Most of us spend a great deal of time preparing a resume and cover letter. We want to make sure we look our best to someone who’s never seen us. It’s kind of like going to a business meeting where no one knows you: you must look sharp.

However, when that phone call comes in and, if you handle it well, then you have an interview set. From that moment, you have to prepare for that interview – just like preparing the resume and cover letter. This is something that I feel many people overlook. Yes you can prepare for an interview. No you won’t know all the questions that will be asked, but there is typically a few questions that every recruiter or company will want to know the answers to. I’ve listed eight of the most often asked questions.

Sit down and actually think about each question and decide on a very real answer. Don’t think up a good-sounding fake answer because it will not work. Be for real. Then rehearse those answers one by one until you can answer immediately when asked that question. The main reason for doing this is to become more comfortable for the interview. You won’t be as nervous because you will be ready. When you are comfortable, you show more confidence and recruiters look for that.

1. Why did you leave your last job?
2. What three things would you consider to be your strengths?
3. What three things would you consider to be your weaknesses?
4. What did you like the most about your last job?
5. What did you like the least about your last job?
6. Why do you want to work here?
7. What are your goals for five years from now?
8. What would you change about your last job?

Be very careful that your answers do not degrade your previous employer. This will kill an interview in a heartbeat – or at least your chances of getting hired. If you will bash your previous work or boss, then you will do the same at the next company and no one wants that.

For questions 2 & 3, think about what your former boss would say about you if she/he were asked those questions. There is nothing better that will help your chances of getting the job than uniformity of answers from you and your previous boss.

Question number 6 is designed for you to actually have to learn some facts about the company that you are interviewing for. You really need to know what the company does, how long they’ve been in business, etc.

Keep in mind also, that most of these questions are really designed to learn more about you as a person. The answers to these questions and how you answer them tells a great deal about your character and, to some extent, what your performance will be at a new company.

As I’ve said before, an ounce of theory and a pound of practice will get you ready for an interview. By knowing the answers to these questions and then practicing your answers until they become second nature will make you very comfortable in the interview.

Good Luck!

With millions seeking work, it might just be a way to set yourself apart from the masses. True, it is a unique approach; but if done correctly could help to score an interview. After all, that is what a resume is for: to help get an interview.

A video resume does not take the place of a regular resume, it is a supplement. You still need to make sure your paper resume is sharp and accurate. It needs to accompany the video resume. Let’s face it: some people are not good at writing but are comfortable in front of a camera. So it might be easier for you to sell yourself on video than on paper. Here are some guidelines to making your video resume.

• Make your video short. It should be no more than two minutes.
• Know what you want to say and stay focused. You could give answers to the most common questions usually asked in an interview (see 8 Interview Questions). You could also talk about how you are qualified and meet the requirements of the job you are seeking.
• Be very professional. Do not use slang words or too many hand gestures.
• Dress the part. You need to look as if you were walking into the company’s headquarters for a job interview. You know the saying about first impressions.
• Be yourself. Practice until you are comfortable. It is important for a potential boss to see you as you are and what you’d be like to work with.
• Do not use humor. No one expects you to be a prune but getting and keeping a job is serious. You will be expected to be productive for the salary they’ll pay you.
• At the end, ask for an interview in a professional manner.
• Watch, edit and remake the video as many times as needed. Remember, you are trying to sell a product: you.

Video resumes may not be mainstream, but they will be more common in the future, especially with the move toward a paperless society. Get a headstart and make yours today. I have an excellent site that makes video resumes and then creates a link that you give to employers or anyone else and they just click the link to see the video.

Jonathan Kolbe’s Specialties:
I am an effective time manager with scheduling and communication proficiency. I continually search for new ways to increase process efficiencies.

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Project Management,
Marketing Coordinator, Acquisitions & In House Network Administrator
Affiniti Architects, PA
(Architecture & Planning industry)
April 1998 — December 2008 (10 years 9 months)

Urban Planning Intern – Development Services
City of Boca Raton (Government Administration industry)
August 2001 — December 2001 (5 months

EDUCATION: Florida Atlantic University
BU&RP, Urban Planning, 2000 — 2010 (expected

LOCATION: West Palm Beach, FL
MORE ABOUT JONATHAN KOLBE: www.jonkolbe.com and
http://www.diaryofarealestatejunkie.blogspot.com/

CONTACT: jon@jonkolbe.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankolbe

In this short video, you’ll see that video resumes are fast becoming a hit with employers. It is a great way to get noticed. Keep it short – under 2 minutes – and be prepared before you start. Be sure to dress the part as if you were actually in front of a recruiter – because you will be.

Employers who read 824pct Jobs Magazine will see your job qualifications and then can contact you direct. No middleman. No agents. No Fees. To learn more, read “Post A Resume“.

I also feel that there is a skills gap in America today. Americans are told to go to school for 16 to 22 yrs to have a better career. Yet, there are millions of unemployed well-educated workers. The problem is, we are not being schooled for the job needs in this country. The Dept. of Labor and the Dept. of Education are so far apart on their goals that they may as well be in Europe.

To learn more about the purpose of this blog, read the “About” section.

Again, Welcome to 824pct Jobs Magazine.
Subscribe for the ride.