How to Ace a Telephone Interview

How to Ace a Telephone Interview Many companies use phone interviews  to pre-screen candidates for a position before they schedule an in-person meeting, as it saves time on both parts and is a simple way to assess whether someone is right to proceed further in the hiring process.  Some businesses however, particularly those who hire remote staff, may choose to conduct their main  interviews via  phone. In this case, the interviewer will ask in-depth questions. If you are not prepared, you may be caught off-guard. Here are some tips to help you be more prepared ahead of your call and to ace that telephone interview! 1. Answer your phone. Most companies offer you a time window for your phone interview. The interviewer will call at the scheduled time to conduct the interview, and you should make sure that you are 100% available to answer the phone yourself when the interviewer calls. If you are afraid that you may miss the call for one reason or another, change your voicemail greeting to a professional one. In the case that the  company did not give you a time window and calls at a bad time, such as when you are driving, don’t hesitate to let the interviewer know and ask if you could call him or her back. 2. Do your homework. The nice thing about a phone interview is that you can “cheat”. Before your interview, make a list of questions that the interviewer may ask and write down your answers. Research the company thoroughly, just like you are preparing for an in-person interview. Have these notes in front of you when the interviewer calls and refer to them as needed. 3. Listen carefully. Let the interviewer talk and listen carefully. While you listen, take notes so that you will be able to respond to the key points when the interviewer has finished talking and also for later reference after the interview. Be attentive and do not interrupt your  interviewer. 4. Talk clearly. During an in-person interview, visual cues can give you hints on what the interviewer is thinking, however with  phone interviews, you can’t see the interviewer and therefore they are a lot harder to read. How you come across to your interviewer is reliant on what you say and how you say it, so make sure your voice is clear and you speak clearly and politely.  Although its easy to let nerves get the better of us, try not to ramble or trail off point.   5. Wrap up the call positively. Always end the call on a positive note. Thank the interviewer for the call and tell him or her that you are confident that you are a good fit for the job and  how much you would appreciate the opportunity. 6. Follow up with a thank-you note. Wait a couple of hours and send the interviewer a brief follow up  email thanking your interviewer for their time. It only has to be brief, but make sure you confirm your interest in the role and let them know you are looking forward to hearing back from them. Do you have any tips on how to ace  telephone interviews? If so let us know in the comments below!

Write the Best Resume

Write the Best ResumeWhen you are about to write the best resume, there are a lot of tips you can learn from professional writers. A resume is a very important document for someone who wants to apply for a job. Some applicants spend a lot of time and effort in putting together their resumes. However, if you follow some resume tips, your resume will be easier to read and your chances of getting the job are very high.The first tip on writing the best resume is to include your strengths. You need to focus on what you have accomplished so far as a person and include this as your focus. It should also show that you are an asset to your prospective employer.Secondly, focus on your abilities. List all your skills that you possess. If you possess writing skills, list these in your resume. For instance, if you have the ability to deliver presentations on your own, talk about your experience and how you delivered such speeches. If you are good at sales, talk about how you were able to make it big.Include what you can offer your employer. Explain your skills and what you can do to benefit the company. Also, discuss how you can be useful to them and how you can contribute to their business.Writing the best resume is not an easy task. However, there are a lot of people who have succeeded in this field. They wrote their resume in such a way that the employer got impressed. If you want to succeed in this field, you should concentrate on two things. First, you need to be able to show your worth and second, you need to know how to format your resume in such a way that it can be read by the employer.Do not forget to leave space in your resume. Do not get it so big that you cannot write the words. You can also use some paragraphs. But do not take up too much space and you should also include a summary of your career history.The other common resume tips includes writing the resume in an interesting way. It should be easy to read and it should contain a lot of information. If you w ant to write the best resume, it is best to learn from professionals. You can ask for advice or get some tips from them. Many other people have learned from their mistakes.Your first step towards the best resume is to ensure that you are successful in your endeavors. This can be done through a number of techniques. Moreover, do not allow yourself to get frustrated. If you follow these resume tips, you can be assured of the best possible outcome.

