Tag: interview tips

3 Interview Preparation Activities to Implement Before Your Next Interview

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Landing your next job interview can be daunting, but with a plan in place, you can increase your chances of acing it. Here are four tips to help you prepare. Firstly, do your research and find out as much as you can about the company. Secondly, find the location of the interview, if it in person. If the interview is over the phone or through video, double check your equipment to assure that it is working before the interview actually takes place. Thirdly, create interview questions for the interview beforehand. Finally, arrive on time and be prepared for anything that comes your way! Being on time or early for an interview is a given folks. I’m sure you don’t want anyone wasting your time, you should not waste anyone else’s time either. BE ON TIME…PERIOD!

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career. However, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that you make a good impression and land the job. First, it’s important to do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company, their values, and the role you’re interviewing for. This will help you to ask questions that demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the organization. Second, prepare your equipment or find the location of your interview (if it is in person) beforehand. This will help you to stay calm and not get so stressed out before the interview. Third, practice your responses to common interview questions and create your own questions for the interviewers. Finally, be sure to arrive early and bring copies of your resume and any other relevant materials with you to the interview. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of impressing the interviewer and landing the job.

That’s it for now. If you need some additional help preparing for your next job interview, check out my audio series resource here. In the meantime, start practicing these techniques so that you can walk into your interview feeling confident and prepared. Thanks for watching and reading!

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4 Illegal Interview Questions & How to Handle Them…Professionally

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

You’re all dressed up, you’ve made it to the interview round and now there’s just one more hurdle: the questions. While some are perfectly legit, others could get you into trouble. Here are four illegal interview questions and how to respond if they come up. (Hint: It’s all about staying professional.)

Looking for a job is hard enough as it is, without running into potential roadblocks along the way – which is why knowing what illegal interview questions to watch out for is key. With that in mind, here are four of the most common ones to watch out for – along with tips on how to handle them like a pro.

So, what exactly are illegal interview questions? They are any questions that related to protected characteristics, such as race, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Asking these types of questions is not only unethical – it’s also against the law.

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #1 – HOW OLD ARE YOU?

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #2 – WHAT IS YOUR SALARY HISTORY?

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #3 – DO YOU OWN A CAR?

ILLEGAL INTERVIEW QUESTION #4 – HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ARRESTED BEFORE?

Illegal interview questions are, unfortunately, more common than you might think. In fact, a study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that nearly 60% of employers have asked at least one illegal question during a job interview. The Fair Labor Standards Act Laws (FLSA) prohibit all types of discrimination based on gender, race and other specified protected classes. To obtain more details, click here.

Fortunately, there are ways to handle illegal interview questions professionally. If you’re ever put in this situation, here’s what you should do:

1. Thank the interviewer for their time and say that you’re not comfortable answering the question because they may be illegal based on FLSA practices.
2. Always start of with the question, “how is this question relevant to the job?“.
3. Respond with a general answer that doesn’t provide any specific information about your protected characteristic. For example, if you’re asked about your religion, you could say that you respect all religions and believe that everyone has the right to practice their own faith.
4. Redirect the conversation back to your qualifications for the job.
5. If the interviewer persists, politely end the interview and contact an attorney or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for consultation.

Although you can never be too prepared for an interview, having a general understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate to ask will help ease your mind. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being asked an illegal questions, don’t panic. Stay calm and collected and remember that it is more important to maintain professionalism than to jeopardize your career. Finally, if you need additional help or have any questions about how to handle a difficult interview situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here. I would be happy to offer my assistance!

Looking for other services such as interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization and career strategy consultations? Go here.

If you are looking for help in the overall job market, interview tips and more, purchase my new book here.

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Interview Tips for High School & College Grads

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Listen high school and college students, graduation is around the corner. Before you know it will be June and you will be walking on that stage to get your diploma or college degree. Phew…you’re almost there…just stay focused. After that faithful graduation day in June 2022, is when the real work begins as you start your job search and job interviews. Preparation is key in any situation, and job interviews are no exception. By knowing what to expect and practicing some interview techniques, you can feel confident and ready for your interview. Keep reading for some tips on how to make a great first impression!

