Q & A

So you've been fortunate to land an interview. Your suit is sharp, you've done your research and you know you're perfect for the job. But are you ready? You're about to sit down for an hour, maybe two and have a conversation about your work experience and your abilities. Your responses--both verbal and non-verbal--will be closely observed. Still feeling confident? Preparing for an interview includes anticipating the questions you'll be asked and knowing your intended response.

Well, let's review a few possible questions and the context in which you should take them to help you develop an appropriate response.

1. Give an example of any major problem you faced and how you resolved it?

The manager is trying to determine how you handle problems that may arise and how you deal with challenges. Provide detail, details, and more details. The good thing is it doesn't have to be related to your job. It can be something that occurred while you worked for a charitable organization or volunteering. Be sure to identify the situation that was the problem. Refrain from making your response about a particular person. Be clear to identify the problem, the options you had, the solution, and the outcome. When you mention the outcome, again, provide details. Instead of saying, "it all worked out". Say something like, "by the end of the day we completed the upgrade ahead of schedule and ultimately decreased processing by 40%".

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Don't mention that you like to sleep late or that you buy lotto tickets. Focus on weaknesses that relate to your professional life and that could put you in a positive light. Ex: I'm a perfectionist. I have to go through my reports with a microscope or I don't forget when I make a mistake. I'm obsessive about getting things done right.

3. Tell me of a time when you needed to complete a task or respond to a client and you didn't have the answer. How did you handle it?

Now is the time to promote your resourcefulness. Don't say I waited until my co-worker came back from lunch, vacation, etc. Use an example of when you had to really dig for an answer. For example, you could explain that you keep a log of past issues /problems and were able to use that as a resource. You could also share that you had already asked a vendor to provide documentation on a similar subject previously and had it available to you in your time of need. If your example includes legislation of some sort, you might have found the Internet resourceful. The idea is to use an example showing how you can be independently resourceful, keep your composure and get the job done.

4. Do you have questions for me? That's easy...see last Thursday's post "Interview With a Twist?"

This Just In...

DiversityInc magazine has released it's 2008 list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity. You may want to pick up this issue, but for now here's who made the top 10.

1. Verizon Communications
2. The Coca -Cola Co.
3. Bank of America
4. Price WaterhouseCoopers
5. Proctor & Gamble
6. Cox Communications
7. Merrill Lynch & Co.
8. Johnson & Johnson
9. IBM
10. American Express

Happy Monday!

Welcome to the beginning of another work week. I know that some of you walked into the office this morning grudgingly. You were dreading all that awaited you, the e-mails, the deadlines and the politics. So as you sip on your coffee, fantasizing about quitting time, the weekend, vacation, or the day you hit the lotto and resign, I wanted to share with you the following thought.

Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well. --Josh Billings

The same is true on our jobs. Today, take a moment to recreate your attitude and rethink your strategy. Remember, whatever your situation is, you have the opportunity today to change it for the better. Speak positively to yourself and others. This week make it a goal to change the language that you use when you think and speak of your work environment and your projects. Don't be afraid to use words that are exciting. You can start in small ways. When someone asks how you are doing, respond with "fantastic". When they ask about your weekend, "wonderful". The coffee is, "delicious".

I wish you a productive, exciting and wonderful day. Let's work.

Interview With a Twist?

Maybe you've heard that now is not the time to look for a job. Well, the next time someone tells you that, ask them when is the time. Life is what it is and regardless of the economic outlook, we may find ourselves needing to pound the pavement or in search of a better opportunity.

Regardless of your situation, you'll probably experience some interview jitters. Most of us go into an interview with the objective of impressing the hiring manager. In the back of our minds we want to measure up to their standards. And rightly so. However, the interview is also the time to make sure that the company, the position, and your potential boss are right for you. The best way to discover this is to interview them.

