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, Job Search

The POWER of NETWORKING

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3 Ways to Network with Prospective Employers

& Build Relationships with Industry Leaders.

I recently read a quote that said: “85% of people found their jobs through networking.”
Whoa! Mind-blown! As someone that moved to a new city a couple of years ago…this would’ve been a scary statistic.  I didn’t know ANYONE when I moved to Boston in 2015. Thankfully, I worked for a tech start-up that was active in the community and constantly networking with local businesses in the area. 
Building a network from scratch can be a daunting task but you can’t think about building a WHOLE network all at once. Build it ONE connection AT A TIME. 
Here are THREE strategic ways to build your network:
  1. Venture Capital Firms – Check out local firms that specialize in your industry. For me, it was a firm that focused on investing in tech start-ups (OpenView Ventures in Boston). Firms like this are always working to help their portfolio clients as they scale and build out their internal teams. The firms usually have recruiting teams that are assisting hiring managers within their portfolio companies. Research their portfolio companies and directly reach out to those businesses or send your resume to the firm and explain your interests in their portfolio clients.
  2. Public Meet-ups – meetup.com and Eventbrite are the most popular sites. Both are constantly creating new events that you can attend within your area of expertise, career focus or personal interests. Sometimes going to an event that is focused on one of your hobbies or personal interests is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and connect with potential employers.
  3. Organizations & Associations Events – You can either join or attend an organization’s events. Some organizations events cost money or require you to be a member. If a membership is required try reaching out to the events main point of contact directly and explain to them why you’d like to attend their event. It never hurts to ask. Also, I’d recommend that you arrive early and stay a few minutes after the event. This is where most of the networking happens!
When it comes to your network quality is more important than quantity. 
It’s also important to have the right expectations going into each event. Relax and be open to meeting and learning from new people at an event. Keep the conversation focused on their company and what they do. It’s easy to start talking about yourself – you don’t want to dominate the conversation. To clarify, I’m not condoning that you go mute during a conversation but chime in when you have something to add to the conversation.
For example, say you meet the VP of Engineering for a company you’ve been wanting to apply to and he starts talking about a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up. You can then mention an article you read or a podcast you just listened to on AI. 
This is a great way to share your interests and show how you relate to others – in one conversation!
When networking always be yourself…maybe a slightly more polished version but nonetheless don’t forget who you are! You don’t have to fit into their mold. When you work for a company it should be just as important that you like the work and company culture as much as they are deciphering if you’re a good fit (skills & cultural fit).
You’ve got this!
Feel free to send questions to your Cafe Career Coach here!
– C.C.Coach
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Career Advice

So long, Farewell!

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Ready to turn in your 2-weeks notice?! Why do so many of us feel a major sense of guilt, anxiety or fear leading up to the moment we turn in our 2-weeks notice?
Until this point, you’ve provided an incredible service to your employer and the only person that may be upset by the news is your employer. They often get upset for this reason – it’s an inconvenience to them. Yes, in some instances your employer will miss you as a friend and colleague. If that is the case, they’re also going to be extremely happy for you, wishing you well in your next opportunity.
If you’re feeling like you aren’t sure how to approach the situation here are 3 Steps to help you leave your job on a positive note!

 

How-To Tell Your Boss You’re Leaving…
1. Write a letter of resignation. Keep it short and professional. This is not the time to add emotional sentiments. It is, however, appropriate to express your gratitude for the opportunity.
2. Set-up a meeting to speak with your boss privately and hand them the letter signed. Also, email it to them after the meeting. In this email make sure to include any details from that meeting so you have it in writing. If necessary, be sure to meet with someone from your HR team to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Try your best to give your boss/company 2-weeks notice. Some companies may tell you to leave that day, more often, companies greatly appreciate the time to find a replacement.

   

Going the extra mile for an employer that you’re leaving may seem counterintuitive but it can be a game changer. Don’t forget that this employer could be a reference down the road.
To ensure a positive exit, I have always made sure that I was setting up my replacement for success. You can do this by creating an outline of your daily responsibilities by providing the tasks, tools, and people that you coordinate with to complete those tasks. You will be leaving your job on a positive note and spreading that positivity on to the next person. 
Leaving a job isn’t always easy. There will for sure be unknowns throughout the process. Maintain a positive outlook, stay organized and remember that you’re not the first person to turn in their notice. You’ve got this! 
Best of luck to you all in your new adventures!
– C.C.Coach 
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