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Would You Interview For a Job on Skype?

GeekSugar — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:13:50 -0700

If you ask me, using Skype for dating is one thing, but using it for a job interview is something entirely different. But now, employers are turning to Skype as a cost-cutting interview tool. Instead of flying prospective candidates for in-person meetings, some companies are using the video-chatting software to narrow the list to a few finalists.

Even though I'd get to interview at home - in slippers and sweat pants if I wanted to, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable using Skype to meet a potential employer. I think you can learn more about a new job and work environment from inside the office, not from behind a computer screen. What do you think?

Would You Want a Web-Based Job Interview?

GeekSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:01:14 -0700

Imagine being able to interview for jobs all over the world - without leaving your hometown?!

Companies LiveHire and LeafsofTalent are looking to blow up the workforce with Webcam Interview Ready Rooms (WIRRs) and Interview Ready Rooms (IRRs), so that employers and potential employees can connect remotely for job interviews. The plus side is, you won't have to worry about whether you should shake their hand.

I think it's an exciting and logical conclusion - phone interviews have long been the standard for preliminary interviews, so this is like a halfway step between that and an a physical, face-to-face interview. Would you want your job interview to be web based?

Source

The Coolest Job Interview Ever

GiggleSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Whatever you do, be upbeat and optimistic. The boss will soak that sh*t up.

Thanks, eBaum's World!

How Not to Score a Job

GiggleSugar — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:02:00 -0800

The job market is competitive, but the following statements should help put things into perspective. These have been lifted from actual résumés submitted to prospective employers. Last I heard, unintentional self-deprecation isn't the best strategy for getting hired. And as for proofreading, it's not yet overrated . . .

Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty!
It’s best for employers that I not work with people.
Here are my qualifications for you to overlook.
Seek challenges that test my mind and body, since the two are usually inseparable.
Graduated in the top 66% of my class.
Reason for leaving last job: The owner gave new meaning to the word paranoia. I prefer to elaborate privately.
I am a rabid typist.
I have a bachelorette degree in computers.
Excellent memory; strong math aptitude; excellent memory; effective management skills; and very good at math.
I worked as a Corporate Lesion.
Reason for leaving last job: Pushed aside so the vice president’s girlfriend could steal my job
Married, eight children. Prefer frequent travel.
Education: Graduated from predatory school with honors.
Special skills: Thyping.
Never been fired, although it could happen anytime now.
Referees available upon request.
Previous rank: Senior instigator.

Source and Source

You Asked: Should I Tell Them I'm Pregnant?

DearSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

Our whole department got laid-off last Thursday. I now need to find a job (in retail) right before the Holiday season and I am 16 weeks pregnant.

When interviewing for a job, when do I tell them I am pregnant? I have every intention of returning to work after maternity leave (thanks to our mortgage). I also know they cannot discriminate on people who are pregnant but I don't want to lie, so do I tell them when they make me an offer? Do I wait until after I have started the new job? Or during the interview when they ask me if I have any other questions, should I tell them then? - Knocked up Nancy

To see Dear Sugar's answer read more

Dear Knocked up Nancy,

Legally, you don't have to divulge that you are expecting, so the choice is ultimately up to you. Although you want to be honest, rest assured that not telling them doesn't make you a liar, it makes you realistic. Of course, potential employers aren't supposed to discriminate about pregnancy when deciding if they want to hire you, but let's be real here, I'm sure it's something they consider even if they aren't supposed to.

You sound like a very hard working woman who is going to be dedicated to the job, so if I were you, I would keep quiet. The holidays are the busiest time of the year in the retail business so if you're able to perform all your job responsibilities and tasks at that time, I say take the job and wait until you're one hundred percent comfortable before telling them about your pregnancy. Good luck to you!

Source

The How-To Lounge: How to Impress on a Job Interview

DearSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:00:00 -0700

We all know that going on a job interview can be quite daunting, but when you throw in the worry about what to wear, how to do your hair, and what purse to carry, you add another level of anxiety to the table.

