Why Do They Ask That in an Interview? - Understanding the meaning behind interview questions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/yb/ar5l0tv6vwsd0zhzj7yb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/yb/ar5l0tv6vwsd0zhzj7yb.gif" /></a></div>Going into a job interview is difficult enough, but trying to figure out the meaning behind some questions just adds to the anxiety of job-hunting.<br /><br />Sometimes seemingly simply questions will have a hidden agenda, but more often than not, the interviewer is trying to gauge your true interest in the company and what value you can bring to its work force.<br /><br />If asked, "Why do you want to work here?" that's a perfect opportunity to show the company you've done your homework. The interviewer wants details -- how does this company stand apart from its competitors, what new products or services are they offering -- and this is the moment to shine by having well-researched answers ready to deliver. If possible, mention something you are particularly familiar with about the company that you can link directly to your own work experience and talents.<br /><br />Even when asked the inevitable "What are your strengths?" find something in your own background that shows the particular talents you bring to this company's table. Put your strongest qualities into the context of what this prospective employer does and how they meet the company's goals.<br /><br />Then there's the flip side: "What are your weaknesses?" For years, people have been counseled to envelope their "weakness" in an answer that actually makes it sound like a strength. But job interviewers have heard them all, and those answers tend to sound hollow these days. Rather, choose a time when you had to face a significant challenge or adversity -- without getting too personal -- and tell how you overcame that dilemma and were improved by it. Tell what you learned and how that newfound knowledge benefited you as a professional. People who recognize their weaknesses and show they want to do better are showing a prospective employer they are willing to do their best, even if it means learning from mistakes.<br /><br />The company wants a team player and an independent worker <br />When you are asked whether you work better alone or in a team, what they really want to know is how you interact with others and how much direction you need when you're assigned to work by yourself.<br /><br />If you use time alone well, are you able to keep your boss posted on your progress at reasonable intervals? Are you good at brainstorming in a group, the one who comes up with rapid-fire ideas? Or are you the person who is likely to mold them into a collaborative effort to find a solution for the challenge at hand? Either alone or in a team, you want to convey that you can interact well with co-workers at various levels of authority, but that you're a person who can be productive and come up with answers on your own as well.<br /><br />Remember, an interview is a two-way street, and that's true where questions are concerned. Be sure to ask questions that show you have researched the company and that you're aware of current issues faced by the company and the industry it's in. You need to show an interest in the company if you want it to show an interest in you.

Why Do They Ask That in an Interview? - Understanding the meaning behind interview questions

Going into a job interview is difficult enough, but trying to figure out the meaning behind some questions just adds to the anxiety of job-h...

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6 Ways to Get the Job When You're Not the 'Ideal' Candidate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/nr/ar5l6ln5wmtf1r4h2qnr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/nr/ar5l6ln5wmtf1r4h2qnr.gif" /></a></div><br />It may seem like a waste of time to apply for a position that, at least on paper, doesn't exactly match your skills and experience. After all, many job seekers can't even get a hiring manager's attention when they do appear to be a perfect fit.<br /><br />But if you believe you're capable of performing a job well despite the fact that your background doesn't completely align with the requirements of the position, there might still be hope. You need to consider yourself from a hiring manager's perspective and build a case that shows why you're the best person for the position. Following are some tips:<br /><br />1. Don't waste their time <br />First, make sure your background meets at least the most basic criteria for the position. If the job requires expertise in three specific software programs, for instance, and you are familiar with only one, don't apply. But if candidates should possess seven years of experience, and you have five, an employer might consider your application. Keep in mind, however, that some firms simply will not interview you if you don't meet every requirement, no matter how close your qualifications are. After all, companies still can afford to be picky.<br /><br />2. Find an inside connection <br />One of the best ways to get your foot in the door when you're a near fit for a job is by getting a referral from someone who can speak to the hiring manager on your behalf. Ask those in your network if they -- or someone they know -- can provide an entrée into the firm. Social networking Web sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook can be especially helpful in uncovering individuals who may have an "in" at your target firm, but be judicious when requesting assistance. You should have established trust and credibility with anyone you ask to go to bat for you.<br /><br />If you can, try to leverage your contacts to arrange a meeting with the hiring manager. Sometimes, all it takes to get a chance at the job is a face-to-face meeting where you can make your case directly. This allows you to establish a rapport with the employer and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position. <br /><br />3. Address concerns upfront<br />Instead of hiding any shortcomings you possess, acknowledge them. For example, if you're overqualified for a position, use your cover letter or the interview to explain why the job nonetheless appeals to you. Perhaps after managing a large team of employees for years, you've decided you'd prefer to do more hands-on work as an individual contributor and not oversee others. Or if you're a bit underqualified, you might note how strength in one area (such as a well-regarded certification you recently earned) could make up for weaknesses in another (your lack of necessary experience, for instance). <br /><br />4. Highlight return on investment<br />Hiring managers seek employees who have a track record of saving previous employers time or money. Promote the bottom-line benefits you can offer by highlighting accomplishments in your résumé or cover letter. You could note, for example, how you spearheaded the implementation of a new billing system that saved people time when uploading data, freeing up staff to focus on other critical tasks.<br /><br />5. Offer a trial run <br />With some companies only beginning to cautiously add new staff, hiring managers are less likely to take a risk on someone who doesn't exactly match the job criteria. As a result, you might have to sweeten the deal to persuade an employer to take a chance on you. You might offer to start the job on a project or temporary basis, for instance, with the agreement that you will be brought on full time if certain performance objectives are met. <br /><br />6. Be truthful <br />Above all, keep in mind that you should never stretch the truth in an attempt to improve the odds of getting a job. Your lie could easily be uncovered, and you could damage your professional reputation, seriously harming your prospects of finding a job not only with your target firm but also other companies. <br /><br />Many organizations are willing to take smart risks on seemingly promising employees, but it's up to you to show them why taking a small leap of faith would be a wise move. By addressing any potential concerns upfront and building a compelling case for yourself, you'll improve your chances of convincing them that an "imperfect" candidate like you is the right choice.<br /><br />Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.roberthalf.com/. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/roberthalf.

6 Ways to Get the Job When You're Not the 'Ideal' Candidate

It may seem like a waste of time to apply for a position that, at least on paper, doesn't exactly match your skills and experience. Afte...

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Planning de la semaine du 06 au 09 avril 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le mardi 06 avril de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 07 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 08 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 09 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> - vendredi 09 avril de 09h à 12h30 (sur rendez-vous)</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 06 avril de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 07 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 06 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 08 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 09 avril de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 09 avril de 14h à 16h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 06 au 09 avril 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le mardi 06 av...

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