dilbert on interviews

Ideal Working Environment

sirianne : ano po pwede isagot pag tinanong "ideal working environment?"

You may answer something like this:

An ideal working environment is one where innovative and creative ideas are encouraged and received, where teamwork plays a vital role in achieving output and where motivation is one of the keys to one’s professional growth.

first job, interviews and assessing performance

silly_ka_jax Hello : Do companies offer you the job right on the spot during the final interview or do they get back at you after a couple of days? The final interviewer told me I have a chance of getting in, do you think it's a "pambobola" or does it hold water? Although, I think my chances are not that big because the interviewer gave a specific scenario and told me to sell the product to her. I babbled on and on, I have no experience selling anything whatsoever, BUT the interviewer knows this because I just graduated. They didn't require any selling experience for the job. But, the job requires you to endorse the product. Do you think it's a minus point in my interview not knowing how to sell or market their product properly? Please kindly answer all the questions. Thank you.


yes it does happen that you're offered the job right there and then.

if they ask you to wait for results, they probably want to finish interviewing all those on their list. but your should follow-up. better yet, at the end of the interview, ask when you can follow-up.

no, its not necessarily "a minus" not knowing how to sell. i say that because as you said the interviewer knew you were a fresh graduate and did not have previous selling experience. perhaps rather than selling skills, what the interviewer was looking for was communication skills, confidence, analytical skills and thinking process. specially for new graduates, doing well on these can get you the job.





#92

follow-up

AnGeLJoLi : I just had an interview last Tuesday and I do think it went smoothly. The interviewer, an HR head, told me to wait for a while so that the associate publisher could interview me, too (the interview with the associate publisher was quite unexpected because the scheduled interview was with the HR head only) and so that, practically speaking, I wouldn't go back and forth to the office. Unfortunately, the associate publisher was nowhere to be found and the interviewer told me that he would call within this week to schedule the postponed interview. He even asked me if I'm planing to go out of town this week. But up until now I haven't heard from him. If, by any chance, next week, he didn't call, is it ok to follow-up my application or should I let it go? Any opinion would be highly appreciated. Thanks.


yes, by all means, make the call as soon as possible and follow up.

ask if a schedule with the next interviewer has been scheduled. calling signals your interest and assertiveness, very good qualities for anyone to have. dont be shy. be confident. sound smart. dont be apologetic.






#90

sirianne : ano po pwede isagot pag tinanong "ideal working environment?"


remember that for you, the purpose of the interview is to sell yourself to the employer. you want every answer you give in the interview to say something about you and more importantly to persuade the employer you are the best candidate for the position.

that strategy or thinking should be in your mind when you answer even that question. your answer should be more about making a sales pitch for yourself - your attitude and your skills.

an ideal working environment for you can be something like one that nurtures growth and challenges. that tells the employer you are ambitious, you like challenges and you are someone who values growth.

your answer should depend on the kinds of messages you want to communicate about yourself. you should form in your mind what you think are the qualities that the employer is looking for and make sure your answers fit that.

"ideal working invironment" - turning questions into your favor

sirianne : ano po pwede isagot pag tinanong "ideal working environment?"

kevin Costner : Here is the thing.. I had a good score on the Technical exams, i mean, I think, that I really did very well.

Then comes next the PERSONALITY EXAM, which i think is very odd since ive got to finish the test in 30 short minutes for a 120-question module.I don't know if the company gives emphasis on the personality test but i damn sucked.. at some instance, i wanted to be an introvert, and at some instance i prefer to be an extrovert so that may look confusing when they find out what type of personality I have. IS THE PERSONALITY TEST OF THE APPLICANT A VERY BIG FACTOR IN HIRING THEM? I MEAN, Its just a Test,.. or does it really have a strong impact on the employers?

Moving on, here comes the Workshop.. I dont have any Idea at all what this workshop is all about. I even thought that It was an acting or singing workshop or whatever whimsical workshop I might think since the word "workshop" is stereotyped.. anyway, i soon found out that the workshop is like a test of your communication skills, and your skills to reason out and make some firm judgement on the data that they will give you..so then it came, all 9 qualified applicants has to point out their decisions and justify such decisions.. The thing that really sucked in me is that I am a born debater, so whenever some people made some "negative" remarks on my statements, i always follow it up with a further elaboration but I don't threw their statements in back in their faces. I mean, I just can't help but to elaborate. Is this a bad attitude?.. What kind of interpersonal skills should be "desirable" in these kind of matters??Please help me.

