how do I address a glaring weakness in an internal interview? by Alison Green on January 30, 2014 A reader writes: I’m the sole internal candidate interviewing to be my work team’s manager. This team is newly formed, and the person originally tapped to manage resigned before actually holding the position (no drama: it was for family reasons). Subsequently, the job description was changed to include some technical expertise that neither the original […] Read the full article →
I’m caught between two companies and a staffing agency by Alison Green on January 27, 2014 A reader writes: I am in a rather difficult job situation, as as a current grad student who is only just starting her career, I am not in a position to say no to opportunities. I am an associate at a staffing agency, and a year ago, they placed me for an assignment with a […] Read the full article →
do I have to fake passion to get a job? by Alison Green on January 10, 2014 A reader writes: I’m getting so discouraged and wondering if I am missing some essential job hunting/interviewing skill. I have had three interviews in the last month (so I feel pretty good about the fact that my cover letter, resume, and networking are in good shape) but no job offer. The first interview I felt […] Read the full article →
I had to prepare a meal and entertain 20 people for a job interview — and so did 19 other candidates by Alison Green on January 9, 2014 A reader writes: I recently had a job interview for an entry-level program coordinator position. I walked in and there was a panel of interviewers sitting behind a table but there was no chair for me. This was the third of five interviews as part of an all-day interview process, and every other session had […] Read the full article →
what are the best questions to ask in a job interview, as either the interviewer or the candidate? by Alison Green on December 31, 2013 We’ve got two questions about interview questions, from different sides of the interview table. First, an interviewer asks: I’ve hired for junior-level positions before, but for the first time, I need to interview candidates for a manager role. What questions should I be asking candidates at this level? When interviewing candidates for any role, the […] Read the full article →
why are employers turned off when they hear how much time I spend on my job search? by Alison Green on December 24, 2013 This was originally published on October 18, 2011. (I’m reprinting some posts this week while I’m eating enormous amounts of rum balls and drinking sparkly beverages.) A reader writes: I have been unemployed for 6 months and it’s been very challenging! I find looking for a job (a job that is the right fit for me) […] Read the full article →
interviewing while pregnant — but I’m not the mother by Alison Green on December 19, 2013 A reader writes: I’m currently employed, though attempting to change careers. I have a few great job interviews set up for positions I would love to have. My only hiccup in the interview process is that I’m four months pregnant, but the baby isn’t mine. I am a gestational carrier for a lovely family who […] Read the full article →
I’ve had 10 interviews and no offers — am I the problem? by Alison Green on December 4, 2013 A reader writes: I was laid off in July and have been looking for a job since then. To date, I’ve had six interviews (two more pending) but no offers. If you count the interviews I had before I got laid off, the total number is 10. How many failed interviews is a sign that […] Read the full article →
should you ask for the job at the end of an interview? by Alison Green on December 2, 2013 A reader writes: I read that if you ask for a job at the end of an interview, you should be prepared to accept the position on the spot. Is this true? What if the offer (salary, benefits, all of those things that you are not supposed to ask during the interview) is unfair/not up […] Read the full article →
did I blow this job opportunity? by Alison Green on December 1, 2013 A reader writes: I just want to know if I handled this situation right. I am fresh out of college and finishing up a course online, which requires some intense work because it’s a lot of work compacted in a short amount of time. I applied to many different jobs, and I got a phone […] Read the full article →