The ONE Question That Can Ruin Your Interview

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

If you’re job searching, sooner or later you’re going to have to sit through some interviews. I recently read an article about the ONE question that if answered improperly can destroy your chances at winning the job. What is that question, you ask? And how do I answer it properly?

According to the article your best bet is to answer it honestly, which of course shouldn’t really need to be said.

Preparation is a key element in acing an interview. My recommendation to you is this, think about the questions you’ve been asked in past interviews and come up with good answers. Get comfortable with the questions and with your answers, including the ONE.

To read the article about The One Question That Can Ruin Your Interview click here.

 

 

 

8 Rules for Job Seekers

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Here’s an article with 8 pieces of advice from a job coach with experience in all aspects of the job search.

Give it a read and maybe you’ll pick up an idea or two that can help you in your job search.

Click here to read the article.

How to Make a Potential Employer Love You

Posted by: Darlene Duncan. CWDP. JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
Training Coordinator

In my never ending quest to find material for this blog, I recently came across an article with some wonderful advice about how to make a potential employer fall in love with you (as a job candidate).

The workshops presented at the One-Stops in Volusia and Flagler counties follow a great deal of what the article recommends. The writer has reviewed hundreds of résumés and conducted many interviews, so this information comes from an individual with a lot of practical real world experience in the realm of hiring.

Click here to read the article.

Are You A Worry Wart?

Posted by: Darlene Duncan. CWDP. JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
Training Coordinator

What do you worry about?

Here’s a list of some of the most common things people worry about.

Money
Keeping a job
Getting a job
Health issues
The economy

If these aren’t things you worry about, mentally add whatever it is you worry about to the list.

Now look over the entire list. Think about each item for a moment. Answer this question. Will my worry have a positive effect on the outcome of (fill in the blank with whatever you worry about)?

For example, is worrying about being laid off going to prevent it from happening? Probably not. There are those times when it doesn’t matter how good a job you do or how valuable you are to the company, they’re going to lay you off. Is worrying about it going to help? No. Instead, do something about it. What can you do?

There are a couple of things. One, find out if there’s any way you can stay with the company. Can you become more valuable by doing extra things? Maybe you know how to do your job and someone else’s too. Once you have exhausted the possibility of keeping your job and have learned that it’s just not going to happen, start looking for that new job now, while you still have a job. Because, believe it or not, it’s easier to find a job when you already have a job.

The reality is that the majority of the things we worry about never come to pass. With that in mind, I have a suggestion for you. Stop worrying about things you have no control over. Instead, use that worry energy to take action. It’s really very simple. I didn’t say it was easy, I said it was simple. How simple? Every time you catch yourself worrying about something you have no control over, STOP. We all do self-talk, whether you admit it or not. So ask yourself, what can I do that could have a positive effect on this issue? Once you have the answer to that question you can move forward by beginning to take action.

Less worry equals less stress; less stress is good for your health. The better you feel, the more energy you have and the better you present yourself to potential employers.

Bottom line, stop worrying about things you have no control over and get busy doing things to improve your situation.

Youth vs. Maturity

Posted by: Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
Training Coordinator

First of all let me say, yes, age discrimination does exist, in spite of it being against the law. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we can move on.

The truth is that if you concentrate more on your qualifications, experience, and abilities and worry less about how your age will be viewed you’ll stand a better chance.

You worrying about your age comes through in many subtle ways. Eroding your self-confidence is the most obvious way it damages your job search. Instead of thinking about how old you are, think about the experience, skills and know how you bring to an employer.

A friend of mine brought an article to my attention that goes into more detail on this issue and offers suggestions on how to use your age to your advantage. Click here to read the article.