1-How to Get a Job With No Experience?
o 1
Keep an open mind about the employment opportunities available to you. You may not want to work as a waitress or sales clerk, but these jobs may lead to a managerial position. Entry-level jobs provide the necessary stepping stones for you to progress to higher positions.
o 2
Create a resume. Even if you have no work experience, nearly all businesses will ask you to provide a resume before they consider hiring you. Your resume may include: your level of education, any leadership positions you have held (captain of a sports team or president of a club), your set of skills (typing, researching, writing, organizing), and two or three references. Your references should be people who know you well and who can vouch that you are a responsible and hard-working person. (Consider asking a teacher, religious leader, neighbor or family friend to be a reference. Do not ask family members to act as your references.) Your resume should fit onto one page and should be printed on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper.
o 3
Start networking. Many people obtain jobs through social networking. Ask your family and friends about job opportunities at their place of employment; let them know you are looking for a job and ask them to tell you about any job openings they may hear about. Also, visit local restaurants, stores and other businesses you frequent to inquire about any open positions.
o 4
Look for entry-level positions in the newspaper or search online at sites like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com. Choose a few jobs that interest you and fill out an application form. You should also consider job fields that often hire workers with little or no experience. Head to a shopping mall, grocery store, movie theater or community center to see if they are hiring. You may want to search the job boards at your local community center, too. Often, these boards are filled with part-time and entry-level positions for child care, elderly care or small handy jobs like lawn-mowing and weeding.
o 5
Consider an internship or volunteer opportunities. Obtaining an internship or signing up as a volunteer are useful ways to build your resume and get practical job experience. Some internships also provide a small stipend. To attain an internship or to become a volunteer, research companies or organizations that peak your interest (an animal shelter, a community theater or a local business). Contact the human resources department to see if any internship or volunteer opportunities are available at the organization. If the company is in need of an intern or volunteer, fill out any necessary application forms and arrange a time for an interview. Alternately, you may search for internships online at Internships.com.
o 6
Register with a temporary agency. Temporary agencies, often called temp agencies, align their workers with short-term jobs. At times, these short-term positions turn into full-time jobs. Find a temp agency in your area (such as Kelly Services or the American Staffing Association) and register to become one of their workers. You will need to provide the agency with a list of your skills and any pertinent experience you have. You may also need to take a drug test.
2-Tips for Writing a Job Application Letter
Employers receive dozens, even hundreds of applications for a job position, so it’s important to make sure that the application letter you send along with your resume stands out and creates a good first impression. It’s your chance to say why you want to land the job and establish yourself as an aspirant for the position in a manner that should impress your prospective employer.
In preparing to do some letter writing for job application, you need to read the job ad carefully so that you can tailor-fit your application to the needs of the job. You should also see if there are any specific instruction about submitting a resume, whether the company prefers email or walk-in applicants.
Once you start writing the letter, remember to keep it brief and to the point. There’s no need for an overload of details. Your goal is to make a simple and clear explanation of your qualification for the job. Another thing to remember is to write the content in a way that is persuasive enough move the recruiter to read your resume. Your paragraphs, three at the most, should be composed short and informative sentences. Don’t forget to check your spelling, punctuation and grammar for any error. Mistakes can really affect your application negatively.
If you need a guide for the content of your letter, here is the common structure in letter writing for job application:
State the position you are applying for – mention the title of the job in the first sentence of your letter. If there’s a reference code in the ad, include that as well. This will make sure that your letter directly reaches the correct person who is responsible for hiring people. Mention how you found out about the job opening.
Explain why you feel you are the right one for the position – Briefly mention your specialization, your years of experience, or, if you are a recent graduate, your major and any relevant training. You may also add any skill or achievements that you can use that corresponds to the requirement of the job.
Lastly, be appreciative and inform the employer on how you intend to follow up for an interview – Don’t forget to thank the recruiting person for reading your application. Before you close the letter, mention how they are going to reach you should they request to see you personally or tell them that you are going to call within the week of your application to follow up for interview.
3-Self Description In Interviews
Once you have been invited to an interview you must get ready to create the image of someone
Once you have been invited to an interview you must get ready to create the image of someone they will surely want to hire above all other job applicants.
