Interview Tips Archives - Page 2 of 6

Re-Entering the Workforce? Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

Deciding to stay home for the family is a big one, but returning to work after being a stay-at-home parent can feel like quite the transition. But with the proper preparation, some personal investment and a confident, realistic outlook, you can make the return to a gratifying career.

In this article, we explore career tips for stay-at-home parents returning to work, the importance of preparation and best practices on how to re-enter the workforce.

Preparing for re-entering the workforce

Preparing before re-entering the workforce helps you focus on a job search, gets you ready for an opportunity when it presents itself, and establishes realistic goals. It also can reduce anxiety, boost confidence and concentrate your energy.

Finding a job after being a stay-at-home parent is more common than in years past. Companies can find talented candidates in those returning to work, though it’s important to recognize the transition. A lot may have changed in your profession, and while gap years between employment are not rare, it requires a thoughtful explanation.

Even if your field saw dramatic changes or you no longer hold licenses or certifications, your highly transferable skills can apply to other professions, roles and perhaps even a career pivot. Re-entering the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent can be a time to align your new interests with a career change, which may even prove more rewarding than your previous line of work.

Advice for re-entering the workforce

Focusing on what kind of job to pursue and how to best present yourself to follow it is a task in itself. Consider this career transition guidance for returning to work and see how it can help you navigate finding the right role:

1. Discover what you really want

List out your needs and wishes—the clearer you are, the easier it is to narrow down the number of job openings and focus on those that match your wants. Start by asking yourself what kind of company and position you’d like. For example, you might be interested in a corporate role with room for growth and higher-level opportunities, or you might desire a low-key role that contributes valuable work without intense demands or additional time.

If you’re unsure, use career self-assessment tools to understand your interests and uncover new skills. Consider asking yourself these questions:

Would I like to work part-time or full-time?
What kind of career growth am I seeking?
What are my financial goals with re-entering the workforce?
What are my passions, skills, training, education and experience?
Do I want to find a job, or is there an opportunity to be my boss?
Am I able to do consulting, contract or freelance work?
What roles fit with the rest of my schedule and responsibilities?

2. Revise your materials

Updating your resume is a given with any job search. If your employment gap as a stay-at-home parent is long, consider a skills-based resume outline rather than a typical chronological one. Add important causes and accomplishments that call attention to your strengths!

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7 Ways to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

Whether this is your first job interview or your hundredth, I can guarantee there’s one question you’ll want to prepare to answer. And that’s the standard “Tell me about yourself” interview question. The good news is, you’re the expert on you! But it’s always a good idea to have a plan for how to answer any question related to “Tell me about yourself.” We’re going to walk through why hiring managers ask you to do this and how you can respond with confidence and clarity…and set yourself up for interview success.

Why Do Interviewers Say, “Tell Me About Yourself”?

“Tell me about yourself” is one of the most common job interview questions. But interviewers aren’t listening to your personal elevator pitch because they want to know where you were born, what you do in your free time, and what your Enneagram or Myers-Briggs results are. What they really want to learn is how you present yourself under pressure, if you’ll mesh with the company culture, and a little bit about your background and why you’re interested in this opportunity. Think of this as a chance to practice your sales pitch before the rest of the interview questions start rolling in. Answering “Tell me about yourself” well is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression and get the interview off to a good start.

Other Versions of the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question

When you’re preparing for an interview, keep in mind that interviewers might ask this question in different ways. But even if the question changes, they’re looking for the same information: Are you well spoken? How do your skills match up? Do you have a good understanding of the job? Here are a few ways an interviewer might ask you to share who you are and what you’re all about:

“Walk me through your resumé.”

“Why do you want to work here?”

“Tell me about your previous experience.”

“What’s your story?”

“What brings you here today?”

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview

Okay, so you’re interviewing for a great job opportunity—or a role that’s one step closer to the career you’d like to have. Now, how do you prepare to answer this question? There are a few things I want you to keep in mind so you’re ready with the best possible answer. Not only will this impress the hiring manager, but it’ll ease any feelings of anxiety and set you up for confidence in the rest of the interview.

1. Keep your answer related to the job.

I know you’re proud of them, but now is not the time to gush over your pets or your son’s recent baseball tournament grand slam! You’ll have time to share your personal interests later in the interview. For now, keep your answer focused on your professional interests and what you appreciate about the company.

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How to Interview Prep to Get the Job You Want [10 Key Steps]

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

So, you’ve done your part to find the CRE job you want and land an interview. You’ve networked and connected with the right people to get the job you want. They have your CV. And they want to talk with you.

Now it’s just time to shine.

No sweat. You’ve got this. But before you show up, you need to make sure you’re prepared. Interview prep is often overlooked or minimized. But if you want to stand out, feel at ease, and make a positive impression, proper preparation is crucial.

