Jobless Graduates

Advisor Owen Katongo Kabanda, what is your view on the rising number of college/university graduates who are roaming the streets with no jobs for them to do?


Unemployment is Real

Well, without going into all the mumbo-jumbo stuff about all the nice classifications of unemployment which include frictional, structural, cyclical, classical, and natural unemployment among so many others, the bottom line is unemployment is real and people are searching for jobs.

As a Graduate, when finishing your college/university, you had everything figured out.

Degree? Check, big job? Check, big office? Check, fat salary? Check, nice big car? Check, paid vacations in the Bahamas? Check.

You see, being a Graduate can be so good.

With so much air of self-importance, you descended the graduation podium to go and conquer the world, run the big corporations and the Governments.

Yeah, you told yourself that you are the crème de la crème of your society and people should treat you with respect.

You are not some common man.

Ooh, did someone forget to give you heads up that maybe the world you were now stepping into is not as ideal as everything played out in your mind?

The Labour Market as it is called, is not like 1+1=2, it is complex.

If you find employment just after graduation, be thankful because you are among the few who get to be lucky like that.

For many graduates however, they have to walk around, stepping on and killing ants, and having highly finished shoe heels that look like they were being chiselled to become a tool for war or something of that nature.

Reasons for Graduates Failing to Get Jobs

There are many reasons that people and the Governments will tell you as to why graduates are still sweating and languishing in the streets with no hope of any job in sight.


But let us talk about two of those reasons:


1. Labour Market Factors

It is not rocket science even a two years kid can tell that jobs are hard to come by. 

There are high numbers of colleges and universities which have sprung up locally and internationally and they are churning out graduates at high rates like never seen before.

The irony is that, with the fast increase in the number of graduates on one end, there is no proportionate fast increase in the number of companies being set up on the other end to create employment opportunities for the graduates.


2. Graduate’s Personal Factors

While the performance of the economies in many countries might make it difficult for graduates to have great employment opportunities at the rate they may want, some other personal factors also play a role:

(a) The Ego/Pride of Some Graduates

Okay you are a graduate we get it, now the whole idea of you becoming too proud and looking down on anyone who seem to be not of your class could lead you to miss out even on some job opportunities.

(b) Some Graduates Not Accepting To Do Certain Jobs

Being too proud that you cannot accept certain jobs unless you are given a specific job that you went to school for and such issues, will make you lose out on job opportunities, period, there is no argument about that.

The populations have gone up and globalisation has made it possible for even people from other countries to be readily available for jobs in your region.

Being choosy will most likely not help you too much.

(c) Some Graduates Not Accepting Positions Below Management Level

So, right from your desk in your college/university, you think you think you have made it in life, and now you are so superior and have acquired all the management skills required.

The whole notion of saying you can only start at a Manager or Director’s level is not the best of ideas unless that is in your own company.

But, if it works out for you, well and good and congratulations.

We can only wish you all the best.

(d) Some Graduates Not Accepting To Work in Certain Companies

The fantasy from school that you can only work for big corporations and the Government so that you get all the nice packages and drive the latest Director’s vehicles, should be kept in check.

Starting with even small organisations allows you to learn how to be passionate about a business and when your time comes for you to go to big corporations, you will be exposed to systems and procedures there.

Be humble, you never know from the so called small institution, you can end up gaining the much needed experience that helps you even when you go to your much dreamt about bigger institution.

(e) Some Graduates Not Accepting To Be Paid Certain Salaries

To be clear, no one should accept to be paid slave wages.

But before you declare your salary to be slave wages, do a salary survey to know what the market is paying for your position and ask the Labour Office in your country for the possible wages for your position by law (where applicable).

The idea that you should be paid huge salaries just because you have a Degree and you even refuse certain jobs or you resign, might not be the best of ideas.

Try to learn to budget and live within your means.

When another job comes later, move and get paid more.

(f) Some Graduates Not Accepting To be Supervised by the so called “Uneducated People”

Sometimes you get a chance to even start some job or you have some inside information that the Managers in such and such a company are not so educated with all the Degrees and Doctorates that you may want.

So, out of pride, you choose not to join such a company or you resign because for you, you are above such mediocre leadership as you fondly call it.

