Interviews

What Weaknesses…?

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Hopefully, this doesn’t come as a shock to you but – we all have a weakness or two. 

 

Most behavioral interviews include this dreaded question. If you don’t prepare for it – you’ll probably sound like this….

A weakness? Ummm I don’t….ahhh I mean, I am a perfectionist…and yea, that sometimes makes things…umm, take longer.

Well, that was a disaster. <face> <palm>

 

This should and can be an easy question to answer. First, think of an actual weakness or area you’d like to improve in. Second, how can you spin it to sound more positive? Thirdly, describe the weakness and explain how you are aware of the weakness and the actions you take to prevent it or ways you’re working to improve.

 

Here’s an example of a WEAKNESS that I discussed with a job seeker the other day…”I would say that my weakness is that I often have trouble saying “no” to people when they need my help. This often leaves me working late hours, getting burnt out faster or frustrated…and it’s my own fault! So, I’m working on being more aware of my to-do list and priorities for the week so that when someone asks me to help with something I’m able to say “yes” or “no” as well as give them a realistic timeline for when I could get it done.”

 

Having a weakness isn’t a bad thing. This question is to help the interviewer understand how aware you are of yourself and your abilities. If we can’t identify what we’re good at and what we could work on…how do we get better?!

 

Best of luck on your interviews!
-Cafe Career Coach
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Interviews, Job Search

Interviews : Tell me about yourself…

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The first question in a phone interview is often…

 

“Tell me about yourself.”

 

Such a short but loaded question.

 

How do you answer this question in the confines of an often 30-minute phone interview?

 

Just think…with this one question, you can set the tone and can drive the narrative of the entire call.
The person on the other side of the phone only wants to hear a general outline of your experience. Your job is to make sure that the general outline focuses on your experience that is most relevant to their job opening and company.
My first rule of thumb is PRACTICE! Even if it is a phone interview start practicing as early as possible on how you want to describe yourself and your experience in 2 minutes or less.

 

Wait, did you say 2-minutes or less?!

Yes, I did. The call is 30-minutes. If you spend 5 of those minutes talking about yourself and possibly things that don’t matter to the interviewer…You just wasted valuable time you could be discussing skills that you have that they DO care about!
The interviewer can always follow-up with questions after you’ve finished.
Additionally, when you practice these responses your answers become habitual and don’t sound rehearsed. They come across as FOCUSED and CONFIDENT.
I’m reminded of how I had to memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in 7th grade. I spent hours rehearsing to make sure I got it just right.
Now, I’m not recommending you write down a response and memorize it. That would sound robotic and uninteresting over the phone. It is on the other hand ok to write out bullet points, much like speaking points, on a piece of paper to have with you during the call.

 

Remember: the tone of your voice is the main way they’ll sense your emotion (excitement, interest) during your phone interview.
 

As you prepare, think about these 3 things:

 1. Why do I want this job? Why am I a good fit?
 2. As I review my resume, what experiences and skills are most relevant to this position?
3. When I hear myself describe my experience is it interesting and easy to follow? *Practice saying it aloud to yourself or a friend.

 

Best of luck!
-Cafe Career Coach
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Career Advice, Interviews, Job Search, Uncategorized

Top 4 Tips for Salary Negotiations

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Most people view conversations about money or their salary as awkward. It shouldn’t be!!  
There is no need to feel uncomfortable asking for a raise or for additional compensation in an offer. You have every right to ask…and the have the right to say “no” or counter-offer. Negotiating can be an enjoyable and empowering process if you enter it with the right mindset and information.

 

Do you have a performance review coming up?
Did you just receive a job offer?
These are two scenarios where you may have the opportunity to break out your negotiating skills. 

 

