How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

The thought of conducting a job search right now is probably very intimidating for most professionals—and a little frightening. While there are many things that could be scaring you about your job search, you can’t let those fears impact your career, especially when you can easily overcome them with the right tools, tips, and strategies.

If the phrase “looking for a job” strikes fear into your heart, don’t worry. Here’s how to overcome your job search fears this fall, just in time for Halloween!

Fear #1: Employers Won’t Call You Back

You’re putting so much time and effort into your job search, but what if employers never call you back? This is a common fear for many professionals, and for good reason.

A lot of job seekers do spend hours a day applying for jobs only to never hear back from employers. There are a few reasons why this might be happening: your resume didn’t make it past the ATS, your cover letter didn’t stand out to hiring managers, and/or you didn’t adequately market your skills and experience to employers or demonstrate your value as a business-of-one.

How To Overcome This Fear:

Fear #2: You’ll Bomb The Job Interview

Woman is stressed as she waits for her job interview

This is a fear that probably keeps you up at night. You’ve finally found a job you like and landed an interview with the company. But what if you bomb the job interview? What if you ruin your chances of getting a job offer?

Confidence is key in a job interview, and you can’t be confident without proper interview preparation.

How To Overcome This Fear:

Fear #3: You’ll Accept The Wrong Job Offer

Job seeker on laptop dealing with job search fears

If you’ve been looking for a job for a while, you might feel desperate. This puts you in a vulnerable spot, but you should avoid settling for a job if you can.

On the flip side, you might have multiple job offers and need to decide which one is right for you. Do you feel empowered to make the right decision?

How To Overcome This Fear:

By following the tips above, you’ll successfully overcome any job search fears you may have, and you’ll realize the job search isn’t as scary as it seems!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How To Handle Curveball Interview Questions

How To Handle Curveball Interview Questions

What’s the one piece of advice given over and over to interviewees? Prepare. Research the company, research the role, take time to analyze what’s going to be required of you, and take time to assess your own abilities.

That’s the advice that Direct Line Group Careers gives to its applicants on their insurance jobs site. So, what do you do when you take this sound advice, but mid-way through a promising interview situation you’re thrown a question that you couldn’t possibly have prepared for?

Tough interview questions are becoming more popular for interviewers to gauge how adept a candidate is at thinking on their feet. Without their prepared answers to fall back on, how an interviewee reacts to a question that seems utterly random can be revealing.

The good news? If you’re applying for a role that you have a lot of passion for, in an area where you’re naturally talented or well-practiced (without necessarily having direct working experience), these questions are a great way to show off your abilities. The bad news? There’s not much you can do to practice for a question that’s deliberately obscure. But that’s not to say it’s completely impossible—after all, the purpose of any interview is to see how good a fit you are for the role and the company.

So, however wacky the question is, the recruiter will probably be hoping for you to consider the context in which it’s being asked when it comes to your answer. That means if you’ve researched the role you’re applying for and know what is going to be expected of you, chances are you’ll have a good idea of the type of logic and thought process they’re looking for when you make your reply.

Below are a few genuine curveball questions that have been asked in interview situations; while none of them have a necessarily right or wrong response, they’ll often fit into fields of purpose. One way to prepare for curveball interview questions is to get used to looking for what the intention is behind the weirdness!

Curveball Interview Questions

  • “Name five uses of a stapler without staples.”
  • “What do you think of garden gnomes?”

What they’re really asking: Are you creative? Can you see the bigger picture, or are you focused on the detail? Are you happy to improvise, and are you a good communicator?

  • “Given 20 light bulbs (which break at a certain height), and a building with 100 floors, how do you determine the height at which the bulb breaks?”
  • “Out of 25 horses, pick the fastest three horses. In each race, only five horses can run at the same time. What is the minimum number of races required?”

What they’re really asking: Are you logical? Do you have a good knowledge of probability and equations? Can you figure out an effective method for solving problems and assess its viability?

  • “How would you weigh an elephant?”
  • “If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?”

What they’re really asking: How creative are you when it comes to problem-solving? Do you have an eye for important details? How do you improvise under pressure?

What Are All The Questions Really Asking?