Well, Mr./Mrs. Highly Educated, please proceed to go and find a place somewhere else where you fit.

Being too full of yourself, robs you of immense opportunities to learn something from older and experienced people even if they do not have the so called education you desire.

You learn a lot by simply being humble. You never know you could come and be promoted.

(g) Some Graduates Waiting for Their Connections to Find a Job For Them

Sometimes, you sit home and you are just chilling in your community because you are convinced that your connection (relative, friend, politician, bae, or whatever) is going to pull all the strings in the world, and the job will simply come to your doorstep.

All the best in that endeavour.

(h) Some Graduates Not Working on Their CVs and Skills for Interviews

At other times, you look at your Diploma or Degree paper and you think that this is what tells your prospective employers everything about you. Really?

Do your CV properly. You have been to school, Google or get someone to help you make a proper CV.

Again do not waste money on conmen, use credible people if you have to.

Then comes a rare chance for you to attend interviews.

What do you do? You do not prepare for anything and just walk in the interviews majestically because you are the mighty Degree Holder.

You are asked why you should be given the job or why you should be picked from so many other applicants.

Your answer, “Because I have a Degree”. Ooh, really, just like that?

You are competing with so many other Degree holders and that is all you can say? Whaao, all the best if that attitude and answer can get you the job, really, all the best.

What Options are Available to Graduates

Despite the labour market factors, there is always something you can endeavour to do to at least to increase your chances of success in life.

(1) Take Your Job Hunt Seriously

No job (at least in many cases) would simply come to your doorstep.

Take your job hunt seriously.

Complaining, drinking, and engaging in all sorts of vices so that people feel pity for you will help you to succeed fast only in your head, and will draw sympathy from those who have too much time on their hands to sympathize with you.

(2) Pursue Business & Your Talents/Passion

You may have no idea about running a business.

One thing however about a true Graduate (hopefully you are not one of those that were just using crooks and hired others to do everything for them), is that, they are fighters.

How many times did Lecturers give you assignments and things that you had absolutely no idea about, but in the end, you still managed to research and nailed the assignment or test accordingly.

So, what is so special about involving yourself in a business no matter how petty and embarrassing it might be?

Of course it is easier said than done, but who said life will be easy for anyone?

It is all your choice either way, and no one will live your life for you.

Try to identify some of your Core Competencies and pursue your dreams.

If someone who only went up to secondary level education can find a way to make it, how about you a fighter?

You know that you can do it.

Remember, do not be closed up.

The same skills you were using to get data from your colleagues, Lecturers, the library, and the internet among others sources means that you can use the same skills to get business information.

Seek guidance from some people who have made it or a credible Business Advisors in your country.

Do not fall prey to the scams of making quick money through some unknown methods that conmen are busy selling to desperate people.

You will only live to blame yourself.


Closing Remarks

Whatever you choose to do with your life as a Graduate, do not fall into the trap of sleeping with so called prospective employers to get a job.

If you want a relationship to have fun as it is called, then just have one but not in the hope of exchanging your sex for a job.

Again, other people tell you to pay some upfront amount sometimes equivalent to your expected first salary and promise to give you a job or they promise to connect you to some employer.

While this could have worked for some, know that it is suicide to your career.

When you sleep or pay someone to get a job, simply be prepared to repeat the same act for you to get “Confirmation after Probation”, then you will come have to do the same for you to get a Promotion and Salary Increment, and the list goes on.

The choice is really yours.

In some societies that are highly religious, it is not uncommon to find Graduates being taken advantage of by some self-proclaimed so called holy men/women who demand for sex and huge amounts of money in exchange for the so called blessings.

Be cautious in everything.

Nobody says life after graduation is going to be beds of roses and everything is going to be so easy.

However, do all what you can in your capacity, then have some patience, and in due time you will make it in life either as an Employee or a Business Owner and all your struggles shall only be stories to come and tell your grandchildren.


Read the full article on this link https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2312563975635733&id=100006464606418

Covering letter essentials for graduate vacancies

Covering letter essentials for graduate vacancies

 

 When do you write a covering letter to go with your CV and what should you say? Use our tips to structure this part of your job application.