Below are 10 key interview prep steps you can take to help you get that job. You’ve done so much to get you this far. You’re in the home stretch. Now, just follow these steps to cross that finish line:

Step 1: Research Your Company

Research your prospective employer thoroughly. Know their history, culture, and industry position. Understand their products or services. This knowledge shows your commitment and genuine interest in the company and helps convince them you’re the right hire.

Step 2: Prepare Your Questions

Craft thoughtful, relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your engagement and helps you gain insights into the role and company culture. But don’t plan on discussing salary or pay – those negotiations come later.

Step 3: Get Your Story Straight

Prepare concise, compelling stories, anecdotes, and responses to set yourself up for success. Highlight your skills. Discuss your experiences. Point out your alignment with the job requirements. This helps you present yourself effectively as a good fit during the interview.

Step 4: Practice Common Interview Questions

Rehearse responses to common questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This helps you articulate your qualifications and build confidence.

Step 5: Mock Interviews

Go the extra mile. Conduct practice interviews with a friend or career counselor! Receive feedback and refine your interview style.

Step 6: Body Language & Etiquette

Practice strong body language – a firm handshake, eye contact, and attentive listening. These non-verbal cues may need rehearsal, but they help you come off as more natural and relatable, enhancing your professional image during the interview.

Step 7: Dress Appropriately

Choose attire that aligns with the company culture and the role you’re applying for. Especially in the CRE field, professional appearance is crucial for making a strong first impression.

Step 8: Bring Necessary Documents

Part of the best pre-interview strategy is simply to gather, prepare, and organize all essential documents. These likely include your resume, cover letter, references, and identification at a minimum. It goes without saying that being prepared ensures a smooth interview process.

Step 9: Study the Job Description

Thoroughly understand the job description and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences match the role’s requirements. Your knowledge of what the company is actually looking for helps you show them you’re the perfect fit.

Step 10: Follow-Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude and reaffirming your interest in the position. This courteous gesture can leave a positive lasting impression and put you ahead of the competition to get the job.

It’s that simple!

With a little interview prep under your belt, you’ll be more confident in meeting with the hiring team and landing the job you want. And when you connect with them, answering all their questions smoothly and getting the answers you want, the interview will be far more enjoyable, too. Yes, CRE can be a competitive field, but now you’ve got the edge.

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Tell Me About Yourself

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial and one of the most popular interview questions out there. Here’s the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some background as to how you got there and experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be perfect for—this role.

Possible answer to “Tell me about yourself.”

“Well, I’m currently an account executive at Smith, where I handle our top-performing client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center.”

Tell Me About A Time You Made A Mistake

You’re probably not too eager to dig into past blunders when you’re trying to impress an interviewer and land a job. But talking about a mistake and winning someone over aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, if you do it right, it can help you. The key is to be honest without placing blame on other people, then explain what you learned from your mistake and what actions you took to ensure it didn’t happen again. At the end of the day, employers are looking for folks who are self-aware, can take feedback, and care about doing better.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you made a mistake.”

“Early in my career, I missed a deadline that ended up costing us a really big account. There were a lot of factors that contributed to this, but ultimately, I was the one who dropped the ball. From that experience, I went back and thought really hard about what I could’ve controlled and what I would’ve changed. It turns out that I was not nearly as organized as I thought I was. I sat down with my boss, asked for suggestions on how to improve my organizational skills, and a few months later I was able to score an even bigger account for the department.”

Smart Interview Questions You Should Be Asking

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

You’re sitting under the fluorescent lights of an unfamiliar conference room across from the person who may decide the fate of your job search, trying desperately to remember that perfect story you prepared and wondering if the AC is always set to “arctic blast.” Or maybe you’re at home in front of the most professional wall in your apartment, looking at your interviewer on a computer screen and hoping your camera won’t shift and reveal the stack of empty La Croix cans you forgot to move before the Zoom call started.

Then, the hiring manager asks the interview question you know is a signal that things are about to wrap up: “Do you have any questions for me?”

No matter how much power you might feel like employers hold in the situation, a job interview isn’t just a chance for the hiring manager to grill you—it’s your opportunity to sniff out whether a position would be as great for you as you would be for the position. So it’s vital to ask some questions of your own. What do you want to know about the role? The company? The department? The team? The person interviewing you who may be your future boss, coworker, or mid-afternoon coffee buddy?

To get you thinking, we’ve put together a list of the best, smart interview questions for your upcoming interview. We definitely don’t suggest asking all of them rapid-fire—some of this stuff will be covered during the course of your discussion, and you’ll have specific questions about any given job or workplace.

So this list isn’t the be-all and end-all—it’s your jumping-off point.

