The Real Reason Some Employers And Applicants Stink At Interviewing

What’s the real reason some employers and applicants stink at interviewing? We’ll tackle both of these groups in this article in a moment, but first, let’s think about your career history.

Have you ever bombed an interview?

Or, have you had an experience where the people on the other side of the table made you want to run away from the job, based on their behavior/dynamics?

What about this gem:

Ever walked into an interview only to see the interviewers obviously scrambling at the last minute trying to skim yourresume… giving the impression they haven’t even looked at it until you sat down?

Chances are, you have.

Let me be clear: professional HR departments, recruiters, and head hunters aside, the rest of hiring interviews are conducted by people who think they have a clue about hiring…but really don’t. Most of these people are small to medium business owners and managers who have never had any formal training in how to hire someone.

And it shows.

There are tons of online articles about interviews gone wrong, both from a company and applicant perspective.

On the employer side, usually the root problem is that the interviewer quite frankly doesn’t know what they are doing and ends up blundering around. Spectacularly, even.

Inappropriate or illegal questions, poor preparation in advance of the interview, lack of internal communication about prospective candidates, internal problems that come boiling to the surface, or just plain wacky behavior all count as interview fails in the employer column.

Or it could seem fairly normal until the interview gets underway. Suddenly, the dynamics change and the situation becomes a power struggle – who has the job vs. who wants the job, or who has the skill assets vs. the company which desperately needs them.

Applicants, on the other hand, fail horrendously for the most part because of one major factor: They don’t have a sense of their own value. Throughout all of my client interviews, I always throw out the question: Why should someone hire you, and guess what?

Most people fumble on this question.

If you can’t tell someone why they should hire you (and therefore know your value), how do you expect them to buy what you are selling as a potential employee?

Prospective employees also fail on other fronts including failing to prepare / do due diligence prior to the interview, exuding self-entitlement, lack of an ability to answer questions concisely and clearly, and not connecting their experience to the job opening.

But the real reason why many of these job interviews end up stinking so much beyond all the points mentioned above (and more) is for one reason:

Employers and applicants fail to think of an interview as a CONVERSATION.

There is so much pressure put on people to perform and keep what’s at stake a top-of-mind that the conversation simply doesn’t take place. It becomes an ugly battleground where some of the worst things come out.

To make the interview experience a conversation, think about how you might meet someone and develop a friendship. Obviously, what’s at stake in a workplace is greatly different than a friendship, but the concepts are the same:

1. What do you have in common?
2. How can you help / benefit each other?
3. Do you like each other?
4. How will you interact and keep a solid, mutually beneficial connection going?
5. What would you like to do together in terms of goal achievement?
6. What kind of team and tools will help you achieve the goals?

When an employer and applicant come to consensus aninterview is really a conversation or business meeting, the pressure is off and a real connection can begin.

How To Stop Your Resume From Becoming Spam

Today’s more sophisticated e-mail systems often look for certain characteristics in e-mail text and in any e-mail attachments. Unfortunately, words or graphics that may be perfectly appropriate in some cases can cause spam filters to stop your e-mail, thus rendering your resume “never received.”

As crazy as it may seem, totally innocent words can create problems for spam filters. Consider the alternate meanings of these words (as examples) and how spam filters would likely block your resume if it contained them:

• Free
• Expand
• Trial
• Mortgage
• Cum (like cum laude)
• Unusual fonts or colors
• Dollar amounts
• HTML formatting in your e-mail (vs. flat text)

Many of the words above could easily relate to common spam schemes like pharmaceuticals, obscene text, online scams, and the like.  The end result may be your address or even your overall ISP appearing on a blacklist or a white list.

In the above examples, you could substitute “summa cum laude” with “high honors” or “with honors.”

Attachments can also create issues as many viruses and spyware programs are delivered by bogus attachments. You may consider creating a flat text resume and cutting and pasting it into the body of your resume, along with yourcover letter, to avoid this issue. You will lose some aesthetics, but it’s better than not being seen at all.

Be sure to use the subject line to accurately describe what you’re sending – for example, “highly adept project manager with CRM experience” – this will help to not have the recipient automatically delete your e-mail.

Networking with the recipient beforehand can help to get your e-mail read, especially if your resume is unsolicited. There are just too many e-mails in a day for most people these days, and an unsolicited resume isn’t likely to be noticed. If you must apply quickly, send the e-mail, and follow-up with a phone call or hard copy of your resume as this will increase the odds of it being seen.

Sending your resume as a PDF attachment may also help as it’s far less likely it will trigger spam filters; however, the downside is many automated resume software programs cannot open PDF files.

Striking The Perfect Balance On Your Resume

Have you ever heard someone suggest the only way to get a job today is to lie on yourresume? I’ve heard several people say this over the last few years. That said, consider this: I’ve also heard just about every recruiter and hiring manager I know complain they are tired of reading resumes that dramatically overstate a candidate’s qualifications for a job.

Little White Lies: Who’s Going To Know?

