Careersparx

Image Credit: Karen Morrison

Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Today’s interview is with PR Couture founder and curator Crosby Noricks. If you haven’t had the chance to check out the PR Couture website, then you’re missing out on some incredible advice for those dreaming of making a career in public relations, and all the must-have pr jobs! PR Couture started in 2006, and has since been featured in Mashable, PR Week and 944 Magazine, just to name a few. In addition, Crosby was invited by WWDMAGIC and TeenVogue to be among the first bloggers invited to report live from the tradeshow, while earning countless awards along the way.

With all of the solid advice, valuable content and wittiness, it’s no wonder Crosby and PR Couture have gained a large amount of respect and credibility within the PR industry. PR Couture has become so influential for college students and recent graduates that Crosby is publishing her first PR guide (out any week now!): “Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR.” It will be available in both ebook and hard copy versions and is worth every penny. To be sure you’re the first to get your hands on this incredible book, sign up to get PR Couture in your inbox!

So, without further adieu, check out our interview with PR Couture’s Crosby Noricks! Also, for daily tips and updates from PR Couture, be sure to check out their Twitter and Facebook profiles!

1)  How did you make PR Couture a success, and what are some keys to managing a successful social community?

The biggest things I did to make PR Couture a success was simply consistency. I’ve been developing and publishing content for the site several times a week for the past five years, and in doing that I have developed a relationship with readers and partners who know they can count on me to keep the site up to par.

In terms of the community aspect, I think it’s important to be accessible and genuine, as well as consistent. I spent a lot of time in the early years providing advice via email — and even these days although I have switched to doing paid consulting, I still take a few minutes to provide quick ideas or suggestions to the inquiries that come through. I have a genuine interest in helping young PR pro’s along their professional path as well as proving opportunities for fashion PR practitioners and agencies to shine. I think that comes through and helps to build trust.

2)  What was the inspiration behind “The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR,” and when did you decide it was time to write this incredible guide?

It took me a long time to think of ways to monetize the site beyond just advertising. I had tossed around ideas with other PR Couture writers and friends about digital products I could sell for years, but it either didn’t feel quite right or felt overwhelming. A few divine encounters with some amazing women gave me the push I needed to begin exploring ways to take what I was already doing behind the scenes through coffee dates, email and the occasional phone call, and charge for it!

Step 1 was launching Power Sessions in September, where I review resumes, blogs, press releases, whatever and then jump into a fast-paced 45-minute consulting call and follow up with a custom action plan. I’ve done this several times over the past few months, both with entry-level practitioners as well as brands and really enjoy it. Step 2 was writing Ready to Launch, which is a more affordable option for students and younger practitioners who can’t or don’t want to do a session but are still looking for advice and expertise about fashion PR.  It feels amazing to have taken the initiative, despite sacrificing quite a few Saturdays, and to have put together what I think is a treasure-trove of insider information. It’s essentially everything I would have killed to have 10 years ago when I was starting my career.

3) Cover letters can be one of the most challenging documents to write. What are your top tips for writing a great PR cover letter?

Demonstrate that you have read the job posting, and connect specific job requirements or skills to your experience or skill-set. Highlight anything measureable — media coverage you have secured, awards you have won, attendees at an event you helped to organize. Avoid cookie cutter cover letter templates. Instead let your cover letter communicate the energy, personality and unique blend of education, experience and passion that makes you, you! Avoid clichés, (never say you have a passion for fashion), and spell check, especially the name of the person you are writing to.

4) We love that you discuss the importance of informational interviews! What is your experience with informational interviews, and why do you encourage them?

I never went on any, but I sure have done several! I think the biggest benefit is that we professionals are always searching for great talent — it just might not be the right time or the right fit. However, when we need someone, we reach out to our network — I need an intern, I need a part-time publicist, whatever. When that happens, we naturally go to the inventory we keep in our heads of people we know. Setting up informational interviews is not only a great way to learn about the job, how different agencies are set up, and practice your interview/communication skills, but it helps keep you top of mind when job opportunities do pop up.

5) From your incredible lists of interviews questions (both what you will be asked and what to ask), what is the one question to remember to ask the employer during an interview?

Here’s one that’s not in the book — How can I best support you in this position?

6) What is the ultimate key to making it in the fashion PR world?