Best Tips For Asking An Employer Questions

Before we get to the list, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Don’t say you have no questions. You probably already know that whether you’re stressed or relaxed, whether you think you’ve fumbled the conversation badly or you’ve got this job in the bag, the worst thing you could say is, “Nope, I’m good.”
Be flexible. It’s OK (and encouraged) to jot down a few questions ahead of your interview, but don’t be afraid to deviate from the list if your questions have already been answered and/or if your discussion prompts a few more questions you’d like answered. Plus, you don’t want to sound like you’re reading the questions off some sort of internet list rather than having a real conversation.
Ask at least a few specific questions. Show you’re invested and you’ve been paying attention throughout the interview process by customizing your questions to the specific position and company—and reminding your interviewers of the background knowledge and experience you bring to the role.

Smart Interview Questions To Ask About The Job

Make sure you have a handle on exactly what the day-to-day responsibilities of the job will be—both now and in the future. This will help you make an informed decision if and when that job offer comes and avoid Shift Shock or a toxic workplace.

What does a typical day or week look like in this role? (Or one of these alternatives.)
What are the most immediate projects that need to be addressed?
Can you show me examples of projects I’d be working on?
What are the skills and experiences you’re looking for in an ideal candidate?
What attributes does someone need to have in order to be really successful in this position?
What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?
What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
What sort of budget would I be working with?
Is this a new role or will I be taking over for an employee who’s leaving?
How does this position contribute to the company overall?
Do you expect the main responsibilities for this position to change in the next six months to a year?

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What to Wear to a Job Interview

Blog, Interview Tips, Job Search

What’s the best outfit to wear to a job interview? The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you’re interviewing with.

You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you’re interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.

What to Wear to a Job Interview

Dressing appropriately is important because the first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing.

If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it’ll send the message that you don’t truly understand what’s involved in the role. Find out what to wear (and what not to wear) for interviews at every type of company.

To dress appropriately for a job interview, follow the employer’s dress code. If the job interview calls for business attire, wear a suit, a sweater and button-down shirt, or a professional-looking dress or skirt. Startup jobs may call for more casual interview attire but be sure to dress professionally. Also, choose accessories carefully to ensure that they don’t distract the interviewer. Let’s dive into this further!

Business Professional Attire

Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire. This might mean:

A suit jacket and slacks with a button-down shirt and tie
A sweater and a button-down shirt
A blouse and dress pants
A statement dress

You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. All interviewees should consider color when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.

The more important thing to consider when you’re dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you’re seeking. Even though your interview attire depends on the role you’re applying for, no matter what the position, you should go to the interview looking neat, tidy, and well-dressed.

Business Casual Attire

If you have a job interview in a more informal work environment, you might wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals.

Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business casual is acceptable. And if you aren’t sure, call the office and ask the administrative coordinator, or contact the person who scheduled the interview and ask them for advice!

Always dress a bit more professionally than the average employee at the company. If everyone is wearing shorts and T-shirts, for example, you might wear khakis and a polo shirt or button-down.

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What’s The Difference Between A Letter Of Interest And A Cover Letter?

Leave a Comment / Blog, Interview Tips, Job Search, Set Yourself Up For Success

Difference Between a Letter of Interest and a Cover Letter
A letter of interest and a cover letter have much in common — they are both letters that job seekers send to employers in hopes of obtaining employment.

But there are key differences you should be aware of, such as the circumstances when one or the other is appropriate, and how exactly they should be written.

What Is a Cover Letter vs. a Letter Of Interest?
The differences between a cover letter and a letter of interest are pretty simple.

A cover letter is a one-page letter sent with a resume when applying for an open job that is publicly advertised in a help-wanted ad or some other kind of job listing.

A letter of interest is a one-page letter sent to an employer that is not advertising an open job you want — but you really want to work for that employer anyway, that’s why another name for it is an expression of interest. You’re writing to let the employer know what skill sets you have that appear to match its needs, and to inquire whether there might be any openings that match your qualifications.

How To Write A Letter Of Interest Vs. A Cover Letter
The idea behind a cover letter is pretty straightforward. It provides a personal appeal for the job, showcasing your character, offering reasonable arguments regarding your value as a professional and aims to connect with the hiring manager on a human level.

The letter of interest, however, has one additional element in its writing – a direct offer to take you on as an employee, with you as the initiator of this procedure.

Read More: https://resume.io/blog/letter-of-interest-vs-cover-letter

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CRE Executives’ Perspectives on Return to Work

No Response After An Interview? Here’s What You Need To Do…

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Receiving no response after an interview can be confusing, leaving many candidates wondering whether they should initiate contact or keep waiting. Following-up after an interview reaffirms your enthusiasm for the position and reopens the dialog between you and the interviewer. However, responding in the right way is essential for these positive results. Let’s discuss the right way to proceed if you get no response after an interview.

Why Don’t Employers Respond?

Usually, you can consider you have received no response after an interview when the interviewer does not contact you within the timeframe specified at your last meeting. You could receive no response after a final interview or be left waiting for a call back after a preliminary interview.