Some job seekers think the goal of a resume is to get them a job. In reality, a resume is a tool designed to get you an interview. It is then up to you to actually “close the deal” and get the job during the interview. By listing experience on your resume you’re inviting an interviewer to ask you more about it. When you fabricate experiences you don’t really have, it becomes readily apparent when an interviewer presses you for more details.

Overstating Your Case

Sometimes, job seekers don’t intend to be misleading on their resumes, but they don’t know how to describe their previous experience both truthfully and impressively. This is where hiring a professional resume writer can be especially helpful. It’s important to hire a writer who will take the time to conduct a personal interview with you; professional resume writers are trained to make your experiences sound as impressive as possible. You don’t want the person who must evaluate you based only upon what he has to read to inadvertently overestimate your abilities or qualifications.

Underselling Your Product

In contrast, job seekers who do a personal consultation with a professional resume writer often find that they have unintentionally been underselling their professional qualifications. Having someone else on the outside looking in will create a whole new vantage point and can frame your experience in a way you never previously considered. We often hear clients say, “I’ve done all of that, I can’t believe I never thought of that before.”

No matter how much experience you have, there’s a way to successfully—and truthfully—market your accomplishments on your resume. It’s just being able to find the balance between impressive, uniquely qualified and not overstating accomplishments you can’t back up in an interview later.

Bring Some Summertime Into The Office

Being stuck in a stuffy old office is no fun in the summertime, especially when you know how sunny and warm it is outside. It’s hard to focus at work when all you can think about is hitting the beach, soaking up some rays, or getting your grill on. So, how can employees make the best of the summer months while they are chained to their desk five days a week?

Here are six ways to capture a little summer and put it in your cubicle:

Take Some Beach

Are you a beach bum? Grab some seashells, sea glass, or sand and make your own desktop beach! Get a little creative: mix all of them in a clear vase and place it next to your computer screen. No sunblock needed.

Indulge A Little

What were your favorite summertime foods as a kid? Corn dogs? Grab a pack of microwavable ones to make in the office kitchen. Ice cream? Pick up a mini cup of Ben & Jerry’s and take five at your desk. Hey, it’s summer, right? You deserve few guilty pleasures.

Put Up Summer Art

Whether it’s a painting of the sun, a photo of the beach, or an ornament from your garden, a little summer art can really brighten up your office (and even your mood).

Smell The Ocean

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a summer-scented air freshener. When you’re having a brain freeze at work, take five minutes, close your eyes, and imagine a relaxing place while smelling your favorite summer scents.

Get A Plant

It’s no palm tree, but having a little desk plant can add some life to your work space. Flowers are always a nice addition to the office, but perhaps you should get an aloe plant so you can treat that sunburn you go over the weekend?

Opt For Iced Tea

Need the caffeine but want something more refreshing than coffee? Pour yourself a nice, cold glass of iced tea. Don’t forget the lemon!

20 Inconvenient Career Truths

This post was inspired by Charlie Gilkey’s genius article, “20 Inconvenient Business Truths.” I read it and realized, in career coaching, I share inconvenient truths with my clients on a regular basis. I know it’s sometimes hard to hear these things but, in the end, they make you stronger. Here are 20 inconvenient career truths you should know about and learn from:

1. Almost everyone starts at the bottom. Regardless of what you think you deserve, you probably will, too.
2. There are no “right” answers for finding career fulfillment. Every path is different; every destination unique.
3. It’s not enough to be good at what you do. Talent and skill will only take you so far.
4. Work is not separate from the rest of your life. Compartmentalization is a myth.
5. Professional growth requires discomfort.
6. If you’re unhappy with your career, it’s up to you to change it. No one else controls your situation.
7. Almost every job has a trade off. You’ll probably never get everything you want in one place.
8. Achieving long-term career goals requires sustained effort and deliberate action. It’s no accident or coincidence.
9. Your career is about YOU.
10. A successful job search should take anywhere from three to six months. It’s not something that happens overnight.
11. If you hate your job, it probably won’t get better with time. Sticking around because you’re afraid will only dig you deeper into the rut.
12. Just as any successful business owner has a business plan, every successful professional should have a career plan.
13. Money may be the reason you have to work, but it’s not the true motivation. People who wake up with joy each day are working for entirely different reasons. Money is simply a byproduct.
14. Bad career advice is everywhere. If it sounds too simple to be true, it probably is.
15. If you find yourself job hopping and nothing ever satisfies you for any period of time, it’s time to look at yourself. Most likely, you’re part of the problem.
16. Every company has that person who gets away with slacking off, takes all the credit, earns more than she deserves, etc. The good news is that she’s not your problem. Let it go.
17. If you’re not willing to invest in your career, why would any company be willing to invest in you?
18. Most people change careers 3-7 times in their lives. That doesn’t mean you will.
19. Layoffs happen. You may get fired. You may be “forced out” for reasons beyond your control. You’ll survive, and you’ll be stronger for it.
20. No one achieves career success alone. The most successful professionals nurture their networks, show support and give more than they expect to get.

4 Tips For Avoiding Conflict In The Workplace

Sometimes, avoiding conflict in the workplace can be difficult. However, it’s extremely doable. Here’s a personal example:

While at work one day, I received an instant message from a colleague.

