'job interview' tagged blog posts in SixFigureStart Career Coaching by Fortune 500 Recruiters

As a job seeker, you might think that you have to have a flawless interview to move forward in the hiring process but that’s not true. I recently attended auditions to cast The Battle Below, a web series I am producing with FBC Films. The audition process is like watching a super-charged, condensed version of the job interview process. Instead of half-hour interviews scheduled hours, if not days, apart, you...

In a tight job market, employers can be very choosy about whom they hire. In addition, the volatile economy adds to the anxiety about spending on that additional headcount. Finally, the uptick of job seekers onto the market makes it hard for each job seeker to stand out. But in a down economy, some luxury products still do well, despite cheaper alternatives, despite choosier customers, and despite special offers and deals...

In an earlier post, I profiled Sue Hayden, an EVP at fast-growth technology company Polycom and her advice on corporate “cliff-jumping” across different companies and industries. Recently, I heard from corporate cliff-jumpers of a different sort -- executive women who cliff-jumped from corporate to entrepreneur. Here are lessons from four savvy women who successfully made the leap to start their own business:

Lesson 1: You may not feel 100% ready but...

When I heard about Celebrity Inc by Jo Piazza, I was doubly excited. First of all, I love business books, and I couldn’t wait to peek behind the curtain at various aspects of the entertainment industry. Secondly, I was looking forward to some escapism from the celebrity examples. As a career coach, my whole focus is on career stories, but celebrities have that aura of unattainability, of being different from...

Job interviews are already anxious situations. You have a lot on the line –you might feel financial urgency, your confidence could be down after a prolonged search, or maybe you’re employed and paranoid your current company will find out you’re looking. In the ideal world, the interviewer recognizes the heightened anxiety of the interview situation, puts you at ease, and knows the best questions to ask to showcase you in your...

Much has been written about how critical networking is to the job seeker. I don’t dispute that networking is helpful to identify jobs early, even before they are posted, and helpful to warrant a second look by the prospective employer, as I’ve seen many times firsthand as a recruiter. However, networking takes time, and sometimes you can’t wait for a warm introduction. Maybe you have to reach a fast-growing company NOW...

I have recruited for over 15 years in diverse industries (media, financial services, management consulting, pharma/ biotech, education) at different levels (interns through senior executives) and in different roles (strategy and operations, creative and business, freelance and permanent). The searches would differ, of course – in terms of where I would look for candidates or how competitive the field would be. However, regardless of industry, level role, or how the search...

At the heels of Easter and Passover, it’s tempting to write a holiday-themed piece, which on the career front is normally about networking. But another holiday-inspired subject is gratitude, which also plays a key role in your career:

Gratitude puts you in a spirit of plenty – of having, instead of lacking. This leads to confidence, energy and a position of strength that is attractive to the people around you, whether it’s prospective employers...

Sometimes my clients sound tired during interview practice. Sometimes I get a very detailed response that is related to, but not quite exactly on point to what I ask. These are hardworking jobseekers who I know are diligently working through the coaching assignments. What’s with the fatigue and not listening? Is it possible to over-prepare for interviews?

Most jobseekers don’t prepare enough. So don’t use this column as permission to slack off your preparation. You still need...

Final round job interviews are different from other interviews. At the finalist stage, the prospective employer knows much more about you and can tailor the interviews accordingly. So dissect the rounds prior to this one and review what past interviewers asked you and what you answered. You need to be consistent. You need to recall everyone by name (to show that you care). You need to be able to summarize what you discussed (to...