 
A convincing covering letter (or cover letter, as it’s more commonly known in the US) typically accompanies a CV for a graduate vacancy. It’s your opportunity to show recruiters your most relevant skills and demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the job and the employer.

A covering letter shouldn’t be longer than one side of A4. Here's our four-part safe guide

How to write a graduate cover letter in four steps

1. The opening

Tell the graduate recruiter which job you are applying for, where you saw the advert and why you are applying. If the job has a reference number, it is always good to include this.

Tip: always address your covering letter to a named contact. Give the organisation a call to find out to whom you should address your job application if a name isn’t given on the advert. Get the person’s title (and gender!) right: Mr, Miss, Mrs or Ms? Or would another title be appropriate: Dr, for example? People may feel quite strongly about how they are addressed, and it would be a shame to fall at the first hurdle.
 
2. Why you?

The first paragraph or two are about you. Tell the employer why you are well suited to the role you are applying for, referring directly to the job description and concentrating on how you have the skills, abilities and/or knowledge to excel in the job. Mix evidence of specific skills and knowledge related to the job with work experience examples and personal skills.

At graduate level remember that it’s fine to refer to work experience that isn’t directly related to the profession you are applying to. You need to show how your current experience ‘transfers’ into the job. Examples from part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities and academic work will all help to demonstrate how you have used and developed skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, organisation, time management and commercial awareness.

Do you live in the area where the job is based? If not, is the recruiter likely to wonder if you’re going to have problems getting into work in the morning? You may need to explain that you would be willing to relocate.

Tip: avoid copying statements direct from your CV. Think about how you can rephrase the information or expand on particular skills and achievements you have that are right for the role.

3. Why them?

The next paragraph explains why you are interested in the job and the organisation. What is it about the employer and job role that made you apply? This is your opportunity to target your covering letter so that the recruiter knows you are interested in their graduate job and you’re not batch emailing standard CVs and covering letters to all and sundry.

Re-read the job advertisement or job description and make sure you have done some background research into the organisation. This will help you tell the recruiter what attracts you to working for them and why you are interested in the particular job.

Tip: provide specific reasons for applying, such as the work they do or the training they provide. Avoid anything that could be said about pretty much any employer, such as ‘… because you’re a prestigious and dynamic employer’.

4. The ending

The closing paragraph should be strong and clear. Reaffirm your suitability for the role and your enthusiasm about the prospect of working for the employer. State that you look forward to hearing from them and are happy to provide any further information they need.

Don’t forget to sign the letter if you are sending it through the post, or to print your name if you are sending your covering letter by e-mail.

Tip: brush up on how to write a business letter and current format practices. For letters addressed to a named contact, finish: Yours sincerely. Dear Sir/Madam letters finish: Yours faithfully – but it’s better to get a named contact.

You could turn steps two and three around and write about why you’re applying to the employer first if you'd find that more comfortable. As long as you cover both ‘why you’ and ‘why them’ in the letter, the exact order doesn’t matter.
When to write a covering letter

You must write a covering letter for a job when you are invited to submit a CV via an email or (more rare nowadays) through the post. There are two ways to send your covering letter via email, and both are usually acceptable, though you should check the job advert carefully to see if you have been given any specific instructions.
Attach both the CV and the covering letter to your email. Make the email a brief message saying that your application for the vacancy (give the relevant details) is attached.
Write the covering letter directly into the email. You could include your contact details as a signature at the end. Attach your CV.

If you are uploading a CV as part of an application form, you don’t usually have to upload a covering letter as well (unless the employer requests one).

Otherwise, you should never opt out of sending a covering letter with your CV. Don’t go for the ‘Please find attached my CV for your consideration’ one liner. It's a missed opportunity.

Tip: use sensible filenames for your attachments, eg Joe Bloggs_covering letter.doc and use a subject line that will make sense to the recipient and looks professional, for example, use the job reference: Vacancy – ED123_PT trainee accountant.
Make your covering letter memorable and to the point

You’ll stand out if you:
Don’t waffle
Match your skills and experience to the requirements in the job description
Avoid generalized statements and clichés
Express yourself clearly.