Everybody has an opinion as to how you do that, but what do you actually do and what do you say? Self-description in your introduction is THE key to interview success because you are starting from a baseline position where they have no experience of who you are or what you are like.
Yes, they should have read your resume and the cover letter you sent in, but that only gave them enough information for them to want to see you in person.
Now you are going to meet the hiring manager in person, you have a one-off make or break opportunity to get them to see you as the only person they want to employ.
As you know, interviewers will often rely heavily on their first impressions, to the extent that the interview becomes merely a confirmation of that first impression, either good or bad.
So if self-introduction is your key to interview success, the first and most important aim is to create a positive first impression. Everybody has an opinion as to how you do that: look em in the eye, give em a firm handshake, speak up and dont mumble; know your stuff. All good ideas, but what do you actually do and what do you say?
4-How to Avoid Common Interview Mistakes?
Most of the time when we go for interviews we tend to get well prepared, well dressed, jot down a note on what to say, what to present and how to present but we seldom think about what to . We all do mistakes and most of them turn out to be silly but they cost a lot, especially when we do not have much to pay for it. Whether you know it or not it definitely takes a lot of effort from both ends, to reach up to an interview and it is always suggested to give it a best shot. Though it is a general paradigm but not always the interviewer looks for suitable skills and experience; it is the right attitude, which makes the difference. Here is a list of some silly errors we tend to ignore but are well observed at the interview.
1. Arrogance :---
Talking of techies, first thing comes to anyone mind is high-handedness. Yes, you got the knowledge, the experience and also the right quality but also you got arrogance. Over confidence sometime shows the interviewer that you are of chesty in nature. Answers like Thats nothing, I have solved bigger problems should be replaced with Oh!!! That is interesting, I have solved similar problems Ever heard of great people talking on their ego? You too are great; just maintain your cool and you would reach where you want to go.
2. Money Minded :---
Money is surely very important part of the job, but lets not give emphasis to it during the interview. First, you need to prove that you are the one the company is looking for. After things are passed, you can discuss these things with the HR people. Remember, when you proved yourself well in the interview, there is a chance that you can bargain with the HR, but if you are out from the 1st round itself, you do not even get the original offer. There is a chance that the interviewer would like to know why you want to change your current job; do not mention that it is for money. Think about it and talk intelligently.
3. Too much talking or not talking at all :---
Another common blunder we do is, talk, talk and keep talking as if this is the only chance you get during the entire interview process and eventually the same thing happens. You know that you are being asked to prove yourself and not to provide yourself. So talk intelligently and always keep good pause to give the chance to the interviewer to interrupt. This will make the conversation live from both ends. Another way, at times we are not communicative at all. This is clear cut signal that you are not fit for a team player. This might also give an indication that you are not interested in the job, role etc.
4. Lack of Involvement :---
When you are at the interviewers wager, you got to show interest with the interviewing process. Not showing interest or showing lack of interest would lessen your chance for the selection. When you are asked or conveyed something, be curios to know more and also be a good listener. You need to ask question that would be of common interest or in the interest of the company.
5-PHONE INTERVIEWS
Phone interviews seem to be growing more common as search committees try to make the difficult decision of who to invite for a campus interview. When you pass this level you will pass to the interview, and to campus for in-person interviews, and ultimatelyoffered the position! If you are not interviewed by phone, these same questions are likely to be asked on site. Some helpful hints: Introduce yourself clearly and directly. Engage in some “small talk” at the start of the interview, just as you would a face-to-face interview. Speak clearly into the receiver and modulate your voice. Your voice is the only way you have of showing eagerness, enthusiasm and zest for the job. Your voice reveals both your personality and your attitude toward the caller. Don’t forget to smile! It makes a big difference in a conversation, even on the telephone. Have your resume and the job advertisement with you for reference, and a pencil and some paper to make notes. Some students find that it helps to dress for a telephone interview as you would for a face-to-face interview – it often helps to psychologically prepare you for this form of business “meeting”. No matter how or where your interview is conducted, you should still have the same goal: to communicate to the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the position for which you are being interviewed. If the interview has been scheduled in advance, you should prepare as carefully as you would for a formal “sit down” in someone’s office. Eliminate any distractions from your immediate environment (desk toys, newspaper clippings, your shopping list). Dress professionally and maintain good posture. The one bonus to a telephone interview is that you can prearrange notes to prompt you and to keep you on track, but only if you can refer to them unobtrusively. You do not want the person on the
other end of the line to hear you shuffling papers in the background!
