Linda Matias' Career Advice

5 Ways to Shine in Your Next Interview

careerstrides — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:16:17 +0000

I was recently quoted in a CareerBuilder.com article called 5 Ways to Shine in Your Next Interview. Here’s the money quote:

Employers want workers who bring positive energy to the workplace. Two common pitfalls Milonas sees among candidates are that they lack interest in the opportunity and answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no" rather than engaging in meaningful conversation.

On the flip side, Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides and author of "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Handling the New Competency-Based Interview Style," cautions against overwhelming the interviewer.

"Though it is true that job seekers should be active participants in the interview process, they should not take over the interview," Matias says. "Usually, job seekers take over when nerves get the best of them or when they feel they have to fill in the silence. It’s a delicate balance, but job seekers need to learn when to ask questions and when to allow the interviewer to take charge."

Read the rest of the article here.

How to Write a New Grad Cover Letter

careerstrides — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:19:45 +0000

Occasionally I answer questions from jobseekers. Here’s a question about cover letters that I’m sure many of you are wondering about.

Question: While searching for tips on resume and cover letter writing, I came across your name.

I am a new graduate and have searched for a long time to find a job with no luck. I am a registered sonographer and specialized in Ob/Gyn. I’m having a hard time finding cover letter samples that fit my job title. Do you have any tips to give me?

Thank you ahead of time for your help!

Response: Try a unique style. Make the letter personal. What I mean by personal is this: talk about the reasons you trained as a sonographer. I wrote an article on this very topic, and pasted it below.

When Cover Letters Get Personal

“It is with great interest and enthusiasm that I submit my resume for your review.” Most cover letters are written in this humdrum tone. Cover letters do not need to be so dull, nor so uninteresting. This style of cover letter writing has been around for years; and it’s a trend that has overstayed its welcome.

It’s perfectly acceptable to add pizzazz to cover letters in an effort to engage the reader in your story. Taking a business approach while adding a personal touch to the cover letter will certainly make you stand out from other candidates. But many are skeptical about adding a personal story to the cover letter because rumor has it that cover letters should be completely business-oriented. That isn’t true. There are occasions when it is appropriate to deviate from what others expect to read, and of course, there are times when you should remain with the “tried and true” method.

When Getting Personal Doesn’t Make Sense

Getting personal can be tricky because most people have a tendency to reveal too much. Only choose to disclose personal information if doing so will help sell you for the position. Don’t use the cover letter as a vehicle to make excuses, to apologize for your current situation or to describe how difficult the job search has been. For example, the following is not a personal story that should be fleshed out in a cover letter:

A few months ago, I was laid off and haven’t been able to secure a position since. I have answered countless classified ads and no one will give me an opportunity. My bills are piling up and I need someone to give me a chance. I am a good worker and if you hire me, you won’t be disappointed.

The above introduction smacks of desperation, and although you may be truthful when saying you’ll do a fantastic job, the reader will think either: a) if nobody else wants this person, I sure don’t or b) this person will take on any position just to pay the bills while continuing to look for the right opportunity. While that may not be your intention, it will be the perception.

When Getting Personal Makes Sense

Not every situation is the same and some situations call for more than just a reiteration of your resume. If you are currently unemployed, a career changer, or just have an interesting story to share about your career progression, feel free to elaborate in the cover letter. The following is an appropriate personal story to tell in a cover letter:

It is human nature to believe that life-altering events will only happen to “them,” not us. With this popular notion in tow, we go about our lives doing the best we know how. Then one day, we are struck with a reality that changes our view of the world and our purpose on this earth. Each of us has our own unique life changing events; mine was when my companion was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

When I made the decision to leave the workforce to tend to my companion’s illness, I quickly realized there was never enough time to get everything done: paperwork, doctor’s visits, clinical studies, and housekeeping responsibilities.

Even with all that needed to be done, I welcomed the opportunity to care for him when he needed me the most. In fact, I am grateful I was able to follow him through his journey. I realize this is a luxury not afforded to everyone. Because of the experiences I had in and out of the nursing home, I decided to return to college and earn a master’s degree in Health Advocacy at Sarah Lawrence College.

The above is a heartwarming tale of how one’s personal experience changed their course in life. This particular story is a great sales tool because it alludes to the empathy and compassion this candidate has for others who are going through what she experienced. This is just one way you can write a cover letter. Try it out and see if you get the results you desire.

When Companies Fail to Reimburse You

careerstrides — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:56:38 +0000

Here’s a quote from The Wall Street Journal (Career Journal) where I provided my thoughts on the steps to take when companies fail o reimburse job candidates: Emailing your follow-up is also a good way to contain your emotions, says Linda Matias, author of "201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions." By pursuing it in writing, you can choose your words wisely, she says. "When a job seeker calls with a quivering voice from anxiety, she runs the risk of making the hiring manager feel on edge, and people never want to be around others that make them feel uncomfortable. Calling in an accusatory tone will also raise eyebrows." Read the rest of the article here.