How You Can Prepare Your Clients for the Millennial Workforce

How You Can Prepare Your Clients for the Millennial Workforce According to PWC, millennials will make up 50% of the UK workforce by 2020. This, combined with the lowest unemployment rate since the 1970s, has led HR professionals and employers across the UK to re-examine recruitment best practice. From benefits package updates to policy changes, we explore some of the ways you can advise your clients on how to secure the best millennial talent. 1. Illustrate the importance of a business’ reputation Gone are the days when a young person is grateful to land a job anywhere, regardless of the workplace culture and industry reputation. 78% of people will look up an employer’s reputation before applying for a role. Interestingly, money won’t sway them with half the number of candidates applying for roles saying they wouldn’t work for a company with a poor reputation, even for a pay increase. There should be a focus on managers and recruitment teams working with marketing and branding to improve the way the business is perceived by the outside world. As a recruiter, can you guide your clients, give them examples of other companies that do this well, and the wins they enjoy as a result? 2. Discuss diversity initiatives With increasing numbers of millennials entering the workplace, it follows that their thoughts and concerns are being heavily considered in terms of policy changes.   47% of millennials list diversity and inclusion as important factors in their job search. It is worth checking with the client that they have an open dialogue in the workplace surrounding equality â€" regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, and disability. If your client does not already do so, provide guidance around targets or quotas to address a lack of diversity within the company â€" this can be seen as a very positive step in rectifying any outdated policies. 3. Erase the stigma of mental health Millennials may come across as confident and demanding in the workplace, but anxiety and depression are widespread throughout the younger generation. The research points to the fact that manifestations of mental ill-health, including loneliness and panic attacks, are characteristics of the youth of today (more so than other generations at the same age). As a result, millennials have a greater awareness of their mental health and the support available to them in the workplace. From mental health first aiders through to duvet days, there are a plethora of steps your client can take to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health at work. 4. Understand the ‘social bottom line’ Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been coined as millennials’ ‘new religion’, which is no surprise when they have grown up through the age of global warming, televised wars, revolutions and aid missions. The numbers don’t lie and, according to Cone Communications, 75% of millennials would happily take a pay cut if they could work for a socially responsible organization. They want to make sure they are contributing to a company that is serious about leaving a positive footprint on the world and environment. Have a discussion with your client about their current CSR activities, so as to be able to effectively communicate those with potential talent. These topics make up a small selection of talking points, but will hopefully leave your client with a positive impression of your industry expertise.

