Job interviews

[Dinner]

No jail time. But certainly no call back for a second interview.

Crunch: Is there some licience or certificate which people can earn in your field? For instance I work as a Geologist but most Geologists need HazMat handlers permits, liciences for using nuclear density guages, security clearence if your going to work on a government facility (which are the best paying most reliable contracts to get), and what not. Also join the local professional organization as this will give you greater networking possibilities and shows you are interested in the field even when you're not getting paid.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Oerdin
No jail time. But certainly no call back for a second interview.

Crunch: Is there some licience or certificate which people can earn in your field?

Yep.

Except that you can only get the ACA (chartered accountancy) qualification by having 3 years working experience, in addition to passing the relevent exams. I only have my finals left to do, but I am not permitted to do them until I approach completion of my practical experience. Doing a different side course now is a bit like getting a highschool qualification when you are looking to finish your degree in the subject.

I could take computing courses in various packages I suppose, but on the job experience has always far cheaper and more useful in my line of work.

Also join the local professional organization as this will give you greater networking possibilities and shows you are interested in the field even when you're not getting paid.

I've been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for over 2 years. I've been using that avenue with little success unfortunately.

[Dinner]

Make sure that is on your resume, get a good interview prep book so you will be able to anwser their questions with prepared anwsers which you can just roll of your lips. This will make you appear confident and relaxed plus it will make it harder to tell if you pass a white lie or two. Finally, remember to write a brief thank you note after the interview as that will cause them to think about your application & name again. Think of it as your last chance to show why you are best for the job.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Oerdin
Finally, remember to write a brief thank you note after the interview as that will cause them to think about your application & name again. Think of it as your last chance to show why you are best for the job.

I think my name sticks out enough as it is.

[FrustratedPoet]

get a good interview prep book

Can you recommend any?

[Dinner]

Writing a thank you note is pretty much standard operating procedure in the business world. At least it is on this side of the Atlantic.

[chequita guevara]

Volunteer someplace and help them with their accounting.

[Provost Harrison]

Don't be a whore to business...they shaft you when they are paying you, never mind actually voluntarily...that is plain foolishness...

[Dauphin]

I think Che meant charities, not a 'business'.

[Provost Harrison]

It doesn't pay the bills though...

[chequita guevara]

Neither does not working, which is what most of us are not-doing when we are looking for work. It is generally a major factor in why we are looking for work.

[Urban Ranger]

Say you have been working with the MSF in the DRC (or some other equally remote place).

Seriously though, che's idea is good. Also, a thank you letter is pretty much standard, address your interviewer directly and recap briefly of the major points raised during in the interview. If there were more than one interviewer, send it to the main one and cc the rest.

[Seeker]

Interview? They still do those? I got people wanting me in Taiwan for $3100 a month on the basis of my picture and a lousy e-mail.

You wage-slaves back in North America should really explore international employment.

You have to work NOT to get hired here.

[TCO]

Re: Job interviews

Originally posted by Big Crunch
When you have been unemployed for about 6-7 months a common interview question is "So what have you been doing for the passed 6-7 months?".

How do you garnish the response: "Well, I've spent most of my time trying to find a job!"

And what exactly are companies hoping you will answer?

I would just say, that a took a few months off to travel and than initiated a job search. (end of reply). Most people don't really care. If they start to get into it, I would give short to the point answers and than move on to the pertinent other parts of the interview.

You may be worrying more about the gap than you should. Some people see it as a stigma. Some don't. Some people have savings. Others can't imagine being out of work for a week. Just be nonchalant. Has worked great for me.

In fact, I wouldn't get into month by month minutia unless they really ask directly. otherwise, just explain your career in terms of general years spent in different fields.

[TCO]

Originally posted by Big Crunch
My problem is that I am not a natural BS artist, despite my several years training with the Poly masters.

So write out the obvious questions and develop an answer for each and than do some practice interviews. Even interviews at the companies themselves are practice for future interviews. If you are not a good BSer, that is all the more reason to be methodical about interview practice. And once you practice some, you will probably find yourself better able to improvise (in addition to having some good pat story type answers up your sleeve.)