Job candidate interviews for an open position

They’re all challenges: challenges to normal interview structure, challenges to your ability to think on your feet, and logical challenges that reveal your thought process. Most importantly, don’t see a curveball question as an attempt to trip you up: see it as an opportunity to show that you relish a challenge.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

3 Things To “Listen” For During Job Interviews

Like any other conversation, a job interview is a two-way street. It’s as much about how well you listen as it is about what you say. And there’s more to listening than simply hearing another person’s words.

How interviewers sit, how they ask their questions, and what they do while listening to your answers can tell you an awful lot about the direction the interview is taking.

Of course, during a job interview, the hiring manager is in the driver’s seat, so it’s critical that you’re able to read their cues. There are some general ways to figure out whether someone’s paying attention to you or not. Are they making eye contact? Leaning forward as you speak? Nodding their head? All good things. But often the message someone conveys is contained in ways that are more subtle.

Here are three things to “listen” for during the job interview…

Listen For The Hidden Question

Interesting woman smiles and listens during a job interview

No job interview question is simple. In every case, the employer is looking not only for insights into your skills and experience, but also for hints about how your thought process works, how committed you’ll be to your job, and how well you’ll fit into the company’s culture. Keep that in mind as you listen to each question.

If a hiring manager asks you to describe a time you met an aggressive deadline, for instance, they’re also trying to get a feel for how well you work under pressure and how you work with others under less-than-ideal circumstances. It’s not simply a question about nuts and bolts.

So, don’t limit your answer to the obvious. Remember that during job interviews, explaining how you got to a particular point can be as important as showing that you got there in the first place.

Listen To Get Their Attention

Young woman listens attentively during a job interview

Obviously, you want to keep the manager’s attention during the job interview. Even if they’re one of those people who constantly check their cell phone while they talk, you can pick up hints about whether they’re engaged in the conversation.

The most obvious clue is whether they’re doing more than simply asking questions. A true dialogue is more than a Q&A. It involves stories, comments, and answers—from both sides.

If the hiring manager seems to be following a script, break up his or her routine by asking questions yourself. For example, after answering that query about meeting deadlines, ask if the hiring manager’s ever been in a similar situation, or whether you can expect to face tight deadlines as a part of the job at his company. If they ask for your opinion on a recent industry news event, inquire about their views after you’ve given them your own.

You want the interview to be a true conversation. A hiring manager is more apt to remember the candidate they engaged with than those who simply allowed themselves to be led through their checklist of questions.

Listen To Keep Them Focused

Pay attention to signs that you’re losing your audience whenever you need more than a few sentences to answer a question. Some clues are obvious. The hiring manager’s eyes may wander, for example. Others are more subtle. Someone who’s been sitting forward may shift and begin rubbing the arm of their chair with their fingers.

Picking up on someone’s wandering attention will depend a lot on how well you read them. People differ, after all. A hiring manager who’s comfortable multitasking may be carrying on an engaged conversation even if they’re checking their email while they talk.

The trick is to look for signs that the rhythm has been broken. For example, if the multitasker allows pauses to creep into the conversation while they absorb an email message, chances are you need to refocus their attention.

Though the hiring manager asks the questions during an interview, the job seeker has plenty of opportunities to direct the conversation. Always be on the lookout for hints about the interviewer’s interests and engagement. You’ll find them in what they do, as well as in what they say.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You Were “Terminated” From A Job

Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You Were “Terminated” From A Job

If your position gets terminated, should you mention that in your next interview? Many job seekers face this dilemma in their job search when they’re newly unemployed. First, you need to determine what type of termination occurred.

There are two types of termination: voluntary and involuntary. If you quit, that’s called voluntary termination. If it’s involuntary termination, there are two types of that: you got fired or you got laid off. And those are also very different. Fired means you did something wrong and they couldn’t keep you. Laid off means you did nothing wrong. They were in financial trouble and they couldn’t keep you. So as you go down that decision tree, you’ll have to clarify what type of termination happened—what “terminated” means in your case.

Don’t Say You Were “Terminated.” Say This Instead…

My personal advice as a 20-year career coaching veteran is if you quit a job, make sure you tell the employer that information and explain why you quit. If you got fired from a job, you want to try to explain that as objectively as you can without making any excuses—owning your mistakes. And if you got laid off, tell them you got laid off. It was beyond your control.