Are You Being Paid Fairly?

careerstrides — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:18:58 +0000

I was recently quoted in a CareerBuilder.com article: "The person’s colleagues may have been better prepared for the salary negotiations during the interview or at their performance review. By preparation I mean that they took the time to write down their accomplishments and bring it to the manager’s attention. That list connects the dots for the decision and brings to the forefront key reasons they are worth more. In addition, they may have done their homework and researched the average salary for their profession and demonstrated why they fall above the bell curve."

Read the full text

Statements Not to Make During Job Interviews

careerstrides — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:11:05 +0000

Nerves can get the best of you during an interview. Anxiety
causes slips of the tongue that will leave you kicking yourself and leave
interviewers scratching their heads. Nervousness is normal, and interviewers
expect you to have jitters. But there is a line between panicking to the point
of having verbal diarrhea and a healthy does of apprehension.

The three statements below are the most common negative
statements made by interviewees.

Negative statement #1: “I’m here to interview you as
well. I have a couple questions that I intend to ask you.”

Reason to avoid: Though it’s true that the interview should
be a two-way street, there is such a thing as being too aggressive. You will
have an opportunity to ask questions. Don’t announce your intention to do so.
It’s not necessary, and it’s bad form. Instead, simply ask questions throughout
the interview or wait until the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

Negative statement #2: “Before we go further, what is
the salary for the position? I don’t want to waste your time nor mine.”

Reason to avoid: Making this negative statement puts the
interviewer on the defensive. He’ll question your intentions and most likely go
through the formality of the interview having already eliminated your
candidacy. The statement is also a tactical error because salary is always
flexible. Requesting the interviewer reveal salary before you had the
opportunity to sell yourself will surely backfire because the interviewer didn’t
have the chance to assess your skills. If you have a notion that the may be
salary is too low, remain calm, go through the motions of the interview, and
hear want the interviewer has to say. You might be surprised by the outcome.

Negative statement #3: “I’m not sure I want this
position.”

Reason to avoid: An interview setting is not a confessional.
Your interview goal is to receive a job offer, even if you aren’t sure if you
want the job. Set aside your unenthusiastic inner thoughts, and focus your energy
on discovering information about the position and the hiring organization.

CONCLUSION

It’s fine to challenge the interviewer. However, you should
do so with finesse. Creating an uncomfortable environment will make the
interview memorable, but not in a positive way. Interviews are only as daunting
as you decide they are. With that in mind, make a conscious decision to enjoy
the process. Take in what the interviewer has to say. And don’t look for an
opportunity to pounce on his/her word.

Nerves can get the best of you during an interview. Anxiety causes slips of the tongue that will leave you kicking yourself and leave interviewers scratching their heads. Nervousness is normal, and interviewers expect you to have jitters. But there is a line between panicking to the point of having verbal diarrhea and a healthy does of apprehension.

The three statements below are the most common negative statements made by interviewees.

Negative statement #1: “I’m here to interview you as well. I have a couple questions that I intend to ask you.”

Reason to avoid: Though it’s true that the interview should be a two-way street, there is such a thing as being too aggressive. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Don’t announce your intention to do so. It’s not necessary, and it’s bad form. Instead, simply ask questions throughout the interview or wait until the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

Negative statement #2: “Before we go further, what is the salary for the position? I don’t want to waste your time nor mine.”

Reason to avoid: Making this negative statement puts the interviewer on the defensive. He’ll question your intentions and most likely go through the formality of the interview having already eliminated your candidacy. The statement is also a tactical error because salary is always flexible. Requesting the interviewer reveal salary before you had the opportunity to sell yourself will surely backfire because the interviewer didn’t have the chance to assess your skills. If you have a notion that the may be salary is too low, remain calm, go through the motions of the interview, and hear want the interviewer has to say. You might be surprised by the outcome.

Negative statement #3: “I’m not sure I want this position.”

Reason to avoid: An interview setting is not a confessional. Your interview goal is to receive a job offer, even if you aren’t sure if you want the job. Set aside your unenthusiastic inner thoughts, and focus your energy on discovering information about the position and the hiring organization.

CONCLUSION

It’s fine to challenge the interviewer. However, you should do so with finesse. Creating an uncomfortable environment will make the interview memorable, but not in a positive way. Interviews are only as daunting as you decide they are. With that in mind, make a conscious decision to enjoy the process. Take in what the interviewer has to say. And don’t look for an opportunity to pounce on his/her word.

Advice for Job Seekers Age 50 and Older

careerstrides — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:57:19 +0000

Grandsparents.com published an article focusing on job seekers over 50. To read the advice I offered, go here.

