The basics of job search haven’t changed. But the tools and tech to help you secure a new one have. When it comes to looking for a new job, you’ll want to efficiently use your time, ensure you are qualified, and present those qualifications in writing and during the job interview. These are the basics. […] The post Summary Sunday: Issue #525 appeared first on Career Sherpa. The basics of job search haven’t changed. But the tools and tech to help you secure a new one have. When it comes to looking for a new job, you’ll want to efficiently use your time, ensure you are qualified, and present those qualifications in writing and during the job interview. These are the basics. In this week’s Summary Sunday, you’ll learn about some of the ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are being used to streamline work as well as information you can use to improve your job search. The Use of AI in the workplace, in job search, and in talent acquisition (4 posts) Don’t do this after you are rejected LinkedIn’s Top Choice Jobs The truth about LinkedIn’s “Applicants for this job” number If you aren’t following these authors yet, I hope you will. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The Impact of AI on Job Skills | ERE Take a look at how AI is being used by recruiters, job seekers and in the workplace. According to author, Nicholas Rubright, it’s not taking jobs away right now. AI is creating jobs, but mostly for those who know how to masterfully use it. If you think you won’t need to use AI in your next job, reading this will help you see why you need to invest time learning the basics now. How TA Leaders Use ChatGPT and Generative AI | Recruiting Brainfood Is AI really being used by talent acquisition and how? Watch this recording with five different TA professionals to hear how they are using it. From drafting job postings, to generating emails, to career mapping, and so much more. This is a real-time look at how individuals are saving time on redundant or time-consuming tasks. NOTE: AI is not used to replace human interaction or logic. AI-Powered Job Search Tools | Adam Broda New job search tools that use AI are hitting the market every day. While I haven’t used all of these, here’s a list of 10 you should check out. JOB SEARCH What NOT To Do After Being Rejected | Jenna Arono As much as getting rejected from a job hurts, it’s not the time to try and turn their decision around. Instead, here’s how to respond to a rejection email. LINKEDIN New Feature Rolling Out: Top Choice Jobs | Ora Levit What if there was a way you could signal to a recruiter that THIS job is the one you are most interested in? Well, LinkedIn has been testing this feature with Premium LinkedIn users and it is only available on Easy Apply LinkedIn Job Posts. “The amount of jobs a member can mark as ‘top choice’ are limited and we ask members to express why they marked a job as a ‘top choice’” writes Levit. And to see how this looks from the recruiter’s end, see this post by Prashanthi Padmanabhan. The Truth About LinkedIn’s “Applicants for this job” | Shelley Piedmont We’ve all seen this number when looking at a job post on LinkedIn… 14 Applicants for this job. But is it real? See Shelley’s analysis of this number and what you should do! JOB SEARCH VISUAL Rather than send a cold email, LinkedIn InMail, or DMing, warm up the person you want to contact first using one or more of these ideas: DID YOU MISS THESE How To Work With A Recruiter To Find A Job “What Obstacles Have You Overcome?” Tips & Examples 101 Best Skills To List On Your LinkedIn Profile In 2023 The post Summary Sunday: Issue #525 appeared first on Career Sherpa.
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“What type of work environment do you prefer?” is a common job interview question that you need to be prepared for. Your answer will be an indication of how well you’ll fit and perform, so interviewers will be paying close attention to what you say! This guide will teach you how to prepare a response […] The post What Type Of Work Environment Do You Prefer? Answer Tips appeared first on Career Sherpa. “What type of work environment do you prefer?” is a common job interview question that you need to be prepared for. Your answer will be an indication of how well you’ll fit and perform, so interviewers will be paying close attention to what you say! This guide will teach you how to prepare a response that makes a fantastic impression. Table of contents The Reason Interviews Ask This Question How to Answer “What Type of Work Environment Do You Prefer?” Common Mistakes to Avoid Example Answers The Reason Interviews Ask This Question Talking about the type of work environment that you prefer during an interview can seem unimportant compared to your skills and qualifications, but it matters more than you think! Every company has a unique work environment. As a potential new hire, you must adapt to that environment. Hiring managers ask this question for a couple of reasons. The first reason they ask this question is to see if your preferences align with the company’s culture. Work environments matter more than most realize, and many complex factors affect the overall work experience. A company can have a fast-paced startup work environment full of excitement or a collaborative space where everyone works on teams. Some also have a more traditional corporate environment, lean heavily on remote work, etc. Those work environments require you to adopt new approaches and habits to get things done. Not everyone thrives in all work environments. For example, if you’re a fresh college graduate, you might love the idea of working for a startup where employees act as generalists. But as a seasoned professional with several years of experience under your belt, you may want to stick with a more conventional corporate work style. This question aims to see if your preferences align with how the company operates. It’s about seeing if you’re a good match. Employers want to bring candidates in who can succeed from day one, and the best way to do that is to choose someone who can thrive in the established work environment. Another reason interviewers ask this question is to gauge your potential performance. If your preferred work environment matches the company’s, there’s a greater chance you’ll enjoy your time there. The odds of you performing well and reaching your full potential there are high, which means there’s a better chance you’ll stick around and grow with the company. Those are the types of candidates employers want to invest in, and questions like this make it easier to see if you check off the boxes. How to Answer “What Type of Work Environment Do You Prefer?” This isn’t a question you want to think up on the spot. There’s an art to providing an impactful response that works in your favor. Here are a few tips for sharing what type of work environment you prefer. 