1. Do your research on the company and the position for which you’re interviewing.
I can’t emphasize enough how important this tip is. It can make or break your chances of making a good impression on the interviewer and exhibit your interest in the company overall. You have the internet at your fingertips with your phone or your computer, use it to get your research done to prepare for your interviews. Please take notes of your research to help you with talking points for the actual interview.

2. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the role.
It is extremely important for you to understand, you are interviewing the company as much as the company is interviewing you. Ask questions about their company morale, overall working conditions and environment and overall what some of the current employees have to say about the company. You want to make sure that this company’s environment is for you. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions about adaptable is the company to change in their marketplace. Those are just a few things you should ask them.

3. Practice answering common interview questions ahead of time.
Since you may be fairly new to this process, please practice responding to common interview questions, like you would rehearse for your lines in the school play or practicing a speech for your next presentation. You should practice with someone that will be able to ask the common interview questions and will provide honest feedback after the practice interview is completed.

4. Dress professionally and make sure your hair and makeup are done nicely.
This next tip should be common sense but based on my professional experience, adults will surprise you…and not in a good way. I have unfortunately seen and heard people showing up for a job interview with jeans and wrinkled t-shirt with sneakers but expect to be taken seriously in the interview. If you are going to take the time to attend any job interview, even if it is for a fast food restaurant, please dress professionally. No matter how the staff is dressed, please present yourself as a professional.

The most important thing you can do when it comes to your job interview is prepare. Be sure that you know the company and position well, research what they’re looking for in a candidate, and practice answering any questions they may ask. A lot of people think they don’t need to study anymore once their application has been submitted – but this couldn’t be more wrong! Remember, an interview isn’t just about how good you are at answering questions; it also shows them how much preparation went into getting there. If you want some help preparing or if you’re interested in learning more about our Interview Consultation Service, connect with me by click here.

I know the excitement of preparing to start a new chapter can be exhilarating and scary all at the same time but these tips are here to help you on your career journey. If you are still have questions or need help putting your career path together, go ahead and connect with me here.

2 Things to do…Before, During and After the Job Interviews

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

If you are applying for new jobs and getting interviews, then know you are doing something right. Your career tools are working for you. Your resumes and cover letters are getting past the applicant tracking system, also known as ATS into human hands. If your #resumes or #coverletters are not getting you interviews, I have a resources to review them to make sure they are doing their job to market you well and land you interviews. Go check out my resource here.

Ok, so your landing job interviews and the whole process makes you nervous right? I totally understand. I still get nervous when I have business meetings and do interviews, but I also have preparation, strategy and specific goals already established before attending any of those interviews. I want you to be armed and ready to handle those job interviews, like the professional that you are.

In this video, I go over two things you need to do BEFORE THE INTERVIEW…DURING THE INTERVIEW & AFTER THE INTERVIEW to increase your chances of getting the career opportunity/job you want.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW (Do these two (2) things)
1. Ask for all the interviewers full name and titles. You want to be prepared for a panel interview or one-person interview. Bring the appropriate amount of resumes based on the number of interviewers. Thinking about it more, bring some extra copies of your resumes, just in case.

2. Ask about the appropriate the dress code for the interview, if it is in-person. You want to be prepared for what the interviewer may be expect from you.

Looking for additional help with getting ready for your next interview, go here to access the interview audio series to help strategically prepare for your next interview.

DURING THE INTERVIEW (Do these two (2) things)
1. Ask the interviewer this question: What personality type are you looking for to fill this position?
It allows you to obtain information about what type of environment they are looking to create with the person in this position. Please take notes, so you can be prepared to respond positively. This question will also reveal the overall company culture and the mindset of the interviewer responding to it.

2. Ask this other multilayered questions: Did you recently create this position? If not, did you recently loose the employee filling this position due to retirement or termination? If so, what were some of the positive things the last person in the position did right? What were some of the areas that need development that you are hoping to correct with the next candidate?

AFTER THE INTERVIEW (Do these two (2) things)
1. Follow up with the interviewer/employer by writing them a thank you letter sent via email or snail mail. You may also want to send them a handwritten thank you card.