Below are two additional points for you to consider.

1) People over 50 have a tendency of coming off apologetic or uptight regarding their age, and that comes through in the tone of their voice. Regardless of their age, candidates should embrace their experience. No matter how long ago they were in the workforce.

2) Job seekers over 50 expect ageism to kick in during the interview. Going in with that mind-set tarnishes the meeting before it begins. Ageism exists. That’s for sure. But that doesn’t mean that every interview with a candidate over 50 is tainted with prejudice. Candidates should attend an interview positively; ignoring attitudes (or perceived attitudes) they have no control over. Instead, they should focus their energy on giving the best possible answers to questions.

Sometimes job seekers over 50 look down at the interviewer because he or she is twenty-five years younger. Their inner dialogue goes something like this: “I can’t believe this kid is interviewing me.” Whether they are aware of it o not, that kind of condescension comes through in their tone of voice when they’re answering questions.

Just as those over 50 want interviewers to not focus on age, the job seeker should extend the same courtesy to the interviewer.

Interview Like a Pro In 5 Easy Steps

careerstrides — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:42:21 +0000

It’s an inescapable fact that interviews are the "make or break" factor on whether one lands the job. So it is surprising to find that most job seekers approach interviews with a cavalier attitude, without any preparation - they simply wake up the morning of the interview, cross their fingers, and hope for the best.

Unfortunately, walking into an interview cold rarely works. Human capital is the biggest expense an organization has. When all is said and done, a wrong hiring decision costs a company time and resources. Through a series of well thought out questions, a skillful interviewer will use the interview process to distinguish between those candidates who have experience and those who are experts in the given field.

An interview can be won or lost within seconds, and by implementing simple strategies, you can vastly improve your interview performance. Interviews can be challenging but they are manageable when approached as a five-step process.

1. A successful interview depends in part, on whether you understand your role and that of the interviewer. As an interviewee, you have two obligations - (1) to sell your qualifications and (2) to evaluate the position and leave the interview with a solid understanding of the job’s requirements. Interviewing is more than just answering questions; it is about preparing, understanding and responding to the hiring organizations needs.

The role of the interviewer is to sell the company, assess your commitment to working for their organization and determine if you are the same person that is represented on paper.

In reality, your role and that of the interviewer overlap. Both of you are gathering information, selling a product and evaluating whether or not there is a match between you.

2. Before each interview select 3-5 accomplishments or skills that you consider to be your major selling points. Every time the interview shifts in a direction that doesn’t support your agenda, figure out a way to steer the conversation back to your major selling points. When determining your selling points, consider situations where you demonstrated initiative, overcame challenges, and/or streamlined a process.

While it may be difficult to define the specific needs of every company that is hiring, all organizations are looking for an employer that has the following characteristics: advanced communication skills, teamwork skills, honesty and self-confidence. Whenever possible, integrate these qualities in your responses.

3. Build personal credibility by adapting your communication style to that of the interviewer. The way you communicate goes beyond the words that you choose. Your appearance, demeanor, posture and attitude all play a part in the way your message will be received.

Trust begins to form during the interview and by flexing your communication style you leave the listener with a subconscious message that says, "I can sit next to this person on a daily basis." Once you have accomplished that, you are one step closer to a job offer.

4. Turn the interview into a conversation by asking questions throughout the interview. Ask questions that reflect your interest in the organization. If you leave an interview without asking relevant questions, the interviewer will question your sincerity. By asking questions you show the interviewer your commitment to your profession and the industry.

5. Don’t get blind-sided with questions that you should have been prepared to answer. There are several questions that are interviewer’s canned favorites and they include: Tell me about yourself, Where do you see yourself in five years? Tell me about a time when you successfully handled a situation?, and What do you consider your major achievement?

Rehearse interview answers, but don’t sound rehearsed. Practice your responses until you feel that they clearly reflect your skills and personality. Don’t just make statements that you think the interviewer wants to hear.

Going in unprepared is a sure-fire way to sabotage an interview. When it comes down to the wire and it is between you and another candidate with a similar background, interview performance will probably be the deciding factor on who gets hired.

Job offers are not won by accident; time spent preparing for an interview produces significant results. The more you practice your interviewing skills the more confidence you will gain and the more polished your presentation.

Now, Do You Have Any Questions?

careerstrides — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:17:37 +0000

“Who is that hot babe in the picture?” isn’t the type of reply an interviewer expects to hear when he or she invites you to ask questions near the end of an interview. In fact, the way you approach the Q&A session will have a direct impact on the interviewer’s perception of you. Based on the questions you ask, a judgment will be made in regard to how interested you seem to be in working for the company.