Consistency. If you do something for long enough, you get really good at it. The key is to keep going, even when you are exhausted, embarrassed or frustrated. We’ve all been there

7) Any closing comments or advice for our budding fashion PR readers?

Most everything is a choice — think of your career as a living, breathing relationship. Tend to it, nurture it, even love it, but don’t be afraid to get out if the situation is unsupportive, out-of-control, and painful. There are opportunities everywhere.

Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

After graduating from the University of Montana, Jennie landed an extremely competitive internship at a very well known marketing firm in Seattle, Wash. Today Jennie Morrison is the assistant account executive intern with Ruth: Edelman Integrated Marketing. Managing client projects from intake to completion, writing up project requests and briefing the creative team on the client’s situation and goals of each project, is only just the beginning of Jennie’s daily tasks. If you’re looking to make it in the marketing or advertising world, read on for her advice-packed interview!

1) Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you attend school, and what did you study?

I went to the University of Montana, which is in Missoula, Mont., and graduated from the School of Business Administration with degrees in marketing, management information systems and international business.

My favorite things to do when I’m not working include golfing, fly fishing, visiting Glacier National Park, floating the river and spending time with close friends and family. I also enjoy being a part of intramural sports teams because I enjoy the competition and the team atmosphere. I’ve made a lot of great friendships through playing on various teams.

2) How did you find your current position and why did you choose to apply?

After graduating last May with three degrees, I still did not have a job lined up. I was beginning to feel discouraged until I spoke with a University of Montana alum, Mario Schulzke. I sat down with him and his girlfriend, Amanda, and told them my concerns. They shared their right-out-of-college moments with me and also gave me extremely valuable pieces of advice.

This conversation with them began to change the way I looked at getting a job. Instead of sitting on my computer and searching for various positions, or expecting someone to come to me with a job, I decided to move to Seattle and start pounding the pavement. Mario was generous enough to connect me with his friends and former colleagues in the Seattle area and I was able to set up informational interviews with them. They were all more than happy to meet and chat about their job, what they are passionate about, where they got their start, as well as answer any questions I had about where to live and what activities and groups were available for people my age.

I am happy to say that not only did I learn a TON of valuable advice from all of the informational interviews, but I also got an internship out of the whole thing with a great advertising agency, Ruth: Edelman Integrated Marketing. I have been interning with this agency as an assistant account executive for more than 4 months now, and I love it!

3) Could you describe the interview process? How did you prepare?

My interview process was in phases, that together, lasted about two hours. I first met with my supervisor and the traffic manager I would be working with. They were both very welcoming and interested in hearing about my other internship experiences and other activities I was involved in. My interview with them was more conversational and relaxed compared to a rigid, question and answer session. After that, I was interviewed by the account director, as well as the executive vice president/managing director at Ruth. This phase of the interview, although conversational, was a bit more question and answer. They asked more tactical questions to see how I problem solve, deal with ambiguity, distribute tasks, why I felt like I was qualified, and most importantly, why I wanted the job.

In preparation for this interview, I went onto Ruth’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages, as well as the company’s website, to research their case studies, as well as the potential people that I could be working with. I wanted to know as much as I could about the team I would be meeting, as well as the company, so they knew I truly cared about working there.

4) What has been the biggest learning curve you have overcome, or are having to?

The biggest learning curve that I have had to overcome had nothing to do with my internship. It had to do with learning how to live in a big city. I was homesick, I missed Montana, I missed college, and most of all, I missed my golden retriever that I had to leave with my parents. Big city living was definitely a shock to me, and it took me about 3 months before I felt totally comfortable in Seattle.

My biggest learning curve that I have experienced at my internship had to deal with communicating with clients. Much of my work involves client communications and determining what questions need to be asked in order to write up an effective project request that the creative team can understand. In the beginning of my internship, I found that I was not asking all of the right questions and that this was stalling the project because the creative team did not have all of the information they needed. It took me a few projects, as well as a LOT of mistakes, to really get better at being a good account manager.

5) What are your career goals?

My career goals include working for a digital advertising agency and working my way up to manage larger/more complex campaigns. My ultimate career goal is to make sure that I have a job I am passionate about with co-workers who are smart and challenge me to be better.

6) Any closing comments or advice on landing a competitive position?