1. Think About the Environment You Value The first step is to think about what work environment you truly value. While you may be adaptable and ready to mold yourself to whatever environment you’ll step into, it’s important to know what culture you thrive in most. This requires some self-reflection on past jobs and work experiences. Think about the times when you were most successful and what environment contributed to it. Do you value solitude and the ability to concentrate in peace? Or does your best work come out when you have others to lean on during project collaborations? Many factors can contribute to your workplace satisfaction. Some good things to think about include access to workplace amenities, good work-life balance, the physical space where you’ll work, how managers interact with employees, available training programs, the backgrounds of your co-workers, etc. Consider making a list of your preferences. Understand what environments you value and how your surroundings influence the quality of work you do. Learning more about what work environments you don’t like is also a good idea. That information can help you develop a solid answer that delivers everything the hiring manager wants to hear. 2. Learn About the Work Environment Where You’re Applying Next, you should learn about the environment at the company you’re interviewing for. The goal is not to figure out the work environment so you can say what the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, you want to find common ground to highlight during your interview. It’s fine if your preferred work style doesn’t match 100 percent. But you can still emphasize the things you do like to connect the dots and show that you’ll flourish in the new position. Look at the job description. Many hiring managers include some information about the work culture and environment. For example, phrases like “fast-paced environment” or “strong collaboration skills” give you a good idea of what to expect. You can also look at the company’s website or connect with people on social platforms like LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to network before your interview to learn as much as possible about the company. 3. Find Common Ground Once you know your preferred work environment and the company you’re interviewing for offers, you can start finding some common ground. As we mentioned, you don’t need to lie or pretend that the organization’s environment is the perfect match for you. Instead, you should find where things overlap to show you can succeed with them. There’s usually plenty of common ground you can highlight. Look at your list of preferences and find ways to connect them to what the employer offers. The company may encourage collaboration or heavily invest in the professional development of its employees. Or maybe it provides the good work-life balance that you want. Whatever the case, find those similarities. Your goal is to show that you can thrive in this new work environment and will be happy working for the company. In most cases, you’ll have no issues spotting similarities you can emphasize. But if you don’t, you may want to reconsider applying. Work environments substantially impact your productivity, happiness, and success. So this tip is as important for your future as it is for your interview performance. 4. Demonstrate Flexibility in Your Answer When responding to this question, one of the most important things is to showcase that you’re flexible enough to adapt. Everyone has their preferences, and you might have a few deal-breakers that make you reconsider this position. But if the work environment is something you can see yourself succeeding in, you must show that you’re flexible. Mention that you’ve worked in many different environments and always find ways to adapt. You can also provide examples of moments when you’ve had to adjust, focusing on the positive outcomes that followed. Your goal must be to demonstrate that you’re willing and able to work hard regardless of whether the work environment matches your preferences to a tee. Flexibility is a sought-after characteristic in a candidate, so putting that at the forefront of your response can make a big difference. 5. Keep Your Answer Positive Here’s an important thing to remember. Always focus on the positive! Questions like this can easily devolve into complaints. You can easily veer off course and start going off on a tangent about the things you don’t like about an organization’s work environment. Needless to say, that’s a big mistake! Mold your response to highlight what you like. Instead of talking about what you don’t like, lean into the positives. Mention your preferences without saying outright that you dislike any particular work environment. 6. Practice Your Answer Finally, you should practice your response. This isn’t a question you want to develop an answer for on the spot. Doing so could come off as inauthentic or ill-prepared. Do your due diligence, give this question the thought it deserves, and have an answer ready! You don’t have to have something over-rehearsed. Instead, gain confidence in delivering a response with conviction. Practice saying what you need to say a few different ways. The most important thing is that you stick to the main points and know how to respond effectively, no matter how this question comes up. Common Mistakes to Avoid Despite how much a solid response can help your chances of moving through the hiring process, you can also easily do the opposite! There are several common mistakes people make when answering this question. Here are the biggest ones you should avoid. Unsure Answers Always be confident in what you’re saying. That tip applies to every interview question, but it’s crucial with this one. Unsure answers include saying things like, “Well, I’m not sure,” or “Maybe I could work in this environment.” Not only are answers like this unimpressive but they could also be seen as major red flags. You should know your preferences whether you’re new to this industry or a seasoned pro. Have conviction in what you say and avoid unsure responses that look like you didn’t think about this topic at all. Specifics Try not to get too specific. You can discuss what work environments you prefer, but avoid saying anything too specific to the company. For example, saying that you hate working specific hours or you prefer work environments without meetings could come back to bite you. If an interviewer can instantly think of how the company doesn’t fit with your work preferences, you’ve already lost the interview. Avoid getting too specific to prevent that from happening. Keep things broad enough while still delivering the information that hiring managers want to hear. Complaints and Badmouthing Of course, you should never complain or speak