So you’re sitting there in your interview and things are going well. But then you’re asked a common question, one that you know the answer to – why are you leaving your current job (or why did you leave your last job). But how do you answer it? Truthfully? What they want to hear?

For some people, why they left their last job is pretty straightforward while for others, it’s a more sensitive issue. In either case, you want to be careful as to how you answer it. Saying you hated your job raises issues about how good an employee you are. Complaining about the commute and lack of family time may make your potential employer wonder if you’ll be able to put in the extra time when needed.  Read more... (482 words, 20 images, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

Many interviewers and interviewees alike are not aware that in the United States, there are some questions that cannot be asked during an interview because they can be discriminatory and are considered “Illegal Interview Questions“. You are not allowed to discriminate by age, race, religion, gender, marital status, family size, military history, US Citizenship and a number of other things. Some states also have additional laws regarding these illegal questions.

From an interviewer standpoint, the rule of thumb is to not ask the interviewer any questions that don’t pertain to the qualifications of the job. Now it’s okay to make small talk and ask what books or magazines the interviewee reads or what movies or TV shows he or she may watch. But stay away from anything too personal such as race, religion and family life. The potential danger of asking an illegal interview question could result in federal action if a number of candidates complain (or one complains loudly enough).  Read more... (451 words, 20 images, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)

With more and more people flocking to services like Facebook and Twitter, many of these same people are unknowingly preventing themselves from getting hired for jobs. Given the record unemployment, companies are really doing their due diligence to ensure they’re choosing only the best hires. Five years ago, a simple web search was the extent of their online research for prospective employees. Today, that search deepens as many organizations now search blogs and social media.

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I spent most of my afternoons throughout my early teens playing the infamous NES (Nintendo Entertainment System
) with friends from my neighborhood. At the time, I remember a few articles that I’d share with my parents about the benefits of playing video games – developing problem solving skills and increasing hand-eye coordination were the two biggest. But I learned something else that I didn’t realize until I was an adult – how to balance my life.  Read more... (861 words, 25 images, estimated 3:27 mins reading time)

I’ve been noticing more and more personal development “experts” knocking people that have jobs and pretty much calling them inferior. Some go as far as calling them slaves. A few years ago, I would have shared their opinion (but not nearly as strongly). However, two things have changed my mind. First, I’ve met a number of people that actually very happy with their jobs and the work-life balance that it gives them. But the big eye opener for me was when I taught my first Job Interview class a few years back – half the people in the room were business owners looking to get back into a nine to five position.  Read more... (1755 words, 21 images, estimated 7:01 mins reading time)

Procrastination can be a true career killer. Putting off tasks results in stress, feelings of overwhelm and in the worst cases, missed deadlines – which can lead to some serious repercussions. The same holds true with things you put off outside of your job or business – ignoring that leaky roof, not getting your car serviced and not paying your bills on time can also lead to serious problems.

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Many companies use the phone interview, or phone screen, to help limit the amount of candidates that come in the door. This is a quick way to screen out people who aren’t a good fit and saves the hiring manager, as well as any support staff that would have to meet with potential candidates, from taking time out of their busy days for interviews that won’t go anywhere. So, in order to succeed at these interviews, there are three things you need to know:  Read more... (788 words, 20 images, estimated 3:09 mins reading time)

1. The purpose of a phone interview.
2. How to prepare for a phone interview.