6-Common Phone Interview Questions
Common Phone Interview Questions
So let's take a look at some of the popular phone interview questions you might be asked:
1. Tell Me a little about yourself?
This is often the first question in the line of phone interview questions which you will be asked. This question is basically asked in order to break the ice and build some rapport for rest of the interview.
Here you should mention your basic personality traits which you believe are related to their business. You should aim to keep it short, sweet, to the point and professional.
2. Where are you currently employed and since when?
This should just be confirming information you have provided in your application or resume and must be accurate! Tell the interviewer your current employer and the dates since you have been employed.
Do not even suggest anything negative no matter how you might feel about your current employer!
3. What made you apply for this position?
This is one of those phone interview questions which can be a little tricky. The reason being, that it can also be worded as "Why are you leaving your present job?"
You want to emphasise the positives. So talk about what you perceive the growth opportunities to be at their company and yes, you can mention any blocks to development at your present job.
No matter what, never say bad or demeaning things about your present employer. If the interviewer is interested in knowing the reason for leaving your present job, then you should talk about things which are beyond your control such as "My entire department is relocating and I don't want to relocate even though I was given the option of moving."
4. What are your daily/primary responsibilities in your current job?
The interviewer wants to see whether you can summarize, in a single sentence or twi, your daily activities at your current job. Again you should keep it short and simple but cover everything. Only expand on specific details if the interviewer asks for them.
5. What are your goals for the future?
Here you are being asked about your long term rather than your immediate goals. This is a good time to talk about wanting to work for an organization which provides you with opportunities for growth and development and perhaps take on more responsibilities.
6. Why should we employ you?
Here you want to give a a short overview of your accomplishments and how they will help them as an employer. Also mention any skills you have gained at former or your present workplace and emphasize how they match the job description of the role you are applying for.
7-The Group Interview
In a group interview you will find yourself answering questions and working in tasks alongside your competition for the job.
Group interviews save time, which saves the company money. A pool of candidates can be whittled down effectively in one swoop. Plus, they allow the interviewer to directly compare how candidates perform.
You will need to demonstrate you have what it takes in whatever tasks you face. Just like any organisation, the success of the group depends on the cohesion of the people within it.
Interview questions are all about using your past behaviour to try and predict how you will perform in the future. Group tasks allow the interviewer(s) to see how you react. They get actual evidence of how you respond rather than just statements to sell yourself in the interview.
You will be asked to perform group tasks as part of the interview. Any tasks will be chosen very specifically to monitor how the group interacts. The interviewer(s) will be watching and listening. Its your job to make sure they choose you to go forward by standing out in the group.
Your aim is to arouse their interest - you cant win the job in a group interview….but you can lose it. You want to make sure you are selected to go forward and get a face to face interview so they can learn more about you.
What will they be looking for?
Teamworking
Group dynamics will be observed to see how the candidates respond to the designed challenges and whether you show the right personality traits.
Communication skills
Communication is vital to success in a group interview, as in the wider business world The best interviewees understand the importance of communication, and know how communicate effectively within the group
Organisational skills
Most people try to assume the role of group leader. This may be a great idea if you are going for a management position, but what if you’re not? It’s far more important to actually show the qualities that the interviewers want to see. What are the attributes necessary for the role? By doing your background research (link) to prepare for the interview, you will be prepared to give the interviewer what they want to see .
8-Tips for Salary Negotiation at Interview
Salary negotiation is an important part of any final job interview, from both the interviewer and interviewee’s point of view. Salary has to be negotiated in such a way, that both the parties remain benefited. But often poor negotiation skill of the interviewee can spoil the entire process and result into unsatisfactory output. Don’t let your poor negotiation spoil your future. Here are some tips for you.
Don’t rush towards the negotiation process
Undoubtedly salary is one of the main pulling factors behind job switching. Being tempted by better salary we often change jobs. And that’s a common interest for both you and the interviewer; since the interviewer has to pay you. That’s an obvious question which may crop up at any part of the interview process. But don’t rush towards the salary discussion. When asked you may quote your expected salary or say it can be worked out later.
