The Candidate Advantage: Job Search Advice

Make sure your reference checks "check out"

There are way too many stories about candidates who blow off the importance of reference checks and end up losing the offer. It makes no sense. It's like stopping just before you reach the end zone to tie your shoe and getting tackled.

References are the critical last few yards of scoring a touchdown. If you assume it's a done deal and don't pay attention here, you'll lose out. Don't treat this as a rubber stamp and mere administrative detail. Take it seriously and pay attention to how this gets conducted on your behalf.

Admit to your shortcomings

How do you answer the toughest interview question in the world - "What is your biggest weakness?" Whatever you do, don't try and avoid the real answer. What the manager wants to know more than anything else is NOT what your actual weaknesses are, but if you are honest enough to admit you have one.

Little White Lies

Every company performs some level of due diligence on the people they hire. Whether the HR person does this themselves or hires a 3rd party to conduct a formal background check, count on everything you say to be double checked.

Know that any informational discrepancy could cost you the job, even if it involves something very minor or ends up being a completely innocent misunderstanding. So always apply the "background check" factor to every aspect of your job search (writing your resume, answering questions during the interview, filling out a job application, etc..) to avoid this problem.

How to handle "taking a step back"

What a kick in the pants it is to learn that you weren't hired because they think you have too much experience. This happens more often than you think since titles and job duties can vary drastically. What one company calls a "Manager of Software Development" could be synonymous with "Lead Developer" in another or even a "Director of Software" someplace else. This creates the illusion of being overqualified.

Learn how to avoid being turned down for the wrong reasons.

Any questions???

At the end of EVERY interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. It is unbelievably common for candidates to say "no". Understand that not asking questions is tantamount to telling them you are not interested. If you are interested, don't blow it by being misread...be inquisitive!

Dressing for Success

The point of the interview is to position yourself as a match for the job, right? Then start with something as easy as how you dress. Smart interview attire will help you to fit in (and avoid sticking out!).

It's amazing to me what some candidates will chose to wear to an interview. While they are more than happy to take advice on how to alter and change their comments during the interview, many are still reluctant to change their wardrobe.

When you wear the wrong thing to an interview, consider what goes through a Hiring Manager's mind...

Know the "Pecking Order"

Be mindful of "pecking order" during the interview process. Unknowingly putting yourself above or below the wrong person can hurt your chances of getting the job.

Picture this...you're the perfect candidate for the job and have been invited back for a third and final round. Someone asks you to meet with "Tom" at the last meeting. You assume he is a subordinate member of the team and are dismissive by not asking him any questions. You come to find out after the fact that this was the VP of the department and you didn't get the job because "Tom" didn't like you.

Standing out during the interview

You want every hiring manager to remember and enjoy their interview with you. So figure out what you can bring to the table to stand out from the competition. By engaging the hiring manager, you will make a connection that will add serious "bonus points" to your interview.

When interviewing for a position, you will always be up against other candidates. Some of these people may be just as qualified as you are (if not more qualified!). So what makes the manager move towards one candidate and not the other?... Answer: chemistry.

Goldilocks & the 3 Job Postings

If it worked for Goldilocks, it will work for you. By interviewing for jobs that are a little to the left or to the right of what you want, you'll eventually find the one that's ..."juusssst right"!

There is just an overwhelming sea of jobs to swim through no matter where you look online. While you're making sure that you don’t drown in all of this by screening out opportunities, be careful not to fine tune your search too much or you'll miss out. Here's some advice on the more common filters applied ...

Keep it a secret!!

Confidential searches are a necessity for those who can't risk having their current employers find out they are looking to leave. Understand how to conceal your identity without handicapping your job search.

First of all, ask yourself this question....Do I mind if my current employer finds out I am looking?  If not, you don't have to hold back on anything. However, if this is a problem for you then there are some things you will want to do to avoid being caught by your current company.

You're being watched!

Resumes are not the only place employers go to to get information on you. We live in an era of transparency and tremendous access. While you can't prevent people from learning about you on their own, there are still a few things you CAN control.

Nowadays, HR professionals and Hiring Managers are investigating who prospective candidates really are. Not all companies conduct formal background checks. But most do some level of baseline checking via the Internet and/ or their own personal networks.

Preparation is key!

Being prepared for an interview is not optional if you want to make a good impression. Not knowing certain information ahead of time will only portray presumption, apathy or disinterest.

Whether you're working with a recruiter or not, it is your responsibility to be prepared for an interview. Always have everything you need before going in: Job Title, required skills, preferred skills, level, responsibilities, company info, manager info.

Covering pregnancy during the interview process

Be smart about this topic when interviewing. This news should never hurt your candidacy or relationship with your new company. But it could, if this topic gets handled the wrong way.