ill of your previous employers. No matter how frustrated you were in old work environments, avoid badmouthing. It comes off as unprofessional and may make hiring managers worry about what you could say about them in the future. Accidental or Direct Criticisms Here’s another major no-no. It’s easy to criticize the company when talking about your preferred work environment. For example, you might inadvertently say you hate things that the company does regularly. That’s a quick way to remove yourself from consideration. You can avoid accidental or direct criticisms by leaning on the positives. Say what you like and not what you don’t like. Long, Drawn-Out Answers Finally, keep your answer relatively short. Interviewers may ask for follow-ups, and that’s completely fine. But keep the main response quick enough to leave room for those follow-ups if necessary. Bring up what you like, connect the dots to this position, provide examples if possible, and move on. Example Answers If you need a little inspiration for answering this question, you’ve come to the right place. Your response will depend on your work experience and what you truly value in a job. Everyone’s preferences are different, so you should avoid copying examples verbatim. Instead, use them as inspiration to develop your own. Example 1 Our first example comes from a candidate who prefers a collaborative environment. This response works well because they briefly explain why they like collaboration before connecting the dots to this new position. It’s an impactful answer that reassures the hiring manager that they can succeed in this position. “I’ve worked in many different environments, but I thrive when I get to collaborate with others. I like to take others’ considerations into account when making considerations. In my opinion, it’s the best way to gain perspective outside my own and do what’s right for the bigger goal. That’s what drew me to this job opportunity. I saw that collaboration is a big deal at your company, and I especially love the open-concept office. It seems like the perfect match for me, and I can see myself checking in with team members and supervisors when working on projects. I also like the closed offices you pointed out during my tour. While collaboration is how I prefer to work, there are always moments when I want to step away and focus on what I need to do. Your office is the perfect setup, and I can see myself doing great work here.” Example 2 Our next example is broader. It focuses less on the specifics of collaboration vs. isolation. Instead, it revolves around the overall work culture and vibes of the office. The candidate talks about the energy of the environment. It works well because it allows the candidate to emphasize their enthusiasm for the job while showing that they’re committed to succeeding in the new role. “One of the most important things to me is to work in an energetic environment. There’s nothing more motivating for me than walking into an office full of life and excitement. Seeing others who are passionate about their job is a wonderful thing, and I got that sense walking into your office today. I love the energy here, and I believe I’ll do some of my best work surrounded by others who are just as motivated as I am! My previous employer had a similar work environment. I thrived there and had the biggest gains in my career. I learned a lot from others through collaboration, and we maintained high productivity to achieve many impressive feats. I’m excited to be here for your company.” Example 3 In our final example, we have a candidate who prefers to work in a place that leans on professionalism and work ethic. This is a good response for a few reasons. In addition to connecting their preferences to the company, it shows that the candidate is serious about their job. It’s the ultimate professional response, and it’s something many hiring managers would love to hear. “I’m a pretty adaptable person and have had success working in many environments. But if I had to choose a preferred work environment, it would be surrounded by people with strong work ethics. I enjoy bouncing energy off of other people. I’m a firm believer that work styles change based on what your colleagues give off. When everyone around you is committed to doing the best job possible, you can’t help but do the same! It also builds a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment as a unit. Everyone’s working towards the same goal, and being around others who are just as driven helps me develop trust. It also makes work more enjoyable! There’s nothing better than being around kind, funny, and competent people who know when to buckle down and get things done.” Conclusion “What type of work environment do you prefer?” is an interview question that provides you with a great opportunity. So do what it takes to develop a strong answer! Think about how you thrive at work, keep things positive, and spend some time practicing your response. Good luck! The post What Type Of Work Environment Do You Prefer? Answer Tips appeared first on Career Sherpa.
Job search is exhausting! Instead of taking a break, try new approaches and strategies. And as we head into the summer months, many job seekers are thinking about taking a break. Instead of putting your job search on hold, dial it back. Decrease your job search activities to part-time status, limit the activities you find […] The post Summary Sunday: Issue 526 appeared first on Career Sherpa. Job search is exhausting! Instead of taking a break, try new approaches and strategies. And as we head into the summer months, many job seekers are thinking about taking a break. Instead of putting your job search on hold, dial it back. Decrease your job search activities to part-time status, limit the activities you find overly stressful, or find a way to incorporate your job search into your day. 🔹 You’ve built some momentum and stopping your job search altogether will kill those irons you have in the fire. 🔹 Many job seekers have the same idea of “taking the summer off” so they’ll likely be less competition. 🔹 Finally, companies still have jobs to fill during the summer! (Though people may be taking vacation which can slow the process down) In this week’s summary, you’ll learn about: Common-sense job search advice from fellow job seekers Little-known LinkedIn profile optimization tip The LinkedIn algorithm explained Commenting on LinkedIn is powerful Gen Z versus Gen Y perceptions of the workplace Are voice calls intrusive? Did you like any of these articles? Share them with your network, follow the author, or share this newsletter with those who would benefit. JOB SEARCH I’ve run out of ideas for my job search | A Job Seeker One job seeker posted on LinkedIn “I’ve run out of ideas on how to stand out in this job market. If anyone has ideas please feel free to share. I could use the help. 