Know your value first
To ask for a reasonable salary, first you need to find your own market value. Judge your value in terms of logical perception of your knowledge, experience, skills and expertise, achievements, training, brand association and educational qualification.
Organization’s pay structure
Some organizations may have their own pay structure as per the candidates’ educational levels. Defined salary structures are at times made flexible, depending on candidate’s exclusive skills or extra-ordinary caliber. Know these pay structures before negotiating salary.
Exclusive position
In case your job position is quite unique and exclusive or you are the only one who could get through the interview process you can call for a premium amount of salary. As for example, if the concerned company keeps only one brand manager and you have been selected as the one, you can ask for a good salary package.
Industry rate
Know the industry rate first. Know how much other companies in the same industry are paying to its employees, at similar level like you. Knowing the industry rate will help you in the negotiation process to put forth a logical demand of salary.
Put your greed aside
Don’t get too greedy about money. A good company can’t be missed out for a few extra bucks. If everything is fine and you decide to join, don’t let the greed come in between. If you are getting a decent package, join it. Later on with time as you build good rapport and prove your skills salary hike won’t be a problem for you. Consider the entire package, not just winning negotiation. Too tall demand of yours may make the interviewer find you unreasonable or money minded. So be fair, gentle and not too pushy.
Let a good negotiation bring you good luck and the dream job.
9-How to Know if You Have Been Accepted for a Job ?
• If they told you to come for a second interview. This is a good indication that you are being considered for the position. Otherwise, they will not waste time asking you back for another meeting. You would probably be presented to another manager for final decision.
• If your interview lasted longer than the other applicants. If you saw that the previous applicants were given only a few minutes while you were interviewed for half an hour, you may assume that they are more interested in you.
• If they confirmed how they can get in touch with you. You would know you have a good chance if the interviewer verified your contact number, and asked for the best time to call you.
• If they gave you a tour of their department or office. Employers must be seriously considering you to be a part of their team, if they introduced you to their other employees. If you felt you were warmly received, and all of the people in the office are smiling, this may mean you might be probably starting soon.
• If the interviewer was nodding and smiling as you spoke. These gestures may be considered as signs of approval. This translates to her / his support and agreement, and may mean a positive endorsement for the position you are applying for.
• If the staff and the interviewer seem to anticipate your presence in their office. If they are expecting your appearance for the interview, it may mean that they were impressed by your résumé, and are eager to meet you.
• If you were asked how soon you can start if hired. This is an affirmation that you are being seriously thought of to fill the vacant position. This may also mean that they need an applicant that is ready to fill up the position on short notice.
• If salary and benefits were discussed in the interview. Most recruitment officers find it unnecessary to talk about these matters if they are not interested in the applicant. If they consider hiring you, they will discuss remuneration and perks to assess if you will be amenable to their offer.
• If you learn that the company checked on your background and references. There are companies that will go as far as calling your references and talking to people in your neighborhood to know your character, if you already passed their standards.
• If they made comments like “We’ll see you soon” or “We’re looking forward to having you as part of our organization”. These increase the odds that you will most likely be hired. Saying these is analogous to welcoming you on board.
There may be other hints that would give you an inkling that you are “the one” chosen for the job. But the truth is, you never really know if you have been accepted for a job unless you receive a call, or in some cases, a letter, stating that you were the one preferred for the position.
10-Turning a Temporary Job Into a Permanent One
A company often employs temporary employees in order to complete various projects when there is insufficient money in the project budget to hire a full-time worker.There can be several other cases as well such as if an employee is required for a specific project only, or when a permanent employee is on an extended leave. Although there are many people who like to switch their jobs from place to place as temporaries, there are some who wish to turn their temporary job into a full-time position.
Here are some tips that can help you to attain your goals.
1. Be a role model for other employee. Show up on the job on time or try to come early if you can. Remember to dress appropriately and avoid taking early leave long breaks. You can think of the temp placement as an extended job interview. Every move can make or destroy your impression.
2. Talk to the HR department to ask about any open positions and inform them that you are interested to work with the company. Your manager can assume that you’re happy working as a temp, so its better to let them know that you’d be happier as a full-time employee.