I wouldn’t use the word “terminated” at all. Instead, I’d get very clear on what happened and I would use the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model to answer the “Why did you leave your job?” question in a way that’s very factual and succinct, that has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and is structured.

That kind of structured response is the most important thing to do in this situation because it shows that you’ve really thought about what happened and want to make sure they properly understand.

This is how you score points in a job interview. I see people every single day who have been fired or laid off from jobs using the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model to answer difficult interview questions. And then the recruiter and hiring manager say, “Great answer,” and move on because these things happen. They’re out of our control sometimes, or they’re in our control and we learn from them.

You need a better response. So don’t use the word “terminated.” Get really clear and remember the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model. You can do this.

Good luck, and go get ’em!

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How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

3 Things To Convey In Your Job Interview

The job interview—this is where it all really begins! While your resume may have impressed the hiring manager and helped you get your foot in the door, now you really have to bring home those points on the resume in person. Failing to convey the right message in the job interview means it is game over!

Don’t expect a callback from the employer if you fall short of conveying key messages. There’s a lot that can be done to prepare for the job interview so that you go into it confidently. However, it’s one thing to be prepared and it’s another thing to perform well in the job interview.

Along with proper preparation, here are three things you must convey in the job interview…

You’re A Go-Getter!

Job seeker conveying three things during a job interview

Employers desire employees who have a real passion for the work. During the job interview, demonstrate that desire, passion, and excitement for the challenges that lie ahead with the position.

Make the interviewer believe you’ll be able to hit the ground running on the job by demonstrating you have the experiences and skills to succeed on the job. Ask what the biggest challenge is and present examples of previous relevant work where you’ve been in a similar situation and what you accomplished and achieved.

The research you’ve done ahead of time should also allow you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the company, its business, and more.

You Fit Right In!

Job seeker conveys they are a good fit for the position in a job interview

Fitting right in is not so much about being agreeable but being likable. Come off as friendly and share your understanding of working in a workplace like the employer’s. Ask questions during the interview to further understand the type of work environment that exists and then make an effort to demonstrate you have similar experience working in such an environment.

Another way to create the feel that you’ll fit right in is by building rapport with those you speak with. The interview should not take on a model of a Q&A session; you want to turn it into a dynamic conversation. Find ways to build rapport that will help show how well you understand the ins and outs of the business and working in a workplace like theirs.

You’re A Character With Great Personality!

Hiring managers understand that job candidates may come into a job interview nervous, but those who are able to overcome their nerves and show some personality are more memorable and attractive as a candidate for the job opening.

When you present your personality, it’s easier for employers to see how you stand out from other job candidates. Presented the right way, you can also come off even more likable.

When there’s the opportunity for it, don’t be afraid to add to the conversation by talking about your personal quirks or likes. It’s what makes you you! When there is a lack of personality in a character, the individual can come off as boring and dry. It also doesn’t hurt to show how you differentiate from the next candidate with similar experience and skills.

Find opportunities throughout your job interview to weave into the conversation these three things above. In the end, you’ll come off as a more memorable and desirable candidate for the job!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

When Companies Start Firing People To Avoid Layoffs

When Companies Start Firing People To Avoid Layoffs

Unfortunately, it’s true: many companies will start firing people to avoid additional layoffs. If you’re currently employed and worry that your company might fire people instead of announcing layoffs, what can you do to prepare for the worst?

Here’s what J.T. O’Donnell, Work It DAILY’s founder and CEO, advises professionals to do if they’re in this situation…

Prepare To Explain The Situation To Future Employers

Companies facing financial troubles after massive layoffs are placing more employees on performance reviews to avoid additional layoff costs and boost productivity. Survivors of these layoffs should prepare to explain their situation in future job interviews, as many employers conduct reference checks.

To address this issue effectively, consider using the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model when asked about the situation (your reason for leaving/getting fired) in job interviews. The “Experience + Learn = Grow” model is the best way to answer behavioral interview questions—those hard interview questions that require a lot more than a “yes” or “no” answer.