Network, Network, Network. I know this is everyone’s answer, but it really is the best way to find a job. When I first started networking, it was really uncomfortable for me. Reaching out for help, when I am not an extremely outgoing person, was very challenging. But, I sucked it up and began to reach out to people for help and advice. And now, I actually think networking is a lot of fun! You get to meet new people and hear so many experiences and pieces of advice that you can then filter and use to shape your own career.

I also have found that finding ways to make yourself useful, no matter what it is, is really beneficial at the workplace. I believe that it’s important for interns and other employees to try to find something that they are REALLY good at because everyone appreciates someone who can make their life easier.

Are you ready for a Reading Break? We sure are! This week we had the opportunity to interview Jim Hopkinson, author of the “Salary Tutor,” and posted photos on our Facebook page from “A Night With CareerSparx!” If you haven’t tagged yourself in the photos, check it out! And follow us on Twitter; our feed is packed with career advice to help you succeed!

Forbes ::

How To Pitch Anything To Anyone

One of the most difficult tasks to do is to deliver a pitch successfully. This means that the person being pitched actually wants to finish reading the pitch and respond. So to help you out, Forbes has explained the key initiatives to successful pitching.

Levo League ::

How To Network: Your 7-Step Action Plan

Just to remind you how important networking really is (in case you didn’t pick up on that in September) learn how to create your own action plan when networking!

US News and World Report ::

How To Move Abroad and Keep Your Job

With technology changing the shape of the way businesses operate, it’s now more likely than ever to find ways to bring your job with you if you happen to be bitten by the travel bug. This article offers tips on how to approach going about taking your job where you want to go.

Her Campus ::

Grad School 101: Your Guide to Graduate School Entrance Exams: MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE

Thinking about grad school? If so, you know that it’s in your best interest to research and prepare as much as possible before making the big decision of where to attend graduate school. Her Campus has created your first step in preparation — Grad School 101.

New York Times ::

What if the Secret to Success is the Opportunity to Fail?

No one wants to fail, and who would’ve thought successes would be based off your opportunity to fail? If you’re looking for a good read and have a few extra moments for your reading break, definitely take the time to check out this article.

Career Bright ::

5 Ways to Prep Your Career Skills for Social Media Jobs

Just because you can tweet and post a status update, it doesn’t mean you’re ready to make it in the world of social media. But thanks to Career Bright you now have five ways to help you become successful in a social media position.

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Time for your weekly Reading Break full of articles, videos and tips to help you in your job search! Until our big speed-networking event this coming Wednesday, Sept. 28, which you should have bought your ticket to, we’re trying to give you every possible tip to network successfully! During this past week we shared the biggest key to networking, introduced you to a mentor for our event, shared tips to overcome shyness when networking and featured the ultimate tips to succeed at a speed-networking event.

Remember to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for the latest career tips! And when buying your tickets to “A Night With CareerSparx,” don’t forget to enter CSXreader for a $5 ticket. We have mentors from NBC, Disney, LinkedIn, WDCW and many more! This is the event of the season for your job search, so don’t miss out!

eHire.com ::

How To Make A Good First Impression On An Interview

You landed your dream interview. Congratulations! Now you need to make your best impression. Check out these tips so you can look your best at your interview!

Business Insider ::

Got Job Search Fatigue? 5 Ways to Rev Up Your Hunt

It’s a tough job market out there, and we fully understand that job searching can take a toll on you. So, remember to take a moment to revitalize yourself; sometimes it’s just as important as editing your resume and cover letter.

Levo League ::

Let Work Teach You How to Play : Applying Successful Job Skills To Your Social Life

This article fits perfectly into our theme of the week: NETWORKING! Check out this article to know how to apply your job skills to your social life, correctly.

Social Media Today ::

How Social Media Will Help Your Job Search

Social media has completely taken over the job search market and probably most of your free time. (We know you check your Facebook and Twitter as soon as you’re home.) Try to get the most out of your time browsing the social networks and see how your social accounts can actually help you find a job!

The Daily Muse – Forbes ::

Rookie Mistakes: 5 Extremes to Avoid at Work

You landed the job and you start next week, so how do you prepare for your first day and start making lasting relationships? Check out this article for the perfect tips to help you transition smoothly into your new position.