To help ease your worries, click here to read more

It's important to look good on paper, but in order to impress your interviewer, you need to dress the part as well
Some people fear wearing nice clothing or designer handbags and shoes, but according to Adam Glassman, O Magazine's creative director, it's fine to wear recognizably high-end items -he feels it shows good taste!
Never over-accessorize. Stick to classics. If you want to show your personality, choose a pair of fashion earrings, or a necklace, but never both
Be sure you have a good haircut. Even if you wear a simple outfit to an interview, you can't hide your hair so be sure to keep it looking healthy, well groomed and most importantly out of your face
Adam Glassman also feels that your shoes should be well kept. They don't have to be expensive, but they shouldn't look worn out or scuffed up either
A firm handshake is more important than you think - it exudes confidence. While I didn't understand why my Dad made me practice my handshake with him all the time while I was growing up, I now thank him for showing me the ropes. Every time I shake someone's hand, I get complimented about how great my firm handshake is.

I hope these tips help you on your next interview, and most importantly, remember to stand up straight and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

Source

The How-To Lounge: Writing Thank you Notes to Potential Employers

DearSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:00:00 -0700

We all know that writing a thank you note is the polite way to express your gratitude, but when it comes to potential employers, many people come up blank when figuring out what to say.

Click here to read more

Time is of the essence when it comes to thanking potential employers. Write your thank you notes the same day as your interview or meeting and stick them in the mail ASAP so they can received either the next day, or as soon thereafter.
Thank you notes give you another opportunity to express your interest in the position at hand and to mention anything you might have forgotten to say in your interview, so choose your words wisely
Since you are most likely not the only person to interview for the position, make sure to remind them who you are. Reiterate some key points from your interview or something you had in common to jog their memory
Be sure to keep your thank you notes personal. You should send a separate note to every person you interviewed with and don't sound robotic -- make each one different and unique to the conversation you had with the person you are thanking
If you went on an informational interview where there wasn't a job available per se, a thank you note should still be written
Always thank your interviewee for their time and reiterate how interested you are in the job. Be confident but not overly presumptuous
Be sure to have someone proof read your thank you note. Spelling or grammar errors can actually help you not get the job so be precise and diligent when writing your letters

I hope these tips are helpful if you are right in the middle of a job search. Remember, while nailing the job might be your first priority, your potential employers are most likely swamped with work, so don't get too let down if you don't hear from them right away. Oftentimes a follow up call or e-mail is necessary to get the ball back in motion. Good luck and if anyone has other tips that they found helpful, please share what you've got up your sleeve!

Group Therapy: Looking For A New Job

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I moved to a new area in a few months ago and started a new job. Well, it was a small family business with a total of 5 employees (including the owner) and long story short, it was an absolute nightmare and a very unstable work environment. I quit today because I simply could not take anymore. My question is this-- how do I find a new, better job?

Click here to

Does anyone have interview tips? I'm a wonderful (and very skilled) employee with lots of experience but I always get incredibly nervous during interviews. Also, what questions can I ask the interviewer to help determine whether or not the job is right for me?

Another major issue is that before I moved I'd only been with the company for 3.5 months. I gave more than two week's notice before quitting that company and the only reason I left was because my boyfriend (somewhat unexpectedly) asked me to move in with him (we'd been in a long distance relationship for awhile at that point.) Now I am leaving my current position after only a few months. How can I explain my less than incredibly stable work history as of late? I also know the question of why I left my most recent job will come up and I'm not sure how to explain it without bad-mouthing the business (which is clearly a bad idea!)

Also-- how do you negotiate salary? When they tell me to give salary expectations I'm never sure what to ask for, especially if I'm unsure what the company normally pays. There is a big range in salary here for the positions that I am applying for, anywhere from 8-17 dollars an hour depending on the employer. I have 3 years of experience in my field, and although I don't have a degree I do have 2.5 years of college experience.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much ladies!

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]

MySpace: A Job Hunter's Worst Enemy

GiggleSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 10:58:32 -0700

Dude, clean up your MySpace page before you go on an interview.

Worst Job Interview Ever

GiggleSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:52:52 -0800

This is so wrong. (Thanks, anyway, Beaner!)