Steps If You Get Not Response After An Interview

If you hear nothing back after your interview, taking proactive steps can resolve your confusion and ensure your job search progresses. You should take these steps shortly after the timeframe specified by the interviewer has passed. If the interviewer does not suggest when you may hear from them, wait at least a week before initiating the following steps:

1. Email The Interviewer

Sending a follow-up email is a great way to re-establish contact with the interviewer since they can answer it at any time, unlike a telephone call, so it does not seem intrusive. Following-up in line with the timeframe they gave you also shows you are professional and dedicated to pursuing the position.

Your email should be brief, with just one or two paragraphs. It should also be clear and polite. If you have previously corresponded via email, reply to the last message rather than starting a new email thread, so the interviewer can easily refer back to your email history. Proofread your email for errors before sending it to convey professionalism.

If your email goes unanswered, you can send another follow-up email to confirm the employer received the first one. This should be even briefer than your first follow-up email with no more than a single paragraph.

2. Email The Head Of The Department

If you do not receive a response from the interviewer after several attempts, try emailing the head of the department you interviewed for. As this person has a direct interest in filling the position, they may be more willing to respond to your queries. This email should be brief, with just one or two paragraphs, straightforward and polite. It should have a more formal tone than your previous follow-up emails as you may have not met them in your interviewer.

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How to Build Rapport in the CRE Workplace

Leave a Comment / Ask An Expert, Blog, Interview Tips, Job Search

Regardless of what role you have in the CRE field, the ability to build rapport among your colleagues is crucial. Not only does it help propel your career, but it also lubricates and strengthens team connections and interaction.

However, while this is a skill that comes naturally for some, others must learn how to build these strong connections and affinity. Fortunately, with just a few simple tricks up your sleeve, virtually anyone can build rapport with fellow CRE professionals and co-workers.

What Is Rapport?

One of the cornerstone skills needed in commercial real estate is business communication. And workplace rapport is the technique of opening up more effective communication through relationships and understanding.

Sometimes referred to as a connection or spark, rapport is what makes people more likely to listen to you and give your idea a chance. In this reciprocal relationship, your colleagues better understand your point of view, are more inclined to trust and like you, and will generally feel at ease around you.

This matters so much in a workplace environment, because our own success in business is often dependent upon others. And the success of the company or organization as a whole is dependent upon our ability to collaborate and work together.

Rapport in the office makes these collaborations and interactions more effective and productive. This vital interpersonal communication and business asset allows us to more effectively exchange thoughts and ideas in many aspects of our job. Whether it’s selling, negotiating, interviewing, or any other form of interaction, our ability to build rapport and foster eager cooperation is vital in many scenarios.

Secrets to Workplace Rapport

If you want to improve your ability to build rapport, internalize these techniques. Practice them. Develop them. And then begin implementing them across your workplace interactions as you see your success in communication improve.

1. Actively Listen

Active listening is a powerful communication hack that allows you to better understand those around you so you may better relate to them. By being present in the conversation, looking people in the eye, listening to understand rather than respond, and noticing non-verbal cues, you will become a better listener. In turn, you will better understand the intent behind the words as well as the kind of person you are dealing with.

And here’s the secret: when others feel you have truly heard them, they will like you more.

2. Don’t Overlook Casual Conversation

Especially in a workplace environment, it can be tempting to overlook casual chit chat. After all, this is business. And you don’t want to waste time, yours or theirs. But casual conversation is a powerful lubricator and rapport builder.

If you are interviewing for a job and the interviewer starts with some casual small talk, this is your chance to find commonalities and better relate. If your co-worker drops by to check on a project, mention what you did over the weekend or bring up the game their favorite team just played. If not carried to extremes, these little moments of casual banter are the building blocks of strong relationships and rapport.

3. Spend Quality Time

When appropriate, schedule quality time with workplace contacts. Going to lunch or having a genuine talk in the lunch room can take your casual connections to the next level.

4. Ask Good Questions

Especially early in a relationship or at networking events, your ability to ask creative questions will help you shortcut the relationship building process. Here are some helpful questions to bring up:

What subject would you most like to be an expert in?
If someone were to say you had a superpower, what would it be?
What kind of books do you like reading?
What are some skills you learned as a child that you continue to use today?
What’s your personality type?
What’s your proudest accomplishment?

5. Be Genuine

Nothing can put a damper on a relationship like inauthenticity. If there is a hint of being fake or trying to present yourself in the best light, it will hamper your rapport. Above all, be authentic.

If you can’t find common ground that you are truly interested in, then learn more about an interest of theirs to become genuinely interested in it. Don’t pretend to be the expert, but open yourself up to learning about their passion.

This sets you up for some great questions. And you’ll both learn more about each other in the process.

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