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15 questions to ask at the end of every interview...

I came across this article on the WSJ the other day. Hopefully, this can help you.



It's important to remember that every interview is a two-way street.


You should be assessing the employer just as much as they're assessing you because you both need to walk away convinced that the job would be a great fit.


So when the tables are turned and the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" take advantage of this opportunity. It's the best way to determine if you'd be happy working for this employer, and whether your goals are aligned with theirs.


"The very process of asking questions completely changes the dynamic of the interview and the hiring manager's perception of you," says Teri Hockett, chief executive of What's For Work?, a career site for women. "Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to discover details that you might not have otherwise unveiled."


Amy Hoover, president of TalentZoo, says there's another reason you should always prepare questions. "It's expected — and if you don't ask at least two questions, you will appear disinterested, or worse, less intelligent and engaged than a prospective employer would like." You should have at least four questions prepared, though, in case your original two are answered through the course of the interview.


But, Hoover says, don't just ask questions for the sake of it. To actually benefit from them, you'll need to think carefully about what you want to ask.


"Your questions can, in fact, make or break an interview," she explains. "If they're not thoughtful, or if you ask something that has already been addressed, this can hurt you way more than it can help. Asking smart, engaging questions is imperative."


Luckily, there are plenty of smart ones to pick from.


Here are 15 questions you should always ask in a job interview — if they weren't already answered — to help you get a better sense of the role and the company, and to leave the interview with a positive, lasting impression:


1. Who do you think would be the ideal candidate for this position, and how do I compare?

Hoover recommends this question because it's a quick way to figure out whether your skills align with what the company is currently looking for. If they don't match up, then you know to walk away instead of wasting time pursuing the wrong position for yourself, she says.


2. Who would I be reporting to? Are those three people on the same team or on different teams? What's the pecking order?

It's important to ask about the pecking order of a company in case you have several bosses.If you're going to be working for several people, you need to know "the lay of the internal land," she says, or if you're going to be over several people, then you probably want to get to know them before accepting the position.


3. How has this position evolved?

Basically, this question just lets you know whether this job is a dead end or a stepping-stone.


4. How would you describe the company's culture?

Hoover says this question gives you a broad view on the corporate philosophy of a company and on whether it prioritizes employee happiness.

5. Who do you consider your major competitors? How are you better?

This question is not for the faint of heart, but it shows that you are already thinking about how you can help the company rise to meet some of its bigger goals, says Peter Harrison, CEO of Snagajob.


6. Beyond the hard skills required to successfully perform this job, what soft skills would serve the company and position best?

Knowing what skills the company thinks are important will give you more insight into its culture and its management values, Hoover says, so you can evaluate whether you would fit in.

7. Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?

While this question puts you in a vulnerable position, it shows that you are confident enough to openly bring up and discuss your weaknesses with your potential employer.

8. What do you like most about working for this company?

Hoover says this question is important because it lets you "create a sense of camaraderie" with the interviewer because "interviewers — like anyone — usually like to talk about themselves and especially things they know well." Plus, this question gives you a chance to get an insider's view on the best parts about working for this particular company, she says.

9. Can you give me example of how I would collaborate with my manager?

Knowing how managers use their employees is important so you can decide whether they are the type of boss that will let you use your strengths to help the company succeed.

10. Can you tell me what steps need to be completed before your company can generate an offer?

"Any opportunity to learn the timeline for a hire is crucial information for you," Hoover advises.

Asking about an "offer" rather than a "decision" will give you a better sense of the timeline because "decision" is a broad term, while an "offer" refers to the point when they're ready to hand over the contract.

11. How would you score the company on living up to its core values? What’s the one thing you’re working to improve on?

Harrison says this is a respectful way to ask about shortcomings within the company — which you should definitely be aware of before joining a company. As a bonus, he says it shows that you are being proactive in wanting to understand more about the internal workings of the company before joining it.

12. What are the challenges of this position?

If the interviewer says, "There aren't any," you should proceed with caution.

13. What have past employees done to succeed in this position?

The main point of this question is to get your interviewer to reveal how the company measures success.

14. If you were to hire me, what might I expect in a typical day?

Obviously this shows your eagerness about the position, Harrison says, but it also gives you a better idea about what the job will be like on a daily basis so you can decide whether you really want to pursue it. "A frank conversation about position expectations and responsibilities will ensure not only that this is a job you want, but also one that you have the skills to be successful in," he advises.

15. What type of employee tends to succeed here? What qualities are the most important for doing well and advancing at the firm?

This question shows the interviewer that you care about your future at the company, and it will also help you decide if you're a good fit for the position, Oliver writes. "Once the interviewer tells you what she's looking for in a candidate, picture that person in your mind's eye," she says. "She or he should look a lot like you."