😅” She’s already tried, Networking with hiring managers, Connecting with network, Applying and sending resume to the hiring manager/recruiter, and Updating LinkedIn. What I love about this is that out of the 212 comments, there’s some really good advice (from fellow job seekers)! So if you need ideas to spark your job search, read the comments! LINKEDIN Number 1 profile optimization tip to be found better on LinkedIn | Gillian Whitney If you want to be found in the LinkedIn search results you need to follow database best practices. Kevin D. Turner explains us Market Value Titles. Watch the video to get the whole scoop. (Spoiler: many of us don’t even realize we’re doing this wrong) Want the short video explanation? See this video. Explaining the LinkedIn Algorithm | Richard van der Blom I’m not suggesting everyone becomes an expert in the LinkedIn algorithm but the slides help explain why commenting (and engagement on LinkedIn) matters! Plus, this post serves as an example of what you can post if you don’t have original content to add to LinkedIn. Comment Before You Like A Post | Jessica Sweet If you are serious about maximizing LinkedIn, you need to understand the information in this post. You’ll help people boost their posts, plus, you have the chance to be showcased in front of others who care enough about the topic to also leave comments. WORKPLACE Here’s What Gen Z and Millennials Have to Say About The Current Workscape | Indeed How Gen Z sees things is different from other generations in the workplace. This could be why: 82% of Gen Z said they have never worked in an in-person office environment full-time. 39% of millennials said they have never worked in an in-person office environment full-time. Bring back the voice call or not? | 3Plus International “Should voice calls make a comeback in the workplace, or do video calls reign? The jury’s out” writes Dorothy Dalton. This made me think about the advice given to job seekers to “pick up the phone.” Is this advice out of date? Dorothy Dalton is also running a poll on LinkedIn and so far, over 50% perceive unscheduled voice calls as intrusive… it’s something to think about. Keep calling a friend or someone you know is probably different that calling someone you don’t know. JOB SEARCH VISUAL Unemployed and looking for a new job? Make sure to reach out to all these people! Start by asking how they are doing. Then, they’ll ask what’s new with you. Explain exactly what type of job you are pursuing and what companies you are interested in. DID YOU MISS THESE? 10 Best Examples Of Problem-Solving Skills For Interviews What Type Of Work Environment Do You Prefer? Answer Tips 15 Video Interview Tips You Need To Remember The post Summary Sunday: Issue 526 appeared first on Career Sherpa.
“Describe what you’re most excited about at work” is a unique interview question that many candidates aren’t prepared for. While it might not seem hard to answer from afar, it’s deceptively tricky to deal with on the spot. This guide will teach you how to come up with an impressive response that makes the interviewer […] The post Answers To Describe What You’re Most Excited About At Work appeared first on Career Sherpa. “Describe what you’re most excited about at work” is a unique interview question that many candidates aren’t prepared for. While it might not seem hard to answer from afar, it’s deceptively tricky to deal with on the spot. This guide will teach you how to come up with an impressive response that makes the interviewer eager to learn more about you. Table of contents The Reasons Interviewers Ask This Question How to Answer, “Describe What You’re Most Excited About at Work” Common Mistakes When Answering Example Answers The Reasons Interviewers Ask This Question Describing what you’re excited about at work helps hiring managers determine your suitability for the position you’re interviewing for. The question seems simple at face value, but it unveils more about who you are as an employee than most realize. This question comes down to job satisfaction and understanding what factors go into creating a positive work experience for you. But why does that matter? Ultimately, employers want to bring people into the company who will be naturally motivated to perform. They don’t want people who are only there for a paycheck, or worse, people who are miserable doing the job they’re hired to do. If you’re excited to come to work every day, there’s a better chance that you’ll give great effort and will stick around for much longer than if you didn’t. Hiring a new employee is a big investment. If hiring managers have even an inkling that this position is only temporary or not a good fit for your needs, they are more likely to pass in favor of a candidate who will enjoy their time at the company. They want to invest in employees who are enthusiastic about the job and company! Asking you to describe what you’re excited about at work helps them understand the workplace situations you enjoy and what helps you reach a high level of professional fulfillment and performance. It can also shed light on what motivates you to succeed and how you’ll fit into the work environment, company culture, and more. There are many layers to this question, but it ultimately gives interviewers an easier way to assess how easily you’ll fit into the role while being happy and successful. How to Answer, “Describe What You’re Most Excited About at Work” There are many ways to approach answering this question. It’s open-ended by design, giving you the freedom to unveil the information interviewers are after in a less structured way. So how do you deliver a knockout response that works in your favor? Here are a few tips to follow. 1. Do a Little Brainstorming The first thing you should do is think about what makes you feel fulfilled in a job. Professional satisfaction is wholly subjective. There’s no right or wrong answer, and what motivates you may not be what motivates someone else. The key to describing what excites you at work is to fully understand what makes you happy in a role. There are many great examples. For instance, it could be a healthy work environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork. Alternatively, it could be having a solid work/life balance, gaining opportunities to continue developing your career, employee-sponsored benefits, or the chance to advance within the company. Those are concrete examples that many people talk about when answering this question. Think about what matters most to you. You can even reflect on past jobs to determine what you like and don’t like. The important thing is to reflect on the things that make you leave work feeling content and accomplished. Answering this question is not about the specific aspects of the position. You can certainly talk about certain elements of the job, such as the ability to help people or getting opportunities to work as part of a team. However, your answer should focus on what brings you the most joy. Ideally, you’ll already know what the position entails. This question revolves around workplace satisfaction and motivation. Think beyond the day-to-day and focus on what excites you most about your work and career. 