ABC News ::

Facebook Aids Job Seekers

We know social media has a huge impact on job searching, so check out this video from ABC News to see how Facebook is trying to help you out!

Ezine @rticles ::

Key Resources in Your Online Job Search

If you’re still searching for your dream job, make sure you’re looking in the right places! Check out the top four resources you should be searching for job openings.

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Pop quiz! When it comes to communicating, what percentage of your message do you think is verbally communicated?

Is it:

A. 85 percent
B. 50 percent
C. 90 percent
D. 7 percent

Read More…

Today’s post is written by CareerSparx Student Adviser Ralitsa Kiskinova.

The times when I’m most productive are when I focus on one thing and one thing only. But what does it mean to focus? Focus is the quality of attention you devote to a specific task, which impacts how productive you end up being. One of the most common causes of interrupted attention is stress. Stress increases from changing the state in which the brain has to work often, in other words, multitasking. When you sit at your desk to do work or research, look around and notice how many other distractions are around you. You might have your laptop in front of you with five different windows opened, your smartphone next to it and music in the background. Without noticing it, all of the latter start eating off your attention leading to decreased productivity.

Job hunting is an activity that often proves to be very demanding. The truth is that at some point job searching becomes a full-time job in itself and all we think about. In order to stay productive in a job search we need to know how to lower stress levels and keep them under control. The reason I say “lower stress levels” and not completely remove stress is because without it, we actually would not be productive.

Attention

Many times I question myself: “Why do I perform better at interviews when they’re not back-to-back?” or “Why am I able to write a better cover letter when I sit in a room away from the kitchen or the living room?” To answer my curiosity, I started tracking very closely how I behaved when I was in different situations. If I knew I had an interview coming up I would dedicate all of my time and attention to researching and preparing for that specific one. Quality attention allows for more energy to be invested on a certain topic, which feeds our awareness. If we create more time and energy for our awareness we start observing more details, leading to a better choice.

The way this translates to a job search is that going over 100 different positions and openings in a day, we start missing out on details that might prove crucial for our application. Many times there are specific cues that are given to us between the lines of a job description, and if we have our full attention available we become aware of those. This increased attention will help us to take the right actions to gear a better resume and/or cover letter, which leads to better results and our chances of being picked out.

What is Stress?

In very simple words, stress is the natural instinct of our body to react to a perceived threat to our survival. When people feel stressed by something happening around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood. These chemicals mobilize energy and strength for our brain to readjust to the new environment and find the best solutions. When you’re unemployed there’s a very serious threat over your life, future, happiness and so on. What many do not understand, though, is that there’s a positive relationship between productivity and stress. In an ideal world there would be no poverty, everyone would have the jobs they want, competition would be minimal, and no one would be fired. However, without any stress, our motivation to be more productive would be zero. If everyone had a job aligned and waiting, we wouldn’t spend days working on our resumes and cover letters.

Do you ever feel more productive in a dynamic environment? If I have days when things are slow, I feel less motivated to work and more tired in the evenings, compared to when things are happening fast and I have certain goals; I feel more energized. With the increase of stress our productivity increases, to the point where they both peak. That’s the point where we have enough stress to boost our energy and reach great results. Unfortunately, after every peak there’s a downward slope. At the bottom of that slope we reach a freezing point — the point, after long hours of stressful, hard work, you hit your limits of energy, your mind starts drifting away, you slow down, start to panic and even procrastinate. You have reached your freezing point. Your brain becomes so overwhelmed that it starts using the available energy to readjust to new settings and situations, not for doing work.

If you ever feel like you’re starting to scatter your mind into too many things, it’s a good practice to start making to-do lists. If you’re looking at job openings, instead of opening ten windows and jumping from one to the other, bookmark the ones you’re interested in and start viewing them one by one. This approach will give you enough stimulation to do what you need to do and will allow your brain to use your energy gradually, being attentive to one topic at a time.

Multitasking

In today’s dynamic life, apart from all of the responsibilities we have, there are a number of distractions everywhere and in everything we do. When you sit in front of your computer to apply to jobs, how many times do you check your email, Facebook and/or your phone in between? I do it all the time, and there are certainly days that are worse than others, when at the end of the day I realize I have not finished even half of what I had planned.