When you use the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model to explain this situation to employers in job interviews, you provide a factual response about the layoffs, your commitment to improving, and your proactive approach to personal growth, demonstrating accountability.

It’s unfortunate that when companies are in financial trouble, they feel like they need to blame people who they think are no longer performing. They put them on performance reviews and then fire them instead of announcing layoffs. There are some warning signs, and there are things that you can do to combat this. But most importantly, you should be prepared to explain why you got fired from a job if you know it had to do with their financial situation and their desire to avoid layoffs.

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2 Ways People Fail In Job Interviews

2 Ways People Fail In Job Interviews

Most people don’t properly prepare for job interviews. As a result, they usually make one of these two common mistakes in their job interviews, and it costs them the job.

You might think you can get away with doing minimal interview prep in your job search, but hiring managers can tell if you haven’t done your research and are struggling to answer questions.

If you’re not doing enough interview prep in your job search, you’ve probably run into one of these two problems during your job interviews…

Lack Of Interview Prep = Saying Too Much Or Too Little

In job interviews, people often make two major mistakes related to the Goldilocks principle: either they provide too little information and clam up or they talk excessively, sounding self-absorbed. To succeed, it’s crucial to strike the right balance by following the “Experience + Learn = Grow” approach, which ensures well-structured answers.

It’s very important that you structure your interview answers in a logical format so that you give hiring managers the right amount of information. Behavioral interview questions require more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. By following the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model for answering behavioral interview questions, you’ll effectively answer any question the hiring manager throws your way.

This takes practice, though. And practice is a huge part of proper interview prep. So, do your research on the company, review your resume, and practice your interview answers in a mock interview with a trusted friend or colleague. You’ll never fail a job interview by talking too much or too little again.

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2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

Nobody wants to work for a bad boss. But if you’re looking for a new job, how can you ensure the hiring manager you’ve been interviewing with will be a good boss?

One of the best ways to dodge a bullet in the hiring process and avoid working for a bad manager is to find out their leadership style. There are two questions I coach people to ask in job interviews to help them secretly figure out what it’s really going to be like to work for that hiring manager.

How To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @SloaneTilliePoppy 2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal Their (True) Leadership Style 🤔😉😜😳. There are questions you can ask in a job interview they can help you figure out what the hiring manager will really be like to work for. A lot of times they say one thing but don’t really mean it. These two questions I’ve been teaching for years as a way to understand exactly what they value in an employee. What you wanna do is listen closely to see if what they say actually matches up with what they claimed their leader ship style is. And if you don’t like what you hear, I would say pass on the job opportunity! I also encourage you to prepare for interviews as best you can. That’s why my new TikTok series teaches you how to answer the 18 Tofas behavioral questions so that you can now the interview and stand out. That way they’ll really want to make sure That they pick you for the job and then you’ll sit in the driver seat and it’ll be up to you to decide if you want them! ##tiktokseries##interviewtips##interviewtipsandtricks##interviewquestions##interviewquestionsandanswers##interviewprep##interviewpreparation##behavioralquestion##careertok##careeradvice##careertiktok##careercoach##interviewcoach##jobinterview##jobinterviewquestions##jobinterviewtips ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

When it’s your turn to ask questions in the job interview, ask the following questions to determine the hiring manager’s true leadership style:

1. Tell me about a recent hire who’s been successful here. What 2 or 3 things are they doing that’s making them so successful?

Asking this question can help you start to determine whether or not what they said about the job, the company, and their leadership style matches what they value in a person.

For example, if they said, “We believe in work-life balance here. We know you have a life. We really support you. You can get all your work done in the hours that are given here,” and then when you ask them this question, they say, “That person that we hired recently, she was amazing. She came in, we were in a pinch. She worked overtime. She worked nights and weekends. She took on a whole bunch of extra responsibilities and she just really crushed it,” their answers don’t sync up.

2. Can you tell me, without naming names, about somebody who did not work out well here, who really failed in the job? Can you give me 2 or 3 examples of why you think they weren’t successful?

Once again, listen closely. If they say things like, “They just walked out the door right at 5 p.m. They weren’t flexible. They weren’t willing to take on additional responsibility. They weren’t a team player,” what does it say about the situation?