5 Career Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make in 2016

In my reading, I came across this article that I found on Inc (dot) com. I think you may find it useful.

Ever wonder why school teaches us everything except how to get the job? Do you ever feel like managing your career is really hard? You're not alone. Millions of people are struggling to build careers that are satisfying. Professional happiness eludes the majority of the working population. According to Gallup, only 13 percent of the work force is highly engaged, a.k.a. happy at work. It's not for lack of effort. Everyone is trying to figure out the path to greater career success on his or her own terms. Why then, aren't more people succeeding? Answer: They're going about it all wrong.

Want a Better Career? Start Unlearning Everything You Know About Building One.

Everything we've ever been taught or thought would help us in our career is outdated. For example, studies now prove a college degree does not guarantee you a better career. And, seeking full-time, long-term employment is a pipe dream. Why? Because every job today is temporary. We live in the gig economy now. The entire way we work has shifted. Yet people still try to approach their careers thinking if they can just find a job that makes them happy, they'll live happily ever after. It doesn't work that way. More important, some major shifts in business and the economy are going to make it even more important that you no longer keep approaching your career the wrong way. If you do, you could find yourself at the bottom of the talent spectrum, under-employed, and struggling to find any job to pay the bills. With that in mind, here are five career mistakes you don't want to make in 2016.

1. Assuming your job is secure.

Companies are now forced to change their business models very quickly. Your skills could be in-demand at the office one day, only to be useless the next. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It's just business. But, when it happens, you need to be ready to find a new employer fast.


2. Not having your career tools ready.

Besides an updated resume, you also need an optimized LinkedIn profile. It helps even more if you have a full-fledged personal brand too (i.e., blog posts you've written showcasing your expertise. Twitter account where you share timely industry info, etc.). You just never, ever know when you'll need to throw your job search into high-gear. Wasting days and weeks building your career tools when you could have had them ready to go is poor planning.

3. Not building an interview bucket list.

There are two types of people: those who look for work on a job board and try to fit themselves into a job opening they aren't really excited about, and those who create a list of companies they'd like to work for and keep an eye on them online in the event the right opportunity presents itself. Guess which one usually lands a job worth being excited about? Today, it's up to you to create a list of viable employers and start to networking with their employees. It's not only more effective (studies show 80 percent of all jobs today are gotten via referral); it's also more fun. Who doesn't like choosing whom they want to work for?

4. Failing to know your workplace persona.

Nobody is a superhero at work. There are eight key workplace strengths (I call them personas and you can learn about them by taking this quiz). At best, you have two or three top workplace strengths. You need to know what they are and how they add value to the company. If you know how you save or make a company enough money to justify its paying your salary, then you know how to market that value to other companies if you need to.

5. Not investing in serving your network.

I can't stress this enough: Today, your network is your net worth. Your professional contacts are crucial to your getting the job opportunities you want and deserve. The best way to build a strong network is to serve it. Understanding how to help those you are connected to is vital. People remember when you help them. That social currency will come in handy. Someday, you may need their help. By building up trust and respect within your network, you'll be able to tap into their knowledge, expertise, and contacts when you need to. Waiting until you are out of a job and desperate for the help of your network is not the time to start thinking about what you've done to earn their assistance.

We Aren't Employees, We're Businesses-of-One.

If you really want a better career, you have to stop acting like a helpless employee held hostage by the golden handcuffs of employers. Instead, you need to take full ownership of your career and become a business-of-one who wants to partner with employers to serve them. Building a win-win situation between you and an employer is your job, not theirs. Why? You're the service provider and they're the customer. If you want their business, you need to build a brand that is in-demand. Something they will pay good money for. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you can get the professional respect you want and deserve. If you're ready to be in control, you can start by mastering these career moves. 

It's Not Rocket Science, But It Does Take This.

Don't let outdated approaches to your career set you back next year. Avoid the mistakes above and focus on building your career strength. There are plenty of resources out there to help you close your gap in knowledge so you can get the upper hand. But, it's up to you to take action. Nobody's going to do it for you. Failing to do so could lead to some serious professional regret in the future.

what can an employer say about former employees...

Do you plan on leaving your job for a new one in 2015. Here are some things to consider...

One of the questions people ask frequently is "What can an employer say about former employees?" Some job seekers presume that companies can only legally release dates of employment, salary, and your job title. However, that's not the case.

Can an employer say a former employee was fired or terminated for cause? How about saying that you quit without notice or your attendance record wasn't good? Are there limits to what an employer can say about you?

There are no federal laws restricting what information an employer can disclose about former employees. If you were fired or terminated from employment, the company can say so. They can also give a reason. For example, if someone was fired for stealing or falsifying a time sheet, they can explain why the employee was terminated. Here's information on when an employer can say you were fired.