2. Find Connections Between What Excites You at Work & the Job You Want Here’s where you need to study the job description and do your research. While this question focuses on your satisfaction and happiness, it’s still a job interview! You still need to impress hiring managers and deliver a great answer. The best way to do that is to draw connections to the position you’re interviewing for, showing that this is a job you’ll love to do. Examine the job description and do a deep dive to learn as much as possible about the job. You can look up similar job postings, research the company itself, and reach out to people currently working at the organization. Learn as much as you can to get a complete picture of what you can expect working there.Then, find ways to tie what excites you, to the job you want. Think about what initially attracted you to this position and connect the dots. You may even learn more about what’s truly important to you. Maybe this job gives you plenty of opportunities to contribute to large projects that boost the bottom line. Or perhaps it comes with the amazing opportunity to work with other high-performers who keep you motivated to succeed as much as possible. Whatever the case, bring it up! Connect the dots for the interview and show them why this job is for you. 3. Keep Your Answer Brief Open-ended questions can run long. There’s no hyper-focused response that will deliver the information interviewers need. As a result, many candidates find themselves rambling! Resist the urge to give a drawn-out answer. Ideally, you should be able to discuss what excites you most about work in two minutes or less. Keep it short and sweet. Eliminate superfluous details and cut to the chase. This question often leads to follow-ups from the interviewer. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it could mean that you provided a compelling answer that warrants more information. It’s better to leave room for follow-up questions than to run long. Get to the core of your response, and if the interviewer wants to learn more, they’ll ask. 4. Practice Always practice your answer before you head to your interview. This isn’t a question you want to think up on the spot. It’s multi-layered and more important than simpler questions. It deserves great thought and preparation. Take time to develop a solid response and practice delivering it in a few ways. But you shouldn’t have a canned response that you recite verbatim. Doing that comes off as inauthentic. Instead, know what points you want to hit when giving your answer. You can create a list of things you want to say and memorize them. Then, get comfortable talking about what excites you in a natural way. Confidence is key here. Practice enough so that you avoid stuttering or creating long pauses. You should respond with conviction to show that you’ve thought about this question and the job. Common Mistakes When Answering Now that you know how to answer this question successfully, let’s talk about a few common mistakes that applicants make. Open-ended questions like this have plenty of room for error. Avoid these faux pas to ensure that your answer works in your favor. Unprofessional Responses This question is strictly about what excites you at work. Talking about personal matters will make you come off as unprofessional. We’re talking about answers like: “The thing that excites me most is clocking out at the end of the day. That keeps me motivated.” That answer, and anything related to it, will do nothing but hurt you. It’s a huge red flag. You should also refrain from talking about your personal life. Stick to professional excitement! Monetary Motivations Another thing to avoid is talking too much about money. It’s fine to bring up benefits and other things the company does to reward hard workers, but focusing your answer solely on money will come off the wrong way. This can send a signal that you’re only there to get paid. That’s not what employers want to hear. They prefer it when candidates get real satisfaction out of their job. Unsure Answers Finally, avoid the answers like: “I’m not really sure. I don’t get excited at work. I just show up, do what I’m supposed to do, and go home.” You need to have something you’re excited about! An answer like the one above doesn’t provide any information about how you fit into the company or your ability to find happiness in the role. Plus, it comes off as ill-prepared. Example Answers There are plenty of great ways to answer this question. And while your response should be unique to your true motivations, we have a few samples to serve as inspiration and get you started. Example 1 In our first example, we have a candidate who loves working with others. This response is a knockout because it checks off all the boxes. The candidate explains why they are excited about collaborating with colleagues and how this job can fulfill their wishes. “The thing that gets me most excited at work is the chance to collaborate as part of a team. There’s something special about working with others towards a big common goal. It’s great to see that my work contributes to the growth of the company. Collaborating with others is something I enjoy. It makes my day and provides genuine satisfaction. Seeing the finished product always makes me feel proud. I know that collaboration is a big deal here at [COMPANY], and I’m excited to become part of this type of team.” Example 2 Next up, we have a candidate with a more unusual response. But despite its unorthodox nature, it works perfectly for the administrative job they’re trying to land. It’s easy to connect this answer to the job, proving to hiring managers that they will get satisfaction from the role. “This may sound odd, but staying organized and helping others accomplish their work is something that excites me. I’ve worked administrative jobs for the last several years, and I enjoy staying organized. From keeping the office uncluttered to lending a hand to others in their projects, I feel fulfilled after a long day. I find joy in helping an office run smoothly. While my work doesn’t directly impact the bottom line, I know that doing a good job keeps the office productive. It’s my indirect way of contributing to the success of the company, and that’s why I believe that this is a role I can truly succeed in.” Example 3 Finally, we have a candidate who enjoys the prospect of a challenge. They’re interviewing for a complex role that involves substantial