Regarding item number #10. There are two things that should be considered. If you are interviewing for a "sales" position you need to close the conversation with "asking for the position". Most Sales Managers expect you to try and close. If you do not ask for the job how will you ask clients for business. For other situations you should consider ending the conversation in a professional manner where the interviewer know you have an interest. EX: Based on the meeting I could see myself being very successful...
There are so many people who do not show any level of interest. If there is no interest why hire?
#10of FL1:41PM January 10, 2013
Totally agree, especially with #7. I have just started a temp job filling in with a company while they interview for a full-time position. On Friday, their candidate arrived almost an hour early. She sat in her car for 30 minutes, then came into reception. As the interview was at 2:00, and she arrived at 1:30, people were out at lunch, and the boss felt obliged to call them and ask them to come back as soon as possible. It just created a lot of hassle and fluster, when it didn't have to. Sigh.
JessB10:36PM March 09, 2012
I thought some of your advice was a but cut throat...but I can't argue with being candid (which is what many candidates need).
It is very difficult to get an interview (from resumes, networking)...once you do (it's almost (almost) as good as getting the job (because it is that hard).
Having had my share of interviews (from both sides of the desk)...here are three questions candidates can't go wrong with:
Here here on showing up early! I sit near the front of our (very small) office, and it's completely awkward to have someone sitting for half an hour waiting for an interview. Grab a coffee, go to a park, but please please please don't show up 30-45 minutes early.
Esra8:46PM March 07, 2012
Shawn, I come from the hiring manager side of things, and I talk to tons of other hiring managers, so yes. Two page resumes are completely normal these days, as long as you're more than a few years out of school. In fact, I receive more two-page resumes than one-page resumes.
Alison Greenof DC4:26PM March 07, 2012
Some of these points are obviously different than what most career writers are saying. Have these ideas been vetted by actual hiring managers?
For instance, I can't imagine any manager preferring a two-page resume over a one pager...
Shawnof TX3:19PM March 07, 2012
Finally, somebody gets it... Thanks Allison !!! -- I hope it works for me :-)
John of CA2:00PM March 07, 2012
You should always lead with your strengths, and if all you've had is part-time jobs in retail or fast food, your college major is the way to go. People discount their education on their resumes to their detriment. Often times, you've had relevant coursework that you can highlight or coursework that goes beyond test taking and paper writing. You can list these things to demonstrate relevance and valuable skills that are not apparent by merely listing your degree.
Eventually, you'll want to move your education lower as you get experience in the field you've chosen.
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#10 of FL 1:41PM January 10, 2013
JessB 10:36PM March 09, 2012
Hugo Balta of CT 10:10PM March 09, 2012
Esra 8:46PM March 07, 2012
Alison Green of DC 4:26PM March 07, 2012
Shawn of TX 3:19PM March 07, 2012
John of CA 2:00PM March 07, 2012
Brian of IL 11:26AM March 07, 2012