5 Best Executive Career Coaches in Chicago, IL

5 Best Executive Career Coaches in Chicago, IL The Windy City is known for its high rises and corporate offices, and you deserve your executive office on the top floor.Our top 5 list of the best executive career coaches in Chicago will help you find an executive coach that can identify your strengths and weaknesses, all the while helping you take the next steps in your career. Your executive positions are the pinnacle of your career and you should take advantage of every single resource that you can to ensure continued career momentum.Progress is difficult, and looking at your weaknesses is even harder. An executive career coach can help you with both aspects and help you stand out in the workforce. If you commission the services of a reputable NYC executive career coach, achieving your goals will be a breeze.An executive career coach might not be the first place you turn to in order to advance your career, but it should be. Check out our list of the top executive career coaches in Chicago and take your executive career to new he ights.Best Executive Chicago Career CoachesIf you are in a hurry and don't want to read our detailed reviews below, here is a list of the Best Executive Career Coaches in Chicago:Find My Profession (that's us!) Jody Michael Associates Executive Coaching Concepts Nielsen Career Consulting Lansky Career ConsultantsAnd now for the detailed reviews...1. Find My ProfessionFind My Professiontops our list as the #1 executive career coaching service Chicago has to offer.While most career coaches will teach you how to job search, our career coaches job search for you.Think of it this way:when you need electrical work done, you don’t hire an electrician to teach you how to fix the problem. You hire an electrician todo the work.We feel the same logic should be applied to job searching.Find My Profession is the professional (electrician) who will actually do the work for you. We find you jobs, apply to those jobs with a tailored ATS-compatible resume, network on your behalf to key decision-ma kers, and prep you for interviews.We will manage all of the time-consuming and challenging tasks associated with your job search.Pros:Find My Profession offers a unique approach to career coaching that goes above and beyond what most services offer. Your dedicated career coach can save you hundreds of hours of job searching, all while producing greater results.Cons:Find My Profession is a virtual/online company. While we provide services in your city, we don’t have a physical office to meet in person.Phone:(831) 888-0967Don't take our word for it, check out some of our 5-star reviews.Trustpilot2. Jody Michael AssociatesJody Michael Associates was founded by â€"â€" yep you guessed it â€"â€" Jody Michael. Established in 1995, Jody Michael Associates specializes in executive career counseling. However, they also offer resume writing and workshops. Jody has more than 40,000 one-on-one coaching hours with top-level executives, and her firm also has offices in Atlanta, San Francisco, an d New York.Pros: Jody Michael Associates has worked with executives at the biggest companies in the world, such as PayPal and Goldman Sachs. They have the necessary experience to guide you along your executive career path.Cons: Jody Michael Associates is a nation-wide firm based in Chicago. If you are looking for a more personalized service, you may want to go with another professional career coaching service on this list. Jody Michael Associates also has a few bad reviews online, which may be concerning.Phone: (773) 275-55663. Executive Coaching ConceptsExecutive Coaching Concepts is an experienced New York City executive coaching service. Willy Steiner is the president of the firm and is dedicated to assisting senior executives with their individual and organizational performance. Willy also offers team coaching as an additional service to help out teams who need an operational overhaul. Last but surely not least, Executive Coaching Concepts has developed innovative incentive syst ems with General Electric, RCA Corp., and Galileo International.Pros: Executive Coaching Concepts has more than 20 years of experience in executive coaching. Willy has worked with hundreds of clients across three different continents. His service is almost exclusively focused on executives and high-level earners, which is perfect for executives like yourself who need a career coach with true executive clientele.Cons: Executive Coaching Concepts appears to be a one-person business. That is great if you are looking for a personalized service, however, Willy could be unavailable when you reach out to him. Additionally, there are only a few online reviews of Willy’s executive coaching.Phone number: (847) 778-90464. Nielsen Career ConsultingNielsen Career Consulting has been in business since 1990. Sheila Markin Nielsen founded the professional career coaching service after serving as the executive director of Lawyers for Alternative Work Schedules. Sheila gives her “Map of the Quest “ presentation on networking for business development and assists large Chicago law firms with executive placement and coaching.Pros: Nielsen Career Consulting uses a sliding scale for payment, making their service affordable in relation to the stage of your executive career. Sheila Nielsen has worked with over 4,500 professionals, which is nothing to sneeze at.Cons: Nielsen Career Consulting is focused on lawyers more than any other executive industry. You may want to choose an executive career counseling service that has a broader expertise. However, if you are a lawyer in the Chicago area this is a perfect fit!Phone number: (312) 340-44335. Lansky Career ConsultantsLansky Career Consultants was founded by arguably the most seasoned executive job coach in the Chicago area. Founded in 1982 by Judith L. Lansky, she has established herself as one of the best executive career coaches that money can buy. Judith offers other intangible professional coachings services that focus on thi ngs like structure, accountability, momentum, and pacing.Pros: Lansky Career Consultants has worked with corporate clients such as IBM Corporation, Homestar Bank, and Kraft Foods. Because Judith has been involved in the career advancement field since 1974, you can rest assured that she can help you take the next steps in your executive career. She will work with you to create a plan that works for your personal objectives.Cons: Lansky Career Consultants doesn’t focus exclusively on executives. You may want to use an executive career coaching service that only works with top-professionals and high earners. After all, when it comes to your career there is a lot at stake.Phone number: (312) 494-0022This List Serves The Following Areas Near Chicago, Illinois:Evanston, Joliet, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Kankakee, Sterling, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Waukegan, Champaign, Marseilles, Des Plaines, Waukegan, Crystal Lake, McHenry, St. Charles, Wheaton, Cicero, Bloomington, Arlington He ights, Bolingbrook, Schaumburg, Orland ParkIf you are looking for a career coaching service not specifically for executives, take a look at our article on the Top 5 Career Coaching Services.