Keep sentences straightforward and fairly simple. Using action verbs will help. Keep your writing professional and err on the side of formality rather than being too chatty.

Tip: read through your covering letter out loud. This will help you identify verbose sentences that can be rewritten and will help you check the sense of your writing.
Check spelling, grammar and sense very carefully

Before you send out a covering letter check it for spelling, grammar and sense. Elegant formatting won’t make up for poor spelling and grammar. Graduate recruiters will be reviewing your attention to detail and your ability to communicate in writing, so your covering letter is your first chance to impress. Get a trusted friend or careers adviser to give it a once over before you send it out.

Tip: when proofreading your covering letter for a graduate job, read it forwards and read it backwards. No joke. You’re more likely to spot a spelling mistake if you read word by word back from the end. If not, get someone else to proofread your letter for you.

 Reference: Click Here

INTERVIEW TIPS PART III

1. Tell Me About Yourself

Hello, sir/madam.

I am ……………. I am from …………...
I have completed M.A/Bachelor of……………………from …………. University.
We are five members including me. My father is a farmer. My mother is a homemaker. And I have two younger brothers.
My strength is I can adjust any environment and helping mind for elders.
My weakness is I am not comfortable until I finish my work
I like to be surfing internet, drawing, cooking and playing chess.

2. Why Should I Hire You?

You should hire me because I have all the qualities that you are looking for, I am punctual, disciplined, patient, flexible and organized. You won't have any problem with my attendance and my behavior. I have good communication skills and I'm a fast learner. I will guarantee that I will deliver what is being asked to me and I'm willing to give my 100% to this company/Organization.

Or

Currently, I am a fresher; I need a platform to explore my knowledge and skills. I work hard. And I put 100% efforts for developing the company.


3. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Strength: I am quick learner & a great team player.
Weakness: I end up doing all the work for my team if they are not participating.

Or

Strength: I'm very honest and strong person to cope with my failures and learn more from my mistakes.
Weakness: Like me I want everyone around me to be honest and loyal to their job.


4. Why do you want to work at our company?

Because your company is the right platform for me it is a place where I can use my knowledge and skills whatever I have learn to achieve success.
And with those skills and knowledge I can prove myself as an asset to the company and can help in achieving great targets.

Or

As I am a fresher and so I want firstly join a company or a platform to improve my skills and my knowledge for giving my best and best. So, I will be very happy if I were a part of it.


5. What is the difference between confidence and over confidence?

Confidence: means I can do that
Over confidence: means I am only who can do that.

Or

Confidence: I can do this and have faith on other.
Over confidence: No one can do except me and had no faith on others.

Or

A well confident person will be very cool and calm and leads to right decision
An overconfident person likes to pretend he knows everything which may lead to wrong decision.


6. What is the difference between hard work and smart work?

Hard work: means doing a job with full dedication and efforts.
Smart work: means doing hard work in a smart way which saves your time and efforts.

Or

Hard work is doing the work effectively
Smart work is doing the work effectively with efficiency.

Or

Hard work is fresher and smart work is experienced.
Hard work is the beginning step to smart work because without facing hard work no one can get smart work


7. How do you feel about working nights and weekends?

Sir frankly speaking everyone wants to enjoy weekends but if company needs my presence then it means I am suitable for this job so I will always be ready for this.
And about night shift, there will not be problem for me because I love to work at night.

Or

I believe that the only thing matters in corporate is the accomplishments of goals. Time should not be a constraint as responsibilities come with pressure and stress; one should be adaptable to such hygienic factors. If you are getting a good return on investing your effort you should go for it.

Or

Sir, by frankly speaking, I would like to enjoy the nights and weekends with my family and dear friends. But if my presence is necessary to our company I will definitely to do my work nights and weekends.Thank you.


8. Can You Work Under Pressure?

Yes, I am willing to work under pressure and I believe that the real efforts and creativity will come out under pressure.

Or

Yes, Sir. I would like to say that every work behind there is pressure. Through pressure, we can convert impossible work into possible.

Or

Yes sir, without pressure we can't achieve anything in our life.