problem-solving. So, they use this question as an opportunity to prove to hiring managers that they have what it takes to not only succeed but thrive. “I’ve found over the last several years that the thing that brings me the most excitement at work is the ability to challenge myself. I’ve worked a few positions that had little variation in the day-to-day routine. I thrive in environments where I have to think creatively. I see it as a chance to push myself and further my professional development. While others dread challenges, I embrace them and revel in the opportunity to adapt and overcome any situation. That’s one of the reasons why I was so drawn to this position. From what I’ve learned, this job keeps people on their toes! I’m excited to push myself, try new approaches, and find solutions that drive progress.” Conclusion It takes a little brainstorming to describe what you’re most excited about at work in a way that impresses your interviewer. But once you’ve developed a response you’re happy with, you’ll be amazed at the feedback you’ll receive. Do some soul-searching, connect your excitement to the job you want, and practice. Good luck! The post Answers To Describe What You’re Most Excited About At Work appeared first on Career Sherpa.
Ideally, looking for a job would be a transparent process. You’d simply apply, interview, and get a yes or no right away. But unfortunately, that’s not how things go. Radio silence, vague responses, and shifting sentiment can often leave you wondering if you still have a chance of getting hired or if it’s time to […] The post 15 Clear Signs You Didn’t Get The Job (And Why) appeared first on Career Sherpa. Ideally, looking for a job would be a transparent process. You’d simply apply, interview, and get a yes or no right away. But unfortunately, that’s not how things go. Radio silence, vague responses, and shifting sentiment can often leave you wondering if you still have a chance of getting hired or if it’s time to move on. Here are some common signs that you didn’t get the job, so you can start thinking about the next opportunity. It’s important to note that there are many reasons why you won’t get a job offer that have nothing to do with you or your candidacy for the job. The best advice is to not make assumptions or read too much into the situation. You will only know for sure if you got the job when the company extends you an offer. Until that happens, always keep your job search active and continue looking for jobs. 1. The Company Keeps Pushing Back the Decision Typically, hiring managers will provide you with a timeline for the hiring decision. They usually inform all candidates when they can expect to hear back. Waiting to get a call about a potential job offer can feel like torture, so knowing when to hear about the decision makes a big difference. Unfortunately, some companies will push the decision back. At first, that’s not a major red flag. Hiring managers sometimes have to delay making that decision, and many factors could affect their original timeline. But when you start to hear varying excuses, it could be a sign that you didn’t get the job. Ideally, hiring managers will realize you’re right for the job quickly. After multiple interviews, they should have a general idea of who they want to hire. Even if you’re the second choice, most hiring managers have a sense of urgency to present job offers before good candidates move on to other options. When a company continually pushes back and can’t decide whether to hire you or not, there’s a good chance that you’re not what they’re looking for. If the company truly wants to bring you on, they’ll let you know. 2. The Interview was Cut Short How much time you spend speaking with an interviewer can vary based on many factors. For example, first-round interviews tend to be shorter than the discussions you have late in the hiring process. Either way, you expect to be there for a reasonable amount of time and have a fairly in-depth conversion. So when an interviewer cuts your meeting short, there’s a good chance they believe that you’re not the right fit. Interviewers are all about efficiency. They spend time in the meeting getting to know who you are, how qualified you are for the position, and how you’ll fit into the company culture. If you’re not what they’re looking for, companies aren’t going to invest more time with you than necessary. It’s a blunt reality, but it’s not personal. Interviewers might see several people in one day, and they often spend weeks going over your potential for this job. If they already know you’re not the right person for the role, why waste their time or yours? 3. A New Listing For The Job Was Posted If a job listing is newly posted after your interview, it could be a sign that you didn’t get the job. Relisting the job could happen because they want to restart their search. If the original job posting is still up after you’ve interviewed, it’s entirely possible that the company hasn’t gotten around to removing the listing. However, candidates often read into this a bit too much. Some companies want to keep their options open in case their main choice (hopefully you) doesn’t accept, or the interview process is simply still ongoing. This becomes a more useful indicator if it has also been a while since your interview and you haven’t heard back (or it’s coupled with some of the other signs on this list). That’s when an active listing could likely indicate that the company isn’t interested in hiring you. 4. It’s Clear That the Interviewer Isn’t Trying to Sell You on the Role When most people think of job interviews, they picture themselves trying to sell a hiring manager on their potential. That’s a big part of the process! Your goal is to sell yourself in the interview as the best candidate possible and give employers many reasons to take a chance on you. That said, it goes both ways. Companies should want to sell you on the role, too. It’s always a good sign when you hear interviewers begin to highlight all the great things about working for the company. This usually occurs after learning more about you and your qualifications. They’ll pivot the conversation once they see that you could be a great addition to the team. Interviewers may highlight the positive aspects of working for the company, give you more information about the role, or even offer to give you a tour of the office and meet some of the team. Once they start to sell you on the job, you know you’re doing well. However, if that doesn’t happen, it could mean you didn’t get the job. Interviewers aren’t going to sell you on the job if they don’t plan on continuing to move you through the hiring process. 