As a job seeker, these two questions can help you get a better sense of what it would be like to work at a company and/or for a specific hiring manager so you can dodge a bullet. If their leadership style isn’t compatible with your work style, you probably won’t be happy on the job, no matter how good the opportunity sounds.

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7 Things Employers Want To Find Out During Job Interviews

7 Things Employers Want To Find Out During Job Interviews

The job interview is an essential part of the screening process for employers. It helps employers dig deep beyond the resume to find out about 1) your experience and skills for the job, 2) whether you’re a good fit for its workplace culture, and 3) your career goals and outlook to determine how dedicated and loyal you’ll be to the job and continued employment with the company.

Asking questions is essential to helping employers make the right decision on which job applicant to select for the job. So, let’s break down some of the typical interview questions you may be asked and what employers are really trying to find out so that you can provide the best response.

1. “Talk About One Of Your Greatest Achievements At Work.”

When employers ask this question, they are trying to see what you consider important on the job and are also trying to understand your key skill set. The best response is an example that can directly relate back to the job you’re applying for.

2. “Talk About A Time You Faced A Major Challenge At Work.”

Employer/hiring manager asks a potential job candidate a hard interview question

Employers are always trying to see how you face obstacles at work and your approach to dealing with them. Regardless of the challenge you present, the key is to demonstrate that you were able to overcome it and bring results of success.

3. “What’s Your Greatest Weakness?”

Employers want to see how honest you are, and the way you answer can also shed light on if you’re able to overcome obstacles. Everyone has a weakness, so provide an honest answer but finish off your response with how you’ve worked to improve on it so it actually isn’t a weakness anymore.

4. “Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?”

Employer/hiring manager wants to find out where the job candidate sees herself in five years during an interview

Employers want to find out your long-term goals and how they may fit into their plans. Your response should inform the employer that you’re dedicated to the profession and you have a confident outlook to move up in your career with even more experience and skills to succeed on the job. Do not give an answer that indicates you may not stay with the company.

5. “Describe To Me The Type Of Work Environment You Desire.”

Job candidate waits to answer an interview question from the hiring manager

It’s important that employers ensure you can fit in culturally and they want to understand the type of worker-boss management relationship desired. Say the person supervising is a micromanager, but you are one who has self-drive and desires empowerment. In such a case, conflict is highly likely.

Do your research ahead of time to understand the employer’s workplace culture so you respond accordingly. But it’s also important in helping decide whether you should even apply for a job because you want to work in an environment where you’ll be happy.

6. “Why Do You Want To Work With Us?”

A hiring manager asks a job candidate, "Why do you want to work with us?"

Employers need to find out if you’re a serious candidate for the job and if you have a true desire to work for the company and in the specific field you’re applying to. If you do your research beforehand, you will have an idea of things you can call out about the employer that impress you. It’ll also inform the employer that you’re not just randomly applying to any job, but that you have a true desire to work for them.

7. “Why Are You Leaving Your Employer?”

A job candidate answers the hard interview question, "Why are you leaving your employer?"

Employers will ask this question to try to better understand your long-term goals. It’s also to ensure that the reason you’re leaving is not one that may present itself again on the new job.

If you were fired from your job, the employer wants to ensure the problem or concerns about being fired do not carry over to the new job. Focus on a response that speaks to your desire for more challenge and that will allow you to utilize your experience and skills, and help you to continue to grow them.

When you understand what employers are really trying to find out with the questions they ask, you can tailor your responses so that you come off as the best candidate for the job.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Recruiting Tips: How To Set Your Candidate Up For Success

Recruiting Tips: How To Set Your Candidate Up For Success

Recruiting top talent is essential for organizations looking to thrive and innovate. However, the recruitment process is not just about finding the right candidates; it’s also about setting them up for success from the very beginning. To ensure that your newly recruited talent not only joins your team but also excels in their roles, it’s essential to implement effective strategies and practices.

In this article, members of Duffy Group discuss practical strategies for creating a positive candidate experience, from crafting compelling job descriptions to conducting effective interviews and providing meaningful feedback. Read on to discover the best practices and actionable tips that will help you attract, engage, and retain top talent, ultimately setting candidates up for success in their new roles.