Handling a few activities at the same time might seem to be very productive, but in reality, your attention becomes divided between several different stimuli. By shifting your attention from one thing to another, you cause stress to your brain provoking it to readjust to the new stimulus a number of times. On top of that, when you have to perform repetitive actions, such as reading job profiles, your brain becomes a bit lazier as things start looking similar. By switching your attention too many times, you add unnecessary stress on the brain, lower your awareness of important details, make incorrect choices and, ultimately, decrease your productivity.

Being able to stay productive in a job search is not easy as at some point, things become repetitive and we start missing out on details. If you manage to allow enough space and time for your attention to stay on one topic you will allow yourself to see and read more, which will ultimately lead you to better results!

Image Credit

Today’s guest post is written by CareerEffect Founder Catrina Boettner.

Imagine fancy cars, expensive items, an entourage, money and celebrity status … who wouldn’t love the life of a rock star? No real cares, no responsibilities, just focusing on your passion and your paycheck. Sign me up! Unfortunately the life of a rockstar, although glitz and glam, isn’t nearly as fabulous as we all would like to believe.

Not everyone is cut out to be a rock star, otherwise, we’d all be one. However, a rock star is someone who I believe we can all learn from. So the question really becomes, how can we all become our own version of a rock star?

1. They Have Thick Skin

Most rock stars aren’t handed their ‘rock star status’ on a silver platter. Many of them spend years trying to make it big, and there are others who ‘sort of’ make it, but never become a household name. They most likely received countless rejection letters, meaning no shows or boo’s. So they understand that not every door opens, and that those that do, you have to jump at and work for.

How to Apply It: In today’s economy, there are so many qualified applicants out there and only so many positions. Keep in mind that when starting your career, like the rock star, you won’t land every interview or get every job you want. The key is knowing that whatever happens, the door will open to the opportunity that’s right for you.

2.  They Don’t Stop

You won’t be a rock star overnight. Nothing worth having is just given to you. So, if you want that job or that interview, take the steps necessary to get it, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. If they say no, keep trying until they say yes. (Note: I am not suggesting in any way, shape or form to harass a company or individual, but rather to be persistent.)

How to Apply It:Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. What would you want to see from a potential intern or employee? Make a list. Then do it, at least do everything within your power. Start working for the company before you actually get the job. Research not only the company but the industry, competition and clients if possible. Go into an interview fully armed and ready to go.

3. They Have Attitude

Not a bad attitude, but one that engages you, that attracts you and charms you. They are someone you would want to be like and someone you would want to be around. Keep that in mind as you go through your journey. No one wants to work with a stick in the mud!

How to Apply It: To quote Guy Kawasaki from his book, “Enchantment,” “The optimal response when someone says ‘thank you’ is not ‘you’re welcome,’ but ‘I know you would do the same for me.’” It’s really all about being likable. Why? When it comes down to it, if you’re one of three final candidates, the one that wins is the one that they like the most — the individual who can adjust and thrive in the companies atmosphere.

4. They Adapt

A great example of this is the band KISS. They adapted with costumes, face paint and a band-identity that people could recognize without question. They changed and altered themselves while staying true to who they were and the music they created. Kiss used the tools they had and sought out new ones to achieve success.

How to Apply It: As you go through your career, you’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t for you. You’ll adapt to your environment, your peers and your duties. Maybe you’ll adapt by learning new skills, by going back to school or teaching yourself at home. Perhaps you will use the knowledge you already have and apply it in new and unique ways. Build your personal brand, watch it grow and strengthen into the person you want to become. In your freshman year of college, many of you had no clue what you wanted to do with your lives, but I would bet by senior year you had a pretty good idea. The same goes for your career. Whether an internship or first real job, it may not be your dream, but it’s a stepping stone and a great experience to learn who you want to be and where you want to go.

5. Work Hard & Play Hard

Many times we feel we’re under such pressure to get that job or promotion that we don’t take time for ourselves. Rock stars play just as hard as they work, so take care to do the same for you.

How to Apply It: My favorite thing to do once I’ve come from an interview is to do something for myself. After all, I worked hard, I deserve a little treat. Whatever that little treat is for you, it’s just as important to take time for yourself as it is to work toward your goals.

As you look ahead into your career, keep all of these things in mind. They’re great tools to help you become the rock star we all know you can be.