Personality Tests --- there are no right or wrong answers here. and its damn hard to cheat. you really can't answer the questions to get to a pre-determined outcome. personality tests are designed in a way that take these into consideration. some questions are re-stated differently for the purpose of getting a good read.

on the workshop if i was the one hiring and you performed the way you said you did, i would have given you HIGH MARKS if i was there. you would passed in flying colors just because you participated. it says you are a person who is not afraid to speak your mind, has ideas, knows what you are saying and hopefully a good communicator. congratulations!



kevinCostner: Thanks... That really made my day.. sometimes, i cant help but to think that there is something missing in me that is why i didn't make it to the job.. anyway, im just thankful that i still have one..A big thanks...PS.. i just wish that i have read this thread before my interview, it sure is a big motivation..




#85

applying for more than 1 position

Britneys_Jugs : What's your opinion about my hanging question, abcxyz?Question: (to abcxyz or to anyone who wants to share his/her views)Is it ok to apply for several positions in just one company? I recently submitted my resume(s) in a company that has several openings, and applied for each position that I know I have the necessary qualifications to begin with. Can this be considered normal or do I look desperate enough to apply for all positions? Any opinion from any of you would be highly appreciated.

for experienced applicants, applying for several positions in a few cases might not be a good idea. kasi may kaunting "specialization" involved.

but its ok for new graduates. many companies hire new graduates as management trainees --- they get you to work in several departments for a period of time and decide later on where to put you. they will be looking for BEST FIT.







#83

it's all about selling yourself

Britneys_Jugs : These are my questions: Do you think companies would merit my part-time job as a full-time job? What do you think would be the best job description for this? Or more importantly, how could I make it sound interesting?Do you think companies would still call me for an interview even if there's a minor (hehe, I prefer it as minor) hindrance (which in my case, is inexperience)? Or do you know any instance wherein a company was looking for an experienced applicant, but, in the long run, hired a fresh graduate? Hope you could help me again. Thanks.

no, a part time job cant be seen as a full time job. part time is part time. but you SHOULD mention it still. specially if you were able to contribute something to the business or department.

but in this case as you mentioned, you didn't do much. but that is NOT A LOST CAUSE.

though you didn't do much in terms of actual work, you must have learned something about relationships at work or dealing with people. don't forget that the work place is made up of two basic components --- the work and relationships.

think this through and figure out what you learned about work relationships. let me just give you two points you can use :

1) i have learned that at work, i need to be more ASSERTIVE to ask for work because i like to work and i can do the job.

2) that people tend to behave based on the info they know about others (that info was my dad's, the boss).

work out the rest and how you can use them in interviews. i can't help you on how to describe the part time work you did. be creative and inventive about it. but when you do that, make sure you can defend it and talk specifics. if companies are purposely looking for experienced employees, its a tough for you to be called.

but IF YOU HAVE A KILLER COVER LETTER AND RESUME, you can get interviews. the reality is --- BOTH experienced and new graduates are first assessed through cover letters and resumes. another truth ---- EVEN EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS SUBMIT LOUSY COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES. what does that tell you? ---- all is fair in love and war, and jobs.





#82

what to do after interview - how to follow-up status

by all means follow up your application and/or decision. it's not good to be left hanging.

• you can follow up by calling them up.
• if you're shy about calling, write a letter.
• if you write a letter, make the letter work harder for you by including in your letter some smart comment about the company you're applying for or its business.
• IT IS ALWAYS SMART TO SEND A LETTER RIGHT AFTER AN INTERVIEW. do you guys do this? in that letter, remind them on your strengths. this is a good idea because the interviewer will be reminded of you and shows real interest on your side.

