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  Don't make the #1 job interview mistake

  So many fall into this subtle trap.You walk in prepared to talk about:Your goals.Your dream culture.Your desire to grow.And you make the top mistake of job interviews.You focus on what YOU WANT.And forget to prove what problem YOU SOLVE.The hiring manager isn’t buying your wish list. ↳ They’re buying your value.They’re asking, silently: ↳ Can this person solve our problem? ↳ Will they fit our pace? ↳ Do they make us better?If you’re not speaking to that, you’re speaking into the void.Here are 7 ways to avoid that mistake,And turn an interview into an offer:1. Do your homework. ↳ Know the company’s pain points before they tell you. ↳ Don’t just research; investigate.2. Speak in solutions. ↳ Don’t just list what you’ve done. ↳ Connect it directly to what they need.3. Turn “I” into “we.” ↳ Show how you make teams better, not just yourself. ↳ Great companies hire collaborators, not solo acts.4. Ask smart questions. ↳ Not “What’s the culture like?” ↳ Try: “What problem would you most want me to solve in my first 90 days?”5. Share outcomes, not tasks. ↳ “I built a dashboard” is fine. ↳ “That dashboard saved 30 hours/month” is unforgettable.6. Match their energy. ↳ If they’re fast-paced, be crisp. ↳ If they’re reflective, slow down.7. Rehearse, but don’t memorize. ↳ Know your wins. ↳ But tell them like stories, not scripts.Want to stand out?Start by shifting your mindset:From “What can I get from this job?”to “What can I bring to this team?”The interview isn’t about your dream role.It’s about whether you can help them win.

  18 min read 141 views
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  Community Development Worker Interview Questions Answers

