Is it Better to Interview Early or Late in the Process?

If the employer gives you the choice, should you interview early or late in the process? The Wall Street Journal notes that interviewers get fatigued by the end but also that they remember better the candidates they saw last. The column concludes if you think interviewers will get tired out by the end, then go early, […]
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Are Gaps Between Jobs a Big Deal?

The hot job market and the increasing societal acceptance of sabbaticals make gaps between legal jobs not as big a deal as in the past. The WSJ recently reported that nowadays you can step out of the workforce for up to two years, whereas ten years ago a gap of six months could be “deadly.” […]
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Ask for Advice, Not Feedback, to Get Ahead

Careers take long and winding roads. To figure out what to do and how to improve yourself means getting the input of others. How do you best do that? This Harvard Business Review article says to use the word “advice” rather than “feedback” when you ask for help! Multiple studies have found asking for “feedback” […]
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First Round Interviews Are Usually Phone Screens (not In-Person)

I agree with this recent Forbes post that first round interviews are now phone calls, either with the hiring manager or with HR, instead of an in-person. Employers prefer phone interviews because they can fit candidates into their schedules and cull them faster. The hard part for candidates is showing enthusiasm over the phone and gauging […]
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What Behavioral Questions Do Top Companies Ask?

I like this recent Inc. article listing common behavioral questions asked by top companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Dropbox. I recommend reviewing the questions and my guidelines below on how to respond so you can comprehensively prepare for any interview, even if it’s not with one of these companies because smaller companies often follow […]
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Is it a Red Flag that an Interviewer Back-Channeled Me?

I enjoyed this Inc. Q&A column about an interviewer back-channeling an interviewee. The question was whether a prospective employer’s contacting someone not offered as a reference is a common practice or a red flag. The answer according to the columnist is it’s common practice. I agree; I see it all the time. Inc. explained “off-list […]
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5 Questions if You Should Quit Your Job

Before any recession hits, make sure you like your job so you are not stuck with it in the long run! I like this recent Inc. article, which provides a five question checklist on whether to stay or go: Are you often filled with dread? If you are consistently having bad days versus one-offs, then […]
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Interviewing When Overqualified

I recently posted on ageism.  A related phenomenon is when employers reject applicants for being “overqualified.” Studies show, when presented with two good candidates, managers often prefer the one with less experience. The Wall Street Journal explains why. Hiring managers assume the candidate with the more impressive resume won’t be as committed to the company, stay […]
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