How to Write a Resume Free

How to Write a Resume FreeHow to write a resume free is one of the major concerns for many job seekers. With the busy schedule of today's job seekers, writing a resume and presenting it to the company can take time and effort. To make the process easier and fast, several online services are now available for you to choose from.One of the easiest things that you can do to help you know how to write a resume free is by downloading a resume writing software. Many companies now offer free programs to help you with your job search. Although you may have to pay a fee in order to get a copy of this program, the advantages of this option far outweigh the drawbacks.To start with, it is very important that you try the program before spending a dime. Although the online software may be free, there may be some technical limitations and other conditions that you need to abide. Therefore, you should always try out the software before deciding to buy it.The second thing that you should try is to us e the program as a form of resume writing assistance. You can use the software by taking advantage of its many features. You can easily go through all the sections and apply for the positions that you are interested in. You can save the resume as a PDF or a Microsoft Word file and even print it out whenever you have time.Another option that you have is to visit the Internet. By doing so, you will be able to get all the information that you need at your fingertips. Many websites that offer free resume writing help will also help you make the necessary corrections. With so many free programs available online, you can still get the professional help that you need.There are other ways that you can help yourself to help yourself when it comes to writing a resume. One of the options that you can try is to ask a friend or a relative for a copy of their resume. You can use it as a template and then try to make some changes to it. However, since the person who receives the resume may not wan t to give it to you, you may have to contact the person and ask them if they would be willing to give you a copy of their resume.One last way to help yourself to write a resume free is to browse the Internet. You will find many free resume templates online. By using these templates, you can create a professional looking resume. You can customize the resume according to your requirements and you can submit it as soon as possible.As you can see, there are several ways to help yourself to write a resume free. If you want to improve your chances of getting hired, you should try these methods. After all, you want your resume to be a powerful tool that can boost your chances of being hired.

#68 - Career Expert Series - Side-Hustle Coach - Tracey Minutolo

#68 - Career Expert Series - Side-Hustle Coach - Tracey Minutolo The Career Insider Podcast Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSSForEpisode 68of The CareerMetis Podcast, we will be hearing from a Tracey Minutolo who will be talking to use about the importance of having a side-hustle.This interview is part of the “Career Expert Series“.evalGuest Introduction â€" Tracey Minutol0evalTracey helps people who work 9-5 build and grow profitable side businesses they love. She explains how she successfully started her very first side hustle, and how she went about getting there. She also gives some insight on the kinds of skills people have paid for.Episode Summary1. Tracey describes how she began coaching people to start their own side businesses.2.She discusses the benefits and challenges she faces when starting her first business, and the things she’s picked up along the way that has made it much easier.3.Tracey talks about fear, and how to deal with it. She also talks about support systems, and the vital rol e they play in the success people experience.4.She shares some insights for people who are just starting out. She also talks about research, and the importance of putting your findings into action.5.Tracey leaves off by giving a final urge to side hustlers to reach out and connect with one another.eval6.She feels strongly about relationships and asking questions, and feels that it can make a huge difference early in the game.Quotes“I’m so afraid to start a side business, what if I start the wrong one?”“You’re able to generate an income outside of your full time job”“What makes all the difference is having your cheerleaders”“There’s a sweet spot between the things we like to do, and love to do, and the things people will pay us to do.”eval“You don’t want to sit in the research phase forever”LinksTo learn more about Tracey Minutlo’s work visit herwebsite. You can also connect with her onLinkedIn or Twitter. Check out her Facebook Group â€" Side Hustler’ s Haven.Intro Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" Siren KickbackEnding Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" No Need to Rush