  1. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?Answer tips:You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.The ideal way to respond to this question is to provide examples and situations of how you have handled stress in your previous jobs. In this way, the interviewer can establish a clear picture of how well you are likely to react when the going gets tough.Pro tip: make sure you are not referencing a time when your lack of organization or communication put you in a “self induced” stressful scenario. This is to say, don’t share a story about how your procrastination created a situation where you had to finish a project quickly.Answer samplesI’d like to think I react to situations as opposed to stress. The reality is, when handled correctly, many problems avoid becoming unnecessarily stressful. Come to think of it, I believe I actually work better under pressure. It’s help me produce some of my best work and to be honest I like being challenged. From a stress management point of view, I like to burn off the day with a workout or by going for a run.2. What experience do you have with respects to this particular COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER position?Answer tips:Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you know you do not have much experience in the job you are applying for, plan for this question ahead of time and ensure you can provide some relatable examples based on what you have done.Almost all interviewers will appreciate confidence and pride in the work experience you have earned and your passion in transferring these valuable skills to your future role or position.Answer sampleEver since my first paper route at age 10 I’ve been doing something to keep myself busy and earn money. Back then, it was obviously about earning some spending money. What I didn’t realize was that I was actually starting the journey of establishing what I liked to do and how I fit in to the grand scheme of things. I then worked as a junior computer tech in my last 2 summers of high school. It was here that I discovered what I was passionate about and what I wanted to do. I enrolled in college to get my degree in computer sciences, and I have been working around technology ever since.3. Our field is always changing. As such, what have you done with regards to personal development when it comes to our posted COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER POSITION in the last 12 months?Answer tips:Here is an opportunity for you to showcase a wide variety of things you may have done both personally and professionally that will get your potential employers interested. Be sure to think about this one in advance in the event that it comes up.Keep in mind, one of the key things that employers look for is an applicant who is self motivated and goal oriented.Even if you don’t have something that is specific to the role you are applying for, don’t be afraid to list hobbies or other non-work related activities here. Again, this shows your employer you are the go-getter they are looking for.In the end, you want to ensure that you are leaving your interviewer with the impression that you are motivated, self sufficient, and manage your time effectively.Answer samplesThat is a really great question. While I haven’t had the opportunity to develop within this particular role per se, I have actually become very involved in my local foodbank this year. This has taught me a great deal about community, teamwork, and taking initiative.I took it upon myself to enroll in a summer business admin course at the local community college. Through this, I picked up some really great knowledge on communication and teamwork, as well as further develop overall managerial skills. Though it may not be directly applicable to this particular job, I believe the overall experience I gained could be a real asset here.4. Tell me about yourselfIn polling hundreds of different companies & HR departments, this is by far one of the most frequently asked questions in any job interview. Your interviewer will use this as an icebreaker, ideally to put you at ease and get you speaking openly and honestly.POPULAR:  Public health social worker interview questions answersWhile you definitely want to be prepared for this question, you certainly don’t want to make your answer sound memorized. Keep in mind, while this question may sound like an invitation to share your life story, you can be assured your interviewer has very little interest in hearing about everything you’ve ever done.The person giving the interview has a job to do as well – respect their time. Unless you are asked about something specific, focus on your education, your work history, relatable hobbies and outside interests, as well as your current situation.Be sure to start chronologically and tell a linear story. Start where you feel is sensical, then work your way up to the present.5. I like what I’m hearing but we’ve got a ton of great candidates. Why should we hire you?An easy question to answer well with one caveat – don’t slam your fellow interviewee’s. On the one hand, you have an opportunity to really stand out from the pack. Alternatively, You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants. Focus on your own strengths, and if the interviewer hasn’t given you an opportunity to mention that one “slam dunk” quality about yourself, now would be the time.Is there a wrong way to answer this question? Consider the responses below:“I really need a job right now”“I need the money”“Your office is really close to my house”“I’ve always been interested in what you guys do”Notice any commonality here? All of these answers demonstrate a benefit to you. While every employer assumes that these sorts of things play in on some level, these are not the reasons they are going to hire you.In summation, clearly illustrate what in specific has made you a good employee, and how you envision yourself contributing to and benefiting the company.6. I’m curious – how did you come to find out about our company and what do you know about us?This can be a great way to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate initiative. Almost every company will have a website, Facebook page, Instagram account, or some sort of digital footprint. Spend a bit of time doing some online research:If they have a website, check out their “About us” or “Culture/Mission/Vision” pages.Who are some of the principal people who work there? Who are the founders?What sorts of things does this company care about? Do they donate to a particular cause or charity? Which one(s)?What are their core values? Which of their core values resonate with you?Has the company been in the news recently or have they won any awards (Social Media can be a great place to find this information).While your interviewer won’t expect you to have in-depth company history, a little here can go a long way.7. I don’t expect you to go into too much detail – but why are you leaving your last job?An innocent question. But a question that if answered improperly, can be a deal breaker. While many individuals will be looking to a new job as a means of increasing their salary, “not being paid well enough at your last job” is not something you want to mention to your interviewer. After all, are you not likely to leave this particular job if you found you could make more down the street?If you’re currently employed and leaving of your own accord, craft your response around enhancing your career development and a seeking out of new challenges.If your current employer is downsizing, be honest about it, remain positive, but keep it brief.If your employer fired you or let you go for cause, be prepared to give a brief – but honest – reply. No matter how tempting it may be, or how “unfair it was that they let you go” steer clear away from any and all drama and negativity. Any experienced employer understands that sometimes things happen. Staying positive is key here.POPULAR:  Cashier clerk interview questions answers8. What are your strengths?While this question is an invitation to do some chest pounding, remember to illustrate strengths that will benefit the employer and are relative to the position. For example:being a problem solverbeing a motivatorbeing a natural leaderthe ability to perform under pressurea positive attitudeloyaltyAre typically all solid strengths, but again, consider the position. For example, mentioning you are an excellent “team player” in a job where you largely work alone suddenly becomes irrelevant to the employer and demonstrates a genuine lack of self awareness.Beyond this, present your strengths with confidence – this is not the time to be modest.9. What are your weaknesses?Another tricky one. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.One the one hand, if you suggest you don’t have any weaknesses, your interviewer will almost certainly see you as a lair, egotistical, or both.Don’t fall into the trap of trying to present a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like “I work too hard” or “I am a perfectionist”. Any experienced interviewer will see through this in a heartbeat.Additionally, revealing that “I’m not really a morning person and have been known to come in late” raises immediate and obvious red flags.The trick here is to respond realistically by mentioning a small, work related weakness and what you are doing or have done to overcome it.10. What do you see yourself doing in five years?This one is all about job commitment.Some people make job hopping a career in of itself, and your answer here can be telling. Here, your interviewer is determining if you are:someone who sets goalssomeone who has a visionsomeone who is reliablesomeone who demonstrates commitmentsomeone who is loyalWhile no interviewer expects someone to stay at a company forever, try and craft your response in such a way that shows progression in your career, and alignment with the Company’s needs and future. Again, self awareness is key – your employer doesn’t want to send you down an unwanted path, resulting in wasted time and energy for everyone.11. What are your salary expectations?Many consider this question to be a loaded gun – dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. Often times, an interviewee will start talking salary before they’ve had an opportunity to illustrate their skill set and value making any sort of leverage valueless. Here, knowledge is power, as salary often comes down to negotiation. Do some research into your industry to establish base rates of pay based on seniority and demand but keep in mind – your employer is hiring you for what they believe you are worth, and how much benefit they feel you will provide.One relatively safe approach is simply asking the interviewer about the salary range. If you wish to avoid the question entirely, respond by saying that “money isn’t a key factor” and your primary goal is to advance in your career.12. Do you have any questions?This one you can almost be assured will be asked, and you better have some ready.By asking questions you demonstrate initiative, and show that you care enough about the job to have done some research. Ask questions that focus on areas where you can be an asset. Beyond this, other questions may be more direct including productivity, expectations, training, and other logistics. All this being said, try and limit the questions to no more than three or four.Lastly you’ll want to ask about the next step in the process and when to expect to hear about the position.