First off, ask yourself this ....WHY would an employer need to know this? The only really bona fide need they would have for this information is for planning purposes down the road when you take maternity leave. Remember this and make sure that the news of your pregnancy is never used to judge your qualifications for a position.

Filling the holes on your resume

Gaps that don't get addressed on the resume will turn into "black holes" if you are not careful. If you have any extended periods of time when you were unemployed, control the interpretation of this with honest explanations.

Understand that large gaps on your resume are going to raise concerns if you have been out of work for any more than 3 months or even longer up to a year. You never want to put these reasons on the resume itself. But you do want to have an explanation ready if you are called in for an interview. Most importantly, you'll want to bring this explanation up whether you are asked about it or not during the interview. If you don't, employers will assume you were having a hard time finding a job...not the impression you want to make.

State the obvious in your interview!

You may think that certain things are cliche to say in an interview. But say them anyway! You can substantially upgrade the impression you make by hitting on these common points.

Here are the top three OBVIOUS things to say in an interview...

Pigeon hole-ing yourself with your ambition

Don't be too specific about your career objectives or you may shoot yourself in the foot. Most managers want to hire people that are somewhat open minded to their future and will be slightly weary of those who have a dead set, concrete picture of what their career path should be.

So always go with a "less is more" approach to how you communicate your professional goals since you don't know what type of answer the manager will want to hear. Your basic rule of thumb should be this..."If you don't know if your stated objective will help your candidacy for the job, don't say it!"

Introducing the competition

There is a fine line between playing the field and being a "player". Learn how to make hiring managers aware that you are a hot commodity without turning them off or scaring them away.

Covering competing offers is a very touchy subject. Do this poorly and the hiring manager will feel that you are holding them hostage by this fact and using it solely as a point of leverage. Don't do this at all and you are missing out on an opportunity to attract them to you and create momentum during this final stage. Here are some tips...

How Much Notice to Give: The New Perspective

When deciding on the amount of time to give notice, don't fall for the guilt trip from your boss or what people tell you is the "standard" notice period. This is as personal and customizable an aspect to your job search as anything else. Know what should factor into this decision and why.

You talk too much

Many things can cause even the best of us to "wax on". While this might be tolerated at the bar on a Saturday night with your buddies, this is absolutely fatal during an interview. Learn how to catch yourself from babbling or you will risk coming off as nervous, boring or self-important.

Dealing with Human Resources

Although not the most important player in the hiring process, HR does have influence over the final decision (kind of like your in-laws!). Understand what you can gain here and use that meeting to make a positive impression.

If you dismiss HR and try to marginalize their importance, they'll make things very difficult for you (kind of like your in-laws!) :)...

Salary Negotiaton Tips: 5 Things to Avoid

Don't blow it when it comes to negotiating salary with an employer. The wrong attitude or approach will cost you dearly. Why get all this way in the process and lose out because you said the wrong thing. Follow this good advice on avoiding the most common salary negotiation mistakes.

Don't let this candidate’s market go to your head

A strong job market combined with a talent shortage provides candidates with serious leverage. However, no one (and I mean NO ONE) likes a cocky candidate! Your hard-to-find skills may be in demand, but remember that there's ALWAYS competition in play. Stay humble and sell yourself whether you think you have to or not. Read on as to why...

The Inside Scoop

There is far more information available to you about a job than just the salary, location and qualifications needed. Having additional details about the job will give you a serious upper hand to sell yourself more effectively and demonstrate how much you've prepared for the interview.

And getting the "inside scoop" isn't that hard either. You just need to know where to look and what questions to ask before going into the interview.

Speed it up!

As the pace of the job market picks up, Hiring Managers will need to move more quickly. However, the candidate is also responsible for the speed of this interview process. Learn how to put your foot on the gas and avoid putting your foot on the brakes.

Dispelling Agency Myths

Afraid of a percieved "price tag" on your head? Don't like the idea of a "middleman" speaking for you? Think job boards are a "do-it-yourself" kit? Think again before deciding not to use an agency. These perceptions are about as valid as BigFoot himself. 

People hire people

They don't hire "resumes" or "skill sets". So, never leave an interview only portraying these things. This sterility is  detrimental to both parties (not to mention boring). Learn how to use preparation and your personality to connect with the Hiring Manager.

Questions that are the "Kiss of Death"

Some of the most reasonable things to ask can kill your chances in an interview. Understand how these questions can come across and learn how to rephrase them to avoid this pitfall.

Job Boards are everywhere!!

The disenchantment is growing towards the traditional boards and a new crop is rapidly emerging. Popping up on popular blogs and professional networking sites, they are creating fresh, new channels to view IT positions.