That's right. Flip the script. Once you've answered all of their questions, usually they'll ask if you have any questions for them. And you should. You should go to your job interview with a list of questions written down. You don't need to memorize your questions, because you'll have them written down. Pull them out and be very direct, "I hope you don't mind if I take notes". Then proceed with your list and make note of their responses. Whoever is interviewing you, will know that you came prepared and that is likely how you will perform in that role. As they respond to you, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.

The point is not to put the interviewer on the spot, but to get a feel for the true culture, environment, and position that you are interested in. There's no set number of questions (I usually have about ten) that you should have. Some of them may even be answered during the conversation. This is another good time to ask for further explanation on a subject, It shows you were paying attention. Here's a few sample questions that I've found helpful.

1. What are the department's goals for the year?
2. How is this role important to the company--how does it contribute?
3. If hired, would I be filling a new position or replacing someone?
4. Are sales/projections ahead of last year's?
5. Could you give me a brief tour? I'd like to see where your people work.
6. If hired would I report directly to you or someone else?

Cubicle Style

It's just a few days before summer officially starts, but the warm weather is here. The seasons change and we want to be a bit more daring with our wardrobe choices. The fact is while the fabric changes, the rules don't. I know you're tempted to wear that sundress but before you put that on, here's a few items that rank high on the Do Not Wear To The Office list.

1. Flip flops are a No-No. You won't be taken seriously and everyone will hear you coming.

2. Advertising. Shirts with slogans or pictures on them are OUT. The same rule applies to shirts with your family reunion, your dog, Eat At Joe's, Have A Bud, etc. I know you love Sex and the City, but unless you want to be "Unpromotable" in the City, it shouldn't be on your shirt. Make another fashion choice.

3. Capris. Capris are stylish, but they're tricky in the office. Some women can pair them with a blazer and make it work, but if you're tempted to wear them a little snug, with a gold belt, and a denim jacket--you're probably not one of those women. If you'd wear them to the club, they shouldn't be on double duty at the office. (Really. I'm here to help.)

By the way, Registration is now open for Essence Magazine's 5th Annual Leadership Summit-Women Who Are Shaping the World. Which will be held on October 24, 2008 in NYC. For more details visit Essence.

You've Got To Know When To Hold 'Em

It has happened to most of us at some point in our careers. We work hard on a project or idea, only to have a colleague take the credit. As tempting as it may be, a confrontation is not the way to go. Chalk the first time up as a lesson learned. The best way to deal with this is to keep your boss in the loop and updated on the project so that your contributions are obvious.

But what if the credit napper is your boss? That situation is tough, but not hopeless. Ask if you can attend the meetings where the idea/project will be discussed. At some point, before they take full credit, add a comment, but try leading with "As we discussed earlier, Bob..." Others will realize that you did make a contribution and that you can add value to the discussion.

What I found most common in my case is that I would offer an idea only to be told that it wouldn't work or that it wasn't in line with our strategy. Only to attend a meeting where someone two job titles and three pay scales above me would offer the same suggestion. In that case, try saying something like, "I think that would work. And what if we...(now add in your perspective) while your boss or colleagues are trying to pick up their faces, you'll be able to demonstrate your flexibility and possibly build a strategic relationship.

Here's another strategy, when your boss asks you for ideas, suggestions or input, be forthcoming and supportive but don't give away the store. Give a brief suggestion, but add "I'll need some time to think it through". I asked an executive about this at a recent conference and her response was, "You don't always have to shine". It's important to be a team player, but if you always provide ideas for others to use, they'll do just that. Keep a few ideas in your pocket. Sooner than later, you'll get your chance to shine.

Welcome!

This site is devoted to help career minded individuals on their journey in Corporate America. For those of you who are trying to climb the ladder, get the corner office, or keep a cube, I hope you find the entries provided to be a valuable resource. I've listened to the advice of some of the best executives and I'll share their thoughts and suggestions for being successful in the workplace.

Since this site is all about building a career, I'll keep it professional. I'll be candid, forthcoming, and who knows, you might get a good laugh along with a solution. I hope that you find the information on this blog insightful, useful and relevant to your career.

From your cube to mine!