#81

no job experience - how to win

Britneys_Jugs HI abcxyz, hope you could answer my question. Several companies I've applied for are looking for someone with experience. I still sent my resume, anyway. I highlighted my strengths yada yada yada, so that I could at least have a slight advantage. Do you think my resume will be a given a second glance? I know I have a lot to offer, my resume shows it, too. But, it just depresses me that they always look for someone with experience. Hope you could help. Thanks

here's how it is from the employer's standpoint :

• you look to hire people to fill up SPECIFIC needs for the group and the company.
• these could be to (1) replace someone who resigned or someone who got promoted or (2) expansion, need someone to fill up a new position.
• when the above happens, you tend to look for someone with experience. you do that because you want the new person to hit the ground running, because you have no time for training or no time to lose. or at times, you don't know how to train.
• some companies very smartly purposely look for new graduates, those without experience. they do that because they have a corporate philosophy that says they like to develop and promote from within. they also like to nurture people, they have a distinct culture that they want their employees to have.
• also, new graduates tend to be paid less than those with experience.
• or its a company who believes fresh blood and new thinking is good for their business and future.

that is the basic thinking. analyze that and see how it applies to you and how you can go around it. these are the realities you face when you look for a job. while these are realities, they can be overcome by playing it smart.

some ideas have been posted here, but let me recap a few :

• make sure you have a well written resume.
• demonstrate real life skills and achievements, not too much theory.
• DO RESEARCH on the company you are applying for.
• do some tailor fitting SPECIALLY on the cover letter.
• pay extra attention to your COVER LETTER. the cover letter is THE FIRST DOCUMENT they will read. so in the cover letter do a lot of tailor fitting, include something relevant and unique to the specific company (that's why research is important)
• when u get an interview --- apply the same principles.
• ANTICIPATE questions on your handicap of not having any experience.

ok, ok ----- i know that seems to be a lot to do. and it seems really tough. but what can i say? that's how it is in the real world. you know your handicap and you want to overcome it, so you need to work harder than most. be tough. and don't give up.

#73

not getting the job, failing the interview

the WORST thing you can do to yourself is to BLAME YOURSELF or to feel something is wrong with you. when you don't get accepted for a job, it does not mean you are worth nothing or that you have done something terribly wrong or you failed one or all the things you did (interview, test, panel, workshop).

the truth is you hire someone using the BEST FIT principle, not as much as hire the best person for the job. now best fit could be anything, it could be budget (another applicant willing to work for less), or plain vibes (personality fits the job more) --- there's no one formula. interviewers like you are humans.

so when you don't get a job, don't be too harsh on yourself. learn from it, and move on.

now whats an analogy ---- might sound corny but this reminds me of the gf-bf thing. you can't get all the women you court to be your gf. sometimes you like the person but no chemistry so you don't get into it. sometimes the thinking part does not work but the chemistry is great so you go into it. sometimes you really don't like the person but you cant put your finger into why so, so you don't pursue. but whatever happens, you learn from the situation and you move on.






#81

No job experience looking for a job

question po, hindi po kaya ako mahihirapan maghanap ng work kasi matagal akong hindi nakapagtrabaho kasi nagaral uli ako. i'm a economics grad and worked for a month in a currency trading company then left to study nursing kasi pinagaral ako ng mom ko. graduating na ako dis october and i'm trying to look for a job after i graduate habang naghihintay to take the board exam. hindi kaya maging pangit ang dating sa employer na matagal na ako hindi nakapagwork saka parang hindi counted yung "first job" ko? nakakatakot lang kasi yung mga fresh grads nga hirap maghanap ng work paano pa kaya ako. besides, lahat na ata ngayon kelangan ng job experience. i worry about it too much na natatakot tuloy akong magapply.hopw you can help me on this.

I don’t think it would be a point against you if you had not worked for quite some time. You took another course that’s why you didn’t have any work experience, except of course the one-month job you had. But that won’t count if you ask me. From what you have stated, it seems to me you are into pursuing a career as a nurse. If you mention you’re waiting for the board exam, they know you wouldn’t be staying long in their company if they hire you. Better if you don’t mention this but, this is my apprehension… the company will definitely ask why you took nursing and what your plans are, considering that nurses are very in demand and have more lucrative offers abroad. And throughout the interview, they will know you don’t have plans of staying long in their company. Why not apply as a nurse? Hospitals know nurses don’t stay long and yet they still hire them. That would be easier on your part, as you do not need to deny something like waiting for the board exam and at the same time, you will gain experience.

master's degree and no job experience

Zzz_18 : I have an MS degree in IT from a reputable university but no work experience (aside from a 3 month OJT) . How do I package that on my resume and cover letter? Will employers (especially those seeking applicants with 1-2 years work experience) be willing to consider my MS degree as equivalent to "work experience?" Is a master's degree useless without work experience? Thanks!

your MS desgree SHOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

yes, package your MS degree to make it appear as something equivalent to having some work experience. how do you do that? its hard for me to say specifically how because i dont know what you did in your ms course.

having said that, here are my suggestions for your resume and during the interview :

• emphasize "case studies" you did in ms. say you enjoyed it the most because it was realistic and close to the real thing.
• use words like "close to real work experience" , "tough situations", etc
• cite one or two examples of what your case studies or anything close to work experience and mention your specific contribution to solving the case. talk about some smart idea you had.