3. Prove your worth by going beyond your temp description. Look for extra duties and do the extra work wholeheartedly. Ask around if you can help anyone in other departments. This is because your department may not be hiring, but another one might be.
4. Just because you’re a temp and will be going to the office for a few weeks doesn’t mean that you can’t make friends. Ask others to join you for lunch. Try to mingle and make some good contacts. If you successfully become a part of team, the team leaders might opt to keep you around.
5. Remember to leave a copy of the resume with contact information when you leave the job, even if the company isn’t currently hiring. This will brighten your chances of being called up incase a position opens up.
11-How to Prepare for Your First Day on a New Job?
When you begin a new journey in your career, it is completely natural to feel nervous. You are entering an unknown work environment.
When you begin a new journey in your career, it is completely natural to feel nervous. You are entering an unknown work environment. You think you will be able to meet the demands and expectations of the job, but you arent confident.These feelings are natural. When you are starting your first day on a new job, here are some tips to help you get through the first day with flying colors
1.GET READY EARLY
Wake up early enough so you can take your time getting ready for your new job. Nothing is worse than waking up and realizing you are late, and cannot feel prepared. Set your alarm with enough time to get ready.
2.DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE WEARING
The night before you should take a few moments to decide what you want to wear. If you dont have the right outfit you still have time to go to the store and get what you need, or simply wash your outfit so it is fresh and ready to go in the morning. Pick an outfit that suits what you would like to portray as your working style. Consider a business outfit to look impressive.
3.ARRIVE A FEW MINUTES EARLY
Plan your arrival to your new workplace a few minutes early. You do not want to arrive late on your first day of work. If you do not know where your new office is located, get a map so you dont get lost and will arrive on time.
4.EAT BREAKFAST
Eating breakfast is a great way to set yourself up for a successful day. Especially if you are unsure of what is going to be expected within your first day. Eat a good size breakfast so you are fueled for your day.
12-Reasons For Loosing The Job
With the unemployment rate, you may find yourself in the position of applying, interviewing, and still remaining jobless. You may have thought it was a sure thing; you may have left the office laughing and joking with the interviewer. So why was someone else hired and you weren't? These five reasons may shed some light on the situation.
1. You're overqualified :-
It's not just a cliche--you really can be overqualified for a position. It's especially true in a tight economy. A candidate that is more qualified would require a higher salary and benefits package for a competitive offer and for long-term retention. If someone else interviewed who fit the qualifications but didn't overly exceed them, it might be in the company's best interest to hire him and save the cash.
2. You don't know the right people :-
You may be great on paper, and you may interview really well--but if another candidate is the employer's tennis instructor's daughter, you might be out of luck. This isn't a reason you can't really avoid. Your best bet is to make sure you follow up with a genuinely appreciative phone call or note. Leaving a positive impression will keep you in that employer's mind if other opportunities arise.
3. You hit it off, just not professionally :-
Having a good rapport with your interviewer is great--however, if you bonded over your love of tequila shooters, you may have made a friend and not an employer. In a less extreme example, you may be very easy to interview but still not right for the position. While being friendly and personable are two very important traits, they won't guarantee you the job.
4. You came with conditions :-
You may be a good fit for the job, but if you come with strings attached, you may not get hired. If you can't see yourself sticking to the position long-term, or if prior commitments mean you'll have to work odd hours, it could take you out of the running. If possible, come in condition-free or at least willing to compromise. However, if you have a restriction that is non-negotiable, it's only fair to both of you to bring it up in the interview--there's no sense in wasting time if the situation won't work out.
5. An unpredictable reason :-
Often, the reason is one you may never know. You may get an unrelated job simply for having a shared interest with the interviewer, or perhaps because you have a skill the employer hopes to learn from you. It may be as simple as two or more candidates being equally qualified, and you lost the coin toss.
It may also be a simple reason like an off-the-cuff comment you probably shouldn't have made, or a more blatant reason like answering your cell phone during an interview (never a good move, no matter how friendly you are with the interviewer!). Be honest with yourself about the interview process--if you can think of a slip up, learn from your mistake and keep it in mind for your next interview.
