We’ve heard them all.  Nightmare stories about firing squad panel interviews. Sinister mind games played by interviewers to see how well you’d hold up under stress.  And those impossible behavioral interviews that ask if you would nark on your shoplifting granny.  Who needs ghost stories around a campfire when you can hear these beauties at the water cooler? Is it worth it?  I think it is.  Are they intimidating?  Sure they are.  But, with a little preparation, you’ll be able to breeze through the process and live to tell your own stories some day.

Before the interview:

• Research.  Become as familiar with the company and position as you can ahead of time.  The Internet is an excellent source of information.  Study the job description and match up your skills and accomplishments with the core competencies your future employer is looking for.
• Know thy resume.   The person interviewing you will more than likely have a copy of it in front of them, so expect questions based upon the contents of your resume.  Think of ways you can expand upon what is written and let the interviewer you are going to be a great employee.
• Tie up any loose ends.  Know where and when the interview is.  Have a way there.  Do you need a sitter?  Book one now.   Are your interview clothes clean and well fitting?  Take care of this a few days before the interview, not the morning of.

Day of the interview:

• Appearances.  Make sure you’re well rested and have had a good meal before heading off to the interview.  Take one last look at yourself before you head out the door.  You need to look professional and put together.  Remember, easy on the fragrances.
• Timing.  Arrive early for your interview.  If you are kept waiting in the reception area past your interview time, don’t get angry or frustrated; this could be the stress portion of the interview.  Be gracious and remember, this IS the most important thing you have going on.
• Be enthusiastic!  Make eye contact and be friendly.  Answer all questions truthfully and don’t try to bluff when you don’t know the answer.  They are not only looking for your responses, but how you respond.  They’re also judging how well you will fit in with corporate culture.
• Sell yourself.  They know you’re qualified, otherwise you wouldn’t have been asked to come in for an interview.  But remember, there is a fine line between selling yourself and overkill.  Finally, ask for the job.  It’s one way they determine your enthusiasm for the position.

Post Interview:

• Thanks!  Thank them for their time.  Try to get their business cards or at the very least everyone’s first and last names and positions.  Let them know how much you appreciated the interview.
• Snail mail.  Write each person a thank you note as soon as you get home and try to get it in the mail on the same day.  Yes, e-mails are quicker and easier, but there is nothing like a personal note written in your own handwriting.  Offer to follow up in a few days.
• Follow up!  Call the interviewer and ask about the status of the position.  Use this opportunity to give yourself one last plug!

Technorati Tags: career consulting, interview tips, kevin tucker

My daughter who attends NAU is always complaining about the high price of gas and how difficult it is to keep her tank full with the current prices. Once again, that got me thinking on how an empty gas tank could relate to our career journeys. I then realized that we all have inner “gas tanks” which, depending upon how our search or life is going at any particular time could be 3/4 full or even on the big E.

But really, how full is your own tank; the one that needs to be renewed on a regular basis? Whether you’re the wannabe, worker bee, or even the head enchilada, you need to refuel yourself so that you continue to be productive and give of yourself to others. It’s difficult to pull energy from within when you are drained! Can you even remember the last time you filled your tank? What I mean by filling your tank is, what have you done to fill yourself spiritually, physically, and intellectually?

Filling your tank spiritually can happen many ways. You can participate in your faith’s activities or services; spend time daily reflecting, meditating, or praying. Reading or studying books or other materials can help to renew your spirit. Giving back to your community by volunteering does wonders for the soul also! Find a great cause and help!

Physical activity, some welcome it some dread it. Be that as it may, it’s a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind. Go for a walk, go to the gym, or do something with your kids. You’ll be amazed at your increased energy level!

When’s the last time that you read a book or attended a seminar or workshop that stimulated you intellectually? Do you have a hobby or have you thought about getting one? Does your career field have continuing education requirements, or maybe you’re thinking of updating your skills. Check out classes at the rec center or local college.

No matter what you are doing, take time to fill your tank. You’ll feel better for it.

Technorati Tags: kevin tucker, life coaching, self improvement

Just because school’s out, and everyone is leaving town to beat the heat, it doesn’t mean it’s time to take a vacation from your job search.  In fact, the timing couldn’t be better.  The economy is getting stronger and employers are starting to hire once again.  Here is some information to ignite your job search and get you the position you’ve been looking for!

Do you have access to a phone and an e-mail address?  It’s imperative that potential employers have a convenient way to contact you, otherwise, they may move on to the next qualified applicant.  If you don’t have a phone, ask a trusted friend or relative if you can use their number to put on applications and your résumé.  Make sure they know that if an employer tries to contact you through them, that it’s essential that you get the message ASAP!  If you don’t have a computer at home, your local library has computers with internet access for you to use free of charge!  You can set up a FREE e-mail account with Hotmail.com or Yahoo.com.  Check for e-mail messages frequently in case an employer is trying to contact you.

Is your résumé “package” current?  A basic resume package includes a resume, cover letter, reference sheet, and thank you letter. (Yes, a thank you letter!)  Is your contact information up to date on everything?   Does your resume reflect your most current skills and work experience?  It needs to communicate duties and responsibilities, followed by sold accomplishments that prove your ability to be successful in your position.   Your resume should also include keywords relevant to your industry and avoid any unnecessary words.  Sometimes you only have 15 to 30 seconds to show a prospective employer your value and possible contributions to their company before they move onto the next résumé in the pile.  A well written cover letter will include the position you’re applying for, express your interest in the position and the company, outline your qualifications and accomplishments in comparison to the job description, and ask for an opportunity to interview.  Your reference sheet will have both professional and personal references that an employer can call to verify your character and work habits.  Include their name, mailing address, and a phone number where they can be reached.  Make sure the individuals that you include on your reference sheet will be able to paint a positive picture about you.  Finally, a simple thank you note to the person(s) you interviewed with is a nice touch and should thank the interviewer for their time, once again express interest in the position, and reaffirm your qualifications.