9. Are You Willing To Relocate Or Travel?

Of course, Travelling is one of my hobbies. I think travelling means to visit new environment, a new society, new culture, new peoples and to increase our skills, achieve new knowledge. Therefore I like to relocate.

Or

Yes, sir, I am ready for relocating because my intention is the job not the location and I am adaptable and love to explore different places in the world.


 10. What Are Your Goals?

My short term goal is to work at reputed company depending on my knowledge and your support.
My log term goal is to be in higher position like yours.

Or

My goal is to join a reputed organization to improve my professional skills and knowledge.

Or

My short term goal is to become a skilled and valuable person for company and long term goal is to become expert in my field.


11. What Motivates You To Do Good Job?

My self-confidence motives me to do a good job. Because when I cannot achieve something in my life only my confidence gives me strength to achieve success in life.

Or
Positive environment and positive thinking motivates me.

Or
I am always motivated because I always remember my parent's struggle and sacrifices for me. Now it's my turn to do something for them and make them happy.

Or

When I do my work with full passion and someone appreciates me for that job. It motivates me.


12. What Makes You Angry?

I got angry when I decided some task and not able to complete it on time.

Or
Laziness gives me anger.

Or
When people smoke around me!

Or
Generally, I do not get anger. But sometimes I get anger on myself when I did not complete my work in prescribed time.


13. How Long Would You Expect To Work For Us If Hired?

As long as a company contributes to my success and I am contributing to the success of the company.

Or

I am looking for a career rather than a job. Until the time, I am able to contribute and the company benefits from my presence, I will continue to work here.

Or

I am confident that this company can offer me a fulfilling and exciting career and I want to remain with you as long as I am having a positive impact on the enterprise.


14. Aren’t You Overqualified For This Position?

One of my teachers said no one is in this world is perfect for any position but their hard work and enthusiasm will make them qualified there is no chance for over qualify at anywhere. So I can give you guarantee that I can fulfill this position with my experience and my knowledge up to my level best.

Or

Sir, I'm not overqualified. I have only theoretical knowledge because I'm a fresher I want to convert my knowledge into practical. So I am qualified but not overqualified.

Or

No sir, I understand the difference between qualification & implementation. I am looking for the opportunity where I can implement my qualification. Learning never comes to an end


15. Describe Your Ideal Company, Location And Job

According to me,

An ideal company is a company which provides healthy and good environment and lots of opportunities for employees to do work and where the suggestions and views would be taken as positive.
The ideal job is the job where we get satisfaction in both professional and personal life.
The ideal location is where these two things are present.

Or

My ideal company is which identify my talent and giving me best opportunity to prove it, a place does not matter.


16. Explain How Would Be An Asset To This Organization?

Sir, with all respect, I am not going to present myself as being the perfect candidate for your organization, because we are all human beings and we are not expressions of perfection, but what I am going to tell you is that I am a passionate person who works hard to make his presence worth. I am sure there might be things that I won't know how to accomplish, but I am eager to learn and do my best.

Or

Hardworking and dedicated employees are always asset for any company and I have those qualities.

Or

Sir, Growth of any organization depends on the loyalty of employees and the manner in which they work as a team. I am a loyal person as well as team player which in turn will prove me as an asset to organization.


17. Who Has Inspired You in Your Life and Why?

My parents inspired me a lot because they work very hard day and night just to fulfill my dreams and give me a high quality life which they had not got.

Or

My failure is inspiration for me because in each and every step they teach me a profound lesson. Though my parents and friends support me but they do only to some extent because am leading my own life with up and downs.


18. Would You Lie For The Company?

It depends on the situation because behind every problem there must be a solution & first of all, I will try to figure out the other solution.

Or

Actually, there is no need to tell a lie for good companies like yours. If there is a situation, yes I can lie for the company.

Or

No sir, I will not lie, Instead, I will find a better alternative solution. Because I believe that every problem has a solution I will try my level best to solve the problem in a proper manner without telling a lie.


19. Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?

After 5 years from now, I see myself well equipped with knowledge and resources of my field, better skills, more mature than now and at a decent position in the managerial ladder of the organization, where I would be dealing with more challenges and working as an asset for the organization.

