Q TIPS:
Quick and Quintessential Career & Job Tips
Job-hunting tips from the November 13, 2000 issue of QuintZine.
One of the most dreaded interview questions
(and it's not even really a question) is "Tell
me about yourself." Eric Schlesinger of
PFPC, a company that puts on career fairs for college
students, provides this helpful template for responding
(it's geared to college students but can be adapted by
others):
"My name is _____. I will be graduating from ____ with
a degree in ______. I have had some experience in
__________ (industry/function) doing _______.
Most recently, I _______. Before that I was ___________.
My areas of expertise (core transferable skills) are
____________. My particular strengths are (relate to
the specific opportunity you are interviewing for)
__________________. I am interested in how
I might contribute to your organization."
Much as some of may not want to face it, the
holidays are upon us; every other TV commercial seems
to have a Christmas theme. And everyone knows that
no one hires over the Christmas holidays,
so it must therefore be a terrible time to
network, right? Wrong. Christmas can be an
excellent time to network. Why? Consider the following:
According the U.S. Department of Labor figures,
December, January and February are actually the
three BEST hiring months. Thus, holiday networking
is well-timed to pay off by the first of the new year.
Since most people assume the winter holidays are
terrible for job-seeking, you have less competition
than at other times. Legions of workers wait until
January to seek a new job for the same reason that
people wait until the new year to lose weight -
they want to get a fresh start.
Lots of parties are held during the holidays.
These soirees can provide wonderful opportunities
to network in a festive and relaxed setting.
The generosity of spirit that marks the season
may dispose managers more favorably to hiring you.
Those with hiring power are less likely to travel
over the holidays, so they are more accessible.
Hiring managers know that anyone who is
networking during the holidays must be very
serious about obtaining a job.
At Christmastime, you often see contacts you
haven't seen in awhile. Many high schools
hold class reunions during the Thanksgiving
and Christmas holidays.
What does the future workforce hold in store?
The U.S. Department of Labor has published a report
full of all kinds of interesting information about
what we can expect. Among the findings:
The U.S. population is becoming larger and more diverse
Educational attainment is rising
Women are working more; men are working less
Workers with disabilities are an underutilized resource
Young people are already a substantial part of the labor force
Employers are demanding higher skills
Work reforms can increase productivity and reshape workplaces
Nontraditional workers are an important part of the workforce
One of the most dreaded interview questions
(and it's not even really a question) is "Tell
me about yourself." Eric Schlesinger of
PFPC, a company that puts on career fairs for college
students, provides this helpful template for responding
(it's geared to college students but can be adapted by
others):