It read, “Do you have a minute to chat?”

“Of course,” I responded.

Instantly, the phone rang.

To be honest, I assumed this would be a routine call pertaining to a joint proposal thisco-worker and I were collaborating on, and so I was a bit blindsided by what followed.

“I came across a post you wrote recently about rolling your eyes in a meeting,” she said. “And I just wanted to ask if you were writing about me.”

Awkward silence.

The truth is, I did write a post about a meeting where I had behaved uber-immaturely and, yes, she was the voice on the phone.

I explained the situation:  I was rolling my eyes at the characteristically bureaucratic nature of corporate decision-making and the post was about my mistake and not her.

She listened politely, seemed genuinely interested in the root cause of my ire, and we hung up the phone. But here’s the catch: rather than feel defensive or put on the spot, I felt fine.

No drama. No hurt feelings. No lingering doubts or suspicions.

Now, let’s contrast this to how she could have handled the situation, shall we? Upon reading my post, she could have…

• Silently sulked, but not said a word. (Of course, every time she saw me from that point on she would secretly have negative blog flashbacks.)
• Publicly sulked by trashing me to everyone BUT me.
• Forwarded the post to a few mutual colleagues with colorful commentary such as, “Who does this *$&^ think she is?”

To her credit, she didn’t choose any of the above (all-too-common) options.

In fact, I wanted to use this post to highlight exactly what she did right, so you’ll know how to handle it if you ever find yourself in a similarly sticky situation.

1. She Came Directly To Me

Most people don’t like conflict, and so they avoid it at all costs. Therefore, it takes an incredible amount of maturity to go to the person who has “offended” you and clear the air in person. (It’s obviously FAR easier to talk about them behind their back, and that’s why the majority go that route.)

2. She Reached Out To Make Sure It Was A Good Time To Talk

Since this could have been an emotional conversation (remember: she didn’t know how I would react), it was smart to make sure I wasn’t under a deadline or otherwise distracted.

3. She Approached The Call From A Standpoint Of Confusion

(“I wasn’t sure if you were talking about me”) versus accusation (“I can’t believe you said that about me.”) This subtle distinction made all the difference, i.e. rather than feel attacked, I felt camaraderie and we actually hung up the phone closer as team members than before.

4. Once She Got To Bottom Of My Issue, She Offered To Help

Can you imagine? Here she thought I was visibly disrespecting her (in front of her boss, mind you) and she ends the call by asking if there’s anything she can do to help make my life easier. Whoa!

In our reality-TV driven culture, where we are all so immersed in conflict, short fuses, and a general lack of civility, it’s nice to see some people still value and respect maturity. You would be wise to follow my colleague’s example. (And I’m not just saying that because I know she reads my blog now.)

MPA Vs. MBA Programs: Which Is Right For You?

Because both a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focus on organizational management, students who want to work in the public sector are sometimes unsure about which professional degree to choose. If you have a passion for nonprofit organizations and want to enhance your skills and experience with an advanced degree, then it’s important to take a close look at the pros and cons of MPA vs. MBA programs.

Although there is some overlap in the coursework for these two degrees, there is a key difference in program focus. An MBA program provides training in private sector management. The success of a private business is primarily measured by its profitably, so business schools are geared towards training future managers to make as much money as possible. The emphasis is on economics, finance, and marketing, preparing students to lead business organizations where profit generation is the goal.

In contrast, an MPA program concentrates on management of nonprofit and public sector organizations. The mission of these organizations is to serve humanity and improve the social condition. Managers in public sector organizations need to understand that the success of their organization is difficult to measure. They also must be prepared to make trade-offs between the demands of competing groups of citizens and government agencies.

Another key difference between private businesses and public sector organizations is how they obtain funding for their continued operation. In the case of private businesses, funding is a component of profit generation. Public sector organizations are usually funded by donations, foundations, and government grants. An MPA program will provide the skills needed to obtain this specific funding.

In the end, MBA programs concentrate on the economic market while MPA programs are concerned with working towards social solutions. There is a world of difference between making an individual company or corporation more profitable and leading an organization that’s trying to make the world a better place.

If you’re determined to make positive changes in the world, an MPA degree provides the skills and knowledge to make your idealism a reality. An MPA will provide the training needed to navigate through the complex nonprofit environment, as well as providing opportunities to think about solving problems with immeasurable outcomes that are faced by public sector organizations.

There are also some practical considerations to take into account when choosing between an MBA and MPA degree. PublicServiceCareers.org reports that tuition fees for MPA programs are often much lower than business school fees. Business schools rarely offer financial aid and many graduates incur large amounts of student loan debt. Financial aid and grants are available for MPA students. There are also student loan forgiveness programs that allow graduates to repay student loan debts with a few years of public service employment.

An MPA degree may also provide more career flexibility. Most business school graduates stay in the private sector for their entire career, while MPA graduates can move between public, nonprofit and private sector employment. In addition, MBA graduates who want to work in the public sector may have a harder time finding employment since their academic background provided limited exposure to public policy subjects.