5. You’re Clearly Overqualified or Underqualified Being either overqualified or underqualified for a role is never a good thing. Hiring managers are looking for people who meet the needs of the position to a tee. They want people who can succeed and feel satisfied with the work they are doing. If you’re underqualified, interviewers will likely think that you’re incapable of fulfilling the role’s responsibilities. They may assume that you’re not ready or will require significant hand-holding to reach the level of success they need. If you’re overqualified, they may think your interest in this job is only temporary. Hiring managers may worry you’ll get bored with the position and leave whenever another great opportunity arises. They may also worry about your salary expectations and your ability to stay motivated. Some interviewers will come right out and say that you’re overqualified or underqualified. Others will bring it up indirectly through a line of questioning. They may even mention something casually. Use your gut and pay attention to the interview questions and their tone. If they imply that your qualifications aren’t where they should be, you should continue looking for a job elsewhere. 6. You Haven’t Received a Response to Your Follow-Ups Sending follow-up messages to interviewers or hiring managers is standard practice these days. Most companies will give you a general timeline of when you can expect to hear back. But when those estimated hiring decision dates pass, you can send follow-up emails to better understand where the company is in the process. Unfortunately, some hiring managers never respond to those emails. Most are pretty good at keeping candidates updated on the hiring process. However, some avoid sending “we’re not interested” responses, essentially “ghosting” candidates. If you don’t hear back, it could mean a couple of things. First, it might mean that the company went with another candidate. While it’d be nice if decision-makers informed other candidates of that fact, that doesn’t always happen. A second possible scenario is that you’re an alternate choice. In that case, the company went with someone else but has your application on “reserve” just in case the first choice passes. Either way, not getting a response to follow-ups probably means you didn’t land the job. 7. The Interviewer Seems Distracted or Uninterested Seeing an interview lose interest is never a good sign. The interview process is supposed to be engaging. There should be a back-and-forth discussion. So it’s a big red flag when an interviewer begins to recite questions without paying much attention to your response or reciprocating to create a conversation. You may even notice the interviewer begins to stare out the window or focus entirely on the computer in front of them. This scenario could mean many things. The interviewer may have realized you’re not the right fit for the job, so they’re now running out the clock. Here are other reasons the interviewer may seem distracted: They have no interest in what you’re saying, they already interviewed a great candidate, they are tired after a full day of interviewing, your answers aren’t hitting the mark or they are just not having a good day. You may notice that the change in interest and behavior happens suddenly after a few minutes of real conversation. Alternatively, the interview could be tuned out from the start of the interview. In that case, they might have already decided they want to move forward with another candidate and are trying to get through your interview as quickly as possible. 8. It’s Clear That They’re Still Accepting Applications We’ve already talked about how seeing the job posting still up could be a sign that you didn’t get the job. However, you might also hear that the company is still accepting applications through the grapevine. If you know people inside the company, they may casually mention that hiring managers are struggling to fill the role. They might have extended the application window or reopened it after your interview. You can also see signs that the company is still taking applications through its messaging online. In some cases, you might receive contact from a recruiter who found your LinkedIn profile but didn’t realize that you’ve already applied. 9. The Interview Gets Canceled Unfortunately, interviewers cancel meetings all the time. Pay attention to how the company approaches the cancellation. If they reschedule it immediately, the issue could be as simple as scheduling conflicts. But if there’s no offer to reschedule at a later date, it’s likely a sign that you won’t get a job offer. 10. You Weren’t Given Much Information About the Position or Company Generally, interviewers take time to provide as much information about the position as possible. Remember: They’re trying to sell you on the role just as much as you’re trying to sell them on your potential. When an interviewer doesn’t go into the details of the role, it could mean they’re not interested. When a company is genuinely interested in making you a part of the team, they’ll review various aspects of your job. They’ll talk about responsibilities, who you’ll answer to, what the day-to-day is like, and more. Not hearing that information is a cause for concern and could be a sign that you’re not going to get the job. 11. There Was Clear Pushback or Surprise at Your Salary Expectations Salary negotiations typically happen right before you get hired, but interviewers can ask about it earlier in the process to get a vague idea about what you expect if offered the role. Unfortunately, many companies don’t provide salary information upfront. Some will provide an estimated range on the listing, but they want to hear about what you expect to get. It’s not a good sign when an interviewer or hiring manager balks at your salary expectations. Some people will outright tell you that your expectations are unrealistic. Others will keep that information to themselves, but they might roll their eyes or act surprised. In some cases, interviewers will push back on your expectations. But if your expectations are way outside their range, you can expect the interview won’t lead to a job offer. 12. The Interviewer Questions if You’d Be a Good Fit for the Job Here’s a sign that will require you to read between the lines. Interviewers ask several different types of questions during your meeting. Some are more pointed and focused on the position. Others are about your work history or qualifications. They may also ask open-ended or situational questions. What questions come out of the interviewer’s mouth matters. You can get a good idea of their thoughts based on how they word a question. For example, if an interviewer doubts your ability to succeed in the role, they might mention your lack of qualifications or question things in your background that don’t align with the job. They could also discuss the work environment or overall company culture and ask how you fit into the mix. If you sense any sort of doubt from the interviewer, it likely means that they’re not convinced you’re right for the job and you shouldn’t be surprised if you don’t get a job offer. 