interview

Why you should always take an interview

Posted on May 3, 2021April 30, 2021 by aurorameyer

Image of a notebook with the word recruitment depicting Always take an interview by Aurora Meyer on Dispatches from the Castle

I’m an advocate of always taking the recruiter, headhunter or friend’s call when it comes to potential job opportunities. You should always be willing to hear about what is available and more specifically why that person thinks you would be a good fit.

If you are offered an initial interview, I also advocate for taking it, even if you absolutely love your current job.

First, this will give you low-stakes interview practice, something every person needs.

Second, this will give you information about what skills and other tangible items are currently in demand in the marketplace.

Third, it could be the absolute best position in the world and perfect for you but you won’t know unless you go.

For those who may be worried about their current employer finding out, you do not have to tell them (unless you are contracted and do have to tell them) why you are taking the day off. Beyond that, a good supervisor will understand and maybe doing the same thing themselves. Furthermore, an organization sees you as replaceable. If you quit today, they would begin the process of finding someone to fill your role tomorrow. Unless you are contracted to do so, you do not owe your employer blind loyalty.

At least take the call, you won’t regret it.

Interview help: Do you have any questions for us?

Posted on August 31, 2012August 30, 2012 by aurorameyer

If you’re applying for jobs or will in the future, go read this Lifehacker article, The Interview Question That’s Always Asked (and How to Nail It) by Jefferson McDowell, now.

You should memorize and practice these responses.

In addition, before the interview, review what’s important to you. What do you need to be fulfilled in a position? Autonomy? A team atmosphere? A place to grow with potential for internal advancement? Scheduled feedback? The opportunity to continue learning? Mentors? There are no right or wrong answers. The easiest way to figure out your priorities are to think about why you are leaving your current position. Or if you’re a new graduate, what you loved or hated about your pre-professional jobs.

Now look at those priorities and match them up with the job description and what you know from your research about the company.

Is there a way to convey your priorities while also, as the article points out, meeting the needs of the organization? The more prepared you are for your interview, the more you will appear as a strong candidate and increase your chances of being hired.

Interview Advice

Posted on July 4, 2012July 2, 2012 by aurorameyer

If you haven’t read 15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!) by Angela Astley on the New Grad Life blog, go read it now. The post is two years old, but is still very relevant.

Some key points:
None of the suggestions should be new to you. If you find you can’t answer any of them, be sure to do additional research prior to the interview. Then, think through the logical follow-up questions. For example, with the question of why you want to work in the industry, think of specific examples of projects or challenges related to the industry. For PR, feel free to talk about the time you helped a campus group get press coverage for their event. Know the challenges facing the industry and be prepared to ask your interviewer about how the firm you are interviewing with views those challenges. You can ask follow-up questions, too!

Be ready to give examples of how you worked with your previous boss and what kind of management style works best for you. You shouldn’t come out and say, “I like to be left alone to do what I want and hate micro-mangers,” that may be true, but it isn’t the impression you want to leave the interviewer with. Instead try, “I like working with deadlines that give me the opportunity to be creative in reaching specific goals.”

What was the hardest interview question you’ve ever had to answer?

Applicants Beware!

Posted on June 18, 2012January 28, 2021 by aurorameyer

I hope in sharing my story, some of you will avoid the same situation.

Like lots of recent graduates, by July 2005, I was freaking out and applying for any position that I was even remotely interested in. Unfortunately, using Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com and a few others meant, I was also unwittingly applying for job scams.

Below is a word for word email I received from “Grey Marketing Team” (to my knowledge, they are no longer in existence).

Dear Aurora,
I have recently viewed your resume online and feel you may be qualified for our Advertising Department Assistant position. We are Grey Marketing Team, a national management and marketing firm. We assist companies in maximizing their marketing dollars by developing advertising, sales, and marketing campaigns.
We are currently seeking an Assistant to our Advertising Department to help our Creative Team develop print, internet, radio and television ads for our clients. An Advertising Department Assistant’s responsibilities would include the following:
Working with in house creative team
Assisting on sets and shoots
Acting as a liaison with production companies, photographers, etc
This position offers direct hands-on experience working with clients. We offer the following:

Starting Salary of $41,600
Quarterly and annual bonuses
Top benefits package including medical, dental, 401k, tuition re-imbursement, paid vacation and holidays, and paid holidays
Rapid advancement opportunities

The person we are seeking must fit the following description of the five “B’s”
Be a self starter
Be motivated to succeed
Be willing to travel occasionally
Be a team player
Be willing to learn and educate himself or herself

If you feel this position is for you please apply online at: www.greymarketingteam.com

Go to the “employment” section

Select the “Advertising Department Assistant” position

Fill out the application.

Once you have filled out the application completely I will contact you for an interview.

Vonda Dixon
Director
Human Resources
Grey Marketing Team

Surprise, surprise, I applied and was granted an interview. When the HR Director I spoke with sounded really young and told me the dress was business professional, I got an uneasy feeling. But I brushed it aside. I arrived for my interview at a nondescript building in St. Louis. As I found the suite, I noticed a lot of people wearing backpacks and business suits, which I thought was odd. The suite looked like any other office suite, only everyone in the office was young, really young. I interviewed with three people who couldn’t have been older than 25.

They asked the standard interview questions and others that were really off the wall. Like about what I would like as a superpower and “my wishes.” The entire process lasted about an hour and a half. At no point did we discuss what I would actually be doing for the “company.” The interviewers talked about a second interview, which would be going out with one of their employees “in the field” for a day and that I would be hearing from them soon.

When I got home, I researched the company and realized it was more door-to-door sales and less actual advertising or marketing work. I decided I would not be going into “the field” with one of their employees for any amount of money. Apparently, soon meant less than 24 hours later. I got a call from the woman I interviewed with. I politely turned down the second interview and was barraged with “you’ll regret not taking this opportunity.”

The more I’ve talked to recent graduates in the last seven years, the more I’ve heard about these kinds of job scams. Positions like these are preying on the eagerness of young graduates and unfortunately, seem to be becoming more and more popular.

You can avoid job scams by thoroughly researching the company you are applying to, which you should be doing for your cover letter anyway! This includes a standard Google search, verifying phone numbers, addresses and general details. You should also check out the scam websites and search the keywords used in the ad. Also, misspelled words and bad grammar are dead giveaways that something isn’t right.

Similar scams include: Steel Town Promotions

Have you encountered a job scam of your own?

Accessories speak louder than words

Posted on February 28, 2012 by aurorameyer

DSC_2157 for web — Image from: http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com

By now most of you know that what clothes you wear at the office and to an interview give your coworkers and the interviewer insight into who you are. We’ve previously talked about the dress code at the office and what additional items to bring with you to an interview. But what about your accessories?

According to this Daily Worth article, these seemingly tiny details add up. Diamond studs and a classic watch convey classy, quiet power. Mixing metals and a bold color palate make you a fashionable trendsetter. Statement earrings, layered bracelets and vintage cocktail rings communicate glamor.

For men, it isn’t quite as simple. Colored or patterned socks, a creative (but subtle!) tie, cuff links, watches and belt buckles (again, subtle!) can help show your personality.

Just remember there is a fine line between tasteful and obnoxious in accessories.

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