That said, because of laws regarding defamation (which is slander or libel) companies are usually careful about what information they provide to hiring managers confirming employment or checking references. What they say has to be the truth or the company can be subject to a lawsuit from the former employee. Legally, they can say anything that is factual and accurate.


What Former Employers Can Say About You


There are no federal laws restricting what information an employer can disclose about former employees. If you were fired or terminated from employment, the company can say so. They can also give a reason. For example, if someone was fired for stealing or falsifying a time sheet, they can explain why the employee was terminated. Here's information on when an employer can say you were fired.

That said, because of laws regarding defamation (which is slander or libel) companies are usually careful about what information they provide to hiring managers confirming employment or checking references. What they say has to be the truth or the company can be subject to a lawsuit from the former employee. Legally, they can say anything that is factual and accurate.

If you have been fired or terminated, check with your former employer and ask what information they will give out when they get a call to verify your work history. If they do give out more information than the basics, what they say may be negotiable and it can't hurt to ask.

When you left under difficult circumstances, you could ask someone you know to call and check your references, that way you'll know what information is going to come out. Or, you can also use a reference checking serviceto check on what will be disclosed to future employers.


Getting the Story Straight


It's important that your story and your former employer's story match. If you say you were laid-off and the company says you fired, you're not going to get the job.

Also, not telling the truth during the application process can get you fired at any time in the future - even years after you were hired. That's because most job applications have a section where you verify the information is accurate.


Don't Presume the Company Won't Give Out Information


Don't presume that your former employer won't disclose the reason why your job ended. Large companies typically have policies regarding the disclosure of former employee information, but may not. Many smaller employers don't have a policy at all or aren't aware of or concerned about legal liability issues.

In either case, it's important to know what the employer is going to say about you, because what you say needs to match what the company is going to say.

Finally, if your version doesn't match theirs and you feel the company's story about your termination isn't accurate, be upfront and say so. You'll have a better chance of getting the job than if you say one thing and the company says another.

Source...careers.com

Can You Answer These 4 Trick Interview Questions?

I found the following article on careermeh.com. I found it to be very interesting. While I can't say that I've been tripped up in any interviews, this is could happen to anybody. The question is...how would YOU handle it???

1. About the Company:
What Is the Worst Thing You’ve Heard About This Company?

This interview question is used to shock the applicant, testing their composure and ability to think on their feet. You shouldn’t say anything too negative, because this may offend the interviewer and they could question why you would be applying to the company if you’ve heard such negative reports about it.

In a similar manner to how you would answer questions about any of your own shortcomings, frame your reply in positive terms. This is a chance to show that you’ve done your research. Pick out a recent problem that has been in the news and advertise yourself and your qualities as part of the solution:

The most negative news I have heard regarding JPMorgan Chase was the charge of misleading investors during the housing crisis — selling low-quality mortgage-backed securities to investors who were unaware that the securities often contained faulty mortgage products. However, what followed wasn’t negative at all; in fact, it was good and encouraging to see how the problem was faced head-on, even with a record $13 billion settlement with U.S. authorities.

After acknowledging that serious misrepresentations were made to the public, now many investors seem to think the bank will emerge relatively unscathed from the fines, with the share price bumping up against a 10-year high. I think shareholders have responded positively to the resolution of some of the uncertainty around the company.

2. About You:
What Can You Do for Us That Someone Else Can’t Do?

This can be tricky, because you don’t know what other candidates have applied for the job. The key here is to really sell yourself and give an account of the attributes/experiences that make you stand out:

I can offer unbeatable enthusiasm, an excellent knowledge of criminal law as well as recent issues that have come up in the press, and I have great communication skills, demonstrated by my role as Communications Editor for the student newspaper. On top of this, what really sets me apart from other candidates is my strong ethical code and my desire to help others.

Throughout my time at college, I volunteered at local charities and also helped to set up a social enterprise society that now advises and helps struggling local businesses. My tireless devotion both to my work and to those around me tends to make me a more useful team player than my peers; it is this that can set me apart from the other candidates you have and will interview.

3. About Your Work:
Have You Already Done the Best You Are Capable Of?

This can be a double-edged sword and shows why one-word answers are a definite no!

If you say no, they might ask why you don’t think you’ve been doing your best work. Have you been lazy? Complacent? If so, why should they hire you? On the contrary, to say yes would be to admit your best work is behind. Why would a company hire someone who believes they have already peaked?