13. You Weren’t Asked to Provide References References play an important role in the hiring process. Companies may ask for references in your initial application, but interviewers often ask for them during the interview as you get close to the end of the process. When an interviewer doesn’t ask you to provide references, it likely means they’re not interested in hiring you. Hiring managers will reach out to references once they narrow down their options. It comes much later in the process and is a form of due diligence decision-makers do before settling on a single candidate. If the company isn’t interested in hiring you, they do not need a list of references. Therefore, not being asked to provide that information could be a sign that you didn’t get the job. 14. You’re Never Able to Get into Specifics You likely didn’t get the job if the interviewer didn’t bother getting into specifics. Hiring managers want to ensure you’re invested in this opportunity before moving forward. They need to know that you understand what you’re getting into. The last thing they want is to invest time and resources into onboarding you only for you to realize that the job isn’t right for you. As a result, they typically go into the specifics. They’ll talk about your responsibilities and detail what the position entails, how their benefits and PTO policy work, introduce you to team members and give you a tour of their facility. If they don’t mention these things they should at least be open to answering your questions about them. When they don’t do these things, they probably aren’t interested in further pursuing your candidacy. 15. You Didn’t Ask Any Questions You should always ask questions during your interview. Interviewers usually leave time towards the end of your discussion to address your concerns and respond to any questions about the role that you have. There are many questions you can ask at the end of an interview. You can inquire about responsibilities, ask questions about the company, etc. Any opportunity to continue the discussion and keep proving your value to the company is one you should take! Failing to ask questions shows that you’re not interested in the job. Alternatively, interviewers might not leave time for you to ask questions. That’s not a good sign either! It could mean they aren’t interested enough to move you forward in the hiring process, so they won’t waste time answering your questions. Conclusion While these signs don’t always mean that you didn’t get the job, you should be aware of the clues you may not get an offer. While this can be disheartening, it’s a good reminder not to get your hopes up on a single opportunity. Now that you know where you stand, you can make yourself a more competitive applicant, move forward, and pursue other opportunities. The post 15 Clear Signs You Didn’t Get The Job (And Why) appeared first on Career Sherpa.
When it comes to job search, sometimes we need fresh ideas or a different perspective. Step outside the box and see what new-to-you ideas you discover. In this week’s issue you’ll learn about: These curated articles/posts are written by talented people. If you like what you’ve read, follow them! And feel free to share this […] The post Summary Sunday: Issue #527 appeared first on Career Sherpa. When it comes to job search, sometimes we need fresh ideas or a different perspective. Step outside the box and see what new-to-you ideas you discover. In this week’s issue you’ll learn about: Addressing the cover letter when there’s no name How to prove you aren’t old 10 things to help you feel great about your job search Reasons to write a cover letter Employees and job seekers care about flexibility – a lot Which industries are most exposed to AI Questions for better meetings with your boss An easy tool to make collaboration easier These curated articles/posts are written by talented people. If you like what you’ve read, follow them! And feel free to share this summary with those that would benefit! JOB SEARCH NO NAME?! Who should you address your cover letter to then? | Kamara Toffolo It’s a common question to a common problem. Who do you address your cover letter to when you don’t have a name? (Of course, you should research the company, but sometimes, it just doesn’t work). See this new spin on solving the problem! How Older Job Seekers Beat These 15 Awful Stereotypes | JobMob You can overcome the perceptions/beliefs that older workers face by providing proof you aren’t old! 10 Proactive Things to Do While Being Unemployed | Make Use Of Take control of your job search by trying some of these proactive things. You’ll feel empowered! Do I Really Need a Cover Letter for My Executive Resume? | Executive Career Brand There are some powerful arguments for sending one. See if these convince you. WORKFORCE TRENDS Flexibility is key: Results from the 2023 Greenhouse Candidate Experience Report | Greenhouse Just how important is flexibility? 76% would actively search for or be open to a new job if their company rolled back flexible work policies according to this study. And there are more interesting findings on clearer job postings, salary transparency, and respect. Ranking Industries by Their Potential for AI Automation | Visual Capitalist An interesting read and an even better visual! This visual and analysis come from a March 2023 report published by Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research. Then MSCI ranked U.S. industries by their estimated share of employment that could be exposed to AI-driven automation. These are the top industries that will be exposed to AI: Office and administrative support Legal Architecture and engineering CAREER 28 Questions to Ask Your Boss in Your One-on-Ones | Harvard Business Review Asking the right questions of your boss can change the outcome of the meeting. “Based on published research as well as data we collected from nearly 200 employees on important topics to broach in a 1:1, we have identified 28 key questions in seven broad categories to help you get the most value from your check-ins with your boss.” Work Blueprints: What They Are and How We Use Them at Buffer | Buffer “An easy shortcut to better collaboration at work, especially when a new person joins, is to have a one-pager with how each person on a team prefers to work together. At Buffer, we have the concept of Work Blueprints.” – Hailley Griffis JOB SEARCH VISUAL Getting referred for a job improves your odds of getting an interview! DID YOU MISS THESE Answers To Describe What You’re Most Excited About At Work 7 Things You Must Know About Getting Referred for a Job 23 Reasons Why You Can’t Find A Job (Plus Tips) The post Summary Sunday: Issue #527 appeared first on Career Sherpa.