By : Jim Carlson
As a career coach, career counselor, and professional for careers in transition, a parallel comment can be made for some interview situations.
I've coached people to expect the unexpected. Everyone has a bad day. Human Resources people are no different.
For example, let's say you were invited for a face-to-face interview and are sitting in the HR waiting area. You can't help but hear loud voices coming from a heated discussion on the other side of the wall. I admit, HR folks should never voice opinions to be heard, but it happens.
Then a HR person then comes out to say hello and take you into the "interrogation, no wait, the interview" room. But you recognize the voice; It was one you heard in "The Discussion."
After pleasantries are exchanged the first question is "I notice you have gaps in your employment. Why?"
Wait a minute. You need to realize that Human Resources reviewed your resume, has presented the resume to the department, and has selected you to come for an interview. Human Resources knows about your "gaps in employment" and yet, you have been selected to interview.
The key is not to give the wrong answer and be tossed out of the interview with no chance to meet the hiring manager. If HR is having a good or bad day, the key remains providing the correct answer.
Be brutally honest, but don't hesitate. The HR person has done tons more interviews than you. Do not fudge any start / end dates. Have the resume you submitted be focused in your mind's eye and be able to quote chapter and verse with an immediate response.
"The economy has hurt everyone, including me," could be a good start point.
If you have a justifiable reason, use it. "I was downsized by XYZ Company in January and did a last second enrollment in Whatever Community Collegeto take a class in Technology or Networks or Advanced CAD." This would be a super comeback and would satisfy Human Resources completely. And if you could add, "And by the way, I'm getting or got an A," even better.
If the class was totally related to the area where you are interviewing, even better.
Next case, no educational-type deal:
"When I was downsized, I took immediate steps to update my resume, put my networking efforts at 100%, and get my job search going full time. I have not permitted myself to have any down-time until I land a new opportunity. This has been a full time effort and truthfully, I am pleased to be here and interviewing with you."
Try and diffuse a negative situation as soon as possible. Don't let these questions that potentially put you in negative posture to continue if you can stop them. Try and end these questions as soon as possible.
If you need further assistance on how to deal with questions that put you on the defensive, contact a career coach, or career guidance counselor, or a professional who has dealt with careers in transition. Be prepared!
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
As a career coach, career counselor, and professional for careers in transition, a parallel comment can be made for some interview situations.
I've coached people to expect the unexpected. Everyone has a bad day. Human Resources people are no different.
For example, let's say you were invited for a face-to-face interview and are sitting in the HR waiting area. You can't help but hear loud voices coming from a heated discussion on the other side of the wall. I admit, HR folks should never voice opinions to be heard, but it happens.
Then a HR person then comes out to say hello and take you into the "interrogation, no wait, the interview" room. But you recognize the voice; It was one you heard in "The Discussion."
After pleasantries are exchanged the first question is "I notice you have gaps in your employment. Why?"
Wait a minute. You need to realize that Human Resources reviewed your resume, has presented the resume to the department, and has selected you to come for an interview. Human Resources knows about your "gaps in employment" and yet, you have been selected to interview.
The key is not to give the wrong answer and be tossed out of the interview with no chance to meet the hiring manager. If HR is having a good or bad day, the key remains providing the correct answer.
Be brutally honest, but don't hesitate. The HR person has done tons more interviews than you. Do not fudge any start / end dates. Have the resume you submitted be focused in your mind's eye and be able to quote chapter and verse with an immediate response.
"The economy has hurt everyone, including me," could be a good start point.
If you have a justifiable reason, use it. "I was downsized by XYZ Company in January and did a last second enrollment in Whatever Community Collegeto take a class in Technology or Networks or Advanced CAD." This would be a super comeback and would satisfy Human Resources completely. And if you could add, "And by the way, I'm getting or got an A," even better.
If the class was totally related to the area where you are interviewing, even better.
Next case, no educational-type deal:
"When I was downsized, I took immediate steps to update my resume, put my networking efforts at 100%, and get my job search going full time. I have not permitted myself to have any down-time until I land a new opportunity. This has been a full time effort and truthfully, I am pleased to be here and interviewing with you."
Try and diffuse a negative situation as soon as possible. Don't let these questions that potentially put you in negative posture to continue if you can stop them. Try and end these questions as soon as possible.
If you need further assistance on how to deal with questions that put you on the defensive, contact a career coach, or career guidance counselor, or a professional who has dealt with careers in transition. Be prepared!
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
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