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By Randy Wooden

I’m often asked how to answer interview questions; it is just as important to know good questions to ask the employer since interviewing is a back and forth dialogue.

Today, in the first of a three-part blog series, I’ll provide some key questions along with why they’re important and what you could hope to learn from their answers.

At the beginning of an interview, an employer will often ask you to tell them about yourself and what you are seeking in a job. As you conclude your answer, you have an opportunity to learn more about what the interview is seeking. Perhaps, “I was excited to get to meet with you. Could you tell me a bit more about what you’re looking for?”

This question accomplishes a few things.  First, it prevents you from talking too much. When you’re not being interrupted – and are maybe nervous – you can tend to ramble. Asking a question allows the employer to talk.

It can also help establish a trend of productive back and forth dialogue.  You can potentially learn about the job’s education, skills and experience requirements and soft skills or character traits they’re seeking. Once you do, you can better tailor your responses to what you know for the employer wants.

Another question to ask at the beginning of the interview is for the employer to describe the position in greater detail. Just as you come prepared with your work history on a resume and/or application, the employer will often ask you to articulate what you’ve done on those jobs. Be sure to have the employer describe the position, ideally prioritizing the duties for you.

The employer is analyzing you on competency and culture fit. They are trying to learn whether you have the skills, education, personality and desire to do the job well.

At the same time, you are determining whether the opportunity is something you can perform well and whether it’s a company with which you want to work.

To help your thought process, it can be beneficial to ask questions about the goals or objectives for the position.

• How does the employer judge success in this role?
• What obstacles might you encounter to accomplishing those goals?
• Are the goals realistic?

You could also ask about the resources available to achieve the goals. The interview is an exchange of information. Asking thoughtful questions is a great way to determine whether you really want the job.  Good luck!

By Randy Wooden

Job hunting can be a daunting task for many of us, but if it’s your first time looking for work, it can really present some challenges. Today, let’s explore five tips for landing that first job.

#1.  Be realistic. Your first job might not be your dream job but it is a fantastic way to gain experience. You might want to think about whether you’d prefer working with the public (retail, restaurants, etcetera) or whether you’d prefer working away from the public (factories, warehouses, physical labor, etcetera)

#2.  Networking. You’ll learn soon enough that relationships matter, including when companies make hiring decisions. Enlist the help of friends, neighbors, friends of your parents, etcetera. Employers appreciate it when someone they know can recommend you.

#3.  Resume. If you don’t have paid work to show, include your volunteer or extra-curricular activities. List some of your soft skills, qualities or traits. For example, are you a fast learner, dependable, collaborative? If possible, provide brief examples of those traits on the resume and be prepared to discuss them in greater detail during your interview.

#4.  Your appearance. Studies have shown that 55 percent of interpersonal communication is body language, 38 percent is your tone of voice, and your actual words only 7 percent. What does this mean? People form opinions about you based on how you look, how you act and how you sound.

Dress appropriately. You don’t want your appearance to distract from your personal qualities and skills. For most positions, you would not wear flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt. For some positions, you might want to cover tattoos and remove your piercings.

#5.  Show up in person. Most companies will want you to complete an online application or apply at an in-store kiosk; go the extra mile by showing up at their place of business.Bring a resume, dress appropriately, and be prepared with an enthusiastic smile and firm handshake.

If you’re looking for an entry level job, the main criteria are things like dependability, honesty, and enthusiasm rather than highly technical skills or management experience. Demonstrating initiative by walking in helps you stand out in a large online applicant pool.

Another way to show initiative is to follow up on your interviews with a thank you email and, ideally, a hand-written thank you note. Be sure to call to follow up on your interview with friendly persistence and enthusiasm. Often, entry level jobs go to those who appear to want it more.  Be that person.

Good luck!