The trick is to say yes and no, while also saying neither. This sounds like a confused oxymoron, but it can make sense. You need to show confidence in regards to any past work, but believe that your best work is ahead of you. You need to be modest but confident and see the position you’re applying for — and the coworkers — as a positive way achieve more:

I would say that I always do the best work I can at any given time. In my past work, it’s true to say that I did the best I was capable of, running the business team of a social enterprise society during my final year of college while also working on group projects and my personal dissertation. It meant a few sleepless nights approaching deadline week, but it resulted in the society turning a profit for the first time in several years, as well as receiving top honors for my dissertation.

However, I believe that I can achieve even better work in the future, especially in this position. With the opportunity to learn from the other team members, as well as the on-the-job training I believe you provide, I expect to excel to new heights while working in these surroundings.

4. About the Interview:
How Would You React if I Told You Your Interview So Far Was Terrible?

This is a test to see how well the candidate can maintain their composure. The interviewer is looking for the candidate’s ability to think on their feet and whether they can respond articulately under pressure. In this situation, you should be diplomatic and notice that the interviewer used the word “if”:

I have to admit, I would be somewhat disappointed, especially as I believe that I’ve answered your questions rather well and have shown why I would excel in the position. However, I would take this as a challenge. I would try to establish in what ways I had failed to meet your expectations, before spending the remainder of the interview proving to you that I am indeed the perfect candidate.

I have every confidence that I suit the role perfectly and I believe that I can show you why, if you could tell me how I have let myself down so far.

still funny

This is STILL funny to me!!! Anytime I need a good laugh...I watch this video

10 toughest interview questions

So you got the phone call that you've been waiting on.

You have an interview with that company that you have been DYING to work for.

Are you prepared to answer ALL the questions they will throw at you?

According to Forbes, they have compiled 10 tough questions that you SHOULD be prepared for...

1. Why Should I Hire You?

The most overlooked question is also the one most candidates are unprepared to answer. This is often because job applicants don't do their homework on the position. Your job is to illustrate why you are the most qualified candidate. Review the job description and qualifications very closely to identify the skills and knowledge that are critical to the position, then identify experiences from your past that demonstrate those skills and knowledge.

2. Why Is There A Gap In Your Work History?

Employers understand that people lose their jobs and it's not always easy to find a new one fast. When answering this question, list activities you'??ve been doing during any period of unemployment. Freelance projects, volunteer work or taking care of family members all let the interviewer know that time off was spent productively.

3. Tell Me One Thing You Would Change About Your Last Job

Beware over sharing or making disparaging comments about former coworkers or supervisors, as you might be burning bridges. But an additional trouble point in answering this query is showing yourself to be someone who can'??t vocalize their problems as they arise. Why didn'??t you correct the issue at the time? Be prepared with an answer that doesn't criticize a colleague or paint you in an unflattering light. A safe scapegoat? Outdated technology.

4. Tell Me About Yourself

People tend to meander through their whole resumes and mention personal or irrelevant information in answering--a serious no-no. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it. And keep it clean--??no weekend activities should be mentioned.

5. Explain A Complex Database To Your Eight-Year-Old Nephew

Explaining public relations, explaining mortgages, explaining just about anything in terms an eight-year-old can understand shows the interviewer you have solid and adaptable understanding of what it is they do. Do your homework, know the industry and be well-versed.

6. What Would The Person Who Likes You Least In The World Say About You?

Highlight an aspect of your personality that could initially seem negative, but is ultimately a positive. An example? Impatience. Used incorrectly this can be bad in a workplace. But stressing timeliness and always driving home deadlines can build your esteem as a leader. And that'??s a great thing to show off in an interview.

7. Tell Me About A Time When Old Solutions Didn't Work

The interviewer is trying to identify how knowledgeable you are in today'??s work place and what new creative ideas you have to solving problems. You may want to explore new technology or methods within your industry to be prepared for. Twitter-phobes, get tweeting. Stat.

8. What's The Biggest Risk You've Ever Taken?

Some roles require a high degree of tenacity and the ability to pick oneself up after getting knocked down. Providing examples of your willingness to take risks shows both your ability to fail and rebound, but also your ability to make risky or controversial moves that succeed.

9. Have You Ever Had A Supervisor Challenge A Decision?

Interviewers are looking for an answer that shows humility--??and the ability to take direction. The anecdote should be telling, but it'??s the lesson learned, not the situation, that could land you the job.

10. Describe A Time When Your Team Did Not Agree

Questions pertaining to difficulties in the past are a way for employers to anticipate your future behavior by understanding how you behaved in the past and what you learned. Clarify the situation succinctly and explain what specific action you took to come to a consensus with the group. Then describe the result of that action.


How would you have answered these questions????

laff 101

This is an old video but I crack up EVERY time that I watch it!

You gotta love James...even tho he was drunk.

http://bit.ly/UI3Vq