Network, network, network!  Everybody knows somebody and somebody knows about a job somewhere!  Tell your friends and family that you’re looking.  More than likely, they would love to assist and will help you brainstorm!  Join a job networking group.  Your place of worship, the library, and the unemployment office are great resources for finding out about these groups.

The internet is your friend, but not your only one.  A lot of jobs are posted on the Internet, but also utilize your local newspaper, job publications such as The Job Examiner (distributed at grocery stores and gas stations) and watch for career fairs.  If you are a recent graduate or alumni, your school may have a career services center.  Many schools often have relationships with employers who are looking for newly graduated students.  Consider an internship.  They can turn into a regular position.  Target companies that you would like to work for and pay them a visit.  You may not get past the receptionist, but you could come away with an application and a job lead that wasn’t announced anywhere else. Temporary agencies are also a good avenue.  Find one in the phone book that specializes in your field of work.  Headhunters are also another source as they are often retained by companies to fill vacant positions.

Get organized!  Keep track of resumes you have submitted, applications you have filled out, and companies you have interviewed with.  You should know where you are in the process for each and every job you apply for.  Key information to track is:

• Position title, company name, address, phone number, and point of contact.
• How you heard about the position, date applied, and the method (fax, e-mail, internet, in person, or mail).
• Any information you have about the position and the company as well as any notes from conversations or interviews you’ve had with the point of contact.

Do something positive everyday for your search.  By doing something everyday you will be moving forward, gathering momentum to get you that job that you’ve been searching for!

Technorati Tags: assessments, career coaching, job search, kevin tucker, resume

Have you ever wondered why some people come away with jobs from job fairs, while other just throw their résumé into the black hole of Human Resources? Have a plan of attack to make the job fair work for you!

• Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. You and a lot of other people will be competing to make a good first impression. What is going to set you a part from the rest of the crowd?
• Smile! You’re nervous and they know it! Experts say that it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. So, relax and smile!
• The eyes have it! Making eye contact is especially important when answering questions. Eye contact establishes a level of trust with the interviewer.
• Be truthful! Most people have hit snags in their careers at one time or another. But, it is no reason to be misleading on a résumé or in an interview. Use this opportunity to explain what happened and how you have grown and learned from the situation.
• Watch your mouth! Never, ever use profanity. This also includes slang terms. You need to sound polished and professional. You also may want to “rehearse” a short, 30 second “commercial” highlighting your skills, accomplishments, and anything else unique that will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd.

A few parting thoughts… Have plenty of crisp, error free résumés printed on quality résumé stock handy. When you do give out a résumé, be sure to get a business card from whomever you give it to. Jot down on the back of the card the position title and any other pertinent information. When you get home, write a quick note thanking the person for their time and reiterate why you’re the best candidate for their job opening. It’s a nice touch that leaves a great impression.

Technorati Tags: Coaching, job fair, resumes

If people in the office have pegged you for having a negative attitude, and you know they’re right, is there anything that can be done? Can you change?

The answer is “Of course you can.” Attitudes can be changed, responses can be changed-people can undergo complete transformations of character sometimes. If you feel you want to revamp your attitude, here are a few things to keep in mind according to The Six Success Strategies for Winning at Life, Love & Business by Wolf J. Rinke:

Attitudes are not something we are born with- they are created, which means they can be recreated as well.

Attitudes are infectious. Try to spend time around people who have good attitudes and who make you feel good. When you are around a positive person you will feel energized-not robbed.

Try to start your day on a positive note. It might feel phony at first, but it will become second nature if you keep at it. Possibly start each day with giving someone a small compliment.

Greet people like you are genuinely happy to see them-then try to think of reasons why you are genuinely happy to see them.

Instead of heading straight for defensive mode and expecting the worst out of others, reverse the process and try expecting the best out of everyone.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Throw your perfectionism out. It won’t do you a bit of good and will likely make you seem like a grouch since you are essentially setting yourself up for failure because no one’s perfect.

Technorati Tags: attitude, change, Coaching, kevin tucker

So you are thinking that it might be a good time to make a career change? The key reason for change for most people is the idea of being fulfilled with one’s work or it could have something to do with a certain time of your life, the state of the economy, or maybe even something in your current job that you just know - it’s time to move on.

Next to sleep, most Americans spend more time in their workplace than anywhere else. No one - not your spouse, children, or church community - gets more of our attention than our workplace.

Everyone needs and should feel passionate about their careers - it affects all other areas of our lives! Next to sleep, most Americans spend more time in their workplace than anywhere else. No one - not our spouse, children or church community - gets more of our attention than our workplace. Shouldn’t you do all you can to make sure it’s a great fit for you?

Your first step is to know what you want. What are you good at? Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? Then examine the outlook for the job - can you see yourself doing it? Are there major technology changes that could affect it?

Finally, learn from others that are already in the field. Network. Network. Network. Go to different association meetings and even try your hand at informational interviewing - it can be a great way to find that perfect fit for you!

Technorati Tags: career change, career passion, Networking