Timing is Everything

Don't ask perfectly good questions at the wrong time. You'll come off as either presumptious or someone with absolutely no common sense.

Hopping: Great for rabbits, bad for candidates

If you've changed jobs too much in a short period of time, you'll need to control the perception of this. If not, employers will assume the worst - - that you are a dreaded “job hopper.”

Look into my Crystal Ball

Very rarely will you get all the offers out on the table at the exact same time. This means you'll have to decide without knowing how things would have eventually turned out.  If you don't have a crystal ball handy, there are other ways to predict your future.

Marrying the High School Sweetheart

Sometimes the first interview you do seems like "the one". Now, it very well might be! But you may also want to think about playing the field and doing a few more interviews before jumping into a decision.

To Tell the Truth

Don't ever misrepresent things in an interview. Think about how you'd feel if companies weren't completely honest with you about the job? Bottom line: it's bad news either way.

Where do offers come from?

Just like learning that babies don't come from the Stork, candidates should know the truth about how offers are made. Most companies go about it the same way. Know what this standard process is when negotiating your salary.

Discussing Salary: the "Hot Potato"

Handle this poorly and you'll not only negatively impact the offer you get, but could actually knock yourself out of the running altogether! Learn how to catch this question and quickly throw it back to the manager (before you get burned!)

Job Boards: Old & New

A lot has changed in the last 5 years. (in other words...Monster is no longer your only option!). Take advantage of these newly emerging resources on the web.

Little mistakes = big problem

Small things can ruin your chance to make a strong first impression. Avoid the most common blunders (..like wearing white gym socks with your suit).

Send the right message

You say a lot about who you are in how you respond to or ask certain questions. Pay attention to these cues that you send during the interview...because, yes, it's that obvious.

Stand by your word!

This isn't "all about you". There's a daisy chain of people that get affected by your decisions.  So, think things through before acting and then, of course, follow through with what you say.

Avoiding a bad break up

Nothing can prevent the inevitable discomfort that comes along with giving notice. However, there are things that you can do to make this go more smoothly with your boss.

The Salary Seesaw

Be aware of offers that are unusually high or low. There are lots of reasons why this happens and you'll want to know these things before ever accepting a job under these circumstances.

Is your job offer "skin deep"?

Good looks aren't the ONLY thing that matters in dating and job offers shouldn't be judged entirely on the starting salary either.  Dig deeper to acknowlege everything that goes into an offer before ever accepting or declining a job. You'll be glad you did.

Time is on your side

When interviews occur is not a trivial detail. In most cases, you'll be accommodating them. But if you're fortunate enough to pick the time, follow this simple logic on what works best.

The most important question is...

...why you're looking to leave in the first place! With the market improving, career change is on peoples' minds. Just make sure to think this through heavily before deciding to quit your job.

Cover Letters: Friend or Foe?

Don't think - "can't hurt, might help". It's more like -"can hurt, won't help." These have always been customary to send, but they're actually pretty useless within modern day job search.

Finding a great agency

Job search is too big a task to go it alone. You'll need a good recruiter. Yet, finding the right one can sometimes be just as hard as finding the right job. Use this criteria to help choose.

Be Flexible!!!

Every job has its share of imperfections and challenges. Employers all look for people with a flexible attitude towards their work. So, make sure you're always promoting how "limber" you are.

Turning the tables

You can research companies you're interviewing with beforehand online. But, make sure to also have questions that you can ask them in person. By interviewing THEM, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of what they want, but you'll also be reminding them that you are just as selective as they are.

The dreaded phone screen

As impersonal as these can be, many companies conduct first level screening this way. Instead of getting annoyed, learn what these calls are designed to do and nail these conversations.

Post-Acceptance Checklist

Time to celebrate getting your new job!! Not yet. Cut cord and close the loop on all your other activity to avoid sending the wrong message to your new employer.You'll also save yourself the headache that will come from leaving your self "active" on the market.

Desperate Measures!

Be selective in your search. Wallpapering the job market with your resume will not only make you look desperate, but you'll also have to deal with the headache of mismatched solicitations and referral confusion that come with this.

Writing resignation letters

These not only officially document your decision, but communicate your overall level of professionalism in doing this. So, leave things on a positive note by taking the high road with what you choose to say here.

In the blink of an eye

Your resume gets all but a few seconds consideration upon first glance. So, do everything you can to build a breif, clear and compelling snapshot of "you" by following these resume tips.

The "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"

Counteroffers are accepted everyday. Why? Because money talks. The harsh truth is that this can backfire leaving candidates in an even worse position down the line (unemployed!). Be wary and look at this situation from all angles before considering one.

Thank you letters count!

Emily Post would agree that it shows good manners to do this after an interview. Abide by this longstanding tradition and score important points with a killer thank you letter.