2. Ask about the timelines in them making their decision on the candidate choice. Follow-up with them again via email, if you do not receive a response from them within the timeline they specifically told you.

If you are looking for direct interview coaching where I get industry specific with you and provide proven strategies for you before, during and after the interview, go here.

Interview Question: What are your weaknesses?

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Sometimes, interviewers literally pull questions off the internet to ask right before your interview begins, but do not make the mistake of not answering their questions strategically…it can cost you the job or career opportunity.

Some interviewers like to ask this question “What are your weaknesses?” to see how you respond non-verbally and along with what you have to say. This question can throw you for a loop if you are not aware of the objective. The objective of this question is for you, as the interviewee to communicate how you overcome weakness or challenges in your professional career by telling a story about yourself. In the video, I provide a couple of examples of how you would respond positively and professionally to this question.

If you have need additional guidance and support to be fully prepared in your next interview, schedule an interview session with my by going here…where I work with you directly to properly equip you to efficiently handle all aspects before, during and after the interview.

If you want to work with me to in other ways or support, go here.

Want to connect with me or get general career questions answered? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW or go here to leave me a voicemail or email message which will be returned within 24 hours.

Interview Question Series: What pay rate are you looking for?

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

When you are in the #interviews, whether face to face, over the phone or through some form of video based technological platform, you must prepare for the possible questions they will ask and have your questions ready to ask the employer or employer representative as well.

I have experienced this question with quite a few employment agencies trying to gauge what rate of pay I am willing to accept. In the video, I talk about three (3) ways to respond to this interview question without committing to an actual pay rate before the job or career opportunity is offered.

If you are looking for one-on-one help with your next interview on strategies, let’s work together by you going here.

The book is on the way!! You can pre-order the book here.

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Connect with me by commenting below or go here to leave me a voicemail or email message which will receive a response within 24 hours.go here to leave me a voicemail or email message

MentorShelly’s Main Focus

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

I wanted to make sure the information provided on this channel is helping who it was intended to help and focus on the important aspects of #career development #interview coaching and maintaining your #career journey with a #success mindset.

The goal is to help you soar in your career whether you are starting out from high school, college or trade school, on your entrepreneurial journey or changing careers.

For those who desire to live your DREAM Career but have no idea how and where you should begin? You can start by taking advantage of my FREE DREAM Career Guide by going here.

As a Career Coach, I offer of services and products to serve your career and interview needs by going here.

If you have general career development, interview and job search questions, requests or discussion points, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW or go HERE.

Job Interview Mishaps & How to Work Through Them

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

There are times in the job/career search that circumstances beyond your control takes over from your normal preparation process. Still do your best to prepare. As discussed in the video, you may receive a call for a job interview at the last minute, so you can do your best to take the best actions with a limited timeline.

You can still work through those “mishaps” by checking my audio series here.

Not every situation is perfect, nor will you have control over all the parameters surrounding your next interview but still do your best to prepare with this audio series.

Just wanted to share the excitement!!!!! The new book is going through editing now, you can pre-order my newest work “From Clueless Teenager to Consummate Professional” by going here.

Have career-related topic suggestions? Comment below or go here where you can leave me a voicemail or an email message with I respond within 24 hours.

Second Interview Coaching Tips to Get the Job

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

You know how nervous you get for the first interview, but your second #interview you must be strategic in your approach when you meet with this employer again.

If you have gone through any of my one-one-one #interviewcoaching sessions, then you will have notes from the first interview to use in the second interview. If you want to work with me one-on-one, then go here to start the process.

There’s some other tips discussed in the video, but ultimately, preparation and research is paramount.

If you have general questions about #careers #jobsearch and other related topics,go here.

Communicate Your Value in the Marketplace

Posted on by MentorShelly, the DREAM Career Coach

Understanding how to handle yourself when interacting with business owners & #hr during the #jobinterview process is very important. Your level of #professionalism and asking the right questions can determine how lucrative the #jobopportunity can truly be.

Want to be ready for your next job interviews, knowing what to say, knowing what to ask to maximize your career opportunities?
Schedule your interview coaching session here.

Want to see your suggested job or career-focused topic in the next video, leave a comment or connect with me here.