  18 min read 208 views
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  Cashier interview questions

  This Cashier interview profile brings together a snapshot of what to look for in candidates with a balanced sample of suitable interview questions. IntroductionOperational and Situational questionsCashier Interview Questions The Cashier position is an entry-level, frontline position for your establishment. “Frontline” refers to their position as brand ambassadors who interact directly with your customers. The opportunity to deliver great customer service and make a good impression is in their hands. For this position, you’ll want to hire people who are personable. You’re looking for candidates who are service-oriented and who genuinely enjoy talking to people. Related: How to attract and hire entry-level employees  What are the responsibilities of a cashier? Cashier responsibilities include handling cash transactions with customers, scanning goods, collecting payments, issuing receipts, refunds, change or tickets and redeeming stamps and coupons. Previous cashier experience is not necessary for this position, especially if you’re able and willing to put in the time to train new hires. However, previous customer-facing and cash-handling experience is always helpful and desirable. Use these interview questions to find out what isn’t on their resume. Are your candidates organized? Reliable? Can they think on their feet? If they’re unable to resolve a situation on their own, will they make the right judgment call and ask for help? How well do they work with others on a team? Finally, the responsibilities for this position are repetitive. During these interviews, make it a point to evaluate your candidate’s self-motivation. Use this checklist to interview someone for a job at your retail storeOperational and Situational questions What other customer-facing experience do you have?Describe your experience with cash-handling.This job involves repetitive tasks. How do you stay motivated?Walk us through a typical day at your last job. What were your responsibilities?Tell us about a time you made a suggestion that saved time, money, or improved revenue.What would you do if you knew that you would be extremely late for your shift?How would you deal with a co-worker who wasn’t doing their share of the work?What would you do if you had a slow day at work? How would you spend your time?Describe a time you had a disagreement with your supervisor. How did you resolve the situation?A customer tries to combine two offers that cannot be combined. How would you handle it?A customer wishes to return an item for a refund. What procedure do you follow?A customer has a question, but you don’t know the answer. What are your next steps?Describe a time you went above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service.

