Most of us are aware that federal and state laws prohibit discrimination against an employee or applicant because of race, color, gender, religious beliefs, national origin, disability, or age. While these laws are designed to protect us from discrimination, they do not always prevent us from being asked illegal questions during an interview. If you suspect that you may be asked an illegal question, it is important to pre...

Today, interviewing candidates via SKYPE is increasingly common. Human resources managers can save valuable recruiting dollars using technology to evaluate out-of-state candidates, easily schedule back-to-back interviews and size up a candidate’s comfort with technology. Here are some tips for making a great first impression from during a video conference call. Practice makes perfect. Test out the software by calling...

Hi I'm Mary Jeanne Vincent, Career Expert and Strategist. I have a private career coaching. I help people just like you reframe their background, rediscover their expertise and reclaim their career to make smart and rewarding career choices. We’ve all heard it before: “Just get out there and network!” If it was that easy, we would already be doing it. So why is it so hard? Well, you’re an introvert, aren’t you? Enough said....

Did your last interview sizzle like bacon on the grill, or did it fizzle like a bottle of champagne left on the counter December 31? Who wins when you seize the opportunity to shine? You, your future co-workers and the hiring manager do. Use the following tips to put the snap, crackle and pop into your next interview. Build interest before the interview by crafting a well-written résumé and cover letter. Use your cover le...

Years ago, I worked in the hospitality industry hiring people for a wide variety of positions. Job seekers frequently approached me by saying, “I’ll take anything.” That was one of the biggest turnoffs. It wasn’t my responsibility to identify the right job for every person who walked through the door. It was their responsibility to figure that out before the interview conversation ever happened. There is the misconception...

As a job seeker, you understand the importance of having a list of solid references — those folks who can’t say enough great things about you.But today’s job candidate needs to go beyond simply compiling a list of folks who will say positive things about him when a potential employer calls.Today’s A-list candidate seeks out references who are rainmakers, mentors and salespeople. People who can and will actively promote and...

An interview is a conversation between two or more individuals with all parties involved in the process. Asking and answering questions is fair game for everyone. Unfortunately, sometimes job seekers and hiring managers alike are so uncomfortable with the interview process that they ask the wrong questions or forego their opportunity to ask questions entirely.As a job seeker, it is your responsibility to communicate to the...

There is no doubt that today’s job search environment is very competitive. There is a lot of talk about a “jobless” recovery which seems like an oxymoron to me.Regardless of the talk, companies are hiring. Yes, the pace is slow and the interview process longer. Nevertheless, several of my clients have received offers in the last few months. Things are looking up.Having said that, I attribute much of their success to a willi...

First impressions count. Is your professional image enhancing or hindering your chances for success? This is the question, Marion Gellatly, a certified image master in Pebble Beach, isn’t afraid to ask. And you can believe it is what every hiring manager is mentally assessing during the interview.Every interaction with a potential employer is an opportunity to build or destroy a positive impression.Are your marketing materi...

Have you ever met a fisherman with just one lure in his tackle box? I haven’t. As a kid I remember my dad discussing the merits of various lures with his brother when fishing on Lake Huron.Their tackles boxes were always a mess of shiny objects and one never knew from one day to the next which would be selected for catching the Northern Pike and Walleye they sought.As a job seeker, you can’t afford to have only one tool in...