Colleen Neese

You’ve confirmed an interview for your next career move so the next thing to do is prepare for the upcoming interview! Prepping for an interview is one of the critical steps in the process but oftentimes candidates don’t know what to do. My recommendation is to review your resume and take time to reflect on your experiences and skills as they relate to the job you’re applying for. Write down some of your biggest accomplishments, deliverables, and outcomes.

Hiring leaders and HR professionals don’t just want to hear what your job responsibilities have been; they want to hear how you positively impacted the business. It’s important to come prepared with quantifiable results.

All candidates should be prepared to answer basic interview questions such as “Why are you interested in this position?” or “What are your top accomplishments?” or “How would you describe your leadership style?” Many basic interview questions can be found on the internet and used for practice.

It’s also important to prepare for behavioral interview questions. These are usually multi-part questions that ask the candidate to share specific examples and outcomes. The more you reflect on your results, the better prepared you’ll be to answer these types of questions, also called “SAR” questions—situation, action, result.

Colleen Neese is a practice leader at Duffy Group. She specializes in recruiting executives in non-profit and healthcare.

Kristin Pozen

Woman uses interview hacks during her job interview

When setting up the client interview, I ensure my candidate has the proper address, directions, any special parking or security instructions, and who they should ask for. I encourage them to arrive 15 minutes early and even encourage a practice drive to the location if time permits.

I always send over the job description again and ask them to read through it. They should develop questions based on the research they have done on the company and the job description.

I find out who will be on the interview panel and supply biographies and LinkedIn profiles to the candidate to review. I want them to have a good understanding of the organizational chart within the team they are interviewing.

I schedule a time to debrief with my candidate within 24 hours of their interview with the client. I need to know not only how they felt it went but also if the client had any missteps that need to be addressed.

Sometimes there are multiple client interviews. I repeat this process each time and stay in contact through any background and reference checks all the way to the offer stage. I pre-negotiate their offer so the client knows to make an attractive offer the first time. This helps expedite offer acceptance.

Kristin Pozen is a research recruitment recruiter at Duffy Group and a former HR recruiter.

Sharon Grace

Man smiles during his interview with executives

If you’ve been in the job market the past few months and were in the market anytime between 2020 and early 2023, you might notice that the interview process has changed. The interview process is taking longer with multiple steps, the decision process is slower, and there are more candidates to compete with, depending on the industry and role.

The past few years were easy to get used to, with a high volume of open positions and rapid interview processes for most positions. If you changed jobs prior to 2020, then you know that the past few years were far from normal. If you are early in your career, you might not have much interview experience.

The market has been in a rebalancing cycle throughout the year. Most employers are still hiring, but not at the volume we’ve seen. Some companies are interviewing for positions that are nice to fill but not a must-have. I’ll use the term selective hiring.

Here are some tips to give the employer a reason to hire you now, before you are no longer on the market:

  • Virtual interviews: Most first interviews are still virtual for office and hybrid roles. Make sure your background is neat and professional-looking.
  • Wardrobe: Always wear a professional outfit, including virtual interviews; it’s no longer 2020! Dress varies by company and industry, but first impressions are important. The way you present yourself can be as important as what you say. This applies to both candidates and hiring leaders. The following is standard:
    • For a woman: Business attire is best. A suit or conservative dress is appropriate. Minimal amounts of jewelry and perfume. Stylish low-heel shoes are best.
    • For a man: A conservative blue or gray suit, long-sleeved shirt, and tie is still best. (Ties and maybe a jacket are usually optional in warm climates in the summer.) No jewelry other than a wedding ring and watch.
    • Take notice of the importance of fit, color, and age-appropriate. Wear something that complements your body type and nothing too loose or tight fitting, wear colors that flatter you and that you feel good in, and don’t dress too old or too young.
  • Close: Because you are looking good and feeling confident in your outfit, you developed a good rapport with the hiring leader, and the questions and answers were smooth and more like a conversation; it’s time to ask for the job! Tell them you are interested and why you are a fit.

Sharon Grace is a veteran search executive at Duffy Group who helps hiring leaders hire great people because of her proven track record as a strategic partner and advisor to recruit, identify, and assess talent.

Need help recruiting talent for your organization? Check out Duffy Group today.