Image Credit

Today’s post is written by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

We have written about the many different ways social media has taken over the job search and application process, so now we want to show you an example of how five interns were chosen completely via social media. This past spring MasterCard needed to hire five interns for their summer program, so they took a new approach to searching for five prime candidates. All cover letters, resumes and creative videos were sent to MasterCard hiring mangers via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Also, QR codes were used on posters and online ads to direct applicants to the MasterCard Canada Facebook page to give instructions and further details.

In the end, more than 500 applicants applied for five intern positions! MasterCard’s latest intern search shows just how tech-savvy companies have become in the application process and how influential social media outlets can be. We’re hoping you can take away some key points and creative ideas for your next application and become a star intern that is highlighted by your company!

To check out MasterCard’s social media interview process and the final five interns, click on the links below:

• “The Social Interview” : Highlighting the videos of the final five interns and explanation of the application process
• “The Heart of Commerce” : MasterCard’s blog with posts written by all levels of employees within MasterCard giving career and financial advice

From this example and other recent articles, it has been proven that your online presence is more important than ever. MasterCard’s interview process is a prime example of how the job search market and where employers look for potential candidates has completely changed. Even though you are applying online, that doesn’t mean you can approach the company in a non-professional manner. So, make sure you spruce up your LinkedIn account, clean up your Facebook profile and think before your tweet! You just never know when your online presence will become your entire resume.

Image Credit

While we were writing this week’s Reading Break, we had a major sweet tooth and were craving cupcakes! So, we think you should treat yourself after a long week of work with a cupcake while taking a Reading Break! This week on CareerSparx we completed our Intern Intervention, had a major reality check as to how many hours it takes to be amazing and learned the importance of an employer actually caring about their employees. So during your break this Friday, read over these articles and check out our Facebook and Twitter communities!

I Want Her Job ::

The 5 Skills Every CEO-In-Training Needs to Begin Developing

If you only read one of our articles today, this is the one to read! These five skills come from Indra Nooyl, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. She has made Time magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People in the World and Fortune’s Most Powerful Woman in Business. (And just this week Forbes called her One of the Most Powerful Women in the World … again.) Are you convinced now her advice is worth reading?

Business Insider ::

How To Conduct A Long-Distance Job Search

With the job search market going global, long-distance job searches are becoming more popular. So, how do you handle a long-distance job search? Business Insider has provided a few tips to help you navigate through this jungle.

Seattle Pi ::

Reinvigorate Your Job Search

It’s tough to stay continually motivated through the process of your job search. To stay enthused, Seattle Pi has provided some simple and easy ways to keep yourself invigorated. Trust us, you’ll need something more besides a Starbucks.

US News ::

5 Ways to Overcome Job-Search Frustration

Above we provided a link to keep you enthused through your job search, but what do you do if you become frustrated? Well, today we have that answer too. Check out these five ways to deal with your frustration; the first one might just shock you …

Las Vegas Review Journal ::

Out of College and Unemployed: How to Find Your First Job

It’s time! To find your first job that is. So how do you go about landing your first job? It’s a tough question to answer, so we thought you should check out this brief article to help you start on the right path.

The Levo League ::

Interview with Brianne Burrowes

Since it’s Friday, we thought we would throw in a real reading break — an interview! This interview isn’t just with anyone, it’s with our CareerSparx editor-in-chief and I Want Her Job founder, Brianne Burrowes. The Levo League did an excellent job interviewing Brianne and sharing her inspiring story. You really don’t want to miss this one!

DL-Online ::

Score a Job, Not a Scam

With most all of job searching going online, as well as social media, job seekers now (unfortunately) have to worry about scams and frauds. Even reputable sites such as Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com can have issues. Make sure you aren’t fooled during your job search!

Bloomberg BusinessWeek ::

Crack the Hidden Job Market

With all the job posting sites and boards, you would think that all jobs would be seen. However, most jobs and valuable positions are only available via a network within the company walls. How do you break through that barrier? Read on to find out.

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Today’s interview was written and compiled by CareerSparx Managing Editor Kacey Valla.