  18 min read 260 views
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  How to behave in an interview

   Application adviceIf you've got yourself an interview with a leading graduate recruiter, it's not enough to have a sparkling CV and all the key facts about the company and the role you're applying for at your fingertips. You'll also need to know how to conduct yourself correctly to ensure you make a good impression - by William Dress appropriatelyThe clothing you choose is going to have a considerable impact on the impression you make on the interviewer - and the outcome of the interview. People form impressions of others within a few seconds of meeting them, so the significance of what you wear is immense. William advises that for an interview at a City firm, you should assume that business dress is required and wear a suit. If, however, you're being interviewed for a role in a profession where business suits are not normally worn, for example, PR or media, then you can dress more casually. But, William vehemently adds, "never wear jeans". Belts should match the colour of your shoes, and if you're wearing a suit, both should be black as "brown remains for casual wear." And your shoes should be well polished and in good condition - for example, the laces should look neat and not frayed at the ends. Style your hair neatlyWhat to do with your hair is a concern for both men and women, as how it looks can say a lot about your personality. For William, the key point to be underlined for both genders is that your hair should be "neat and off the collar". Men should "avoid using so much hair product that you look flammable". Excessive gel or wax can make you look not only unprofessional but also juvenile - in particular, "steer clear of wet-look gel; we are not thirteen", comments William. William advises women that their hair should be "brushed and under control". If you have long hair, it should be "tied back or better still, cut!" Greet the interviewer correctlyYour greeting is likely to be your first face-to-face contact with your interviewer, so it's vital that you get it right. William says you should aim for a "firm not limp, but equally not too firm" handshake. You should only use your right hand, leaving your left hand dormant by your side. Eye contact is essential throughout the interview process, so remember to look the interviewer in the eye when shaking hands. You should introduce yourself by saying your name clearly, followed by "How do you do?" Sit properlyIn most interviews you'll almost certainly be seated on a chair facing the interviewer. You want to position yourself so that you look attentive but can be comfortable for a lengthy period of time. William's advice is to "sit on the edge of the chair, or right at the back". A common error is to sit in the middle, which will cause the back to slouch and completely ruin the image of yourself you want to portray. Let the interviewer speak"Always let the interviewer speak, and they should let you speak too" advises William. Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes and you will realise that being cut off mid-sentence can be rude and annoying, especially if you're about to say something important. Also, your interruption might be unnecessary as you could be about to ask something the interviewer was about to mention. Be patient, listen conscientiously to everything the interviewer says and save any questions you have for after the interviewer has finished talking. Also, remember that you can always ask any unanswered questions at the end of the interview when the interviewer should ask you if you have any final queries. "Give the interviewer respect and you will get respect back", is the key principle for William. Leave a good impressionThe biggest mistake you can make is to assume the interview is over and make the first move towards leaving. Instead, William says, you should wait for a cue - "when the interview is over, the interviewer will make it clear".You should then "thank them for their time, proffer your hand and leave as quickly as possible, but without rushing or tripping over". William emphasises that the end of the interview is just as important as any other part, and perhaps more so because how you leave will be the last memory the interviewer will have of you - so make sure you conduct yourself appropriately. How NOT to behave in an interviewNow that William's briefed you on correct behaviour, it's over to The Gateway for the misdemeanours to avoid - just remember everything your mum told you when you were little, and you'll be fine! Don't be late: Your interviewees are busy people making time to meet you, so it's inconsiderate to hold up their schedule. And you want to have a few minutes to collect your thoughts once you arrive in the building rather than arriving out of breath and stressed. If an event beyond your control delays you, call your potential employer as soon as possible to let them know what's going on. *Don't be rude: *This principle applies not just to the interviewers but to anyone you meet on the day, including doormen, receptionists, the person who shows you to the room, junior staff, or other candidates. We're sure they don't deserve it and you don't know who's reporting back on you! Don't forget names: Don't forget the names of your interviewees - make a mental note of them and use when appropriate. If you're invited for a second interview, make sure you know who you spoke to the first time round. Don't be confrontational: Your interviewers might well ask you some difficult questions, then challenge your answers. It's not a personal attack, so stay calm and measured at all times while standing up for your point of view where appropriate - you need to show you can stay cool under pressure! Don't lie: This one's a big one. Never lie on your CV, or when asked a question about your experience at interview. And it's also not a good idea to be less than honest when asked whether you'd definitely take a position offered to you - admittedly you're not signing a binding contract at this point, but saying yes when you're not sure will not endear you to graduate recruiters at the employer you're applying to, and word can spread quickly through an industry.

  18 min read 488 views

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