviewer and have received a job offer to ask questions about benefits.  Chances are good those questions will be answered for you before you even have to ask them.

Whether you are unemployed and need to find a job or you have a job but are looking for something better it’s critical to prepare for the interview.  Interview preparation is more than getting your good suit or dress dry cleaned.  Here are a few things you might want to go over before you go out on your next interview.

• Attire.  Make sure your outfit is appropriate for a job interview, and that it is clean and free of holes or tears.
• Research the company.  Use the Internet to find out information about the company’s products, clients, services, revenue, sales, etc.
• Rehearse interview questions.  Go over the questions that might be asked of you and mentally prepare answers for them.
• Prepare questions to ask.  Formulate a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer.

Until you actually meet with the interviewer and learn about the requirements of the position, you won’t know if this is the position for you.  Go into each and every interview with the attitude that this position will be the ultimate career making position for you.  Have yourself prepared so you’ll make a positive impression each and every interview.  Wouldn’t you hate to go into an interview unprepared to discover this is the job you’ve been waiting your whole career to get?