Interview Do's and Don'ts
Ronda Templeton, columnist with the San Antonio express-News reports on some do's and don'ts she gleaned from HR representatives. For example, if you have been out of work for a while, HR representatives would like to hear that you have been doing volunteer or part-time work. It is not helpful to volunteer that you are applying for a particular job because you could not find a job in your profession. Indications that you might be "settling" never help.
Don't ask in an urgent tone if overtime will be expected. Don't ask too soon in the interview about pay. Don't ask to too soon about perks, Ms. Templeton reports that a HR friend of hers rejected one candidate because she asked if she would rate an office and an assistant.
Good tips. Unfortunately, too many folks are still out of work. A potential client came to see me who appeared to have very strong qualifications for a variety of management jobs. He was willing to accept any job at this point. Yet, after two years, he remains unemployed. Over the years, I have had many unemployed clients. That happens when you represent people fired through no fault of theirs. After a person's mid-40's, it usually takes a year or more to find a decent job. It can happen to the best of us.
