1. What are some interview and resume red flags?
Resume red flags: “job hopping” - working at several companies for under 1 year; chronological time gaps in between jobs; spelling, grammatical and formatting errors.
Interview Red Flags: unprofessional dress: jeans, etc.; not answering questions directly and fully or rambling on and not getting to the point; no eye contact; distracted.
2. What makes a candidate an “excellent candidate”?
Candidates that are professional, personable, present well, focus on team effort, show passion and interest in the role. An excellent candidate would have done their research on the company and can align their skills and experiences with the role expectations.
3. What are your thoughts when you see an unemployment gap?
It is a red flag and you must question and provide an opportunity to ask why the gap exists (ie. health issue, sabbatical, assisting family with their health, a job that candidates are not proud of and omit on purpose). If you have a reason that makes sense then it should be communicated in the resume.
4. What can applicants do to stand out in a resume?
The resume is intended to get attention, draw the reader in and motivate the reader to want to have further discussion. It must be clear, well formatted and provide enough information to engage but not too much to overwhelm.
5. Should I have a LinkedIn profile and what do recruiters look for on there?
You absolutely need a LinkedIn Profile if you are seeking a career change. Recruiters spend their entire day on LinkedIn sourcing candidates. Ensure your LinkedIn resembles your resume, use key words to indicate your interest and your skill set, have a professional profile picture. Connect with talent acquisition/HR people that are working for companies that you would like to work for.
6. Should I use Easy Apply with Indeed for positions that interest me or should I apply through the company website?
You should apply to both. Depending on how the company recruits, they may use only one channel to source candidates.
7. Do recruiters still want to see a cover letter? Should I be sending a cover letter even when it isn’t being asked for?
No, I do not advise using cover letters. The profile or professional summary section of your resume is now used to replace the cover letter. The average recruiter spends approximately 5-7 seconds reading your resume so draft accordingly.
8. In an interview, what will set me apart from other candidates being considered for a role?
Provide examples of the achievements you have made in your career that directly align to the skill set and experiences that the prospective employer is looking for. Ask question, show interest in the role and close by letting them know you are very interested in the role and what next steps can be expected in the selection process.
9. What are some good sample questions that, as a candidate, I can ask the recruiter or hiring manager?
Who do I report to? Can you describe a typical day in this position? What are your expectations for this role? Can you give me an example of someone that is successful or has not been successful in this role and why? Why is the role vacant? What career opportunities exist in this role?
10. References:
Should I add my references to my resume?
No, as some companies don’t ask for them in their selection process there is no point offering up information that is not required.
What type of references do companies want?
They prefer that you provide 2 -3 individuals that you have reported to in your career.
Should I contact my references when a company asks me to supply my references?
Yes, absolutely let your references know that they will be contacted for a reference, thank them for their time and ensure that they will provide a good reference.
11. Is there a way to prepare for situational questions and what is the best way to respond to them during an interview?
The best way to prepare for situational questions are to practice answering the questions prior to the interview. Further, you should think of the situations you were in in every job you have been at and rehearse sharing that story with the interviewer as it aligns to the role that you are pursuing.
12. What are your thoughts when you see a candidate with several short-term employment spurts? How should a candidate address those during an interview?
Their will be a reason for every job and transition. Ensure that you rehearse the situation for each transition in a positive manner.