Here are 4 tips to help you navigate >> how-to-ask for a raise >> negotiate a job offer
  1. Build your case. Why do you deserve a raise, higher salary or additional benefits?
    a. (Asking for a Raise) Make sure you have a list of all of your accomplishments from the previous weeks, months and years. You are creating the narrative for why you deserve a raise. This information will help your manager see your increased responsibilities, your increased value-add to the team and your eagerness to continue with the company as a major contributor.
    b. (Negotiating a Job Offer) Congrats! You received a job offer and it’s great but…everyone has told you “you should always negotiate for more” OR they made an offer below your asking salary. Entering the negotiating process with facts to back up your request is imperative. Review your experience, the job description, and your interview notes. After you analyze this information create a list of your top 5 reasons you deserve a higher salary. If you’re not looking for a higher salary you can still negotiate for a signing bonus, vacation time or relocation expenses.
  2. Be mindful that they can say “no”. Have a counter-offer and counter “arguments” prepared beforehand. For example: If the company won’t raise the salary on your job offer you could ask for a signing bonus (make sure to clarify before or after taxes amounts).
  3. Get rid of all of your negative thoughts. If you’re frustrated with your boss or company do not take-it-out on them while you’re asking for a raise. It is after this conversation that you can assess if the raise is really what you were seeking or if it is time for you to consider other employment options.
  4. First and foremost make this a positive conversation. Start out the conversation with upbeat comments about your work, team, and company. If you’re told that you cannot receive a raise or additional compensation. Take a deep breath and ask:
    a. What is your main reason for making this decision?
    b. Can we set-up a meeting 2-3 months from now to re-review my proposal for a raise (or additional compensation? And, what actions should I take between now and then?
Make sure to always thank the person or company for their time and consideration. Successful negotiations require a balance of humility and confidence.
Best of luck to you all in your upcoming negotiations!
– C.C. Coach
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Career Advice

Top 5 Ways To Stay Positive This Week

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Having trouble staying positive this week? We all have those weeks at work that seem to never end and nothing goes our way…
How can you turn that frown upside down & go from having a bad week to a GREAT week?!
Try one or ALL of these 5 Ways to Stay Positive and soon you’ll be spreading positive vibes to your co-workers, friends, and family!
  1. Go for a walk! Depending on your work schedule try and go for a peaceful walk (before work, at lunch, or after work) where you can enjoy your surroundings and listen to the world happening around you. This is a great way to get some positive endorphins pumping and take time for yourself.
  2. Listen to an uplifting, educational or motivating podcast. When I’m overwhelmed at work or need someone else’s positivity to rub off on me…I’ll listen to a podcast by Smart Passive Income or Hidden Brain (NPR). Find a podcast or audio book that works for you. It’s a great way to learn something new and get inspired!
  3. Turn up the volume! Sometimes a walk, podcast or book won’t cut it. We all have days where the only thing that will lift our spirits is blaring our favorite song or bands album while we’re on our way to work (or at our home office). I’m a huge fan of Spotify’s and their compilation playlists life…”Your Daily Mix” and “Release Radar.” They’re a sure-fire way to get you pumped and feeling positive!!
  4. Call A friend. Do you have a friend that is your “hype girl” or “hype guy”?! Maybe it’s a friend, sibling, parent, etc…Give them a call! Why not give someone the opportunity to make your day? Then, you can pass along the favor to someone at your office. Pay it forward!
  5. Treat yo’self! You deserve it. We all work hard and sometimes we just need to take a minute, slow down and remember to take time and enjoy life. Find a positive jolt in a fancy coffee, dessert or dinner. I usually treat myself to a cappuccino from my favorite French cafe in town.
No matter how bad your week is I guarantee doing one or all of these things will change your mood and perspective on the week. I hope that this inspires you to be positive and to spread happiness to others. Our jobs, job searches, and lives are full of positive and negative experiences. Let’s dwell on the “positive” and learn from the “negative.”
Wishing you all an amazing week!
– C.C.Coach
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Interviews, Job Search

Top 6 Places You Should NOT Be During A Phone Interview

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Phone interviews are often your first introduction to the interviewer outside of them reviewing your resume. That’s why it’s important that you’re in a quiet place with little to no distractions. I’ve listed a few potential places where you probably shouldn’t be during a phone interview.
  1. Outside near a busy road or construction
  2. In a stairwell with bad reception (AND stairwells usually have an echo)
  3. A loud coffee shop
  4. While you’re walking down the street or up flights of stairs
  5. Any place where you don’t get clear reception. If you’re worried you can go “old school” and use a land line (if you have one).
  6. At your desk, at your current job. (Unless you have special circumstances such as – the company you’re working for is closing and they have given the ‘ok’ to take calls during working hours).
Be prepared. Have a friend call you from where you’re planning to take the call from the interviewer. Then you can confirm that you’ll have good reception and not a lot of background noise OR that you need to find a new location.
Additionally, it can be good practice to confirm if the interviewer is calling you or vice versa. If they haven’t made this clear feel free to shoot them a quick email confirming who is calling whom. You can also include your phone number one more time to make sure they have the correct contact information.
As always, don’t forget to send a ‘Thank You’ email to your interviewer!
Best of luck!!!
P.S. You can also check out an article I wrote for Hired.com on phone interview prep!
– C.C. Coach
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