#69

1st job, how to beat those with experience

Bea19: any advice on how fresh grads can even be considered since halos lahat ng companies ay may requirement na at least 1 yr experience.

i agree its not easy. the reality of the situation is working against you. BUT you need to make a go at it. these are suggestions on how to go around it or how to fight it.

areas to work on :

• make sure your resume handles this issue in some way
• IT IS A GOOD THING if you get an interview and you know that they are looking for someone with experience.
• the fact that you are being entertained for an interview despite of your experience handicap means there is something in your resume attracted them. figure out what that is and exploit it to the hilt during the interview.
• better yet at some point in the interview, ask the question --- why are you interviewing me when you're looking for someone with experience? then build on that after they give you an answer.

#68

applying for an art director / graphic designer job

yayaymm : may art director or graphc dsigner ba dito or someone from creatives pano nyo pinepresent resume nyo? Kelangan b tlga kakaiba sya s ibang resume from other field? yung tipo bng kung itatabi mo s resume ng isang IT, or accounting, etc. mag-sstand-out sya artistically? kse medyo dilemna ko yun e. I'm applying s mga ad agencies e simple lng resume ko may naisip n ako actually n concept for my resume kya lng medyo kakaiba nga tlga sya bka kse di sya maging ok s hr department e bka prefer nila yung simple resume lng na mas magegets agad nila yung content kse nga d ba andun yung credentials ko kya lng I want kse a position s creatives naisip ko d kya medyo nakakahiya nmn kung makikita ng creative director na wlang ka-art-art yung resume ko kung baga I want sana s resume ko p lng makita na nila how "creative" I am hehe help naman advice lng dyan o.

----
you can do both.

do the usual resume, then attach your portfolio to the resume.

be conscious of bulk and style. it cannot be bulky that it's hard to manage. it will only irritate the person handling it and might throw it away.

make sure the style is of great appeal. don't just do anything. think it through. imagine the person handling your resume and attachment and make sure the design is fitting.

some do blogs as well also. do a blog, upload your work and also give the link to the companies you are applying to,

no job experience looking for a job

do not mention to the employer or HR that you are just waiting to take the board exam. that will be a point taken against you. employers will prefer to hire someone who will tend to stay long in their employment.

if you take a job now, will you be able to concentrate and do well when you take the board exam for nursing? from what i know that is not an easy board exam. wouldn't you want to just focus on the board exam and do nothing but prepare for it? many even take up extra courses to review for the board exam.

no job experience looking for a job

question po, hindi po kaya ako mahihirapan maghanap ng work kasi matagal akong hindi nakapagtrabaho kasi nagaral uli ako. i'm a economics grad and worked for a month in a currency trading company then left to study nursing kasi pinagaral ako ng mom ko. graduating na ako dis october and i'm trying to look for a job after i graduate habang naghihintay to take the board exam. hindi kaya maging pangit ang dating sa employer na matagal na ako hindi nakapagwork saka parang hindi counted yung "first job" ko? nakakatakot lang kasi yung mga fresh grads nga hirap maghanap ng work paano pa kaya ako. besides, lahat na ata ngayon kelangan ng job experience. i worry about it too much na natatakot tuloy akong magapply.hopw you can help me on this.

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dilbert on leadership

1st job - how to beat those with experience

any advice on how fresh grads can even be considered since halos lahat ng companies ay may requirement na atleast 1 yr experience.


you obviously wont beat those with 1 year experience because you don't have any.

so beat them on these things :

• be a quick learner
• show them you're a hard worker
• show real interest on the job and the company

do some research on the company you are targeting so you can say something about their business and how you can contribute. do some research on the job and mention things you have done in college where skills you used are applicable to the job.

keyword : research