Blog

You’re near the end of your interview and you feel it’s going great, then the interviewer asks, “do you have any questions for me?” To increase your chances of landing the job you should always say yes! Having some questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of your interview makes you look enthusiastic about the job; it also makes you look engaged—all great qualities an employer will be looking for. It also gives you a final chance to highlight your skillset and experience. Try to come up with at least two or three thought-provoking questions to ask the interviewer. That way, you’ll have several opportunities to show your enthusiasm for the job and convince the interviewer that you’re the right person for the role. Here are some great questions to ask during your interview: What would a typical workday be like for someone in this role? This question enables you to learn more about the daily workflow. It also gives insight into what skills and experience are needed for the job. The interviewer’s response will help you decide if the role is the right fit for you. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with? This can help you learn more about how your job will be structured and who you’ll report to. This can also give you an idea of the work culture at the company and what would be expected of you. This is another great question to find out if the role is right for you. Are there opportunities for training and advancement in this role? This question demonstrates to the interviewer that you’re serious about your career and that you’re thinking long-term. It also shows that you’re serious about a future with the organization!

Try to provide more value to the company. One of the most effective ways to move up in your career is to make yourself as valuable as possible. You want to demonstrate that you have the potential to fill a higher-level role at the company. A great way to demonstrate that is to take on additional projects. Remember, it’s not enough to simply do your job if you want to move up. Dedicate yourself to gaining more skills. Figure out which skills you need to develop to make yourself more valuable at the job. You may have to invest in online classes or complete specialized training, but it can be a worthy investment. The important thing is that you continue to sharpen your skills and stay up to date on the latest trends in your industry. Lead new projects. When your company rolls out new projects or has unexpected needs, you should make the most of it and step up! Asking for more responsibility demonstrates that you’re willing to go the extra mile and that you’re invested in the company’s success. Use the opportunity to show your leadership skills. It can be a great time to showcase skills and talents that you might not be able to show in your current role. Also, keep in mind, advancing in your career can sometimes mean transitioning to a new job or moving to a different company that offers better opportunities for you to expand your skillset!

You might not realize it but there are better times than others throughout the year to begin your job search. Time of the year you look for a job can have a lot to do with the job you get. Certain times of the year are better for finding jobs, so, if possible, you should make it an important factor to consider when starting your job search. Starting your job search at the beginning of the new year is usually the best time. This is the time most companies know their budgets and their needs for the year. It’s also one of the best times for them to afford new employees. Those who are hired during January and February are often more likely to have long-term employment. Even though the best time of the year for job searching is usually the first two months—spring is also a great time as well. Companies usually still have gaps that need to be filled. Spring can also be a great time to get ahead of new college graduates trying to find their first professional role, which usually happens in May or June. Summer months are usually not as great as the earlier months. Companies normally have spent the money they budgeted for hiring. Jobs advertised during this time of the year might not be as attractive for more experienced job seekers as they’re often more entry level positions. The months of September and October often represent the final stages of job hiring for the year. Managers aren’t normally in a rush to hire at this time of year, but they still have open positions that need to be filled. Unless you’re looking for seasonal or part-time work, the last two months of the year can be difficult to find long term employment. Most companies are not looking to bring on new employees until they get into the new fiscal year. Even though there are better times than others for job searches throughout the year, there is no time to not send your resume to a job that attracts you! Keep your resume updated and be on the lookout all year long!

Most people usually do research and practice before their job interview. They mainly research the company and role thoroughly and review the job description. They also practice ways to answer interview questions more effectively. These are all great things to help you prepare for your interview, but you can also research things not to do during your interview that can give you an edge over your competition! Here are 8 things to avoid doing during your interview: Don’t badmouth past employers or colleagues. Don’t arrive late, or too early. Don’t check your phone. Don’t dress inappropriately. Don’t use inappropriate language. Don’t get too personal or too familiar. Don’t be arrogant or rude. Don’t be too aggressive, or defensive.

Younger job seekers are noticing the demand for skilled trade workers as an older generation of trade workers are retiring leaving huge gaps in the industry. The construction industry alone faces a gap of half million workers. The demand for skilled trade workers is on the rise and younger job seekers are stepping up to fill those gaps. Getting skilled in a trade can be a smart career choice due to faster entry into the workforce and competitive salaries. Job seekers can also avoid expensive four-year college tuition costs. More importantly, the demand for skilled trade workers is thriving. Trade professions have long been the foundation of our society and are still needed today, for example, jobs for electricians, plumbers, and welders are still in high demand. Getting skilled in a trade can be a quick path to job security and even self-employment. It can give younger job seekers quick access to a rewarding career!

Researching before your job interview is crucial because it not only shows the employer your genuine interest in the role, but it also increases your chances of making a positive impression and landing the job. Research the company’s mission statement and services to help you explain during the interview why you would be a great fit for the role. Research and analyze the job description so you can relate your experience and skills directly to the role you’re applying for. Research the company’s social media pages to see how they interact with their customers and followers. Check out the content they post and the tone they use. This can give you valuable insight into the company’s goals and values. It can also help you learn more about the company culture. Researching a company before your interview is essential because it allows you to answer questions more effectively during the interview, it also helps you come up with insightful questions of your own!

Are there opportunities in the new industry? Be sure to analyze industry trends and future job projections to make sure you’re making the right decision. Have you learned all you can about your new career? Try to speak with people who are working in your desired industry. You’ll want to get inside details of the new career path before making the jump. Are you willing to invest in yourself? A new career path usually means new training, new education and a new degree in a different field. You should be willing to make an investment in yourself. What’s your motivation for switching careers? You shouldn’t switch careers just for the salary. A career change should be driven by your long-term career goals and your passion for the role. The new career should also align with your skills and values! A career change may bring new challenges but are worth the risks, especially if you’re no longer fulfilled or challenged in your current role.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if you’re in the right career, or if you’re in the right job? A great job is sometimes hard to find, here are some signs that you’ve made the right career move: Your hard work is appreciated. Whether you’re getting positive feedback from a client or receiving recognition from your employer, it’s a great sign that you’re in the right job. You care about company goals. When you feel like the company you work for is your own company, that’s a great sign that you chose the right career path. It’s also a great sign that you can grow with the company. You’re not watching the clock. They say time flies when you’re having fun—it’s the same in the workplace. If your workdays go by quickly and you routinely look forward to your workday—stay where you are, you’re in the right job! Having a great work-life balance. When you can manage your work responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed, and you have time for your personal life—stay where you are—that’s a great sign that you’re at the right job!

Be confident in your abilities. Being self-assured is a key characteristic that most employers are looking for. It helps to send a strong message to the employer that you’re the right person for the job. Be determined and ambitious. Employers want people who can strive under pressure. They want applicants who have goals in their professional life, especially ones that can be beneficial to the company. Be flexible and willing to learn. Employers value employers who look to better themselves. They want to know that you’re capable of expanding your skillset and that you’re able to adapt to new demands and challenges the job may require. Be positive. A great work environment is something every employer wants to create. Having a great attitude shows you can work effectively in a group and tells the company that you’re willing to take on any new challenge! Be honest and loyal. Companies want to invest in hires they know are going to stick around and ones they know they can trust!