Paul J. Bailo is the founder and CEO of Phone Interview Pro and author of The Essential Phone Interview Handbook. He created the ultimate phone interview guidebook after realizing the importance of phone interviews was overlooked. He knew that a phone interview was as important as preparing a resume and cover letter; so, the “The Essential Phone Interview Handbook” was created. We’re fortunate that Paul took the time to interview with CareerSparx, and we’re excited to share his telephone expertise!

1. What is the ultimate tip for students and interns to prepare for a phone interview?

Be humble. The phone interview is not about you. It’s about the other person who is interviewing you. Your goal is to understand the problem the hiring manager has and how your skills, abilities and education may be the solution to solving the problem.

2. What should an interviewee do if he/she can’t conduct the phone interview in their current situation, but have already answered the call?

Apologize and reschedule. “Mr. Jones … I need to reschedule our phone interview due to an event that needs my immediate attention. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to talking with you about this opportunity in your organization very soon. Please email dates and times that work best you.” Make sure this does not happen again … as it’s very unprofessional and could afford you a great opportunity in the future.

3. How should an interviewee respond to a question if he/she is unsure of a response?

Ask a question. If you do not understand the question, ask a question. Ask the interviewer for clarification of the question he/she is asking. Ask the interviewer a question about the question being asked … “Mr. Jones, did you want me to share my view on the current economy and how it is impacting your company?” Never try to answer a question you do not fully understand. It is okay to say, “I do not understand the question,” or, “I am happy to research this question and get back to you,” or you can always ask, “Did my response answer your question?” Remember, you want to understand the question before offering a response. Listen. Think. Speak.

4. What questions regarding the position are appropriate to ask during your first phone interview with a company?

Phone interview questions need to focus on the needs of the organization and understanding the position.

- What are your top three goals for this candidate?

- What are you expecting to be accomplished in the first three months from this candidate?

- What is a typical day like for a person in this role?

- Is this a new opportunity?

- How does this position fit in with the overall strategy of the company?

5. What should an interviewee do if the call has been lost and they don’t have the interviewer’s contact information to call back?

Nothing. Hope they call you back, and make sure this never happens again. Before any phone interview you want to make sure you have the interviewer’s contact information including a phone number and email.

6. How do you follow-up with a phone interviewer if you didn’t receive their contact information?

Play detective. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding contact information as well.

7. Is it appropriate to ask for their contact information at the end of the interview?

Never. Never ask for the contact information during a phone interview. Do you go to a birthday party with an opened birthday card and ask the birthday boy, “Hey what is your name?” then add it to the card and give it him. No you don’t. The day before your scheduled phone interview you call the hiring manager to confirm your phone interview and ask for contact information.

8. How would you apply your tips from “The Essential Phone Interview Handbook” to Skype interviews?

“The Essential Phone Interview Handbook” is a great resource not only for phone interviews, but it can be a resource for “Web Cam Interviews,” or as I like to call them “WCIs.” Here are some tips:

• Eliminate distractions. Select or create a clean, spartan room in your home for the call. Remove all projects and messes from this room. Lock the door before the interview, and ask family members to remain quiet and keep their distance. Postpone any landscaper visits scheduled for that day. If deliveries are expected, post a note on the door asking that packages be left without ringing the bell. If you have a dog prone to barking or whining, ask a friend to take the dog elsewhere during the interview, or at least put it in a part of your home far from where you will be taking the call.

• Dress professionally. Some job applicants conduct phone interviews in jeans or bathrobes. Dress as if the person is in the room.

• Take a teaspoon of honey one hour before the interview even if your throat feels fine. Using lozenges or honey increases the odds that the mental image your voice projects will be one of strength and vibrancy.

• Read a newspaper story out loud or sing a song before early morning phone interviews to stretch your vocal cords. Place a cup of water beside the mic/phone before the Skype call in case your throat begins to feel dry.

• Skip the “ums,” “ahs” and “you knows.” They make job applicants sound nervous. If you are prone to them, gently bite your tongue as you mentally prepare responses to phone interviewer’s questions. There’s nothing wrong with pauses of as long as two to three seconds.

About the Author:

Paul J. Bailo, MBA, MSW, is the founder and CEO of Phone Interview Pro, a service for job seekers who want to perfect their telephone job interviewing skills. After recognizing that the importance of the phone interview is often overlooked, Bailo prompted Phone Interview Pro to create a 250-plus point phone evaluation, previously nonexistent in the career services industry.