5 Amazing Benefits To Pursuing A Nursing Career

5 Amazing Benefits To Pursuing A Nursing Career Nursing is one of those fields that is very highly respected in the healthcare industry. It’s a grueling few years, training to be a nurse, and it requires a strength of character and a grit that only a select group of people have. There is a huge demand for nurses across all disciplines and skill sets around the world, meaning that no matter where you go and what you do, nurses will always have a position and a place. Deciding to change your career is a big deal and moving from a regular job into healthcare is a big step, but it is one that should be considered at length. Nursing is timeless; there will always be upgrades in the industry and there will always be those who want to innovate to make life easier for nurses all over. Understanding the benefits to the role, beyond the amazing scrubs that you can get only at WonderWink and the overtime pay, is the best way that you can ensure that you are making the right decision for your career. So, when it comes to making such a huge choice with your life, what ARE the amazing benefits of changing your career to nursing? 1) Shortages. Okay, so the fact that there are nursing shortages globally is not a good thing, but for you who wants to have the freedom to work across the world, it’s the best thing that you could have. Shortages equal job security: people around the globe will always need excellent nursing care, and you will always need a job. 2) Flexibility. You may work long hours, but the scope for where in a hospital, care facility or the community that you can work is massive. Nurses are the voice between the patients and their needs, and the doctors who need information from them. 3) Career Mobility. Should you graduate and work as a RN for a few years, you could find that there is a good scope for expanding your knowledge and moving between being an RN and being a leader in nursing. You could even choose to work in surgery as a scrub nurse, if that is what interests you the most. 4) Choices. You could choose to be a trauma nurse, elderly care nurse, children’s nurse, mental health nurse and more; the choices are truly limitless when it comes to your nursing career, and you can really spread your wings and discover your passion in a field that you least expected. 4) Salary. Depending on where you live, nurses are highly regarded and are paid as such. There is also the chance to earn even more by working holidays and overtime as much as you can. Overtime is a good way to gain experience in another nursing field. Changing your career to something as high-paced and rewarding as nursing could be the best decision that you ever make in your life. Make it work for you and enjoy your new adventure as much as you can.

Networking - Something You Do or Something You ARE -

Networking - Something You Do or Something You ARE - Earlier today, one of my Twitter friends, life/brand strategist Walter Akana tweeted an intriguing question. He asked: How do you keep your networking skills continually refreshed? My answer: I try to think of networking as a way of BEING instead of something to DO. Another Twitter friend, Megan Fitzgerald, an expat career and entrepreneur coach, replied: I think networking is about giving (form of doing?) Using your brand to help others. You could say BEing of service. I love the synergies Megan creates between doing and beingI think these are terrific ways to think about networking for job seekers. Of course, I advise my clients to network. We talk about netweaving the fact that networking is about relationships. We talk about how to practice to work a room and the fact that everyone is a great networking connection, because you never know what you may be able to offer a new contact and what he or she may be able to offer you! I think the most successful networkers are those who arent necessarily looking for something, but are focused on the fact that networking is something you can try to becomeBecome a connector, someone who likes linking people together for their advantage. In his book, The Tipping Point, author Malcolm Gladwell defined connectors as people with a truly extraordinary knack of making friends and acquaintances. In our digital, Web 2.0 world, success will depend more and more on our ability to broaden our professional circles and to reach out to a diverse socio-economic group of people representing a mix of opinions and beliefs. Professionals who habitually introduce people who otherwise may not meet earn goodwill and reputations as valuable resources and colleagues. In his book, Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi says, Community and alliances will rule in the twenty-first century[success is] dependent on whom you know and how you work with them (291). He asserts that living a truly connected life is a prerequisite to success. For example, Ferrazzi mentions that Crains 40 Under 40, a list of rising stars in an array of fields, arent necessarily the best businesspeople. Instead, he suggests that they are probably the best connected businesspeople. The value of connectedness is never more heightened than during uncertain economic times. Anyone who has been reading the recent how to recession proof your job articles and blogs will realize that they inevitably share one common piece of advice: Network for career success. When networking becomes you and inspires you to act on behalf of others, youll know that you are achieving true networking success. We can get you on the road to true networking success by teaching you how to approach networking, writing your resume and helping you every step of the way! www.keppiecareers.com. photo by cascadefoto