Hiring News means get ready….
Employers added 290,000 in April–the largest one month employment in four years. That’s a step in the right direction. Yet what seems to amaze me is how many people AREN’T READY – some aren’t even looking!
Mary, was a 47 year old executive who’d gotten laid off 13 months ago. She wasn’t worried since she got a nice severance package and felt she needed a vacation. She was burned out from the stress at the old job, and secretly nursing her wounds about being let go.
She told herself she’d wait until the economy got better, then she’d wait until after summer, next she’d start after Christmas, and do finally it all came to a crashing climax in May when her husband got so mad at her he threatened to leave if she didn’t find a job. By then, her unemployment benefits were gone. Over the 13 months of unemployment she hadn’t been job hunting, hadn’t gotten around to doing her resume, and wasn’t networking…she was retiring even though she couldn’t afford too.
She called me to inquiry about career and job search counseling since she knew she’d never succeed alone. The key question I asked was, are you ready to go to work? She didn’t know. I suggested she call when back when she was truly ready to put in the effort necessary to land a job.
If you are one of the millions still sitting on the sidelines looking for work or wanting a promotion that just isn’t happening, giving up guarantees you’ll fail.
You need to be prepared for a job interview at a moment’s notice. So, begin to day by taking a pen and paper in hand. Write out answers to these five questions you’ll likely get asked. Edit and perfect them. Keep your answer to 60 seconds or less. Rehearse so you’ll be confident and smooth when you are asked:
- Why did you leave your last job? (or want to leave current job?)
- What is your greatest weakness on the job?
- Why should I hire you?
- What is the salary amount you are seeking for this job?
- Describe the worse boos you’ve ever had.
If you need specific guidance answering these or other interview questions, consult the book: 60 Seconds & You’re Hired!