For this reason, when you are forming questions ask yourself, What do I need to know about the company in order to determine if this is the workplace for me? How you answer this question depends on the career values that are important to you, and therefore, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. That said, make sure that you do not ask the “What’s-in-it-for me?” type question. Though questions regarding salary, benefits, and vacation time are valid, the place to broach those topics is when an offer is on the table, not before.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK

Are there any plans for a corporate merger or outsourcing initiatives?

When a merger or outsourcing happens, layoffs follow. Before you accept a position, you should inquire about the direction the company is taking. Many candidates are under the misconception that only failing companies downsize. In truth, no matter how stable they are, companies are always looking to cut costs.

How closely do my qualifications match the requirements for the open position?

Two things can happen when you ask this question. (1) The interviewer can affirm that your experience, skills and abilities are a perfect fit. Needless to say, if that is the interviewer’s response, you have a good shot at landing a job offer. (2) The interviewer may divulge that the company is looking to hire someone with more experience in XYZ. Believe it or not, if this occurs it can work out to your advantage because you have another opportunity to sell yourself.

How long has this position been open?

If the interviewer reveals that the position has been open for three months, you can ask a follow-up question such as, “It is obvious that the company is taking its time in finding the right candidate, and there must have been qualified candidates that have interviewed. What would you say they were lacking that an offer wasn’t extended?” In asking this follow-up question, you will find out exactly what the interviewer is looking for and you can adapt your responses to meet the company’s specific needs.

Are promotions based on seniority or accomplishments?

Some companies still hold on to the old-school mentality where old-timers, no matter their accomplishments or lack thereof, are offered an opportunity to move up the ladder before a new hire gets the same opportunity. You deserve to know that if you put 110% in your work, you will be rewarded accordingly.

If you could change one thing about how this company functions, what would it be?

Just as you are not perfect, neither is a company. Interviewers are aware of this fact and therefore, during the interview process they do their best to sell the organization as a great place to go to every day. It is part of your job to uncover everything about the hiring organization – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

FINAL THOUGHT

Well-thought-out, clear, and intelligent questions are the ones that leave a positive impression with the listener. Take the time to evaluate what is important to you and form questions around those issues.

My Interview with iJobs Cafe

careerstrides — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:08:47 +0000

Kevin Gibbs of iJobs Cafe took the time to interview me. Listen to the interview (http://ijobscafes.com/LM201.htm) where I provide job interview advice. I also with discuss my new book 201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions: The Ultimate Guide to Handling the New Competency-Based Interview Style. Take a listen!

Qualified Candidates – Poorly Written Resumes

careerstrides — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:51:33 +0000

ARE YOU JEOPARDIZING YOUR CAREER POTENTIAL?

You’ve sent your resume to dozens of potential employers yet you haven’t heard back from any of them. You were certain that your detailed work history would attract many bites – what went wrong?

The most likely cause of your predicament is a poorly constructed resume that reads more like a dull obituary than an attention-grabbing advertisement selling your skills and talent. Many potential employers are turned off by resumes that resemble carbon copies of Joe Schmo’s and will pitch these offenders into the trash bin.

10 STEPS TO A COMPELLING RESUME

Resurrecting your resume is not a lost cause; you can create an attention-grabbing resume that advertises your unique skills and experience in a professional manner.

As a qualified job seeker, you owe it to your career success to give serious attention to the first impression you make.

1. Create a career objective that is relevant to the position to which you are applying. You may have to create several versions of your resume if you are applying for different positions.

2. Summarize – don’t provide a word-by-word description – of your work experience. Make sure it includes any achievements and accomplishments you obtained.

3. Don’t leave out relevant coursework or projects. Many job seekers overlook these details, but they can add diversity and spice.

4. Similar to step #3 – include relevant school, occupational, and professional activities.

5. Use action words such as – accomplished, coordinated, and formulated – to describe your experience and skills. This type of wording keeps your resume interesting and compelling.

6. Try to keep the resume to one page. You never know, the potential employer may have attention-deficit disorder and become frustrated with a lengthy resume.

7. Use high quality resume paper that is white or cream in color. Black ink plays nicely off these colors by providing a nice contrast.

8. Exclude any reference to religious activities or affiliations because they are usually not relevant or helpful in getting that interview.

9. Make sure you have distinctive breaks between sections. This is visually pleasing and it makes the content easier to read by the prospective employer.

10. Highlight, highlight, and highlight your distinct talents throughout the resume. Don’t fall into the trap of regurgitating your old job descriptions. Make the resume your personal calling card.

STIMULATING RESUMES MATTER

Using the steps above will enable you to create a resume that stands out from the competition in a spirited job market. It is important that you also evaluate your unique needs and select a resume format that best represents your talents – be it a chronological, functional, or combination format. A resume is your first, or last, contact with a potential employer – make it your best.