Or

After 5 years, I want to see myself with a good knowledge and better skills at a senior position while taking more responsibility and contributing growth of the company.

Or

I think no one does know what will happen after 5 years.
But if you kept concentration, responsibility, dedication all on your work from now onwards it will obviously reach you a high achievement after 5 years.

INTERVIEW TIPS PART II

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Job Interview Questions No. 1
"Tell me about yourself..."
Be prepared to talk for two minutes about yourself. Be logical. Start anywhere, such as high school, TAFE, or your first professional position. The interviewer is trying to evaluate your communication skills and linear thinking. You may try to score a point or two by describing a major personal attribute.

Job Interview Questions No. 2
"Why are you leaving your current position?"
This is a very critical question. Don't bad mouth your previous employer or co-workers or sound too opportunistic. It's fine to mention major problems, a buy-out or a shutdown. You may want to state that after long personal consideration, your chance to make a contribution is very low due to extensive company-wide changes.

Job Interview Questions No. 3
"What do you consider your most significant accomplishment?"
A good answer to this question can get you the job. Prepare extensively—discuss hard work, long hours, pressure and important company issues at stake. You may want to tell a two minute detailed story, discussing personal involvement.

Job Interview Questions No. 4
"Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?"
Pick two or three main factors about the job and about yourself that are most relevant. Discuss for two minutes, including specific details. You may mention a technical skill, a management skill and/or a personal success story.

Job Interview Questions No. 5
"Have you ever accomplished something you didn't think you could?"
The interviewer is trying to determine your goal orientation, work ethic, personal commitment and integrity. Prepare a good example where you overcame difficulties and succeeded. Prove that you're not a quitter.

Job Interview Questions No. 6
"What do you like/dislike most about your current or last position?"
The interviewer is trying to determine compatibility with the open position. Be careful; don't say you dislike overtime, like management, or get too detailed. It's safe to say that you like challenges, pressure situations, opportunities to grow, or that you dislike bureaucracy and frustrating situations.

Job Interview Questions No. 7
"How do you handle pressure? Do you like or dislike these situations?"
High achievers tend to perform well in high-pressure situations. Conversely, these questions could imply that the open position is pressure-packed and out of control. Know what you're getting into. If you do perform well under stress, provide a good, detailed example. Be descriptive.

Job Interview Questions No. 8
"The sign of a good employee is the ability to take initiative. Can you describe a situation where you did this?"
The proactive, results-oriented person doesn't have to be told what to do. To convince the interviewer you possess this trait, give a series of short examples describing your self-motivation. Discuss one example in-depth, describing the extra effort, your strong work ethic and your creative, resourceful side.

Job Interview Questions No. 9
"What was the worst/most embarrassing situation of your career? How would you have done things differently with 20/20 hindsight?"
Your interviewer wants to know how introspective you are, and to see if you can learn from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to talk candidly about your failures, especially if you learned something significant from them.

Job Interview Questions No. 10
"How have you grown or changed over the past few years?"
Maturation, increased technical skills and increased self-confidence are important developmental aspects. To discuss these effectively is indicative of a well-balanced, intelligent individual. Overcoming personal obstacles or recognising manageable weaknesses can help identify you as an approachable and desirable employee.

Job Interview Questions No. 11
"What do you consider your most significant strength?"
Know your key five or six strengths—the ones most compatible with the job opening. Discuss each with specific examples. Don't include your management or interpersonal skills unless you can describe specific examples of good management, or how your relationship skills have been critical to your success.

Job Interview Questions No. 12
"Deadlines, frustrations, difficult people and silly rules can make a job difficult. How do you handle these types of situations?"
Most companies, unfortunately, face these problems daily. If you can't deal with petty problems, you'll be seen as uncooperative. How you overcome these are important. Diplomacy, perseverance and common sense will prevail in difficult circumstances.

Job Interview Questions No. 13
"One of our biggest problems is… What has been your experience with this? How would you deal with it?"
Think on your feet. Ask questions to get more details and break the problem into subsections. It is highly likely that you will have had some experience dealing with the subsections. Answer these and summarise the total. If you can't answer directly, state how you would go about solving the problem. Be specific and show your organisational and analytical skills.