How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear In An Interview

Ever wonder what a potential boss wants to hear in an interview? What exactly can you say that will increase your chances of receiving a job offer?

I recently heard some great advice that lined up with my previous experience as a human resources manager, and so I thought I would share this great advice with you! Here are five things to communicate during an interview that will convince the employer you’re a great hire…

1. You Will Never Have To Tell Me What To Do Twice

Every employer wants to know they can give you instructions once and you’ll get the job done. I guarantee you that no employer wants to micromanage or ask an employee more than once to do something—no matter what it is.

2. I Will Complete The Job/Assignment You Give Me With Excellence

Woman answers a hard interview question

The employer wants to hear that, no matter what, you are going to make it happen—that you’re going to get the job done and do it to the best of your ability.

3. I Am An Agreeable Person

Interviewer ask job candidate if they are a team player

The employer wants to know that no matter what situation you are put in, you’re going to be a team player—and that you’re not going to create confusion, conflict, problems, or challenge their authority.

4. I Am Easy To Correct And Instruct; I Am Teachable

Man answers an interview question

If there is something that’s not getting done, or if you’re not doing it correctly, the employer wants to know that they can approach you to discuss the situation and that you’re not going to fly off the handle or think you’re superior.

5. I Am A Loyal Employee

Job candidate conveys he's a loyal employee in an interview

I will not talk poorly about you. I will do everything I can to promote you and help promote this business. While I am working for you, I will always be the best employee—whether for one year or 10 years. And, should I leave, I will be rehireable, and I will leave in an amicable and responsible manner.

Prospective employers nowadays understand that asking employees to make a commitment to stay for 10, or even 25 years, just isn’t realistic. Loyalty isn’t about longevity. It’s about being a committed and responsible employee while you’re with that company.

These five points are essentially what every employer wants to hear from a potential employee. Of course, this isn’t an end-all, be-all of an interview. But if you can communicate these very important points to a prospective employer during an interview, you will stand out among the other job candidates, and it will help the interviewer believe that you would be an asset to the organization.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Mastering Your Interview Attire: How To Dress For Success

Mastering Your Interview Attire: How To Dress For Success

Getting ready for an interview can be a stressful activity. There are so many things to do: research the industry and company, brush up on practice questions, and find something appropriate to wear, just to name a few.

I can address interview attire. The first thing you need to do is understand not only what’s acceptable in your industry but also the company you will be interviewing with. Attire in the fashion industry is quite different than in the architectural field. If you are new to the industry, check out people you follow on social media in that industry to see what they are wearing in professional situations.

Once you understand company standards, consider the company where you have the interview. Look for a company website and browse the employee directory. How are these individuals dressed?

My recommendation is to find someone in the position one level up from the one you are interested in and use that attire as an example. If you are interviewing within your current industry, you should have a good feel for what all levels of employees wear to work. However, companies have different dress codes. Again, I would look at a company directory to see how most individuals dress and use that as a guide.

Now that you know what type of attire you need, find it. If you’re on a budget, look in your closet first. There are probably options there. Don’t forget to look through pieces you do not wear regularly. Most people do not walk around in suits when not at work. Shop discount or thrift stores. Go to department stores and boutiques and find the sale rack. You may get the perfect blazer or pair of pants on sale. You want something stylish, so do not buy something just because it’s cheap.

Here’s an important note: If you get the job, you will have to dress in this manner on a regular basis, so invest in pieces you will wear quite a bit. If you are not sure what to wear, work with a store associate or personal stylist. We will make sure you are dressed well.

The title of this article is “Mastering Your Interview Attire” which means I want you to have multiple outfits. The reason is that many companies require multiple interviews before choosing a candidate. In fact, you may be contacted after an interview to schedule a second one within 24 hours of the first. Have a few outfits ready by creating a small capsule wardrobe for interviews. A capsule wardrobe is made up of garments that go together, usually in one color and accent color.

Take some of the anxiety and stress out of interviewing by BEING PREPARED mentally, emotionally, physically, and stylistically. Good luck and go get ‘em!

For more information on how to master your interview attire and dress for success, follow me on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mastering Your Interview Attire: Expert Tips For Crafting The Ideal Professional Wardrobe