Job Interview Questions No. 14
"How has your technical ability been important in accomplishing results?"
A potential employee needs a strong level of technical competence. Most strong managers have good technical backgrounds. Describe specific examples of your technical abilities, and how you resolved a technical issue.

Job Interview Questions No. 15
"How would you handle a situation with tight deadlines, low employee morale and inadequate resources?"
Your interviewer is looking for strong management skills. You need to be creative and describe your toughest management task, even if it doesn't meet all the criteria. Most situations don't. Organizational and interpersonal skills, handling pressure and good handling of this question are indicative of effective management skills.

Job Interview Questions No. 16
"Are you satisfied with your career to date? What would you change if you could?"
Be honest. The interviewer wants to know if you'll be happy. Are you willing to make some sacrifices to get your career on the right track? Your degree of motivation is an important selection factor.

Job Interview Questions No. 17
"What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself five or ten years from now?"
Be realistic! Pie-in-the-sky goals label you as immature. One or two management jumps in 3-5 years is a reasonable goal. If your track record indicates you're in line for senior management in 10 years, then mention it. If you've had a rocky road, be introspective.

Job Interview Questions No. 18
"Why should we hire you for this position? What kinds of contributions would you make?"
This is a good chance to summarize. By now, you should know the key problems. Restate and show how you would address them. Don't be arrogant—instead demonstrate a thoughtful, organized and strong attitude.

INTERVIEW TIPS PART I

JOB INTERVIEW TIPS

These tips will help you while getting prepared for your interview, read carefully and do no forget any tip as these are the base for the best performance in your interview.
Wishing you all the best.

Job Interview Tips No. 1 -Come prepared
Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. A job interview is not the time to wing it! Prepare! 

Job Interview Tips No. 2 - Research the company
Find out as much as you can about the company. Your effort will show in the job interview, and you’ll be seen as proactive, hardworking and astute.

Job Interview Tips No. 3 - Dress appropriately to match the company culture
Many companies have gone to corporate casual. Check with your contact to see what they require. When in doubt, always err on the side of formal business attire.

Job Interview Tips No. 4 - Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early
Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behaviour. Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder. Research in advance what your parking options are and allow plenty of time.

Job Interview Tips No. 5 - Exhibit enthusiasm
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. You can make or break a job interview within the first five minutes.

Job Interview Tips No. 6 - Appear friendly and outgoing
Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation. Many hires have been heavily influenced by an Administrative assistant.

Job Interview Tips No. 7 - Be self-confident
High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of the successful individual. With confidence, be able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles. There’s nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself.

Job Interview Tips No. 8 - Come prepared for key questions
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "tell me about yourself" and "why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say.

Job Interview Tips No. 9 - Remain involved
The most effective job interviews are those where an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant insight. Remember, don’t interrupt your interviewer.

Job Interview Tips No. 10 - Establish your worth
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. Such as: have you done something not required, trained someone, etc.

Job Interview Tips No. 11 - Know your six key strengths
Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else. Assuming you have done the proper homework on the company, these strengths should also be closely aligned to the key traits the employer is looking for in a person to fill their position.

Job Interview Tips No. 12 - Give 1 to 2 minute responses
Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions.

Job Interview Tips No. 13 - Provide examples/details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer won’t accept them as valid.

Job Interview Tips No. 14 - Remain attentive
Stay alert during the job interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show high levels of interest and stay enthused. These actions can maintain or generate momentum during the interview. This is especially important when you are doing multiple interviews on the same day. The energy level must be as high for the last as it is for the first.

Job Interview Tips No. 15 - Don’t be arrogant
A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities. There’s a fine line between being too confident and cocky. Don’t cross that line.

Job Interview Tips No. 16 - Ask probing questions
A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small talk.

Job Interview Tips No. 17 - Be positive about co-workers
Don’t bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers. No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude, typical of those who don’t take personal responsibility for their actions.

Job Interview Tips No. 18 - Clearly state your interest
By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position and would like to know when the next step will take place. It’s best to demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.

Job Interview Tips No. 19 - Know your objective and end with it
Establish your objective before the job interview, like a second interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. Ask a question such as, "do you think my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse, reveals other obstacles to overcome.